Viceroy Ombria Algarve – The Algarve, But Elevated

The Algarve, but not the one you know.

Forget busy beach resorts, rows of bars and the familiar holiday scene along the coast. Tucked away in the hills near Loulé, surrounded by cork forests, citrus groves, vineyards, and sweeping countryside views, Viceroy Ombria Algarve offers a quieter, more considered way to experience this beautiful corner of Portugal.

Just around 30 minutes from Faro Airport, Ombria feels wonderfully removed from the outside world, yet remains close enough to explore the Algarve beyond the resort.

And that, for me, is its biggest appeal.

Luxury in the Countryside

Opened in June 2025, Ombria has been created as a luxury resort with a difference. It has everything you would expect: beautiful accommodation, five pools, a fabulous spa and gym, restaurants, bars and an 18-hole golf course - but its setting gives it a completely different feel.

The views are spectacular, with the pools looking out across the surrounding valleys and countryside.

The rooms are equally impressive. The Leading Rooms we stayed in were spacious, beautifully designed and incredibly comfortable, while larger two-bedroom accommodation can sleep up to seven guests, making Ombria an interesting option for families and groups.

There’s a small kids’ club and babysitting too, while the resort regularly hosts experiences such as cinema under the stars, BBQs and live music.

Experience the Real Algarve

Where Ombria really comes into its own, though, is its Experience Centre.

Rather than simply encouraging guests to stay within the resort, the team can help build an itinerary around what you actually enjoy.

That could mean hiking through the countryside, cycling, stargazing, wine tasting or exploring nearby villages. There are also opportunities to try pottery and ceramics, candle making, honey harvesting, pizza, bread and chocolate making, yoga, Pilates, meditation, sound baths, horse riding and ATV adventures.

For those who want to head out onto the water, yacht and coastal experiences can also be arranged.

The team can recommend local restaurants and places to visit too, making it much easier to experience the Algarve beyond the usual tourist trail.

Golf, Spa or Beach?

Golfers are particularly well catered for, with an 18-hole par-71 course and a buggy included with every tee time. Current hotel guest green fees are around €154 including buggy, with low-season golf from around €89.

For wellness lovers, there’s a beautiful spa and gym, with everything from yoga and Pilates to meditation and sound baths available.

And yes, you can still have a beach day.

From May to September, guests can use the complimentary shuttle to Vale do Lobo, around 25 minutes away, where Ombria has a beach club concession for guests.

It’s a great combination - wake up surrounded by peaceful countryside, then head to the coast when you fancy some time by the sea.

The food was another highlight of my stay.

From homemade breads and pastries to delicious ice cream, there’s a real emphasis on quality, with a choice of restaurants, cafés and bars across the resort.

Guests can choose between B&B and half-board, and I particularly liked the flexibility of the à la carte half-board option.

There’s also plenty of opportunity to explore Portuguese food and wine through the resort’s wider experiences and local recommendations.

Who Is Ombria For?

I think Ombria will appeal most to travellers who want something beyond the traditional Algarve holiday.

For couples, it offers luxury, wellness, golf, food, wine and plenty of opportunities to explore.

For families, there’s the space and facilities of a resort, but also a huge choice of activities that can be enjoyed together.

For groups, the combination of accommodation, dining, golf and experiences makes it somewhere you could genuinely spend quality time together.

I could also see it working particularly well as part of a three- or four-night multi-centre itinerary, allowing clients to combine a stay at Ombria with further exploration of Portugal or even a trip into southern Spain.

The Verdict

Viceroy Ombria Algarve isn‘t trying to compete with the traditional Algarve beach resort — and I think that‘s exactly why it works.

This is a place for slowing down, enjoying beautiful surroundings, eating well, exploring, switching off and experiencing a more authentic side of Portugal.

Think panoramic pools, peaceful countryside, luxury accommodation, fabulous food, golf, spa days, local villages, vineyards and experiences — with the beach still within easy reach when you want it.

This is the Algarve, but elevated.