Nestled in the rolling hills of the Algarve, just a short drive inland from the bustling coastal resorts, lies Ombria Golf just north of Loulé and only 30 minutes from Faro airport.

Opened in April 2023, this 18-hole, par 71 course has quickly garnered recognition for its exceptional design, commitment to sustainability and the unique golfing experience it offers.

Designed by the esteemed Portuguese architect Jorge Santana da Silva, Ombria Golf stands out as the first 18-hole course to open in the region since 2008, marking a significant addition to the Algarve’s renowned golfing landscape.

In October 2024, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve opened its doors to welcome golfers, travellers and locals alike. Adjacent to the golf course and with far-reaching 360 degree views of rugged Algarve hills and open plains, it’s a peaceful, cultural and sensitively designed resort.

The architecture and interior design honours the history and culture of authentic Algarvian style, using locally sourced materials and techniques that reflect the region’s heritage. This attention to detail creates a sense of place that is deeply connected to the surroundings.

The resort offers 141 rooms including guest rooms, suites and residences all set within 5.2 hectares.

These accommodations are categorised into 20 room types, distinguished by features such as terraces, large balconies with built in seating, private pools and jacuzzis as well as small kitchens, pantries and dressing areas.

While the layout and furniture remain consistent throughout, each room offers unique views due to the varying positions of the buildings.

The golf course’s philosophy revolves around “Playing the Land.” This ethos prioritises minimising disturbance to the natural environment, seamlessly integrating the course with the existing topography, ancient trees and the meandering river valley.

Many original features of the former farmland, such as wells and irrigation channels, have been thoughtfully incorporated into the course design, lending it an authentic Portuguese character.

This dedication to environmental stewardship has earned Ombria GEO certification recognising its commitment to environmental and social excellence. Notably, during its construction, over 700 oak trees were planted and 1,800 metres of river habitat restored. An energy-efficient irrigation system utilises rainwater collected on the property, further reducing environmental impact.

Ombria Golf offers a distinctive playing experience compared to the typical coastal courses of the Algarve. While not a championship-length course, measuring 5,860 metres from the furthest tees, it demands strategic play and precision, making it engaging for golfers of all levels.

The front nine presents an exhilarating and challenging layout, marked by significant elevation changes and water hazards on several holes. The back nine, nestled in a picturesque valley, is slightly more forgiving yet equally captivating, with a natural backdrop of lush green hills and strategically placed trees offering both beauty and challenge.

Ten-minute flight times ensure a relaxed, unhurried round. This integration of world-class golf, high-quality accommodation, and environmental consciousness has seen Ombria Golf cementing its place as a must-visit destination for environmentally minded golf enthusiasts.

Viceroy at Ombria Algarve offers a diverse and thoughtfully curated dining experience across six unique outlets, each paying homage to the hotel’s locality and utilising produce either grown on-site in their gardens and orchards or sourced locally.

Together, these dining venues create a vibrant culinary landscape that mirrors the variety of a town.

Café Central, a vibrant Portuguese bakery on the town’s main square, offers homemade pastries, pastel de nata, wood-fired light meals and artisan goods in a cosy, social setting.

Nearby, Bellvino is an intimate wine bar where guests enjoy direct access to the sommelier, private tastings and a menu celebrating local delicacies such as traditionally cured Iberian pork, goat and sheep cheeses and estate-grown Maçanilha olives used in its signature olive oil.

At Ombria Kitchen, guests find a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with buffet and à la carte options, seasonal dishes and pizzas cooked in a wood oven, all served in handcrafted clay crockery.

Solalua delivers inventive, seafood-forward cuisine in a sophisticated yet casual space, with playful dishes like crab-filled “bolas de Berlim” and desserts featuring local honey and goat milk ice cream, paired with imaginative cocktails such as oyster, pear and gin with river mint.

For a more laid-back experience, Casa & Fora at the clubhouse caters to golfers with terrace dining, daily specials, craft beers and live sports screenings. Rounding out the offerings, Salpico, the poolside bar, provides refreshing bites like cured fish, finger foods, oysters and champagne.

Rich in meaning and designed to shift perspectives, immersive experiences lie at the heart of the hotel, an open invitation to explore the real soul of the Algarve and connect deeply with its cultural roots.

Each guest encounter is guided by locals whose families have called these hills home for generations, preserving time-honoured traditions with pride. From beekeeping and pottery to basket weaving, tile painting and horseback riding, every activity offers a glimpse into a traditional way of life.

Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is embraced by nature, with four swimming pools, three heated and one seasonal, set against sweeping valley and sunset vistas. Families are welcomed with thoughtfully designed spaces at the Kid’s Club, featuring indoor and outdoor areas, a spacious playroom, a mini kitchen, and a nursery.

The holistic Spa by Viceroy offers a tranquil retreat complete with a thermal pool, eight treatment rooms and beauty services including a hair salon and traditional barber.