From Kimpton’s new partnership and a €12 million resort transformation to The Standard Lisbon’s debut and the hosting of Journeys 2026 in the Algarve
Kimpton Atlântico Algarve joins Takumians network
The Kimpton Atlântico Algarve hotel in Albufeira has joined the international luxury travel network Takumians by Traveller Made, a community that brings together the world’s most esteemed travel designers, agencies, and luxury hotels.
Inspired by the Japanese takumi, which celebrates craftsmanship and detailed attention, this partnership emphasises the hotel’s dedication to hospitality excellence and authentic, personalised luxury, now termed ‘soulful luxury’.
By being part of this network, the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve is recognised for supporting local culture through collaborations with Algarve brands, artists, and artisans, offering guests workshops such as ceramics, painting, and palm weaving and more, as well as products from sustainably produced regional brands.
Algarve to host world’s luxury travel elite in 2026
The Algarve has been chosen to host one of the five annual editions of Journeys, a leading international event for luxury travel professionals and high-end tourism.
© Associação Turismo do Algarve (ATA) – Tavira
Supported by the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA) through the Extraordinary Tourism Promotion Plan, the event will take place from October 19 to 22, 2026, marking the first time the Journeys series comes to Portugal.
The event will bring together 40 international luxury travel buyers from key markets such as the United States and Canada, and 40 Algarve-based companies in the high-end segment, highlighting the “authenticity, hospitality and quality” of the region’s tourism offering.
Wine & Books by the Sea Algarve Resort to open in 2026
The former VidaMar Resort in Albufeira will be reborn in February 2026 as the Wine & Books by the Sea Algarve Resort, following a €12 million rebranding and repositioning by PBH Group.
The transformation brings the Wine & Books Hotels brand – already established in Lisbon and Porto – to the Algarve for the first time. The redesigned resort will feature 250 rooms, four outdoor pools, two indoor pools, a spa, gym, kids club and event spaces, all set within the protected Salgados nature reserve.
Gastronomy is central to the brand’s ethos, with five restaurants at the resort offering a mix of Mediterranean, Asian, Italian and Portuguese cuisine.
The Standard Hotel Lisbon
Opening in 2026, The Standard Lisbon marks the highly anticipated debut of The Standard chain in Portugal’s vibrant capital.
©The Standard, International
Located at Palácio Santa Clara, the hotel overlooks the colourful cobbled streets of the Alfama neighbourhood and offers stunning views of the river.
Anchored in food, music, art, and culture, The Standard is set to introduce its distinctive design and experience-driven philosophy to Portugal.
With 170 guestrooms and 24 long-stay apartments, the expansive property will provide lively spaces for daytime and evening activities.
The ground floor will welcome guests and locals alike with a lobby lounge, a pharmacy bar, and an all-day dining venue. Upstairs, the rooftop bar and terrace are sure to become favourites among locals.
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