HIGHLAND

YOU HAVE THE ALGARVE AND THEN YOU HAVE ... THE OTHER ALGARVE .

ENTER VICEROY AT OMBRIA ALGARVE , A BR AND NEW VILL AGE-LIKE RESORT THAT EMBR ACES THE LOCAL TR ADITIONS T HE ALGARVE will always be on top of the list when the aim is to spend some days enjoying good weather by the ocean. Chosen last November by The World Travel Awards as Best Beach Destination in the world for the third time, Portugal s most southern region is proving to be worthy of many other kinds of awards. Although the beach and sun Algarve will never go out of style, it is time to seriously consider the other Algarve: the part of the region a bit more distant from the sea (and the crowds) that offers so many wonders. Viceroy at Ombria Algarve opened its doors in October and is already proving a point: the Highland Algarve is as attractive as the more popular touristic one. The Algarve itself is divided into three distinctly different regions: sea, mountain and barrocal . For the latter, (think fruit trees and vegetable farming that thrives in a dry climate). It is precisely in a barrocal setting, not far from the city of Loulé, on the top of a hill, that Viceroy at Ombria was built in the style of a traditional Algarvean village , white villas, small streets with fountains in the middle, a central café, a main tower and an eira , a threshing floor that was used by the generations who previously lived in the area.

The young member of staff who was showing us around was born and raised locally and said that when he told his grandmother about the hotel, she remembered going to the eira with her family and was surprised that the hotel owners kept it.

But it is exactly this kind of proximity with the land and its people and traditions that the owners wanted for the project. ALGARVE The vision Bought more than 20 years ago by Pontos Group, a Finnish real estate group, the plan was to build something that matched the environment without disturbing it in any way.

Mission accomplished. From afar, what you see when approaching Ombria is a set of white houses on the top of a hill surrounded by lush greenery. Sustainability is taken very seriously here. There is a whole team dedicated to the preservation of wildlife, making sure that every little creature is protected. When driving in a buggy around the golf course , 18 holes, designed by Jorge Santana da Silva , we noticed a little wood house in one of the trees and asked if it was for the birds. “No”, our guide replied, “It is for the bats,” a resident species, as we learned.

In total, Ombria is a 150-hectare site with 360-degree views over the barrocal landscape. The beach is 20 kilometres away but there is so many other natural wonders to enjoy here! Besides the ones inside the property, the golf course has a unique design that allows amazing visual perspectives; even if you are not a player, ask for a buggy and go investigate what s around.

Highly-recommended is the nearby Fonte da Benémola trail, a walk of around five kilometres next to a stream that is as relaxing and beautiful as it sounds. Also not far away is Alte, an enchanting village known for its waterfalls, river beach, and arts and crafts shops. And then, of course, there is Loulé with its bustling markets, art galleries, workshops and shopping opportunities.

Back in the Viceroy at Ombria, a visit to the orchard is not to be missed , it s an opportunity to discover the local produce and understand the work done by the hotel s team to serve up special treats.

So many choices the In total, the Viceroy has 141 rooms, each with a special TVs, personality and distinct setting. There are quiet rooms facing craft the green of the golf course, with a private terrace , the to perfect place to lay back and relax in the sunshine, with a book and a glass of wine. Others overlooking the little walking streets of the Ombria village that is Viceroy. Or you the can spend time by the resort s beautiful pools. And you have nata to visit the resort s store where you ll find local products, Viceroy s including a superb olive oil from the olive grove made with coffee, the producers from Monterosa. Finally, WATG was responsible for architecture and landscape, Pinto, while a firm of local architects, Promontorio, made it with a happen and took care of the construction work. Interior get to Design is signed by Wimberly Interiors who chose the let yourself finest materials and textiles. main The end result is a magical resort, a five-star destination hotel with the Viceroy signature. This is the Spending only one in Portugal so far, but Viceroy Hotels & Resorts Of the many manages hotels and residences in Mexico, the US and horse riding Serbia... as hospitality experts make sure its high mandatory.

standards are followed each step of the way. chosen for And high standards is precisely what you get in each wellness of the resort s individual areas. Again, the main idea needs and amazing is to make us feel like we are visiting a traditional village in and the interior of the Algarve where, depending on your mood, you can take your pick of six different restaurants.

a Eating treats Breakfast is served in the family-oriented Ombria Kitchen.

There s a great atmosphere, relaxed and comfortable, with natural light coming through the glass walls; the day starts with eggs cooked to order, local breads, and jams made from fruit produced in Ombria. Come back for an informal meal at any time throughout the day , the big wood oven produces the most delicious pizzas.

Outside, by the lavish main pool, Salpico is the bar ready to serve all kinds of drinks and snacks, while Casa & Fora, located in the clubhouse, is the ideal spot to watch sport events on the big TVs, while enjoying the special of the day, and a good selection of craft beers. For those who are more into wine, Bellvino is the place to go. There, the hotel s sommelier leads private tastings that also include local cheese and charcuterie.

There is no proper Portuguese village without a Café Central, the place where everyone gathers around a coffee and a pastel de nata to talk politics or football and gossip about the neighbours. In Viceroy s Café Central you can do all that and also taste speciality coffee, sandwiches, pies or cakes.

Finally, for a real taste of the great talent of executive chef Pedro Pinto, Viceroy guests are enjoying dinner at Solalua. You can start with a creative cocktail , or go for a mixology class (great fun and you get to drink the cocktail you just made in the end, of course) , and then let yourself be surprised by a sequence of dishes where emotion is a main ingredient.

Spending time Of the many activities that can be booked , pottery, candle making, horse riding with picnic, sheperd for a day , the Spa by Viceroy will be mandatory. With many different treatments (Ignae is the Portuguese brand chosen for facials and body massages) and therapies available, it s the wellness centre (opened to non guests, too) that this part of the Algarve needs and deserves.

This is five-star all the way, with residences, suites and hotel rooms that put comfort, quiet and luxury first. And there are many activites, apart from golf, that will make your stay at Viceroy Ombria even more memorable

VICE ROY AT OMBRIA ALGARVE: Rua da O mbria , nº 9, O mbria , Algarve, 8100-396 Tôr viceroyhotelsandresor ts .com
SANDRA GATO