With all that the Algarve has to offer, experience a new way of life – like being on a constant holiday
It does not get much better than living in the Algarve. With endless days of sunshine and balmy temperatures, countless year-round outdoor activities and a gastronomic scene ranging from rustic taverns to Michelin-starred restaurants, it is like being on constant holiday.
Yet, it does get better, and that is living in the Algarve in a luxury development.
Home to some of Europe’s snazziest and most sought-after developments, the Algarve is witnessing a boom in outstanding real estate and five-star resorts.
There is a growing demand for bigger and better, and developers are raising the bar, building contemporary resorts and condominiums boasting modern architecture designed for stylish, carefree living with luxurious amenities worthy of the most exclusive country clubs.
Contemporary living
Gone are the days of the white-washed villas clad in bougainvillaea and topped with traditional Algarve chimneys.
Today, entrepreneurs focus on modern design, functionality, and sustainability. Across the region, we find new projects attracting discerning buyers with the latest modern comforts and contemporary architecture designed to blend in with natural surroundings.
Good examples of this are Lumare and Serenity, two new projects developed by the Porto-based company Fercopor. Known for its outstanding constructions in the North, the company headed south to add its talent to the Algarve’s growing portfolio of luxury developments.
LUMARE
Bordering a nature reserve and overlooking Vilamoura Marina and the sea, Lumare comprises four distinct buildings housing apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms.
This recently launched complex was designed to combine the luxuries of living by the sea with the exclusivity of a haven of sophistication and elegance. Large bay windows provide a beautiful view of the surrounding scenery. Natural elements such as stone and wood are incorporated into the modern design of the spacious interiors, adding an authentic and elegant touch. Its hotel-like amenities include an outdoor pool surrounded by a fragrant sustainable garden, a spacious gym with state-of-the-art equipment, a stunning massage room with a sauna, a multifunctional lounge and underground parking.
SERENITY
Close by, we find Serenity, its sister construction “designed for luxury residential living in Vilamoura beyond the summer”.
Consisting of two fresh and modern buildings, its spacious interiors are flooded with bright natural light thanks to XXL windows. The Serenity blocks, connected by a private garden, feature enhanced common areas and exquisite amenities, including one outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, a gym, and a massage room with the look and feel of a luxury health club, and its four-bedroom penthouse enjoys the added luxury of a private rooftop pool.
In the Golden Triangle, home to some of the region’s top golf courses, restaurants, designer shopping, and more, another new development stands out.
THE V, developed by WB Property, is an exclusive collection of 20 premium two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, including stunning penthouses with rooftop pools.
Each apartment boasts a private terrace, whilst the ground-floor units boast a private pool and direct access to THE PARK, a natural pine parkland that focuses on Mediterranean planting and native species, water conservation and features a communal herbs garden, fruit trees, a walking track, a sports zone and a yoga platform. Residents also benefit from a dedicated concierge service, underground private parking, storage and 24-hour monitored security.
The terracotta trend
Famous for its iconic links course and, more recently, for its acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant headed by Chef Louis Anjos, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf is located on prime property with exclusive sea views spanning from the Alvor estuary to Lagos bay.
The resort features exclusive villas, plots for construction, and signature apartments with one, two and three bedrooms designed by RCR Architects, a world benchmark in contemporary architecture and winners of a Pritzker Prize.
On top of their unique, minimalistic architecture, the Palmares units and clubhouse – the heart of the resort – stand out for their colour, an ochre hue mirroring the Algarve’s earth that has become a favourite of new developers as it blends harmoniously with nature.
PALMARES OCEAN LIVING & GOLF
Over in Vale de Lobo, this trendy terracotta colour is also making a mark at the Atlantic Pines, a brand-new 28-villa development exclusively commercialised by QP Savills and set to be finalised in 2026. Developed by world-famous Portuguese Architect Frederico Valsassina, Landscapers PROAP and Interior Designers Andrez Andrez, the villas will be beautifully crafted homes of five different typologies.
Their architectural approach strengthens their connection between the interior and exterior spaces, with large openings leading to private gardens, shaded pergolas, and poolside living areas. Each discreet villa features a rooftop seating area evoking traditional Algarve terraces, some with a jacuzzi, a smart home system with ducted air conditioning, electric underfloor heating, built-in speakers and a private garden with a pool.
TERRACOTA
In Vilamoura, a development was even named after the fashionable colour. Terracotta, part of the vast Vilamoura empire, offers a slice of nature in an urban area.
Sheltered by spectacular pine trees for secluded serenity, this 87 state-of-the-art-apartment residential project boasts an expansive outdoor space and community area with an exquisite pool surrounded by white sand, offering residents what looks and feels like an exclusive beach right on their doorstep.
Sustainability meets style
With growing environmental concerns and demand for sustainable living options, Vilamoura certainly has grown in that direction.
Two of its novelty developments include the eco-minded Nobilus and the Natura Village. Featuring 47 stylish and environmentally-conscious apartments in the heart of the resort, Nobilus is made from the finest sustainable materials and is situated in a highly coveted area.
