W Hotels’ bold and intriguing design is making a splash on the Algarve coast. Striking architecture and interiors by AB Concept reflect Portugal’s rich history and colorful landscape. Discover more.
W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, unveiled the highly-anticipated W Algarve in spring this year. The hotel is located on the sun-drenched shores of the Algarve, where jagged cliffs merge with crystal clear waters and all-year sunny climes. The 134-guestroom hotel, and 83 residences, bring the hospitality brand’s distinctive energy to Portugal for the first time. With an intriguing design spearheaded by AB Concept, the hotel entwines the Algarve’s striking natural scenery and rich Portuguese history with the brand’s signature style.
“The arrival of W Hotels in the Algarve marks a new chapter for both the brand and the Algarve region, which is known for its enviable Mediterranean climate and stunning coastline scenery.” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “Through the sophisticated, striking design and colorful, storied interiors, W Algarve offers a vibrant escape that injects the location’s charm with W Hotels’ playful style.”
W Algarve Hotel Tells the Artistic Story of Local Traditions, Heritage, and Landscape
The destination’s mesmerizing curved Benagil caves inspired the flowing design of the hotel’s interior spaces and the color palette of blues, aquamarines, and a turquoise nod to the azure sky and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. From fabrics and surfaces to tempting textures, each detail of the hotel is intentional. Guests discover expertly curated art and spectacular lighting all telling the story of local traditions and heritage – from ceramics, mosaic, and crochet to Moorish costume, 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. 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.” said Ed Ng of AB Concept.
Entryway, Lounge, and Bar Design – the Travel Destination Is in the Details
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 – made by Vista Alegre, a Portuguese porcelain craft company that has been in existence for almost 200 years. Ethereal greens and blues, arranged in an abstract form, create a mystical underwater feel the moment guests step through the doors.
Embark on a journey of discovery in the energetic W Lounge, which features a mesmerizing ‘wave’ centerpiece installation made from glass panels, taking inspiration from Moorish jewelry and oceanic bubbles. With one side of the W Lounge opening out onto the terrace, the space is flooded with bright, natural light, creating an indoor-outdoor feel. The glamorous bar, decorated with custom-made Moorish-inspired tiles, features dramatic hand-blown glass lighting pendants and a 20-meter-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 color palette.
Trendy Restaurants – Dining Sets the Scene
The Market Kitchen restaurant has been created with a neighborhood ambiance, taking inspiration from local markets using traditional Calçada Portuguesa patterned pavements, Azulejos tiles, and typical style windows. It offers a relaxed, rustic feel through the timber flooring, floor-to-ceiling tiling detail, and louvered, window doors that open out onto the bright fountain garden, flooding the space with light. A tiled communal table in the center of the restaurant and counter seating 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 breathtaking sights.
Creative Guestrooms – a Signature Sleep
The 134 ultra-chic guestrooms embrace clean maximalism. Opposites attract as natural hues and materials marry color. 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, travelers can luxuriate on their private deck, complete with a dining table, lap pool, and unparalleled sea views.
Poolside and Spa Design – a Stylish Space to Relax
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 spacious 13,000 square-foot AWAY® Spa, features a design inspired by local elements. The six treatment rooms include one couple’s room, a hair salon, a mani & pedi bar, facial LED mask treatments, as well as Express Booths for pre-dinner touch-ups. The spa also incorporates a wet area with a sauna, steam, and Jacuzzi and a covered outdoor relaxation area. The Beauty Bar – a relaxed, social space – is designed in pastel colors and incorporates the patterns of traditional Portuguese tiles, created in mosaics across the ceiling. The relaxation area looks out to the serene gardens beyond, while treatment rooms use dark tiles in swirling patterns, creating a calming cocoon.
Kettal Furniture Collections in the Design Project
Cala by Doshi Levien
Maia, Vieques, Band, Mesh & Vimini by Patricia Urquiola
Bitta & Boma by Rodolfo Dordoni
Basket by Nanna & Jorgen Ditzel
Park Life by Jasper Morrison
Meteo by Konstantin Grcic
Mia by Michel Charlot
Zigzag by Emiliana Design Studio
Net & Landscape by Kettal Studio
Kettal Press
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