W Algarve, Albufeira, Portugal

Posted in Projects on 24 August, 2022

Traditional touches have been incorporated but make no mistake, this design is about sophistication, not rustic charm.

Perched on southern Portugal’s iconic cliffs, W Algarve makes a dramatic statement. Urban glamour meets beach life unapologetically. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, made its brand entry in Portugal in May, promising this new W Escape would bring simultaneous seaside relaxation with high-energy sophistication.

W Algarve, Albufeira, Portugal. W Lounge.

The hotel is on the central Algarve coast in a region famous for its beautiful, secluded coves, year-round sunshine and enticing cuisine. But visitors are left in no doubt that they have also landed in a brand experience. On arrival, the iconic ‘W’ – large, white and celebrated by curving architectural features – takes centre stage. Guests are here for the famous ‘whatever/whenever’ service too.

There are 134 guest rooms and suites, and 83 residences where modern staging mixes with locally influenced touches. Each room connects with large private balconies, while duplex living adds style to the WOW suites, all offering coastal rooftop views.

Guestroom with Atlantic colours and asymmetrical forms mimicking nearby cliffs.

The guestrooms showcase an Algarve reinterpreted by W, with Atlantic colours and asymmetrical forms mimicking nearby cliffs, and dynamic tile designs making a modern tribute to Portuguese heritage. Signature W amenities complete each room with plush bath robes, spacious bathtubs and rain showers.

The ten WOW suites offer next-level luxury, each providing two floors of state-of-the art resort living. Downstairs, the living areas feature ultramodern entertainment systems allowing guests to set the scene of their choice. Upstairs, guests can soak up the sun on the spacious rooftop terrace, with eye-popping coastal views and private plunge pools, available in selected WOW suites.

W Lounge Terrace.

The Extreme WOW Suite (the W brand’s modern interpretation of a traditional presidential suite) hosts a large bedroom inspired by the Algarve, drawing on its picturesque fishing villages and unique landscape. Guests can climb the stairs to a rooftop terrace with panoramic views and gardens surrounding an elevated lounge with DJ booth, dining and bar area. A sweeping infinity plunge pool is the perfect place to soak up sunsets.

The extraordinary residences feature one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, where style and comfort mimic the shapes of beach pebbles and local sea caves.

Marriott hopes the energetic beats, striking flavours and bright design of W Algarve, which is less than 50km from Faro International Airport, will give sunseekers a new reason to visit the Algarve.

“The arrival of W Hotels in the Algarve marks a new chapter for both W Hotels and the stunning region known for its Mediterranean climate and coastline scenery,” said Candice D’Cruz, vice president – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “In true W style, the W Algarve will inject a new vibrancy into the region, for travellers and locals alike.”

Six flexible studios, which are modular and adaptable to any kind of meeting, event, meal or party, are equipped with digital board displays, video conferencing kit and speakers.

The hotel has something to excite every foodie, starting with the poolside bar SIP, serving all-day sun kissed cocktails, and a healthy menu with flair that fuses flavours from the Asian to Mediterranean Coast. The Market Kitchen restaurant has been created with a neighbourhood ambience in mind, with inspiration from the local markets. The restaurant will serve relaxed, modern interpretations of international favourites and regional cuisine that’s both farm and ocean fresh.

Market Kitchen.

Sitting atop the hotel, with panoramic views over the grounds and ocean beyond, is the showstopping Paper Moon, the Mediterranean sister to the original Milanese restaurant. Serving award-winning, honest Italian cuisine, the elegant restaurant has a bar, dining room and terrace. Fish is the star on the seasonal but timeless menu, in addition to a selection of fresh pasta and pizza.

The Living Room is the perfect place to end the night, with an eclectic menu of drinks that celebrate W’s cocktail culture as well as local distilleries. The bar serves a selection of both local and global gins, as well as draft beers with flavours from Europe’s most Southwestern coast. Sea Sky is a breath-taking location on the rooftop of the hotel, overlooking the golden bay of Armação de Pera.

Champagne sunset deck AIR offers an array of wines. The fine sparkling selection pays homage to the Tartessian planted vines in the Sado and Tagus valleys.

The AWAY Spa features six treatment rooms including one couple’s room, a hair salon, a manicure and pedicure bar, and facial LED masks treatments, as well as express booths for pre-dinner touch ups. The spa also incorporates a wet area with sauna, steam and jacuzzi and a covered outdoor relaxation area. The beauty bar is a relaxed, social space with a variety of express and longer treatments.

AWAY Spa.

High-intensity workouts and bootcamps provided by FIT, embody the W brand’s FUEL offering, a social and energetic take on wellness. Located on the 2nd floor, FIT offers indoor and outdoor space, with a view, fully equipped with the latest gym equipment. Sunrise yoga or a dip at the WET Deck – the W brand’s signature version of the poolside scene – means that there is every opportunity to refuel and leave W Algarve with a glow.