A nature and wellness filled getaway has become my go-to method for resetting my nervous system, and a recent trip to Sublime, Comporta was exactly that. Tucked away in Portugal's Alentejo region, Comporta, recently dubbed the hamptons of Europe, is a slice of heaven where time slows, and the rhythms of nature lead the way with food, design and people. It’s been on my list for a while and as one of the most instagrammable spots in Portugal, I was curious to whether it would live up to expectations.
Me, my partner and daughter ventured on a sunny road trip from Faro to Sublime Comporta, a hidden gem nestled within a 17-acre estate surrounded by umbrella pines, cork trees, and wild sand dunes. We drove up to a pink gate that opened into a hidden forest location and my version of Disneyland. Our home for the next few days was a stylish cabana, filled with natural light and a private pool, albeit still a bit cold. It was spacious and modern, it felt part of the land with rooms blended into the surrounding space and a feeling to roam free indoors and outdoors. The fully equipped kitchen was the perfect balance for a family to switch between dining out and enjoying home-cooked dinners. One cosy evening, we enjoyed a steak dinner and roasted marshmallows on the fire for dessert, cocooned by the tall pine trees outside, with no TV or phones, just us. It was a nourishing home away from home kind of feeling.
The team at Sublime, Comporta brought a sense of vibrancy to the grounds with authentic energy and recommendations. The promise of peace and relaxation isn’t a delusional market ploy here, as they are guided by nature in many ways. When we arrived there was a family activity planned for us and we were settled in a sunny spot overlooking a lake for an afternoon session of painting. Nicole, a lovely member of the team, joined us, engaging our daughter and allowing us a moment of relaxation to paint. Our daughter delighted in running freely across the expansive grounds and vegetable garden with Nicole after making such a lovely connection with her. The staff are on-hand for baby-sitting and although we didn’t take advantage of this on this trip, I had many requests to visit Nicole from our daughter after the painting session so I would absolutely recommend this for anyone visiting with kids.
We enjoyed the late dinners with lots of seafood and vegetable dishes from the garden. Our highlight of the fresh fish dishes was oysters and a memorable sea urchin spaghetti. The "Pine Trio" dessert was delicious and inspired by the land and original elements found on the estate, another ode to Mother Earth. What they really get right is the start to the day - whether sweet or savoury, there was something to satisfy your palette. My go-to was eggs with burrata sauce, fresh mango slices and homemade kombucha.
We were woken up to full sunlight in our room upon drawing the curtains, an instead mood lifter and it felt like we were sleeping in the forest but with the five-star comfort of bed and sheets. We paid several visits to the resort's spa, which offers family-friendly hours, allowing children to share in moments of relaxation with their parents, a rare and appreciated feature. It's essential for children to share moments of balance with their parents, setting a slower pace even if just for a little while. Their wellness offering extends into a gym with outdoor space and reformer pilates machines to do your practise amidst the forest. The workout sessions in this location were game-changing for the mind and to top it off, there were delicious homemade cacao energy balls on hand.
Our adventures extended beyond the resort. A visit to the Sublime Comporta Beach Club introduced us to blue turquoise waters so widely spoken about in this part of Alentejo and white sands. In early spring, the beach is quiet and peaceful, with the sun shining brightly. We dived into a treat of fresh catch-of-the-day ceviche and I loved the lobster roll. A highlight was horseback riding with Filipa from Passeios a Cavalo. Nothing is more nurturing than being guided through pine forests to the beach on a horse and Filipa's gentle touch ensured even our 3-year-old felt safe and exhilarated.
In contrast, Sublime Lisboa brings the brand's ethos to the heart of the city. Set in a century-old townhouse in the upscale Amoreiras district, this 15-room boutique hotel combines nature’s charm with contemporary design. The interiors feature vibrant color palette, eclectic decor pieces and tasteful geometric wallpapers.The hotel highlight is a meal at Davvero, the hotel's Italian restaurant led by Chef Isaac Kumi. The menu is full of authentic flavors with a focus on artisanal products and freshly harvested ingredients, offering dishes that are comforting and innovative.
Our time at Sublime, Comporta was a gentle unraveling of the pace and pressures of modern life, from the moment we passed through that pink gate. Whether it was the serene spa sessions, the nourishing meals or simply the joy of watching our daughter explore the natural beauty and grounds, every moment contributed to a mental renewal. Our expectations were not only met but might just have been redefined… and we’d venture back soon for that breathe of fresh air.
Rates for cabana's with breakfast start from £500 per night at: www.sublimecomporta.pt/
