The Crush: Sublime Comporta

We love Comporta for so many reasons. There’s the relaxed glamorous vibe. There’s the glorious nature, with its mix of rugged cork trees and umbrella pines, emerald green rice fields, sand dunes, and epic white sandy beaches. There’s the food, the local wines, the music, and the scene.

Before Sublime Comporta, Comporta holidays were a treat for those in the know: the international designers and artists who had their own houses in this fishing village-turned-resort village south of Lisbon. The resort has only added to the cool factor, while offering excellent luxury restaurants, a great spa, and the new Sublime Comporta Beach Club for those who prefer to have their own private villa in the region. We call it our happy place.

THE CONCEPT

Owned by a prominent Portuguese family, Sublime Comporta is a project on a 17-acre estate that puts nature first. Most of the land is protected, and the hotel footprint is small. That leaves a lot of wild land, a magical, unspoiled place to be discovered.

Although it’s glamorous, it’s deeply authentic. This isn’t a case of outsiders coming in, but about locals presenting the best of their region to the wider world. You feel the cultural heritage and the genuine welcome, the hospitality of the local population and the excellent food and wine.

SUSTAINABILITY

A real commitment to sustainability – no mere lip-service – is part of Sublime Comporta’s DNA, and we can feel that immediately whenever we set foot on the grounds. The organic permaculture garden, with more than 300 varieties of herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers is front and center. These are used not only in the restaurants and bar, but also in the spa, creating special sensorial experiences.

The architecture was designed to be low-impact and sustainable, with reclaimed materials and positioning that disturbs as few trees as possible. There are solar panels and smart water systems throughout, and in 2019, Sublime Comporta received the Biosphere Certification, a recognition of properties that guarantee an adequate long-term balance between economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions.

OUR PICKS

What we can never go without at Sublime Comporta

FOOD

At the main resort, there are three top-notch dining experiences, all of which use ingredients from that organic garden. The main restaurant, Sem Porta (“without a door”), emphasizes seasonal fare and the culinary traditions of Portugal and the Alentejo region. The chef sources ingredients from local fishermen, ranchers, and winemakers.

In summer, the open-air Tasca da Comporta offers typical Portuguese small plates, called petiscos, such as pica pau (beef loin with pickled vegetables), octopus salad, and clams with bulhão pato sauce (lemon, garlic, and coriander).

The most special dining experience is Food Circle, a round counter in the middle of the garden where only 12 people each evening share an unforgettable meal under the stars. The chefs prepare everything right in front of them, using only ancestral cooking methods, particularly fire.

DRINK

The lobby bar, which is open to the public, has a striking architecture and craft cocktails, many of which use ingredients from the garden. The bar and restaurants all have a rigorous selection of the best Portuguese wines, including some private-label vintages produced in collaboration with a nearby winery.

SPA

The Sublime Spa more than lives up to its name. We like to book an appointment whenever we’re in the area to indulge of one of the soothing body treatments or rejuvenating facials.

Nature is the guiding force behind everything that is done in the spa. Ingredients from Sublime’s own organic garden feature into many of the treatments, whether in the form of herbal compresses or infused essential oils. Sea salt, milled rice, and olive stone scrubs from the region make appearances too, and these are complimented by products from Amala Organic Skincare, one of the most efficient sustainable cosmetic brands in the world.

Sublime Comporta
Address: EN 261-1, Muda, Grandôla
Telephone: +351 269 449 376
Website: sublimecomporta.pt

BEACH CLUB

The new Sublime Comporta Beach Club was the talk of the town (and the talk of Lisbon) last summer, and for very good reason. With its location between the dunes and the waves, its indoor-outdoor layout, and its rustic-chic interior design, it quickly became the spot for leisurely lunches and sublime sunsets.  

With its location, in front of a wide stretch of sand on Praia do Carvalhal, and its name recognition, the Sublime Comporta Beach Club wouldn’t actually have to provide good food to draw a crowd. But it does. Like other luxury restaurants in the region, it has spectacular fresh fish – choose your own from the iced display of the day’s catch– and sharable raw and cooked seafood dishes. But it also has a good selection of grilled meats and international favorites like guacamole and big salads.

All in all, Sublime Comporta is one of those spots that just makes us feel good – connected to the nature around us, as well as our loved ones and ourselves.

To know about the Sublime Comporta Beach Club and other great Comporta beach bars in the area, check out 

Sublime Comporta Beach Club
Address: Praia do Carvalhal
Telephone: +351 269 249 540 or +351 966 006 552
Website: sublimecomportabeachclub.pt

WHERE TO STAY IN COMPORTA

With Le Collectionist, finding luxury villa rentals in Comporta have never been easier. Explore our collection to discover luxury Portugal holidays and other luxury holiday destinations.