The best boutique hotels in the Algarve, Portugal capture the region’s past and redefine its future
Sea, sand, and scenery.
While we love exploring Portugal’s capital Lisbon, the country’s southernmost coastal region showcases rich diversity in its topography, culinary offerings, architecture, music, and overall temperament. In the Algarve, you’ll come across provinces that range from mountainous to seaside, giving every part of this region a distinctly individual character. Add to that the pastoral disposition of the Algarve’s east that juxtaposes the western coastline dotted with contemporary beach retreats. Not surprisingly, the best boutique hotels in the Algarve capture its modern-day zeitgeist inviting visitors not just to stay in but experience gorgeous accommodations that display eccentric modernist design while still steeped in tradition.
The best boutique hotels in the Algarve, Portugal
1. Colégio Charm House | Tavira
Owned and operated by Cristina Guevara and José Carlos Gonçalves, Colégio Charm House is a mid-18th-century manor house with an eventful history. Used as a catholic college in the 1950s and later as part of a Faro college, the Tavira residence remained relatively uncared for from the 1970s until 2021, when Colégio first welcomed guests in its new form.
Quickly listed among the best boutique hotels in the Algarve since, the 20-suite Colégio Charm House maintains its authentic appeal thanks to several original features amidst an all-encompassing bohemian vibe. The design elegance across the property results from pastel colour schemes, turn-of-the-century furniture, the use of natural materials, and a composition that is part rustic and part downright imaginative.
While the exuberance of the rooms and interiors is undoubtedly a highlight of a holiday at Colégio Charm House, its pools, a mix of shared and private, offer a refreshing respite to the guests. And when it’s time to explore the marvels of the Algarve, ask the hosts to book you an excursion including boat trips in Rio Formosa, bird watching, quad tours, and golf sessions.
Find out more about Colégio Charm House
2. Hospedaria | Tavira
Crafted by Atelier RUA, Hospedaria is an all-suite property that labels itself as a “rural hotel.” However, it is a meticulously planned accommodation displaying a chic ethos that merges seamlessly with contemporary conveniences, promising guests an extraordinary vacation.
Moreover, the Tavira residence with a tank, heated in winter, solarium, honesty bar, Vespa hire, and tuk-tuk rides to the town or the beach has a fascinating history worth a ponder as you relax by the pool. A taverna and shop in 1917, Hospedaria went from a lively trade centre to being completely neglected for decades. Now, renovated and revamped with a majority of its originality kept intact, Hospedaria is among the best tranquil escapes in the Algarve.
Interestingly, the bespoke whitewashed interiors of its five suites follow a heady concept that picks industrial, rustic, and arty design elements to create personality-driven spaces packed with vibrant auras. At the same time, features such as heated bathroom flooring, iPod docks, air conditioning, private patios, and complimentary breakfast coddle guests to no end.
Learn more about Hospedaria
3. Pensão Agrícola | Tavira
Developed by Atelier RUA, Pensão Agrícola is a recent addition to the growing number of rural hotels in the Algarve. Nestled in the Sotavento countryside, the farmhouse, located near quaint villages, idyllic seasides, and surrounded by almond and fig trees, dates back to the 1920s. Left abandoned for decades since the 1970s, its reincarnation as a rustic luxury sojourn is an opportunity for visitors to relish the arcadian essence of the province.
Inspired by the simplicity of agrarian life, the farm’s design is uncomplicated yet sophisticated, having a modern-by-default disposition. The six rooms are divided into two buildings, one original and the other a new construction. However, the use of back-to-basics elements, raw features, distressed wood, cement, and brick flooring in the patios bring a sense of conformity in the otherwise individualistic abodes.
Furthermore, being in the countryside doesn’t stop Pensão Agrícola from becoming one of the top boutique hotels in the Algarve. In the rooms, lavish amenities like iPod docks, WiFi, and heated WC flooring increase the comfort levels. Simultaneously, the heated plunge pool, honesty bar, the tuk-tuk beach shuttle, and the chance to rent an Alfa Romeo Spider convertible are options that take your stay to the next level.
