"Across the Algarve, former agricultural estates-quintas, vineyards, and workers' cottages-are being thoughtfully restored as places to stay. These are not newly built countryside retreats styled to look rustic."
"What makes this movement distinctly Portuguese is the country's long history of necessity and restraint. Builders relied on local materials: cork, clay, stone, wood."
"Today, instead of erasing the past in the name of tourism, hoteliers are leaning into that heritage, merging preservation with architectural creativity."
"One of the earliest properties to bring international attention to this approach was São Lourenço do Barrocal, an elegantly restored estate that exemplifies this trend."
The Algarve is experiencing a transformation as former agricultural estates, including quintas and vineyards, are being converted into boutique hotels. This trend reflects a shift from traditional resorts to accommodations that honor Portugal's architectural heritage. These properties are not newly constructed but are adaptive reuse projects that maintain the vernacular architecture of the region. The movement emphasizes practicality and local materials, showcasing a design ethos rooted in Portugal's history and culture, rather than erasing the past for tourism.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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