Welcome to a side of the Algarve you didn’t know existed. Praia do Canal Nature Retreat is so remote that only a handful of local drivers agree to navigate the 220-hectare reserve’s dusty off-road trails—but oh, is it worth the bumpy journey. Hidden within the raw, rugged beauty of the Vicentine Coast Natural Park near Aljezur, this eco-resort is the only hotel that’s been granted planning permission, and it looks set to stay that way—offering uninterrupted Atlantic views and access to the region’s most out-of-reach beaches, shared only with a few in-the-know surfers and pods of dolphins.
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Book With Us for Perks
- Credit of $50 or $100 per room
- Breakfast for two daily
- Room upgrade (subject to availability)
- Early check-in, (subject to availability)
- Late check out (subject to availability)
- Benefits applicable to stays of 2 nights or more
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Cradled in a private valley spilling into the windswept Praia do Canal beach, the hotel sits between cliffs, eucalyptus groves, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. A stone pine-scented breeze rolls off the hills, where rock roses bloom and herbs perfume the trails. Mornings here begin with birdsong and ocean mist, while sunsets melt into star-scattered skies undimmed by artificial light. The sense of seclusion makes this the Algarve’s last frontier, one that remains defiantly wild and gloriously quiet.
Envisioning the hotel as a ‘territory’ rather than a building, Lisbon-based Atelier Bugio architectural studio designed Praia do Canal to disappear into its surroundings rather than dominate them. Minimalist, concrete structures blend harmoniously with the ochre cliffs and green hillsides, interspersed with sun-dappled walkways. The property unfolds organically: rooms are scattered in low-density blocks, while wellness and dining spaces are strategically positioned to foster an intimate connection with the outdoors. Landscape architects have rooted the gardens in native flora—arbutus, pine, and cork trees—making the transition from nature to constructed space seamless.
Inside, interior designer Constança de Castro Fernandes took cues from the surrounding scenery to create a palette of earthy tones and natural textures. Warm woods, cork, and stone meet Moroccan-inspired design touches and Portuguese craftsmanship. A curated art collection features pieces like a tile panel by Maria Ana Vasco Costa and a red heron triptych by Bárbara Gil, reinforcing a sense of place. The 56 rooms and suites—ranging from Premium Balcony Rooms to Garden Plunge Pool Suites—are light-filled and serene. Sun-drenched terraces shaded by red umbrellas (the only colour that can combat the strength of the Algarve sunshine), heated marble plunge pools, and views that stretch to the sea ensure that nature never feels far away. Even the journey to your room, down a long corridor that mimics a medina wall, is a sensory encounter filled with shifting shadows and the sweet scent of local botanicals.
Chef Marcelo Santos brings hyperlocal flavour to the hotel’s trio of dining outlets. At Azeitona, the main restaurant, menus showcase the bounty of both Alentejo and Algarve—think fresh fish from Arrifana, black pork from Estremoz, and honey from the hotel’s own bees. Zimbro, the poolside restaurant, leans lighter and more casual, delivering poke bowls, pizzas, and homemade pasta to swimwear-clad residents. At the Medronho Bar & Lounge, herb-infused cocktails made with ingredients like fig, thyme, and carob offer an inventive take on homegrown greens.
While doing nothing here feels all too easy, the hotel encourages a deeper connection with the wilderness on its doorstep. Guests can explore hiking trails that weave across the property, ride horses along deserted beaches, or kayak through sea caves. When the Atlantic inevitably beckons, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and dolphin-watching excursions can be arranged. The Esteva Spa provides the antidote to outdoor adventure with Elemis-powered treatments, indoor and outdoor pools, and a full thermal circuit. Ultimately, how you decide to unplug here is up to you—and the options are as infinite as the views.
Fast Facts
Location: Vicentine Coast, Portugal
Address: Praia do Canal Nature Retreat, Herdade Vale dos Polvos — Valinhos, Aljezur, 8670-156, Portugal
Rating: Five-star and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World
The vibe: Slowly does it. There’s no rush here, no itinerary to follow. And the soundtrack? One to play on repeat—wind through the trees, and the soft roar of the Atlantic in the distance.
Room Count: 56
Starting Rate: Rates start at €250 per night.
Dining: Organic ingredients from nearby farms, fisheries, and artisan producers supply the kitchen. At breakfast, the buffet is spread across a large, bark-like table, as if you’re collecting berries from a tree. You can also request a picnic to be set up in the shade of a towering eucalyptus tree in the grounds.
Amenities: Restaurant and bar, poolside dining, buffet breakfast (with à la carte options), room service, boutique, spa with indoor pool, outdoor infinity pool, bicycles to borrow, free WiFi.
Our favourite part of the hotel: There’s a lot to be said for the outlooks from the Finnish saunas, which make you feel as though you’re sweating it out in the heart of a forest. But for panoramic views of the property, head up to the aptly named Sky Lounge.
What’s nearby? Odeceixe, Amoreira, Monte Clérigo, Arrifana, Vale Figueiras, Amado and Bordeira are the closest beaches; Aljezur (known for producing sweet potatoes) is a 10-minute drive away. Otherwise, it’s just you and the Vicentine Coast.
Any personal neighbourhood recs? The medieval castle of Aljezur is worth a visit, and said to be one of the seven castles depicted on the Portuguese flag.
Closest airport: Faro Airport is just over an hour’s drive from the resort.
