A new luxury hospitality concept has arrived in southern Portugal with the opening of Wine & Books By The Sea Algarve Resort, which welcomed its first guests on 1 March 2026.
Set within the protected landscapes of Reserva Natural dos Salgados and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the five-star resort introduces a distinctive cultural hospitality concept to one of Portugal’s most popular holiday regions.
The property marks the latest opening from Portuguese hotel group PBH and represents the transformation of the former VidaMar Algarve Resort, which first opened in 2013 and quickly became one of the Algarve’s best-known beachfront hotels.
A Cultural Hospitality Concept Comes To The Algarve
The Wine & Books concept was created to celebrate Portuguese identity through literature, gastronomy and wine, offering guests a more immersive cultural experience than the traditional resort model.
After establishing successful properties in Lisbon and Porto, the brand now arrives in southern Portugal with a vision of combining luxury hospitality with the country’s creative and culinary heritage.
Carlos Saraiva, Chairman of PBH, describes the project as an opportunity to showcase Portugal through multiple cultural lenses:
“The Wine & Books Hotels signature aims to convey what Portugal is and what it means to be Portuguese through literature, gastronomy and national wines,” he explains. “The essence of this project is to act as ambassadors of Portuguese culture through a rich and complementary hospitality experience.”
A Five-Star Coastal Retreat
Located just five miles from the seaside town of Armação de Pêra, Wine & Books By The Sea Algarve Resort features 250 rooms and suites spread across six accommodation categories. Spacious suites, family-friendly connecting rooms and pool-view guest rooms provide options for couples, families and groups.
The property sits within landscaped gardens lined with hundreds of palm trees, with views stretching across Salgados Beach and the Atlantic beyond.
Guests will find a full range of leisure facilities designed to match the expectations of a modern luxury resort, including several outdoor swimming pools, indoor wellness pools, a spa and fitness centre. A dedicated kids’ club and event spaces also position the resort as a destination for family holidays and corporate retreats alike.
Dining At The Heart Of The Experience
As with every Wine & Books property, gastronomy plays a central role in the guest experience. Wine & Books By The Sea Algarve Resort introduces five distinct restaurant concepts that blend international influences with Portuguese culinary traditions.
Menus range from Mediterranean and Asian-inspired cuisine to Italian classics and regional Portuguese dishes, reflecting the Algarve’s long-standing reputation as one of the country’s most exciting food destinations.
A signature highlight is Balcão Da Tasca Da Memória, a concept present in every Wine & Books hotel. Inspired by the traditional Portuguese tasca – a neighbourhood eatery known for its comforting and often nostalgic dishes – the restaurant revisits classic recipes from the past and reinterprets them for contemporary tastes.
The result is a menu that preserves authentic flavours while presenting them with a refined, modern sensibility.
Interiors Inspired By The Landscape
The resort’s interior architecture and design was led by architect Joana Saraiva, a board member of PBH. Her approach draws heavily from the surrounding natural environment.
Soft sand tones echo the nearby dunes, while muted greens reflect the lagoon, palm trees and golf course that surround the property. Natural materials, warm woods and handcrafted furniture contribute to an atmosphere that feels both relaxed and quietly sophisticated.
A defining visual feature is the series of elegant bookshelves found throughout the hotel. These have become a signature element of the Wine & Books brand, reinforcing the literary inspiration behind the concept and creating inviting spaces where guests can pause, read and unwind.
Room Rates And Opening Season
Room rates currently range between €299 (£257) and €490 (£421) per night depending on the season, based on a standard room with breakfast included.
With its soft opening continuing through March, the resort is preparing for its first full summer season on the Algarve coast.
Combining Atlantic Ocean views with a concept rooted in Portuguese culture, Wine & Books By The Sea Algarve Resort positions itself as a new luxury destination where literature, gastronomy and coastal relaxation meet.
For more information, visit the official Wine & Books By The Sea Algarve Resort website.
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