Quinta da Comporta brings wellness and barefoot luxury to the ecologically unique and dramatic landscape of Portugal’s west coast
Gaze ahead from Quinta da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort in Portugal and 60km of pristine white beaches lie in front of you. Look out from the restaurant terrace behind, and rice fields stretch out into the distance. The resort’s main building was originally a rice factory, and Comporta – around an hour and a half’s drive south of Lisbon – once supplied 10 per cent of Iberia’s rice. Its renowned Portuguese architect, Miguel Câncio Martins, wanted Quinta da Comporta to preserve this cultural heritage. From hand-picked furniture in neutral shades and natural materials to the preservation of the original factory floor, everything works in harmony with its surroundings and history.
“The architecture is in keeping with the traditional buildings and features of Comporta,” says Stephanie Duncan, Head of Sales and Communications at Quinta da Comporta. “We are completely surrounded by a nature reserve, and we want to keep it that way, to preserve this feeling of a special, secret beauty.”
Adding further to the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere, cars are discouraged, with vehicles kept out of sight in an underground car park. Facilities are within walking distance, otherwise electric golf buggies can be used to get around.
While visitors can explore endless empty beaches in the surrounding area or cycle around the nature reserve, there are plenty of ways to relax in the resort itself. The Oryza Spa, named after the Latin word for rice, has its own range of rice-based skincare products, called Oryza Lab, which are used in some of the treatments. “And the terrace all around the restaurant is a popular place to have a sunset drink,” says Stephanie. The on-site restaurant focuses on local produce and seasonal dishes, many of which are sourced from the resort’s vegetable garden. “Everything is designed to overlook the rice fields so that guests can watch the sun go down from anywhere.”
Yoga and pilates classes are available in the open-air yoga shala, which in colder seasons is enclosed by glass doors. There is also an indoor pool and outdoor infinity pool that can be used in all weathers, heated by solar power. “Sustainability is one of our pillars, and we have 700 square metres of solar panels in the resort,” explains Stephanie.
Comporta has some 300 days of sunshine every year, meaning that guests often choose to stay during winter months despite the cooler temperatures. Wellness retreats, gastronomic experiences and cultural events are held to attract guests throughout each season.
Those who rarely leave Quinta da Comporta’s grounds can enjoy the sense of space. The smallest guest room is a spacious 36 square metres, and all have a balcony with lounge chairs. Alongside rooms and suites, the resort offers townhouses comprising one or two bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens. Guests looking for extra privacy can stay in a three-bedroom villa, complete with its own private pool.
Despite only opening in 2019, the resort has attracted celebrity guests and garnered an array of awards, including the Condé Nast Traveler Best International Getaway Hotel in 2019 and Reader’s Choice Award in 2021. The facilities are being extended, too, with a meeting room in progress, adding to the new cinema. And, as Quinta da Comporta prides itself on being family friendly, a children’s pool is in the pipeline. There are also plans for a boutique and a range of merchandise. “At Quinta da Comporta,” says Stephanie, “the horizons are always expanding.”
www.quintadacomporta.com