The Algarve is no stranger to luxury. From sun-kissed beaches to cliff-hugging villas, this southern Portuguese region has long attracted lovers of sunshine and style. But venture just a little inland—away from the surfboards and beach clubs—and you’ll discover a new kind of escape. Tucked into the rolling hills north of Loulé, the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve presents an entirely different Algarve experience: sophisticated, soulful, and deeply connected to nature and tradition.
Where the Algarve Slows Down
Set across 5.2 hectares of unspoiled Barrocal countryside, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is just 25 minutes from Faro Airport—close enough for convenience, yet a world away from the coastal bustle. Surrounded by citrus groves, fig trees, and the silhouettes of distant hills, it feels more like a secret sanctuary than a hotel.
This isn’t the Algarve you think you know. It’s the other side—one where artisans, beekeepers, and storytellers carry forward generations of tradition. And here, Viceroy has woven those stories into every moment of the guest experience.
Village by Design: The Concept and Setting
Architecturally, the resort channels the charm of an authentic Algarvian village. Conceived by WATG, Promontorio (Lisbon), and Wimberly Interiors, the 24 low-rise buildings cluster around a central tower and cobbled praça, blending seamlessly with the hillsides. The design celebrates local craftsmanship—terracotta tiles, rustic wood, hand-thrown ceramics—while layering in modern comfort. And, with panoramic views over valleys and plains, you’re never far from nature.
Where to Stay: Three Ways to Escape
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve offers 141 accommodations in three distinct categories:
- Deluxe Guest Rooms & Suites (54–78 m²): These elegant rooms echo the Mediterranean lifestyle with warm woods, natural fabrics, and expansive balconies that capture the soft golden light of the Algarve. Expect kitchens, dressing spaces, soaking tubs, and—depending on your room—private pools or jacuzzis.
- Suites: Open-plan and generously scaled, suites come with shaded terraces overlooking the resort village and countryside, ideal for morning yoga or sunset lounging.
- Residences (101–149 m²): These 1- and 2-bedroom hideaways feel like your own holiday home. With kitchenettes, living areas, and plenty of space, they’re perfect for families or longer stays. The relaxed, open-plan design mirrors the easy pace of life in the hills.
Dining: A Culinary Journey Through the Algarve
At Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s storytelling. Ingredients are sourced from on-site gardens and local producers, and each of the five restaurants speaks to a different facet of Algarve life.
Ombria Kitchen
The resort’s all-day dining venue is a warm and welcoming space that feels like an oversized farmhouse kitchen. Expect rustic clay crockery, a lively open kitchen, and soulful takes on traditional Portuguese dishes. Breakfast is a particular highlight, inspired by local flavors—fresh breads, seasonal fruits, homemade jams, and regional sweets.
Lunch and dinner are just as rooted in place: wood-fired specialties, grilled fish, and hearty dishes made with seasonal vegetables and herbs. This is the kind of place where families gather, friends linger, and guests become part of the story.
Solalua
The fine dining jewel of the resort, Solalua (meaning “sun to moon”), is a vibrant stage for culinary innovation. Helmed by acclaimed Chef Pedro Pinto—whose résumé includes AbAC in Barcelona, and Vila Joya and Vila Vita Parc in the Algarve—Solalua dazzles with elegant, unexpected interpretations of Algarvian cuisine.
From premium seafood paired with Portuguese champagnes to beautifully plated seasonal creations, this is cuisine that balances flair with substance. Cocktails are equally inventive—sunset port-tonics, espresso martinis by moonlight—and an eclectic soundtrack carries the mood from golden hour to midnight. This is not just dining; it’s an experience.
Café Central, Casa & Fora, and Salpico
Together, these three outlets offer something for every mood:
- Café Central sits on the village square—a cozy bakery-meets-bistro serving pastel de nata, flaky French pastries, and wood-fired light meals. It’s also the social heartbeat of the resort, perfect for people-watching and long conversations.
- Casa & Fora, located at the golf clubhouse, is the laid-back haunt for golfers and sports fans. Enjoy a relaxed dish of the day, a craft beer on the terrace, or catch a match inside with a plate of comfort food and local wine.
- Salpico, the poolside bar, elevates lounging to an art form. Picture yourself in a cabana, overlooking the hills with a flute of champagne, oysters on the side, and the breeze scented with wild herbs.
The Spa: A Temple of Wellness
One of the resort’s most exceptional offerings, The Spa by Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is more than a wellness facility—it’s a philosophy. Conceptualized by spa visionary Greg Payne, the four-story sanctuary is built around the idea of love and connection.
Guests are invited into a holistic journey: eight treatment rooms with garden views, a thermal pool enriched with negative ions, a sleek fitness center, hair and a beauty salon.
Signature treatments like The Ritual of Love (with options for Acceptance, Intention, or Embrace) use herbal compresses, sound therapy, and natural oils to restore emotional and physical balance. Couples can book a Celebration of Love experience in a private suite complete with jacuzzi and steam shower.
For a deeper reset, multi-day retreats are offered seasonally—including Solar Retreats for the solstice and equinox.
For the Golf Devotees
Golfers will find paradise on the resort’s 18-hole, par-71 signature course, designed by Jorge Santana da Silva with sustainability at its core. The course hugs rivers, winds through groves of native trees, and prioritizes eco-practices from water conservation to reforestation.
Certified by the GEO Foundation, the course also features a modern clubhouse with restaurant, bar, pool, and pro shop—making it both a sporting destination and a community hub.
Immersive, Authentic Experiences
What truly sets Viceroy at Ombria Algarve apart is its commitment to real, local connection. The resort has curated a series of experiences led by locals, many of whom have lived in the region for generations.
Guests can:
- Visit a beekeeper for a hive-to-honey journey
- Explore the countryside on horseback, ending with a riverside picnic
- Join workshops on bread-making and pottery
- Taste regional wines and olive oils
- Discover hiking and cycling trails, or enjoy a private boat ride
These aren’t tourist excursions. They’re invitations to see the Algarve through the eyes of those who live it every day.
VIPets Welcome
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve rolls out the red carpet for furry guests too. Their VIPets program includes a welcome kit with snacks, bowls, a plush bed, and even a toy to take home. The open countryside and walking paths make it an ideal getaway for both two- and four-legged travelers.
The Escape You Didn’t Know You Needed
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is more than a luxury hotel—it’s a storybook setting, a soulful retreat, and a gateway to a lesser-known Algarve. Whether you’re a traveler seeking new inspiration or a Lisbon local craving a weekend reset, this village in the hills is the perfect escape.
For more information, visit the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve website.
Rua da Ombria, nº 9,
Ombria Algarve
Tôr
Phone: + 351 289 078 300
Reservations: + 351 289 078 243