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Stripped-back yet refined, within striking distance of Lisbon yet a world away, Comporta has a singular charm and serene beauty.

A few miles south is the new Pinheirinho coastal estate, many years in the making, that will set an exceptional new standard in mindful design. Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has signed a hotel management agreement with VIC Properties as one of the few hand-picked communities that will be brought to life in accordance with strict aesthetic and sustainability guidelines.

Understated slice of Atlantic coastline

For decades, the 400-hectare Pinheirinho estate was privately owned and accessible by invitation only, with much of it remaining a protected nature reserve of pinewood forest. Six Senses was chosen to introduce a 70-key hotel and 58 branded residences as part of a holistic, enriching, and harmonious way of life that blends the timeless appeal of nature and community with the Six Senses hospitality ethos and signature offerings.

The architecture celebrates the natural contours of aromatic pine forests, tranquil lakes, and undulating sand dunes, over which Atlantic rollers break on a golden beach that unfurls for miles.

Inviting the outdoors in

The tone is established from the outset, with a tranquil oasis greeting arriving guests and a harmonious connection to nature flowing through every room. The 66 deluxe guest rooms and larger suites will be housed in the wings of the central building, with options to interconnect for larger groups. The three garden villas and presidential villa bring the total number of hotel accommodations to 70.

The 58 branded residences, ranging from two to five-bedroom villas and apartments, reflect their position and unique features within the landscape – Forest, Sand Dune, and Lake – to offer their own type of retreat experience. Along with the Sleep With Six Senses room set-up, wellness and biophilic principles have been woven throughout the residences, from the topography to the natural light, air, patterns, and textures. Residents will have access to unique privileges and amenities of the hotel, while vibrant lobbies and a dedicated owners’ lounge set the stage and craft the drinks for moments of community connection.

Announcing the management agreement, Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs said, “Our design approach is about creating spaces that connect people to nature as part of our overall hospitality ethos. Where better to start than by embracing the land’s natural contours of pine forests and sand dunes while drawing on quirks of Comporta, traditions of the Alentejo region, reinterpretation of Portuguese classics, and Six Senses touches that show that luxury doesn’t have to be taken too seriously.”

João Cabaça, co-founder and CEO of VIC Properties, commented, “We are thrilled and honoured to welcome Six Senses to our property in Comporta, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter, reflecting our shared commitment to preserving the rich heritage of this beautiful region. Together we envisioned building a lasting legacy, one that not only respects the land, but also ensures a sustainable future for the estate for generations to come. This is just the start of a journey rooted in respect, authenticity, and connection. We look forward to sharing this unique destination with the world.”

Path of Life

Paths aren’t always just made for walking. Sometimes it’s not just the path that matters, but the act of walking it, physically, mentally, and spiritually. The mindfulness Path of Life, based on sacred geometry principles, will serve as a sculptural element to offer a pathway through the resort and residences and – who knows – maybe towards spiritual growth and healing.

Along the Path of Life, there will be a dedicated children’s area with indoor and outdoor facilities for Grow With Six Senses activities based on the eight dimensions of wellness. Next to the vegetable garden, the Earth Lab will run workshops for adopting more eco-friendly practices, although guests will be hard pushed to find any single-use plastic or harmful chemicals or ingredients anywhere on site or on their plate.

Crafting the culinary experience

The dining venues will gather hotel guests, residents, and the local community in the art of celebration. The main restaurant will focus on seasonal ingredients provided by the on-site vegetable garden in line with the Eat With Six Senses ethos, where chefs are guided by the principles of natural ingredients, local and sustainable, and less is more. There will also be a pool bar and grill for casual dining options and other al fresco options for long summer lunches.

A wine bar will shine a spotlight on the region’s best winemakers along with an eclectic drinks menu of mocktails and cocktails, while the deli café and market stock fresh produce for beach or poolside picnics. The Chef's Table, located in the vegetable garden, will host pop-up events and cookery classes that also showcase farm-to-table principles and local produce.

Retreat within a retreat

Hidden among towering pines, Six Senses Spa Comporta is topped with green roofs to blend into the landscape. The entrance building will house the welcome lounge, with a state-of-the-art gym and yoga studio on the first floor. The treatment building has a central courtyard to offer a peaceful gathering space before or after surrendering to a variety of high-touch, high-tech wellness therapies and longevity programs. The wet and thermal building has an indoor/outdoor pool, steam and sauna, and range of hydrotherapy facilities. The Alchemy Bar, another signature Six Senses experience, provides an aromatic and tactile gathering space to make natural handmade spa products and gifts.

Every day well spent

With the only traffic being the pootle of a beat-up Mini Moke, horse rider, or bicycle ridden barefoot to the market, good days can quickly melt into good weeks. Yoga at sunrise, mornings spent kitesurfing, lunches at the beach club to uncork a local wine paired with the day’s fresh catch, unhurried afternoons on the links at the 18-hole golf course, or a plethora of pursuits for all the family at the sports center. In the evening, Pinheirinho will twinkle into life, to find a new look in a designer boutique and then dine in or out in equal style.

Six Senses Comporta will join IHG Hotels & Resorts' fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio which features nearly 100 open hotels in Europe, including eight Six Senses properties in Italy, Switzerland, France, Israel, Portugal, Spain and Türkiye. The resort also joins 24 open IHG Hotels & Resorts properties in Portugal and an exciting development pipeline of 13 hotels, including Kimpton Atlântico Algarve which marks the brand’s debut in the country and Kimpton Lisbon.

Six Senses Comporta is slated to open in 2028.

Image Credit: © Six Sences