At Verdelago Resort, nature genuinely does come first
Located on the sought-after stretch of coastline beside Praia Verde in the Eastern Algarve, Verdelago opened in 2023 with a vision that feels refreshingly different. Spread across 86 hectares of protected land, only 8% of the resort has been built upon. The remaining landscape is made up of pine forests, eucalyptus groves, walking trails, lakes and open green spaces that allow residents and visitors to experience the Algarve as it once was.
What makes Verdelago stand out is its dedication to working with the environment rather than simply building around it. The resort employs a full-time biologist who oversees conservation efforts and helps protect the many species that call the area home. Sustainability is woven into everyday operations, from the use of certified environmentally friendly cleaning products to a complete ban on herbicides throughout the grounds.
That commitment has earned Verdelago Green Globe certification, making it the only resort in Portugal to hold the internationally recognised sustainability award. Looking ahead, the resort continues to invest in innovative environmental projects, including a solar-powered desalination plant that will support the creation of a second lake. Alongside the existing natural lake, future plans even include houseboats, adding another unique dimension to the resort’s offering.
The relationship between nature and community can be seen throughout the development. A new sculpture by Miguel Martins of Estúdio 11 has recently been unveiled, inspired by rare species found within the resort itself. It is the first piece in what is expected to become a growing collection of artworks celebrating the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
Verdelago is also creating spaces designed to bring people together. The recently introduced World Cup area combines food huts, local producers and outdoor gathering spaces, encouraging visitors to slow down, connect and enjoy the simple pleasures of life outdoors. It reflects the resort’s broader focus on wellbeing, community and a lifestyle that feels relaxed and meaningful.
Families have been a key consideration in the resort’s design. Dedicated family swimming pools sit alongside quieter adults-only areas, allowing guests to choose the atmosphere that suits them best.
Sports facilities, including padel courts, complement direct access to the beach and an extensive network of walking and cycling routes through the surrounding landscape.
Wellness is another cornerstone of the Verdelago experience. The resort’s highly anticipated spa is opening in phases this summer, with exterior facilities already welcoming guests and the main indoor areas due to open shortly.
The new wellness centre will feature a stunning 20-metre indoor pool, thermal circuits, treatment rooms, a Turkish bath and a sauna overlooking landscaped gardens through floor-to-ceiling windows. A larger fitness centre is also planned, reinforcing the resort’s emphasis on health and wellbeing.
Chef Louis Anjos
Food plays an equally important role. Leading the culinary vision is renowned Portuguese chef Louis Anjos, whose ambition is to create dining experiences that are both approachable and memorable.
The recently opened Verde Lago Beach Club centres around the flavours of the sea, serving fresh fish and seafood in a relaxed beachfront setting. Lunches are casual and vibrant, whilst evenings offer tasting menus that showcase local ingredients and the best of Algarve cuisine.
For families and residents looking for variety, Salicornia offers a completely different experience. Designed as a restaurant people can return to several times a week, the menu ranges from regional dishes and tapas to pizza, grilled meats and seafood. The concept is simple: quality ingredients, comforting flavours and dishes that are executed exceptionally well.
Looking to the future, Verdelago’s growth is only just beginning. The resort currently comprises 216 properties, including apartments and villas with private pools, with plans to expand to around 340 homes by 2028.
A Marriott hotel with 197 rooms, conference facilities and meeting spaces is also scheduled to open in 2028, further elevating the resort’s profile on the international stage.
Despite its ambitious plans, Verdelago remains true to the philosophy that shaped it from the beginning. This is not a resort where nature exists as a backdrop. Instead, it is a place where luxury and nature coexist, creating a lifestyle that feels increasingly rare in today’s world – sophisticated, understated and deeply connected to its surroundings.
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