“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu
Location
Just over an hour from Lisbon along the Alentejo coast lies the quiet fishing village of Comporta, an area often referred to as the ‘Hamptons of Portugal’. A favoured escape for Lisbon’s elite, it also attracts the likes of other notable European figures, such as Christian Louboutin, Anselm Kiefer and Jacques Grange. Home to seemingly infinite white sand beaches, surfable Atlantic waves, rice paddies and a vast sandy pine forest. Hidden within this forest, you will find Sublime.
Atmosphere
The essence of Sublime is tranquil. There is no immediate hub or converging point, and there’s a palpable sense that there isn’t one for miles outside either, just pure forest. Nature is the life force of this property, whether it’s from the golden ripples on the natural pool surface, the well-kept cats feasting on kibble left by the staff, or the gentle birdsong overhead in the trees.
Whilst the warmer months are the obvious time for Sublime to really come into its own, the winter does offer an equally compelling escape. Surrounded by an evergreen pine forest, the cabanas take on the feeling of a cosy woodland retreat, made even more cosy by the in-room wood burners for cooler days.
Design
Interiors are understated and made with local materials with an abundance of polished wooden surfaces, natural textures and white linen. Sliding wicker doors separating the living and bath rooms complement the property’s bohemian design, arguably at the expense of true privacy. Woven straw circles are studded along the walls, contrasting against the wrought iron clawed mirror and free-standing lamps. Dramatic basket-like lampshades can be found from the ceilings of the communal buildings, whose exteriors are formed from terracotta concrete, timber and vast glass windows. The design allows the natural surroundings to be the focus of the property.
Rooms & Suites
The resort is set over two wings: the Terracotta wing, set in the more forested area and the very recently opened Sand wing. The rooms and suites are integrated into the landscape and hidden by trees and shrubs, ensuring total privacy. The villas vary in style and are inspired by the local Carrasqueira fishing cottages, each has its own shared private pools and terraces, as well as a living area and kitchen.
The suites range from the Spa, the Mezzanine and the unique Biopool Suites, which are the most sought after. The nine bio pool suites sit on the edge of the pool, with private terraces where guests can dive into the water from. Under the surface, the natural pool is cleverly sectioned off, so each suite has its own swimming area away from the plants and lilypads.
Wellness
With an indoor and outdoor pool, the Terracotta Wing spa is compact but Aqua, in the Sand Wing compensates. It is designed for health and well-being focused experiences where guests can linger all day. Treatments may also take place in your suite.
The gym is extensive, with two rooms of state of the art equipment and large glass windows emblemed with inspirational English, French and Portuguese quotes to ponder on whilst exercising. Thoughtful cold towels are readily available at the water stations. The tennis and padel courts are set slightly apart from the rest of the property, while tucked between the biopool suites is a yoga studio overlooking the reeds and glistening water. An outdoor plunge pool sits beside the sun beds outside the reception building, allowing children to splash around while adults unwind in the peaceful surroundings.
Dining
In the high season, Sublime certainly does not lack for dining outlets. The Terracotta Wing’s Sem Porta serves reimagined international dishes, light bar snacks and a delightful banoffee pudding. The adjoining bar serves artisanal cocktails and non-alcoholic infusions, and the bar team are happy to improvise cocktails suited to one’s specific taste.
The Food Circle is an intimate fire-led dining experience where guests are seated around the oyfr and fresh ingredients from the property are prepared and cooked using ancestral techniques. Canalho, helmed by chef Joao Rodrigues, offers a traditional and relaxed Iberian cuisine, and the Monte Carlo born Beef Bar, its only outpost in Portugal, serves sharing plates of premium meats.
In the Sand Wing, Davvero, open only for the summer season, serves an Italian focused cuisine reinterpreted with Portuguese ingredients. The poolside Davvero BLU promises pizzas and small sharing plates. Just ten minutes from the property is Praia de Carvalho. Home to The Sublime Beach Club, where guests can revive themselves after a day of surfing with fresh lemonade, zingy ceviche and fresh fish. Comporta is usually associated with a more low-key and slower pace of life. However, for those in need of a dose of something more upbeat, the elegant and vibrant Ruína, the resort’s nightclub, will open its doors this July.
Closing
Days are spent slowly, with guests drifting beside their pools, disappearing towards the surf or retreating into the stillness of their suites, watching and listening to the forest around them. Like the natural landscape that surrounds it, Sublime exists as its own ecosystem; it does not revolve around a centre. Everything here coexists in a gentle equilibrium.
Photography courtesy of Sublime Comporta.