Find out more about Pensao Agricola
4. The Modernist | Faro
Located in Faro, the epicentre of the South Modern Architectural movement, The Modernist embraces the design legacy and distinctness of the city it calls home. Built in the 1970s by architect Joel Santana, the building flaunts a retro look, with every nook exhibiting a distinct composition.
Brought to life by Architecture Studio Par, using materials procured from within 100 kilometres of the construction site, The Modernist comprises six large suites with balconies or a terrace. Minimalistic in arrangement, the rooms display boutique boldness by amalgamating vintage furniture, stone, and wood with industrial design features and modern-day amenities.
The building’s rooftop, tiny as it may be, is sacrosanct. A somewhat private cocoon, it’s a space where one can soak in the rays and admire city panoramas.
Learn more about The Modernist
5. Muxima | Aljezur
While Muxima’s seasonal occupancy gives it exclusivity, it is Paula and Jelle’s personalisation of the property that makes it one of the best boutique hotels in the Algarve. Each of the five rooms and suites on the expansive farm basks in the glory of the region’s rawness. Embellished with souvenirs from the hosts’ worldly travels, the spaces use natural materials for furnishing, providing a sustainable yet picture-perfect and comfortable setting for a relaxed stay.
Surrounded by Aljezur’s rolling countryside, Muxima promises an experiential holiday brimming with back-country activities for all ages. A walk around the complex takes you from the donkey stables and hanging ropes to a yoga deck, playgrounds, and the breakfast area that serves organic vegetarian fare.
Our favourite spots, though, are the eco pool, filtered using reed, and the common living area where one can meet other guests, try the local wine, read books, take a drink from the honesty bar, or make use of the free WiFi.
Find out more about Muxima
6. Praia Do Canal Nature Resort | Aljezur
Covering an area of 220 hectares integrated into the Algarve’s western landmass, Praia Do Canal Nature Resort is a pleasantly laid-back 56-room nature retreat. Among the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it presents guests with the chance to immerse themselves in Aljezur’s countryside and its status as one of the world’s top surfing destinations.
Earthy and in tune with the land it resides on, Praia Do Canal’s exteriors and architecture take inspiration from its surroundings’ subtleness while embracing sustainability and ethical living. The white-walled rooms, however, follow a contemporary mantra with dynamic furnishings adding splashes of colours to the cosy abodes.
The resort’s spa, with its heated indoor pool, outdoor infinity pool, treatments, and Turkish hammam, is a centre where one can rejuvenate their mind and body. And when it comes to culinary cravings, Praia Do Canal delivers splendidly, serving locally sourced produce through three dining options; the Azeitona restaurant, poolside Zimbro, and Medronho, an idyllic spot to enjoy a sundowner.
Find out more about Praia Do Canal Nature Resort
7. Octant Praia Verde | Castro Marim
An all-around atmospheric softness in its curved architectural structure and location amidst a pine grove makes Praia Verde somewhere special. The first property of the brand Octant, the resort, situated 10 minutes from the ocean in the village of Castro Marim, attracts a diverse set of travellers, from couples wanting a secluded getaway to families interested in spending time together.
Contemporary and chic, the rooms and suites at Praia Verde contrast the greenery on the outside with their subtle paint schemes. Modern in appearance, they feature creature comforts ranging from plush beds and desks to terraces, air conditioning, free WiFi, TVs, and coffee makers.
Scattered around the expansive resort are several nooks and corners where one can step away for quietude. However, Octant Praia Verde’s Kids’ Club is one of its main attractions, as is À Terra, the resort’s in-house restaurant helmed by Chef David Domingues and known for its “food by fire” concept.
