Portugal’s Algarve is not all about the coast…

Nestled in the inland Algarve lies a breathtaking landscape with rolling green hills, gentle sloping valleys and meandering rivers. It is also where some innovative developers are turning the traditional ideas of holiday resort community on its head.

We reported last year on the Plantation Guadiana River Resort, with its farm and wellness eco community project among the orchard and olive groves… read more about it here.

Next to grab our attention is Ombria, Algarve. Centered this time around the more recognised Algarve leisure activity of a signature golf course (the first to be built in the Algarve in almost 10 years), this resort also features an astronomical observatory, organic farming gardens and traditional honey harvesting. Built on a former fruit farm, it is centred on a lush river valley surrounded by hills.

Surrounded by important ecological habitats, Ombria Resort is a place in harmony with nature, with every aspect of the resort inspired by the living world around it. Situated close to the cultural town of Loulé it offers a range of accommodation along with a luxury hotel run by Viceroy Hotels & Resorts.

The Alcedo private Villas feature tailorable, bioclimatic architecture. Complimenting the contours of the surrounding hills the designers have managed to re-create the feeling of a secluded forest hamlet. The borders between outdoor and indoor have been removed, allowing a seamless transition throughout the day and evening. Locally sourced materials are used to personalise a completely unique space.

The more lively Oriole Village residences come with the option of property management services allowing owners to adapt their property usage with changing needs and lifestyles. With a tourism agreement in place but no mandatory usage restrictions, owners can choose how they want to use their property year by year.

For those that want a fully managed option the Viceroy Residences located on a hilltop above the golf course are an investment in a branded freehold holiday home. Fully serviced to Viceroys exacting five-star standards, owners benefit from privileged access to the hotel’s facilities and a guaranteed rental return as well.

As we mentioned at the start, Ombria Resort features the first new golf course to grace the Algarve in almost 10 years (the ‘New Valerrama’ course, first mooted over a decade ago has still not been completed). This is already creating a fair amount of excitement within the golf community. The signature course was designed by Jorge Santana da Silva, who followed a sustainable vision to complement and enhance the natural landscape. Weaving around ancient rivers and trees that have stood for generations, it has achieved the standards of golf’s most prestigious ecolabel certifications

For more information about the architecture of the course read this article here.

Contact AIPP members Second Home Invest  for further information about the opportunity at Ombria Algarve.