From interior design to atmosphere, everything at the Independente Comporta is steeped in Portuguese traditions and craftsmanship.
Words: Ruth Bell
In the heart of the magical Alentejo region of Portugal, home to open countryside and some of the country’s finest beaches, lies Independente Comporta. And the beautiful surroundings are infused into the look, feel and ethos of the hotel. Inspired by Portuguese ‘aledeias’ (small villages) and its culture, the 12-hectare setting boasts 34 courtyard villas, 40 hotel rooms and two restaurants. All are decorated in a boho-chic, yet laidback style which places Portuguese traditions and craftmanship front and centre. So, expect to come away from a stay at Independente Comporta both relaxed and inspired!
The villas are dotted around the entire site and are typical of the style of houses in the area, created to provide a connection to nature. Designed to be comfortable home-from-homes, the décor is refreshingly simple with white walls and cool tiled flooring. The interiors were planned with sustainability in mind. As such, the wicker chairs were sourced in the Algarve, and the team handpicked other pieces made from certified sustainable wood.
Each villa is self-catering, with kitchens picked out in bright ceramic tiles and fully equipped behind neat wooden cupboards. All the plates, pitchers and mugs are Portuguese stoneware, so eating and drinks is also an authentic experience.
Neutrally-hued sofas and beds dressed in white linen provide a backdrop to the cushions and accessories in yellow and ochres, all colours inspired by nature. For the lighting, there are ceramic wall sconces handmade in the neighbouring town of Melides and handwoven lamps from Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region.
In the hotel, the bedrooms are similarly locally inspired. The artworks above the beds are hanging rugs made by Alentejo weavers, who used traditional techniques to create patterns specially designed for the hotel. And, continuing the theme of sustainability, carpets in the rooms are made from recycled PET bottles.
The stars of the show in the bathrooms are the Portguese tiles used for the shower and vanity countertops. Meanwhile, the toiletries – which are in plastic-free packaging – are housed in locally made black pottery holders, customised to tone with the black basins, WCs, shower surround and brassware.
Guests and locals alike dine at the Maroto restaurant which – like the rest of the hotel – was designed to be in perfect harmony with its surroundings. It is decorated throughout with locally-made ceramics and lighting, which provides bright pops of colour amidst the otherwise earthy scheme of natural terracotta and calming greens. Executive Chef Bruno Antunes, whose illustrious CV includes a stint at the Chiltern Firehouse, and his team serve up a locally-sourced menu with Alentejo flavours in every dish.
The beach is just a short drive away and well worth a visit for a lunchtime bite is Sal, a relaxed restaurant right on the edge of the beautiful sandy Carvalhal beach (below). With simple décor, chilled vibes and breath-taking views, you can enjoy typical local dishes, including fish fresh from the sea.
To see the menu and book a table at Sal restaurant, visit the website.
To find out more about Independente Comporta and to book your stay, visit the website.
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