Find out more about Octant Praia Verde
8. Companhia das Culturas | Castro Marim
Drenched in the spiritual essence of its natural surroundings, Companhia das Culturas is a poster child of southeast Algarve’s growing agritourism trend. Its location, close to Castro Maxim Nature Reserve and Praia Verde beach, among olive, carob, and fig trees, complements the 40-acre resort’s rustic aura. At the same time, the ‘no loud music’ and ‘no TV in rooms’ policies accentuate the serenity factor.
Conceptualised by Ressano Garcia Arquitectos, the bucolic getaway consists of old farm buildings refurbished into six rooms and suites as well as four apartments. Each space, painted in soft colour tones, combines the fundamentals of a rural architectural attitude with furnishings that span across different styles and eras.
Companhia das Culturas’ ethereal gorgeousness flows through its various facilities. On the one hand, the Bistro, under the tutelage of Chef Bruno Rocha, serves organic preparations made primarily using produce from the in-house vegetable garden. At the same time, the hotel’s cork-lined yoga studio and curvaceous hammam are both functional and exclusive in layout and pattern.
Find out more about Companhia das Culturas
9. Conversas de Alpendre | Vila Nova de Cacela
Backed by passion and a love for nature, Conversas de Alpendre is a down-to-earth rural escape in eastern Algarve’s Vila Nova de Cacela. The family-run 13-room property started welcoming guests in 2016 with the sole aim of celebrating and sharing the province’s pastoral beauty.
As such, the guestrooms, with farm or sea views, are an extension of the region’s unblemished purity. White interiors furnished using local materials for flooring, furniture, and décor are countrified but not devoid of thoughtful design. We particularly love the range of living quarters that the farm offers. While the standard rooms are alluringly restful, it’s hard to overlook the romantic setup of the handmade treehouse or the cabana-style hut that comes with an unconventional floating bed.
The rural surroundings of Conversas de Alpendre don’t stop it from being luxurious. A heated saltwater pool, library, bar, and lounge that doubles as a breakfast space are common areas where you can relax, mingle and spend time away from life’s everyday hassles.
Learn more about Conversas de Alpendre
10. Grand House Algarve | Vila Real de Santo António
Grand House Algarve scores plenty of points for its iconic location. Situated in the eastern part of the province, it enjoys a waterfront spot alongside Rio Guadiana, the river separating Spain from Portugal. The legendary status of the 1926 Belle Epoque building, though, is a result of its legacy as the first five-star hotel in the city of Vila Real de Santo António.
The 30 rooms and suites of Grand House Algarve, designed by White and Kaki, are a testament to the residence’s luxurious past. Each room boasts a vintage disposition and features an array of Art Deco and Art Nouveau flourishes. Simultaneously, antiques, elaborate mouldings, chandeliers, and curated art elevate the otherwise spacious and soothingly sombre rooms.
It’s worth mentioning that the Grand House’s diverse epicurean selection totally caught us off-guard. The hotel has a fine-dining restaurant and bar, the Grand Salon, a café, and a Beach Club restaurant with a rather eye-catching bohemian décor.
Learn more about Grand House Algarve
11. Casa Ceu | Olhão
In the fishing town of Olhão, at a junction where two roads meet, is the adult-only, family-run Casa Ceu. Merging with the whitewashed houses of the city, Lara and Dario’s residence promises a stay where you can experience the past and the present of Portugal in a warm and friendly setting.
Casa Ceu oozes plenty of eccentricities. The four bedrooms, for example, are without any TVs, encouraging guests to socialise with each other, read a book, or play board games. Moreover, the white-painted rooms are replete with detailed features, from tiled floors and art that pops to distressed wood mouldings and eclectic decorations that celebrate Olhão’s heritage.
The hotel’s terrace is the jewel in the crown that Casa Ceu wears. A beautiful spot to enjoy homemade breakfast or a drink from the honesty bar, it is where guests converge to appreciate city views while lounging under the sparkling night sky.
Learn more about Casa Ceu
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