Gonçalo Pessoa’s journey to Comporta began with a friend’s invitation to this tranquil Portuguese getaway, located about an hour south of Lisbon. The area, with its unspoiled natural beauty, captivated him from the very first visit in 2001. His companion had long urged him to experience its allure, and compelling landscapes soon hooked him and his wife.
“It was the anti-Algarve,” he recalls. “It really was the opposite; it was untouched. It was nature at its best, simplicity, authenticity. It had it all.”
Initially, Pessoa aimed to construct a personal villa on a serene 42-acre expanse, surrounded by dunes, forests, and rice fields. However, as he observed the influx of visitors captivated by the region, he identified a gap: a lack of hospitality options. Thus, in 2014, Sublime opened as a boutique hotel with 14 rooms, transforming Comporta from a hidden spot into a chic destination for international travelers. With time, the establishment has expanded to feature striking villas that mirror the landscape, suites equipped with ecological pools, a variety of dining options, and even a sister location in Lisbon. Recently, Sublime launched its latest venture, Sublime Sand, to further elevate the travel experience.
Sublime Sand
The new Sublime Sand property features 43 distinctive villas, each offering private pools and indoor-outdoor fireplaces, with nightly rates starting around $1,400. The design of these accommodations echoes the landscape-inspired aesthetics of the original hotel, showcasing a modern interpretation of traditional Comporta architecture. Lisbon-based firm Fragmentos collaborated with the original architect, José Charrua, to bring this vision to life. Inside, minimalistic textures and neutral tones complement a focus on harmonizing indoor and outdoor spaces, aimed at creating a sense of connection with nature. Unlike its predecessor, Sublime Terracotta, which catered primarily to couples seeking an elegant retreat, Sublime Sand is designed to be a lively gathering place for families and larger groups, accommodating multi-generational vacations and corporate retreats alike.
“Now we have an optimal setting for three different worlds that can coexist in harmony,” Pessoa notes.
Distinct from typical boutique properties, Sublime hosts nine diverse restaurants, with plans for a Japanese venue next year. Pessoa’s passion for culinary experiences reflects in this array of dining options. “We aim to provide our guests with numerous choices to immerse them fully in our world,” he explains. Newly joining the culinary scene with Sublime Sand’s debut are Beefbar, a renowned global meat establishment, and Davvero, an elegant Italian restaurant imported from Sublime Lisbon. Other dining offerings include Sadu, celebrating traditional Portuguese dishes, the intimate Food Circle emphasizing live fire cooking, and Sem Porta, featuring classic cuisines from around the world.
Sublime Sand
Guests at Sublime Sand can take advantage of a private beach club situated approximately four miles from the hotel, with transportation provided for visitors. The property also offers a dedicated Kid’s Club, complete with its own pool, a spa, multiple gyms, and new tennis and padel courts. For those planning larger gatherings, whether for weddings or corporate events, Sublime Sand boasts an event space capable of accommodating up to 450 individuals.
Pessoa envisions that within this vibrant hotel, guests will be able to forge connections with one another, all while enjoying a unique sanctuary tailored for relaxation and enjoyment.
“In our hectic lives, we often lack time to connect with those we cherish. This space can facilitate bonding and enjoyment for groups traveling together,” he reflects.
