A week in {COMPORTA}:

Hidden within the serene landscape of Comporta is Sublime, a boutique resort that embodies Comporta’s distinctive aesthetic. The decor is minimalistic yet warm, with natural straw accents, raw wood and off-white tones lending a sense of effortless elegance. This architectural style pays homage to Comporta’s traditional cabanas, built from wood and straw.

Room and suites have spacious interiors, with king-size beds and luxurious bathrooms. We stayed in one of the Bio-Pool Suites, nine cabanas inspired by the fishing port of Carrasqueira. A private terrace led directly into the freshwater pool, free from chemicals and maintained instead by aquatic plants. The experience included sounds from the nature, especially the spring and summer frog symphonies; earplugs are thoughtfully provided!

The main pool has a serene, relaxed, and unpretentiously glamorous vibe – exactly what you’d expect for Comporta.

While we haven’t yet experienced Vermelho firsthand, this distinctive hotel is firmly on our wishlist. Created by the renowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin, it is situated in Melides, a short drive south of Comporta. It is positioned as a destination for the culturally curious and creatively inspired, with a design that boldly merges eclectic art, antique furniture and vibrant frescoes. Each room and corner of the hotel tells a story, inviting guests to uncover its secrets and, as Louboutin puts it, to “live la vie en rouge.”

Comporta’s breathtaking beaches are the main draw of the area. We spent our days lounging at the Sublime Beach Club, a chic extension of the Sublime resort that sits on the soft sands of Carvalhal beach. Comfortable loungers and daybeds under white umbrellas offer a perfect spot to settle in and relax. The beach stretches on endlessly, with gentle waves rolling in.

Our morning bike ride from Sublime Comporta captured the essence of this place: pure, natural, and beautifully wild. The fat wheels made it easier to bike over stretches of soft sand, pedalling along winding paths that led us from Sublime through the pine forests and onto the dunes.

Comporta’s village has a few boutiques and artisanal shops, including The Life Juice, a homeware shop that captures the “Comporta style” in beautifully curated pieces. The shop sells handwoven baskets, rustic ceramics and soft linens if you want to bring a touch of Comporta into your home.

The main restaurant at Sublime Comporta is a masterclass in rustic elegance. The decor is understated yet refined, featuring weathered wood, raw stone, and soft, organic fabrics. Large windows frame views of the surrounding pine forests, bathing the dining room in soft, natural light during the day. Lanterns and pendant lights hang from the ceiling cast a soft glow in the evening. The cuisine celebrates Portugal’s rich culinary heritage, elevated with a contemporary twist. The menu leans heavily on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, many harvested from Sublime’s own organic garden.

For lunch, Sublime Beach Club was the epitome of relaxed, beachfront luxury. Sitting under the sun with a gentle ocean breeze, we indulged in fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

At sunset, we returned for cocktails whilst watching the sun sink into the horizon before having dinner with the gentle sound of the waves setting the scene.

Sal is another Carvalhal beachfront favourite, situated right next to Sublime Beach Club and serving up delicious seafood with a local twist. This place has an open, airy design and a more relaxed, informal vibe.

Quinta de Comporta is another resort that embraces the earthy elegance of Portugal’s coast. We considered a stay here before deciding on the Sublime, so we booked a dinner there to check it out. The resort is set within acres of rolling rice fields and organic farmland, capturing the spirit of Comporta’s rural landscape while offering all the luxuries of a refined retreat. The architecture combines rustic wood, sun-bleached stone and warm, earthy tones. The resort has a village-like layout, with a network of winding paths that lead you through carefully landscaped gardens.

The main restaurant served a seasonal menu, with dishes that showcased fresh produce, locally caught seafood and traditional Portuguese recipes. The chefs pay homage to the area’s culinary traditions while adding contemporary touches.

A weekend in Comporta is a luxurious escape into Portugal’s hidden chic coastal gem. Whether it’s the appeal of stunning beaches, distinctive architecture or being close to nature, it is an ideal destination for those looking to unwind in style.