The apartments have a private garden, pool, parking, a roof terrace, a shared pool and easy access to the beach.
NOBILUS
At the opposite end of Vilamoura, Natura Village is a nature and family-oriented private condominium within walking distance of the international school and riding centre and a five-minute bike ride from the Environmental Park.
Its 26 villas, with two or three bedrooms, each boast a private pool and manicured garden set in peaceful surroundings for a serene lifestyle.
Sport-centric
Most resorts and condominiums will offer some type of sports facilities. However, some have gone the extra mile to provide their niche clients with amenities designed for sport-centric living.
The Court in Carvoeiro has done precisely that. Focused on an active clientele, this resort, developed by Carvoeiro Branco, a leading real estate developer in the area, offers unique facilities for an active lifestyle.
The property comprises two buildings with a total of 104 intricately designed apartments, offering a mix of living choices from cosy studios to spacious two-bedroom units.
Some apartments benefit from exclusive use of gardens or enjoy sea views, whilst all top-floor units feature rooftop terraces with private jacuzzis to help relax muscles after a good workout.
Sporting facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, four padel courts, a multisport field, a spacious gym, a relaxation centre with a sauna and massage area, and even a kids’ playground to keep the little ones active.
THE COURT
Kronos Homes had also invested in the sports facilities. Perched on the cliffs on the Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, the Cascade Wellness Resort, with its football academy and two full-size natural grass football pitches, offers outdoor activities second to none in the region.
On top of this specialised equipment, the resort gives its residents access to clifftop trails, a modern gym with tailored fitness programmes, a spa with four treatment rooms, a kids club and several bars and restaurants for post-exercise replenishment.
Set in the hills close to Alcantarilha, Amendoeira is sought-after by golfers seduced by its two award-winning 18-hole courses, Golf Academy and its 9-hole par 3 Academy course, the only floodlit course in Portugal.
The Algarve’s Moorish heritage is reflected in the resort’s architecture, with its cool tiled courtyards, elegant arches and private terraces, all surrounded by lush gardens.
Here, detached villas have private swimming pools and landscaped gardens, apartments have access to communal gardens and swimming pools, and all residents benefit from the resort’s Sports Club featuring six tennis courts, two padel courts, a gym, five-a-side football pitches and a jogging path.
Social hub
Those looking for a social setting without compromising on space and luxurious amenities will enjoy developments such as the 89 serviced One Green Way residences in Quinta do Lago.
Curving alongside the resort’s North Course, these serviced villas and apartments are designed with lifestyle in mind, offering three distinct property options, each with effortless features and state-of-the-art technology.
Chef’s kitchens, home offices, cinema rooms and gyms are ideal for hosting, working, or relaxing in style. All residences enjoy a mature, sustainable garden or terrace designed by international landscape architects Cracknell.
Heated pools, outdoor kitchens and barbecues, dining areas, and roof terraces with spectacular views complete exquisite indoor-outdoor living, all within the lush and exclusively serviced Quinta do Lago resort.
ONE GREEN WAY
Being part of a community does not mean you have to be in an urban setting.
Up in the hills, mixing a village feel with five-star services, the brand-new Ombria resort features the Viceroy Residences, a collection of 65 branded apartments and the Oriole Village, comprising apartments, townhouses and villas.
These brand-new complexes have been developed to ensure harmony between the built and natural environment and offer five-star facility management and services in a vibrant atmosphere.
With a signature golf course, access to the hotel’s amenities, spa and wellness centre, multiple sports courts and pitches and a varied gastronomic offer, Ombria offers an exclusive country lifestyle.
VICEROY RESIDENCES AT OMBRIA ALGARVE
Built to your taste
And if, with all this, you still have not found your happy and luxurious place, you can build one to your taste and still make the most of the amenities of a five-star resort.
Ombria also features a tailored option with its Alcedo Villas, a collection of luxury villas and plots.
In addition to the possibility of acquiring a turn-key villa, there are expansive plots, with and without approved projects, measuring between 1,700 and 3,300m², on which one can build three- to seven-bedroom luxury villas with private pools.
And in Vilamoura, bordering the Dom Pedro Old Course, one of Portugal’s most iconic golf courses, 13 exclusive plots are up for grabs at Mouragolfe. A unique opportunity for golfers to build their dream home surrounded by nature in a highly-coveted area, with priority access to the fairways.
RESERVA DA LUZ
There are also a few exquisite options for those who dream of building a luxurious home with thrilling sea views.
A simple luxury that is increasingly rare along the coast. Reserva da Luz, at the west end of the Algarve, developed by DDM, is a unique project offering premium oceanfront living within walking distance of the picturesque village of Praia da Luz.
Just ten minutes from Lagos, its marina, several golf courses and peaceful beaches, this complex features large elevated and south-facing plots to build your personalised detached home with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
And if, for some reason, you run out of ideas, two turn-key homes are ready to inspire a life of luxury.
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