Why ebook?
Another Comporta opening to fulfill the infinite wants of vacationers determined to expertise the magic of the Alentejo, Independente provides a extra relaxed, pleasant vibe, for these hoping to journey with out formality, and even meet like-minded folks.
Hotel deal with: N 261, Estrada das Bicas 1, 7570-337 Grândola, Portugal
Website: booking.com
Price: From about £155 per evening
Set the scene
Deep throughout the Portuguese countryside is that this model new, 40-room, 34-villa lodge, the place whitewashed buildings sit in excellent silence, mixing into the sandy forests. Independente would not need to be simply one other Comporta opening for these popping in for a protracted weekend, however a getaway for travellers and locals alike, who need to whereas away the evenings with a glass of native wine in hand and keep up late to observe the evening sky.
For that cause, it instantly non-intimidating. Check-in takes place on the small reception alongside the restaurant, so you’ll be able to sense the vibe and absorb workers prepping for dinner service. By the pool space, vibrant dragonflies swoop overhead as music (mercifully, nothing like cheesy foyer music) performs from the invisible audio system. It’s a perfect place to spend a day; sun-seekers can recline on the day beds, whereas there’s a shady escape by the wood bar, which serves up an creative cocktail listing (the gin-based ones notably hit the spot on a summer season’s day).
The backstory
Owners and brothers Duarte, Martim and Bernardo D’Eça Leal and Afonso Queiroz are accountable for 4 Independente properties, in Lisbon and Comporta. The latest Comporta providing is the primary outdoors of a metropolis, and subsequently a real ardour challenge for the group, who very a lot know and love the world. The brothers’ first challenge, although, was fairly completely different; a hostel in Lisbon, overlooking one of many metropolis’s most well-known viewpoints.
But whereas Independente Comporta is undoubtedly extra upmarket, the guts of the challenge stays. The brothers need to make travelling about creating communities, and that is why the sense of belonging right here is so robust right here.
The rooms
Inspired by Portuguese ‘aldeias‘ (small villages), Independente is home to 34 courtyard villas – starting from studios to 5-bedroom homes – and 40 lodge rooms. Some of the villas have been available to purchase (almost all have been snapped up now), which signifies that the property has many returning visitors, including to the sense of neighborhood the model is so eager to build.
Within the rooms, it is clear that design – and most significantly, the native space – was on the forefront of their minds when planning began. Almost all decor comes from native artisans; for instance, for the lighting, the group picked ceramic wall sconces handmade within the neighbouring city of Melides and handwoven lamps from Évora. The flooring are additionally handmade, following the normal ornamental strategies of the area. Artwork is within the type of hanging rugs made by weavers from the Alentejo, who used conventional strategies to create patterns particularly designed for the lodge.
Rooms are brilliant and spacious, and beds are splendidly giant. A particular shout out to the pillows, which have been so good we genuinely thought-about enquiring about shopping for.
The spa
The small however splendidly calm Aura Spa provides therapies that cater to visitors’ particular wants. Each one is designed to pay tribute to the pure components of the Alentejo coastal area; facials and physique care therapies use rice, salt and sand, or visitors can select from their very own signature massages and therapeutic therapies targeted on vitality corresponding to sound therapeutic.
The area has simply two therapy rooms, so visitors could must ebook nicely upfront to make sure they get the therapy they need for. But the creative therapy menu from supervisor Filipa is price trying out, and the half-hour that you just get post-treatment to benefit from the small indoor pool (full with massaging jet beds) and leisure space is the icing on the cake.
Food & drink
The lodge’s restaurant, Maroto (which means the naughty one in Portuguese) serves up small plates that deliver a enjoyable twist to Alentejan traditional (therefore the title). Ingredients have been rigorously chosen from native producers, and wines come from smaller winemakers, slightly than the massive names you may see in most components of Portugal. In phrases of dishes, the Rissoles (meat-filled pastries), Alentejo black pork and dogfish soup shouldn’t be missed, however the actual star of the present is the wild seabass, which comes with the crispiest, most scrumptious pores and skin you have tasted and summer season greens on the facet. Be positive to have interaction with workers, who’re solely too comfortable to gush concerning the dishes they’re serving, which provides an additional layer of appreciation.
Maroto is not open at lunchtime, however Bóia is an outside pizza & grill outpost which may match as much as 42 seated visitors, plus these having fun with the solar in a number of Balinese beds. Here, the pizza oven scents the air, making it almost unimaginable to not take pleasure in a deal with and a cocktail.
The service
There’s a sure form of camaraderie between the workers that you just don’t see usually; it means that you can really feel such as you’re almost a part of the group, that you could possibly keep up and chat with them after service ends. This opens up a special kind of enjoyment to your keep, and helps join you to the property and its function. It probably helps that workers themselves look cool and relaxed; for the uniforms, Independente has a partnership with Portuguese model ISTO, who’re identified for his or her sustainable stance, and kitchen workers glide round in fashionable striped t-shirts and light-coloured trousers. In quick, service right here is heat, pleasant and simple.
The neighbourhood
It’s not beachside, however is situated almost completely between the cities of Comporta and Melides – each of that are extremely in-demand year-round, and provide an exquisite escape. Realistically, it is higher to have a automotive right here; the journey from Lisbon by automotive is round 90 minutes, however there are restricted public transport choices. This then opens up a world of choices; you could possibly head to dinner at one among Comporta’s greatest eating places (we advocate Cavalariça or Mesa), or just drive and see the place the street takes you; it is some of the lovely components of the nation, in any case.
Who comes right here?
A cool crowd, in search of Comporta luxurious with a relaxed vibe and 0 stuffiness. Expect stylish households, {couples} right here to chill out and probably even teams of mates travelling across the nation. Plus, in contrast to many different properties, you do not have to be a visitor to benefit from the restaurant or amenities, so you’ll be able to count on a way more native crowd.
Families & pets
Families can be simply entertained right here, notably these in personal villas, a few of which have their very own swimming pools and loads of area for operating round. Again, a automotive can be essential to preserve them amused for longer durations of time.
Villas are pet-friendly, however lodge rooms should not.
Eco efforts
Care has clearly been taken to think about sustainability, notably with regards to supporting native businesses. The dedication to utilizing native decor and components signifies that the lodge’s carbon footprint is decrease than most, and the native space can proceed to thrive.
Personal care merchandise are by 8950, whose manufacturing takes under consideration the preservation of collected crops and the absence of pesticides within the cultivated ones, in plastic-free packaging. Meanwhile carpets within the rooms are constructed from recycled PET bottles. In truth, there aren’t any plastic bottles available on website – as a substitute, the property offers water bottles which visitors can refill within the water fountains throughout the property.
Accessibility for these with mobility impairments
A choice of rooms and villas are available for these with cell impairments, whereas the lodge’s reception and restaurant are situated on the bottom flooring for straightforward access. The spa, nonetheless, shouldn’t be at present accessible for all.
Anything else to say?
Aura Spa will even provide osteopathy and dietary recommendation. And for individuals who need to keep lively, even when on trip, there can be private trainers, every day pilates and yoga periods, and a 700-meter jogging monitor and outside train machines.
Is it price it?
Of course. You’ll by no means remorse a visit to Comporta, and this new opening stays true to the relaxed vibe of the world (with out leaning too far into the marginally clichéd ‘Hamptons of Portugal’ fame the world has).
The stand-out parts of the lodge are the restaurant and the service, so be sure you spend time attending to know each. And be ready to need to buy a lot of the decor in your room.
