Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is the brand’s first hotel in Southern Europe
The official opening of Ombria Algarve and the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve hotel was celebrated in Tôr, Loulé on Wednesday (June 18), marking the end of a 20-year journey to bring the resort to life.
Ilpo Kokkila, Chairman of the Pontos Group (left), and Pedro Machado, Secretary of State for Tourism (right) – Photos: Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media
From the beginning, Ombria was envisioned as a resort that would blend seamlessly with the natural landscape and connect with the local community. It’s a place where guests can “spend time, recharge, and enjoy life. Like the surrounding nature, we want Ombria to grow, renew, and continually redefine what it means to offer one of the most appealing residential and holiday environments in Portugal and Southern Europe”, said Ilpo Kokkila, Chairman of the Pontos Group and the visionary behind the project.
Arash Azabarzin, Daniel Qzzán, Patrick Freeman and Ilpo Kokkila – Photos: Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media
Kokkila expressed his joy at reaching this milestone. “What an adventure we’ve had over the last two decades. It was a long journey, and it took two generations to get here. There were difficult moments. Our dedication and level of cooperation were put to the test. All the joint effort highlights the importance of this moment. Today is the day we finally raise our glasses to Ombria,” said the Finnish businessman.
Patrick Freeman, CEO of Ombria, thanked both the past and present teams behind the project and praised Portugal as the perfect home for the resort. “I can’t imagine a better place in the world for Ombria to exist – or for my family to live,” he said.
Freeman also shared the goal to make Ombria an authentic, year-round luxury destination. “I believe it’s a space to introduce Portugal to the world – its people, its food, culture, and history. We hope to be a stage for all of that.”
He added: “We also have a strong commitment to nature and the environment. We will continue to grow, but in a conscious, thoughtful way, in harmony with the community and the space where we operate.”
After two decades of planning and development, the resort is officially open, with bold ambitions for the future. Arash Azarbarzin, CEO of Highgate – the owner of the Viceroy hotel brand – shared his vision: “Highgate believes deeply in Portugal. We have 18 hotels, from Lisbon to the Algarve, including Sesimbra. We’ve invested heavily because we believe in what this country has to offer,” he said.
As for Ombria, Azarbarzin is thinking big. “My goal is not just to have a great resort, but to turn this space into a global benchmark. I don’t want to just be the best hotel in the Algarve. I want to start by being the best resort in Portugal, and then grow in Europe and around the world. Give us six months, and we’ll be at the top.”
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve marks the brand’s first hotel in Southern Europe, and stands as a symbol of its strategy to grow with care, in destinations full of culture, beauty, and long-term promise. “It reveals a Portugal that few people know,” said Daniel Ozzán, General Manager of Viceroy Hotels and Resorts.
Representing the Portuguese government, Secretary of State for Tourism Pedro Machado called the Algarve one of Portugal’s most mature and established destinations – “one of the safest destinations in the world, and therefore privileged for attracting international investment”.
Machado also highlighted the work of the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA), which has played a key role in shaping the region’s identity and reputation. Looking ahead, he noted that Portugal is working to expand its international reach, with new travel routes opening to markets such as Argentina and Mexico. The goal is to attract a broader, more diverse mix of high-end travellers whilst elevating Portugal’s standing among the world’s top tourism destinations.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring that tourism remains a positive force for local communities, enriching not only the national economy but also the everyday lives of those who live and work in Portugal’s most visited regions.
Article originally published by Bruno Filipe Pires on Portugal Resident.
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