W Hotels Worldwide will unveil the highly-anticipated W Algarve in Spring this year, bringing a 134-guestroom hotel, and 83 Residences to mark its first launch in Portugal.
With an intriguing design spearheaded by AB Concept, the hotel will entwine the Algarve’s striking natural scenery and rich Portuguese history with the brand’s signature style.
The destination’s mesmerising curved Benagil caves inspired the flowing design of the hotel’s interior spaces and the colour palette of blues, aquamarines and turquoise nod to the azure sky and surrounding Atlantic Ocean. From fabrics and surfaces to tempting textures, each detail of the hotel is intentional.
Guests will discover expertly curated art and spectacular lighting all telling the story of local traditions and heritage – from ceramics, mosaic and crochet to Moorish costume, fishing livelihoods and the destination’s surf culture.
“We love to create expressive designs for both experience and memory, creating both impactful first encounters and lasting impressions,” says Ed Ng of AB Concept. “We are delighted to be working with W Hotels Worldwide to bring our joint vision of W Algarve to life, combining the cultural nuances and local traditions of this beautiful region of Portugal with W Hotels’ inimitable flair for thoughtful, intriguing and imaginative design across its hotel and residences.”
Public spaces
Guests arrive through an entryway inspired by an old local folklore featuring a fluid, curved feature wall adorned with infinity mirrors and Portuguese handmade ceramic plates.
The energetic W Lounge, which features a mesmerising ‘wave’ centrepiece installation made from glass panels, opens out onto the terrace. The glamorous bar, decorated with custom-made Moorish-inspired tiles, features dramatic handblown glass lighting pendants and a 20-metre-long onyx counter that extends from the interior bar to the exterior terrace.
Outside, guests can admire stylish water features and the expansive hotel grounds surrounded by lush forest – all referenced in the bar’s natural colour palette.
The spacious 13,000 square foot AWAY® Spa, meanwhile, features a design inspired by local fishing decks. The six treatment rooms include one couple’s room, a hair salon, a mani & pedi bar, facial LED masks treatments, as well as Express Booths for pre-dinner touch-ups. The spa also incorporates a wet area with sauna, steam and jacuzzi and a covered outdoor relaxation area. The Beauty Bar – a relaxed, social space – is designed in pastel hues and incorporates the patterns of traditional Portuguese tiles, created in mosaic across the ceiling.
F&B
WET Deck, the W brand’s signature take on the poolside scene, offers guests a stylish space to soak up the sun. Laid back cabanas surround the curved edges of the cascading pools that mimic the coastline.
The Market Kitchen restaurant has been created with a neighbourhood ambience, taking inspiration from local markets using traditional Calçada Portuguesa patterned pavements, Azulejos tiles and typical style windows. It will offer a relaxed, rustic feel through the timber flooring, floor-to-ceiling tiling detail and louvred, window doors which open out onto the bright fountain garden, flooding the space with light. A tiled communal table in the centre of the restaurant and counter seating will complete the convivial atmosphere created by this space.
Sitting atop the hotel with panoramic views as far as the eye can see, Paper Moon, sister to the renowned Milanese restaurant, showcases a chic white interior and exterior, created with white timber and monochrome floors. Stylish and energetic, this is another seamless indoor-outdoor space; interiors are airy and light with windowed doors that open out onto an expansive terrace where guests can enjoy the peninsula’s breath-taking sights.
Guest rooms
The 134 chic guestrooms embrace clean maximalism. Opposites attract as natural hues and materials marry colour. Custom-made furnishings and intricate local touches are peppered throughout including filigree bedside lanterns, dramatic backlit headboards designed in a nod to nearby churches, mosaics made from authentic Algarve ceramic tiles, and a crochet pattern that adorns the glass panel separating the bathroom from the bedroom, reflecting onto the bedroom floor as the light shines through.
All guestrooms offer balconies with stunning views across the escape gardens and the Atlantic coast. The ten WOW suites feature rooftop terraces with endless coastal views.
The Extreme WOW suite takes inspiration from Moura Encantadas, the supernatural beings from Portuguese and Galician folklore. In true W style embracing individuality and authenticity, guests are immersed the moment they walk through the mirrored foyer. Outdoors, travellers can luxuriate on their private deck, complete with a dining table, lap pool and unparalleled sea views.
