The first thing that strikes us as we pull into the gates at Spatia Comporta is how zen it feels. Tucked away on a rural estate in an area of pristine natural beauty - dense with cork trees, pine forests and rice fields, and just a short drive from several stunning, wide sandy beaches - it’s a great place for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers. Accommodation is spread among meticulously landscaped gardens with green lawns, fragrant pine trees and a large, clean-lined pool. Expect smart simplicity in the 10 rooms and two villas - think contemporary architecture, functional design and minimalist décor. Nothing distracts from the serenity here.
After exploring the area, taking a long walk along stunning Carvalhal beach and watching a group of surfers hit the waves, it’s time for G&Ts back at the hotel in front of the hanging fireplace. Dinner at the small in-house restaurant is a rustic affair of delicious, authentic Alentejo dishes, paired with local wines. A quick nightcap, and we walk back to our room in complete darkness, and fall asleep deeply relaxed, with our terrace door wide open and an occasional fresh breeze brushing our faces.
Highs
- Incredibly friendly and attentive staff for whom nothing is too much trouble
- Blissfully quiet, rural location - you could hear a pin drop at night
- Clean, uncluttered Scandi décor that doesn't detract from the gorgeous surroundings
- Listening to the soothing sound of wood crackling in the fire pit in the evenings
- Excellent location with stunning untouched sandy beaches nearby, plus lots of lovely walking, cycling and horseriding trails through rice fields and pine forests
Lows
- Walkways are sparsely lit so you can see the stars - make sure you ask for a torch for getting back at night
- Vegetarian/vegan dishes are very limited
- No spa or yoga offered on-site yet - but we hear they're coming soon
- You need a car to get around
Best time to go
The summer months can get extremely hot. Spring and autumn are very pleasant, with warm and sunny days and cooler nights. Winter is mild and blissfully quiet, but few restaurants and shops will be open. The best time for surfing is September-November.
Our top tips
Don’t miss supremely scenic Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira. It’s a magical mishmash of rickety, stilted wooden piers above muddy marshes, small fishing boats and colourfully painted, ramshackle fishing huts that overlook the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, home to over 200 bird species (and even dolphins!)
- Boutique Hotel
- 10 rooms and 2 villas
- Restaurant and bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Bicycles Available
- Laundry Service
Rooms
The 10 bright and breezy double rooms are split across four villas, with separate entrances, and are located a short walk away from the main house. The mix of high, slanted, beamed ceilings, concrete floors, white walls and light wooden furniture creates a modern Scandi-vibe. Each room has playful rustic touches, such as tree trunk nightstands, wooden lampshades and simple hanging-bulb lamps. All rooms have beautiful garden views and wooden-decked terraces with sun loungers.
Bathrooms are spacious and open to a small, pebbly courtyard with cacti and a large wooden ladder-cum-towel holder - perfect for drying off swimsuits and surf gear.
Two of the private villas with two or three bedrooms can also be booked - great for families or groups of friends. They're up a notch in luxury and come with large lounges and dining areas with fireplaces, open-plan kitchens, two bathrooms (shower and bathtub) and large, private terraces.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Minibar/fridge
- WiFi
Eating
An extensive breakfast buffet is served in the on-site restaurant, Nesto, or on the terrace overlooking the pool, and includes a huge array of freshly baked breads and pastries, homemade jams (try the tomato one!), cheese and charcuterie boards, and fresh juices. Eggs any style are also available - and yummy mini pancakes.
For lunch, the hotel can prepare picnic baskets to take out with you. Dinner is a simple, hearty affair of traditional Alentejo dishes. We loved our hortelão eggs (baked eggs in tomato sauce) and migas (fried breadcrumbs) with sardines. Adventurous carnivores might want to try the wild meat combo including rabbit and pigeon.
If you fancy a tipple, there is a well-stocked drinks trolley in the lounge area next to the hanging fireplace that you can help yourself from, and the team can also whip up cocktails for you.
Prefer to venture out for your meal? There are several excellent seafood restaurants a short drive away - ask staff for recommendations.
Features include:
- Children's meals
- Minibar/fridge
- Restaurant
Activities
- Laze around the pool during the day, then share stories (and a bottle of wine) around the firepit at sunset.
- Head to one of the stunning beaches nearby (Praia do Pego, Praia da Comporta, Praia do Carvalhal) - surfing or paddleboarding lessons are available.
- Go horseback riding through the rice fields.
- Join the jet-set and hit the vintage boutiques, cool bars and restaurants in cool Comporta.
- Jump on the ferry to the historic port town of Setúbal, famous for its simple, authentic seafood restaurants, and enjoy a lazy lunch of delicious choco frito (fried squid) washed down with white wine.
- Stretch at Comporta Yoga Shala, boasting views across the rice fields (June-August only).
- Tee off at Troia’s golf course, a 30-minute drive from the hotel.
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Golf
- Horse riding
- Shopping / markets
- Surfing
- Yoga
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome, and there’s a small pool for children, plus bikes to borrow and kids' meals available at the restaurant. The resort is quiet, however, and we think more suited to couples.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
The two- and three-bedroom villas are perfect for families. They offer added privacy, twin rooms for kids, kitchens for self-catering and lots of outdoor space. Baby cots are available on request.
Cots Available, Family Rooms
Children's meals:
A kids' menu is available at the restaurant.
Kids Activities on site:
- Kids' pool
- Bicycles to borrow
Families Should Know:
Kids must be supervised when using the pools.
Distances:
- Airport:: 90 minutes
- Hospital: 20 minutes
- Supermarket: 12 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Spatia Comporta is 20km from the tranquil fishing village of Comporta and 18km from the town of Grandola, in the Alentejo region of Portugal. It’s 90 minutes south of Lisbon.
By Air:
Lisbon Portela Airport (129km) is served by regular flights from across Europe and beyond. From there, we recommend hiring a car so that you can explore the area.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Lisbon Portela 129.0 km LIS
Other:
- Beach 9.0 km
- Shops 7.0 km
- Restaurant 11.0 km