Viceroy at Ombria Algarve has opened its doors, sharing a new story for Viceroy as it further expands into Europe and sets its sights on a fresh tone and approach to the guest experience globally.
With far-reaching 360 degree views of rugged Algarve hills and open plains, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve showcases a new destination in the creative heart of the region – a peaceful, cultural and sensitively designed resort just north of Loulé and only 30 minutes from Faro airport and the coast.
ACCOMMODATION
The resort offers 141 rooms including guest rooms, suites and residences all set within 5.2 hectares. These accommodations are categorised into 20 room types, distinguished by features such as terraces, large balconies with built in seating, private pools and jacuzzis as well as small kitchens, pantries and dressing areas. While the layout and furniture remain consistent throughout, each room offers unique views due to the varying positions of the buildings.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve offers a diverse and thoughtfully curated dining experience across six unique outlets, each paying homage to the hotel’s locality and utilising produce either grown on-site in their gardens and orchards or sourced locally. Together, these dining venues create a vibrant culinary landscape that mirrors the variety of a town:
Café Central: This charming Portuguese bakery and vibrant spot on the “praça” (main square), offers homemade pastries, elevated coffee, pastel de nata, afternoon tea and light meals from a wood-fired oven. A community hub for tourists and locals alike, it’s an ideal venue for catching up with friends or shopping for artisanal or freshly baked goods.
Bellvino: An intimate wine bar championing enogastronomy and local produce in its most simplest form, specialising in wine, charcuterie, cheese and olive oil. “The sommelier’s playground”, guests have first hand contact with the sommelier and can enjoy private tastings. The menu highlights local Iberian pork, known for its unique flavour and traditional preparation methods where the meat is first cured in sea salt and then dried by the cold breeze from the nearby mountains for at least six months. The cheese selection at Bellvino is exclusively from goats and sheep, as the region’s hot climate is unsuitable for cows. The olives used in the restaurant are of the Maçanilha variety, grown on the property and used in the Viceroy-branded olive oil produced in partnership with the producers Monterosa.
Ombria Kitchen: This all-day dining and family-friendly space serves as a quintessential Portuguese kitchen presented in a five star hotel way. Guests can enjoy a buffet and à la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner complete with a live cooking station and tiled walls in a relaxed atmosphere. From made-to-order eggs and jams made from fruits from the on-property gardens, the focus is on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients with a menu that evolves with the seasons served in locally-crafted clay crockery. A large wood oven is used to prepare pizzas topped with Portuguese ingredients like Iberian pork, figs and smoked tuna.
Solalua: Meaning “From the sun to the moon”, Solalua is a destination for ultra-creative and innovative dishes in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, open from evening till late. Seafood takes centre stage with imaginative interpretations such as a savoury twist on the traditional “bolas de Berlim,” a classic cream-filled doughnut reimagined with crab, alongside a dessert version featuring beignets with goat milk ice cream and local honey. The cocktail menu is equally inventive with unique pairings such as a blend of oysters, pear and gin garnished with dusted river mint, a local herb.
Casa & Fora: Located in the clubhouse, it caters primarily to golfers with its spacious terrace and relaxed menu including dish-of-the-day specials and craft beers from Portugal. Guests can enjoy various sports screenings here from football to Formula 1.
Salpico: Meaning “splash” or “sprinkle”, the pool bar serves refreshing poolside fare, in the form of cured fish, finger foods, champagne and oysters.
FACILITIES
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is home to four swimming pools (three heated and one seasonal) with valley and sunset views. For families, the Kid’s Club provides both outdoor and indoor spaces, including a large playroom, a mini kitchen and a nursery. The holistic-focused Spa by Viceroy, equipped with a thermal pool, eight treatment rooms and beauty outlets such as a hairdresser and barber will open in early 2025. For meetings and events, the resort will offer a ballroom, outdoor event space, conference room and two further meeting spaces. From the central cobblestone plaza to views of the region’s famous citrus groves and fig trees, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve offers a serene escape beyond the bustling Portuguese coast.
DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE
Designed by WATG, Promontorio (Lisbon based architect) and Wimberly Interiors, the architecture and interior design honours the history and culture of authentic Algarvian style, using locally sourced materials and techniques that reflect the region’s heritage. This attention to detail creates a sense of place that is deeply connected to the surroundings.
Embodying a vibrant village, buildings are positioned at different angles and vary in shape, and the castle-like Clubhouse adds additional village-like character. Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is a resort designed for walking, including a main road in the shape of a loop, with accommodation situated on the inside and outside with offshooting paths. Parked bicycles, outdoor art, water features and benches along the roads evoke a village-like feel throughout.
Architecture, landscaping, material sourcing and design aesthetic all work to reflect the natural environment and create the perfect responsible resort. Bio-climate smart houses use cutting-edge solar and geothermal energy sources as part of the commitment to care for the environment. The project is dedicated to the health of the local land and ecosystems; a plant nursery ensures the development and growth of local species and preservation of the existing flora and fauna, whilst over 700 oak trees have been planted and 1,800 linear metres of river habitat restored. Solar and geothermal energy and bioclimatic architecture are all present through the resort.
LOCATION
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is a striking hilltop retreat, its white buildings visible from afar against the backdrop of rolling hills. 25 kilometres of natural springs run through the property, including the River Aljebra whilst the nearby town of Loulé offers a glimpse into local life, with its historic castle, cathedral, traditional restaurants and the vibrant Mercado de Loulé where travellers can find fresh fish and classic Algarvian products. The Algarve is divided into three distinct regions: the sea, the Barrocal and the Serra. The hotel is located in the Barrocal, a dry and rugged landscape characterised by slopes, low vegetation and crops that thrive in this arid environment such as fig, olive, carob and cork trees. Nearby lies the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a protected nature park known for its birdwatching opportunities and scenic walking trails around its lagoons. The local area preserves a slower and traditional way of life, with a deep connection to the land.
ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES
Rich experiences that encourage new ways of seeing the world, are a focal point for the repositioned brand; inviting guests to discover the ‘other side’ of the Algarve and gain an appreciation for local culture and heritage. All guest experiences are led by locals whose families have lived in the hills for generations and continue to honour the more traditional ways of life. Highlights include:
Be a shepherd for a day: Guests can grab a walking stick and become part of a timeless country practice, learning about traditional sheep herding practices alongside a local shepherd and assisting with shepherding tasks.
From hive to honey: Guided by a local beekeeper, this tour shows the vital role bees play in the ecosystem, exploring the world of honey production and observing beekeeping practices from a safe distance. The experience concludes with a honey tasting, including other local delicacies like goat’s cheese and Tor bread.
Traditional pottery workshop: Under the expert guidance of a local artisan, guests are taught the intricacies of traditional clay moulding techniques before sending off their masterpieces to be baked ready to take home.
Horseback ride and picnic: This experience, designed for up to five participants, promises a fresh perspective of Monte da Ribeira. Riders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join this guided excursion, featuring a leisurely picnic break and the opportunity to capture precious moments with Polaroid photographs.
Other experiences include wine and olive oil tastings, bird-watching, exploring the nearby hiking and cycling trails, picnics in the valley, wine tastings and vineyard tours. Golf enthusiasts can tee-off on the GEO-certified 18-hole course designed by Jorge Santana da Silva.
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve
Rua da Ombria
Ombria, 8100-396
Portugal
+351 289 413 900