In the balmy stillness, the waxing moon hangs like a pendant on the neck of the almighty. The conditions are ideal for hunting stars under the Algarvian night sky. I lean forward and squint into the lens of the telescope and the sea of tranquility has never appeared so detailed or touchable. It’s the perfect way to wind down what has been a perfect day.
I’m staying at the relatively new Viceroy at Ombria Resort, perched mountain high in the townland of Ombria – about half an hour drive from Faro Airport. The winding route through farmland and tiny villages clinging to the hillside is a taste of the authentic flavours of the Algarve that await. Since arriving at Viceroy Ombria and what I can only describe as an oasis, I’ve been cocooned in nature and overwhelmed by the symmetry and beauty that greets me at every turn. The celestial show from local astronomer Joao Costa comes as no surprise – it’s just one of the unique sustainable activities on offer to guests from the concierge desk.
Minutes after arriving at the resort I was whisked away to the spa to meet my therapist, Nelia Vitorino, for a holistic massage. Few activities fuel the body and spirit like a massage but Nelia’s hands suss out an issue under my shoulder blade and with magical tenacity she miraculously cures my nagging muscles. I nodded off to sleep more than once but still the sixty minute long massage felt like I had been on the plinth for a couple of hours.
Totally revived I returned to my comfortable room. All 76 bedrooms are decorated with stylish modern lines, inspired by traditional Portuguese tilework and materials found locally. Our room had a terrace with tables and chairs to soak up the view and sip on wine from the fridge cooler or coffee from the Nespresso machine. The use of natural materials is evident in all the details and artefacts giving the rooms a ‘home from home’ warmth with understated opulence.
The ensuite layout, with shuttered window opening in to the bedroom, meant I had views of the mountains and golf course outside while enjoying a long luxurious bath. Worthy of a special mention is the 18-hole golf course as it meanders throughout the resort dotted with lake features and lush greenery. The course was the initial venture built over ten years ago and is certified by the GEO Foundation. The Clubhouse followed and it is sympathetically rendered with architectural details found in Portuguese castles and forts yet inside offers modern convenience. In order to maintain sustainable status the designers installed sensors along the various tees to measure the exact amount of water required for irrigation. This system for fully automated irrigation operates only when strictly necessary – meaning no water is wasted through overuse. Traditional levadas (or irrigation channels) reuse rainwater where possible and old wells (called noras) have been restored throughout the property.
Time for dinner and I was curious to see the menu that was bound to offer some local Algarvian Dishes. I was proved correct as the waiter brought out a bowl of carrots and some chunky bread. The tapenade was tasty and authentic and I was wooed by the fish of the day. With the option to dine Al Fresco we sat beside one of the swimming pools and watched the colours change over the fields and mountains. Few places on the Algarve offer this much tranquillity. As the sun dipped down over the hills, the solar LED lights lit up and again I’m reminded of the commitment at Ombria to use sustainable energy.
Another day means another opportunity to try something completely different. This time it’s a chance to make traditional chocolate and I’m suited and booted up with a hair net and apron to make an almond and salted chocolate bar. There are eight of us in the class and each is given a mould with an image of the castle club house at Ombria. Our guide is also the pastry chef and she tells us more about the tasty offerings at the Café Central as we nibble on some divine Pasteis de Nata.
Shuttles operate daily for guests who want to enjoy the coast or spend the day at the beach, a thirty minute drive away. Although the resort is inland I see it as an opportunity to explore the hidden flora and fauna of this mountainous region and chance to see another side to the Algarve. While waiting at reception a family set off to try Horseback riding through the agricultural lands – another activity that suits the sustainable resources found locally.
Perhaps the sweetest activity of all is the visit to a honey factory at Salir, twenty minutes from the resort. Guests can harvest honey and enjoy a tasting from up to twenty different varieties. A stay at Viceroy Ombria Resort can be as busy or relaxing as you want to make it. But one thing is certain, the experience will be unique and with the option to buy property coming up in the next phase of development, you might never want to leave.
Factbox
For everything you need to know about the Algarve see www.visitalgarve.pt
Viceroy at Ombria – Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is open year-round with rates starting from £328 for a Deluxe Double Queen Room.
https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/ombria-algarve
Car hire provided by Visacar – www.visacar.pt
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