[Update] Kimpton Hotels, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has opened its first resort in Portugal, Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, located on the scenic São Rafael Beach in Albufeira. This marks a significant milestone in the brand’s European expansion.
The signing of Kimpton Algarve São Rafael Atlántico signifies an important step in expanding IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle offerings in Europe. With a portfolio of 93 operational hotels in this segment and 57 more in development, Kimpton’s arrival in Portugal is a milestone.
The Kimpton Algarve São Rafael Atlántico enjoys a beachfront location, just steps away from Sao Rafael beach, which is often listed among the top ten beaches in the Algarve, framed by striking limestone cliffs. Moreover, it’s conveniently close to Albufeira, a lively coastal town known for its whitewashed houses, 18th-century churches, shops, and bustling bars.
This venture, realized through a franchise agreement with Highgate Portugal, is scheduled to welcome guests in 2025. The Kimpton Algarve São Rafael Atlántico is set to offer 149 rooms and suites, with interiors designed by Nini Andrade Silva, a range of dining options, including Terra, Sombra, Marés, and the rooftop bar Zénite, each focusing on local ingredients and flavors.
Moreover, the hotel’s commitment to wellness will be evident with a 1,800 sqm Wellness Hub with a heated indoor pool, hydroactive spa circuit, sauna, personalized massage services, indoor and outdoor pools and an equipped gym.
“At Kimpton, we invite guests to enjoy something truly unexpected – a stay that invigorates the soul and leaves them feeling energised. From bold design, vibrant flavours and immersive moments, we offer a new kind of luxury that’s both sophisticated and playful. Every detail at Kimpton Atlântico Algarve is thoughtfully curated to celebrate our guests, from locally inspired dining to warm, intuitive service and more. We are looking forward to bringing a fresh expression of luxury to Portugal’s south coast – one that celebrates both place and people.” – Catarina Simões, General Manager, Kimpton Atlântico Algarve
The interior design concept of this hotel, which is located in front of the beach, draws inspiration from the Algarve’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The property will be surrounded by vibrant orange groves, stunning azulejos that pay homage to the region’s rich traditions.
A commitment to community and guest experience
As with all Kimpton properties, the resort offers the brand’s signature Social Hour, where guests can enjoy complimentary drinks and connect with fellow travelers. Additionally, Kimpton Atlântico Algarve embraces its community-driven ethos by welcoming pets and offering a “Forgot It? We’ve Got It!” program for guest essentials.
“What a milestone to be able to sign our first Kimpton property in Portugal. We have focused on building our presence in the country, especially in the Luxury & Lifestyle segment with our recently opened first Vignette Collection hotels in Lisbon and Porto which complement our three existing InterContinental properties and a Six Senses in Douro Valley. This signing shows the confidence that owners have in our Luxury & Lifestyle expertise, market knowledge and enterprise, as well as the appetite that guests have for the Kimpton brand. It promises to be a stunning hotel and we look forward to welcoming our first guests in 2025.”- Mrs Willemijn Geels, VP Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
“We are proud to bring the first Kimpton hotel to one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations together with IHG Hotels & Resorts. We’ve seen the success of the brand across Europe in countries like Spain, France, Netherlands and the UK, and we think this hotel will be a perfect addition to the portfolio. We are delighted to work together to realise the full potential of this property and show our continued investment in the local area.- Alexandre Solleiro, CEO of Highgate Portugal.
IHG currently operates 19 hotels across six brands in Portugal, encompassing Six Senses, InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. In the Iberian Peninsula, IHG maintains 66 open hotels and an extensive pipeline of 26 upcoming properties, reaffirming its commitment to the region’s hospitality landscape.
