A few decades ago, no one outside of Portugal really knew much about Comporta.
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Though, it didn’t take long for word of its laid-back charm and unblemished natural beauty—wind-swept dunes, rice fields, and white-sand beaches—to spread. Slowly but surely, this under-the-radar fishing village on the Alentejo coast quietly started attracting tastemakers, jet setters, and celebs looking for a low-key escape.
It was Sublime Comporta that first put it on the map as an in-the-know tourism destination. In the years that followed, Comporta has continued to garner affection from everyone who visits. Now a buzzy yet still totally easy-going holiday destination, the village itself looks a bit different than it did even before the pandemic. Sure, the whitewashed architecture remains intact. However, the old rice barns now play host to a spate of stylish shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Despite all this newness, Comporta didn’t have a chic boutique hotel within strolling distance…until recently. AlmaLusa Comporta, which opened in November, is ideally situated in town but also walkable to Praia da Comporta (it’ll take you about 15 minutes). Spread across two renovated buildings, this 53-key respite reflects the indoor-outdoor lifestyle of the area.
Even the ground-floor corridors carve out a little space for umbrellas and low-slung sofas. Accommodations channel the same breezy spirit. You’ll find all the required modern coastal trappings—neutral hues, striped cushions, light wood, sisal rugs, and rattan accents, from light fixtures and mirrors to side tables and chairs. Our favorite suites feature private patios and pebbled backyard oases with dining tables framed by trees for privacy.
In terms of food, AlmaLusa Comporta spotlights the gastronomy of the region in a way you might not expect. Rather than having a full-fledged restaurant, the hotel doles out recommendations for the many excellent eateries in town. That doesn’t mean you’ll go hungry on the property. Guests can start the day with a breakfast buffet in the dining room or the pool terrace. AlmaLusa Café also serves morning staples like yogurt with fruit as well as salads, juices, smoothies, and coffee throughout the day.
The rooftop bar pops off in the summer with bites and beverages and live DJ sets on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. During the off-season (as it turns out, some people do in fact visit Comporta when it’s not swimsuit weather), the library bar offers a cozy spot to sip cocktails or read a book.
On the well-being front, there’s a wellness suite for spa rituals and an open-air studio space that hosts yoga and dance classes. And while most people come to Comporta for the beach, the shimmering outdoor pool makes a compelling case for chilling under a shaded lounge and going for a refreshing dip that doesn’t require leaving the premises. But, let’s be real, you’re going to leave to go horseback riding, biking, or dolphin watching—activities the team at AlmaLusa Comporta will gladly coordinate.
Top Takeaways
Location: Comporta, Portugal
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: Contemporary coastal cool in a historic seaside village
Food + Drink: While there’s no full-service restaurant, the hotel offers a breakfast buffet for guests and also has an all-day café and rooftop for cocktails and tapas in the evening.
Amenities: café; rooftop; library bar; breakfast; fitness terrace; wellness suite; pool; concierge
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Can someone please confirm where AlmaLusa Comporta procured all the rattan accents?
5 Nearby Attractions: Praia da Comporta, Praia do Carvalhal, Sado Estuary Reserve, Surf Lessons, Horseback Riding
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? For such a small village, Comporta has a clutch of well-curated shops—notably Lavanda, The Life Juice, and Casa da Cultura da Comporta—and fantastic restaurants such as Cavalariça Comporta. Definitely drive over to Sublime Comporta Beach Club on Praia do Carvalhal for lunch!
Rooms: 53 rooms, including 31 suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $165/night
Closest Airport: Lisbon Airport
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