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Kimpton launches its first branded resort and spa in Portugal

23 Jul 2025 IHG’s portfolio of luxury lifestyle resorts now includes the first Kimpton-branded resort and spa in Portugal on the sands of São Rafael Beach near Albufeira, the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel.

The resort’s 1,800sq m Wellness Hub has six treatment rooms, including one couples room.

There is also a hydrotherapy spa circuit, including a flotation tank, vitality pool, experience showers, hot tub, sauna and Turkish baths.

A heated indoor pool, recovery lounge and a gym with rooms for spin and virtual classes complete the mix.

Standard guest access to the spa is limited to three hours and the facilities are limited to guests older than 16 years of age.

Subtle Energies is a skincare supplier for the spa. One of its treatments is the 24k gold age-defying facial.

The therapy, available for 60 or 90 minutes, combines collagen-boosting actives, mogra, 24k gold with massage to promote oxygenation of the skin and a reduction in wrinkles.

João Freitas, head of wellness operations and development in Portugal for Highgate, told Spa Business exclusively: “Bringing the Kimpton brand to Portugal marks an exciting step in our growth and the Algarve. With its rich culture, natural beauty and charm, the location is the perfect fit for the brand.

“At Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, we aim to offer more than just a place to stay; we create energising, meaningful experiences that reflect the spirit of the region,” added Freitas. “The addition of the Wellness Hub spa and fitness offering was essential to this vision, offering guests a space to recharge and reconnect.

The construction of the 149-key property was project managed by Lucid Development Group and interior design is by Portuguese designer Nini Andrade Silva.

Inspired by the Mediterranean landscape and tranquil pace of coastal life, Silva has incorporated natural textures and warm earthy tones into the decorations, as well as smooth stone surfaces, airy linens, handcrafted ceramics and timber accents.

The property is managed by Highgate, a global real estate investment and hospitality management company with an existing presence in Portugal.

Dining

The resort’s dining facilities represent the Kimpton brand’s commitment to gastronomy.

• The Terra is a multi-modal venue offering drinks and café-style dining in a friendly atmosphere. It serves Portuguese pastries using local ingredients such as toasted almonds, fragrant oranges and honey from Madeira.

• Sombra is a garden oasis serving fresh local seafood from an à la carte menu.

• Marés offers a daytime beachfront option for meals made with market produce, such as Piri Piri chicken and Mediterranean wood-roasted beets.

• Zénite is a rooftop bar where guests can drink cocktails and local wines while experiencing views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Freitas said, “With the resort’s bold design, locally-inspired dining, intuitive service and a focus on wellbeing, we’re redefining modern luxury into an authentic and transformative experience that resonates deeply with each guest.”

Kimpton

Kimpton was founded in 1981 by entrepreneur and keen traveller Bill Kimpton, who set out to redefine traditional hospitality.

Inspired by his adventures in Europe, Kimpton set up his synonymous company in San Francisco to bring a similar ethos of luxury hospitality to unique destinations across the US initially.

The brand now represents more than 75 properties and over 100 restaurants, bars and lounges globally.

Kimpton Atlântico Algarve joins the brand’s growing portfolio of luxury lifestyle hotels in Europe, including Kimpton Fitzroy London, Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella and Kimpton Main Frankfurt, with more destinations in the pipeline.

IHG

IHG, Intercontinental Hotels Group, is a global hospitality company with a collection of 20 hotel brands. It has more than 6,000 hotels in operation in more than 100 countries, with 2,200 more properties in development.

The property’s brands in their respective categories include:

• Luxury and Lifestyle: Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, Six Senses, Regent Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo

• Premium: voco hotels, Ruby, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts and EVEN Hotels

• Essentials: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Garner hotels, avid hotels

• Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites

• Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts