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NEWS
Kimpton launches its first branded resort and spa in Portugal
POSTED 07 Aug 2025 . BY Helen Andrews
The Wellness Hub has a heated indoor pool and six treatment rooms Credit: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel/ IHG Hotels and Resorts

Credit: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel/ IHG Hotels and Resorts
At Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, we aim to offer more than just a place to stay; we create energising, meaningful experiences that reflect the spirit of the region
– João Freitas, head of wellness operations and development in Portugal for Highgate
The resort’s 1,800sq m Wellness Hub has six treatment rooms, including one couples room
There is also a hydrotherapy spa circuit and an indoor heated pool
Subtle Energies is a skincare supplier for the spa
The property is managed by Highgate, a global real estate investment and hospitality management company
IHG’s portfolio of luxury lifestyle resorts now includes the first Kimpton-branded resort and spa in Portugal on the sands of São Rafael Beach near Albufeira, the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel.

The resort’s 1,800sq m Wellness Hub has six treatment rooms, including one couples room.

There is also a hydrotherapy spa circuit, including a flotation tank, vitality pool, experience showers, hot tub, sauna and Turkish baths.

A heated indoor pool, recovery lounge and a gym with rooms for spin and virtual classes complete the mix.

Standard guest access to the spa is limited to three hours and the facilities are limited to guests older than 16 years of age.

Subtle Energies is a skincare supplier for the spa. One of its treatments is the 24k gold age-defying facial.

The therapy, available for 60 or 90 minutes, combines collagen-boosting actives, mogra, 24k gold with massage to promote oxygenation of the skin and a reduction in wrinkles.

João Freitas, head of wellness operations and development in Portugal for Highgate, told Spa Business exclusively: “Bringing the Kimpton brand to Portugal marks an exciting step in our growth and the Algarve. With its rich culture, natural beauty and charm, the location is the perfect fit for the brand.

“At Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, we aim to offer more than just a place to stay; we create energising, meaningful experiences that reflect the spirit of the region,” added Freitas. “The addition of the Wellness Hub spa and fitness offering was essential to this vision, offering guests a space to recharge and reconnect.

The construction of the 149-key property was project managed by Lucid Development Group and interior design is by Portuguese designer Nini Andrade Silva.

Inspired by the Mediterranean landscape and tranquil pace of coastal life, Silva has incorporated natural textures and warm earthy tones into the decorations, as well as smooth stone surfaces, airy linens, handcrafted ceramics and timber accents.

The property is managed by Highgate, a global real estate investment and hospitality management company with an existing presence in Portugal.

Dining

The resort’s dining facilities represent the Kimpton brand’s commitment to gastronomy.

The Terra is a multi-modal venue offering drinks and café-style dining in a friendly atmosphere. It serves Portuguese pastries using local ingredients such as toasted almonds, fragrant oranges and honey from Madeira.

Sombra is a garden oasis serving fresh local seafood from an à la carte menu.

Marés offers a daytime beachfront option for meals made with market produce, such as Piri Piri chicken and Mediterranean wood-roasted beets.

Zénite is a rooftop bar where guests can drink cocktails and local wines while experiencing views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Freitas said, “With the resort’s bold design, locally-inspired dining, intuitive service and a focus on wellbeing, we’re redefining modern luxury into an authentic and transformative experience that resonates deeply with each guest.”

Kimpton

Kimpton was founded in 1981 by entrepreneur and keen traveller Bill Kimpton, who set out to redefine traditional hospitality.

Inspired by his adventures in Europe, Kimpton set up his synonymous company in San Francisco to bring a similar ethos of luxury hospitality to unique destinations across the US initially.

The brand now represents more than 75 properties and over 100 restaurants, bars and lounges globally.

Kimpton Atlântico Algarve joins the brand’s growing portfolio of luxury lifestyle hotels in Europe, including Kimpton Fitzroy London, Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella and Kimpton Main Frankfurt, with more destinations in the pipeline.

IHG

IHG, Intercontinental Hotels Group, is a global hospitality company with a collection of 20 hotel brands. It has more than 6,000 hotels in operation in more than 100 countries, with 2,200 more properties in development.

The property’s brands in their respective categories include:

Luxury and Lifestyle: Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, Six Senses, Regent Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo

Premium: voco hotels, Ruby, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts and EVEN Hotels

Essentials: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Garner hotels, avid hotels

Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites

Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
There is also a recovery lounge within the spa Credit: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel/ IHG Hotels and Resorts
The hydrotherapy spa circuit includes a vitality pool, flotation tank, experience showers, hot tub, sauna and Turkish baths Credit: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel/ IHG Hotels and Resorts
The 149-key property is managed by Highgate, a global real estate investment and hospitality management company Credit: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel/ IHG Hotels and Resorts
MORE NEWS
One in three spa practitioners have considered leaving the industry due to concerns about their own wellbeing
A new survey of UK and international spa practitioners shows that stress, burnout and wellbeing concerns have caused one in three respondents to consider leaving the industry.
UK updates physical activity guidelines with focus on daily movement
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Sauna advocate Becky Pelkonen drafts global public sauna-bathing charter
Becky Pelkonen, the sauna advocate and researcher, has unveiled the draft of a global public sauna-bathing charter.
Marriott International partners with Fitwel for wellness solutions across its residential portfolio
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Elemis launches its first Red Light Mask, lighting the way to advanced skin health and restoration
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Zerobody Cryo: Starpool's contrast therapy solution
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COMPANY PROFILES
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CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

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DIRECTORY
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DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

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+ More diary  
 
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Uniting the world of spa & wellness
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Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Kimpton launches its first branded resort and spa in Portugal
POSTED 07 Aug 2025 . BY Helen Andrews
The Wellness Hub has a heated indoor pool and six treatment rooms Credit: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel/ IHG Hotels and Resorts
Credit: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel/ IHG Hotels and Resorts
At Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, we aim to offer more than just a place to stay; we create energising, meaningful experiences that reflect the spirit of the region
– João Freitas, head of wellness operations and development in Portugal for Highgate
The resort’s 1,800sq m Wellness Hub has six treatment rooms, including one couples room
There is also a hydrotherapy spa circuit and an indoor heated pool
Subtle Energies is a skincare supplier for the spa
The property is managed by Highgate, a global real estate investment and hospitality management company
IHG’s portfolio of luxury lifestyle resorts now includes the first Kimpton-branded resort and spa in Portugal on the sands of São Rafael Beach near Albufeira, the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel.

The resort’s 1,800sq m Wellness Hub has six treatment rooms, including one couples room.

There is also a hydrotherapy spa circuit, including a flotation tank, vitality pool, experience showers, hot tub, sauna and Turkish baths.

A heated indoor pool, recovery lounge and a gym with rooms for spin and virtual classes complete the mix.

Standard guest access to the spa is limited to three hours and the facilities are limited to guests older than 16 years of age.

Subtle Energies is a skincare supplier for the spa. One of its treatments is the 24k gold age-defying facial.

The therapy, available for 60 or 90 minutes, combines collagen-boosting actives, mogra, 24k gold with massage to promote oxygenation of the skin and a reduction in wrinkles.

João Freitas, head of wellness operations and development in Portugal for Highgate, told Spa Business exclusively: “Bringing the Kimpton brand to Portugal marks an exciting step in our growth and the Algarve. With its rich culture, natural beauty and charm, the location is the perfect fit for the brand.

“At Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, we aim to offer more than just a place to stay; we create energising, meaningful experiences that reflect the spirit of the region,” added Freitas. “The addition of the Wellness Hub spa and fitness offering was essential to this vision, offering guests a space to recharge and reconnect.

The construction of the 149-key property was project managed by Lucid Development Group and interior design is by Portuguese designer Nini Andrade Silva.

Inspired by the Mediterranean landscape and tranquil pace of coastal life, Silva has incorporated natural textures and warm earthy tones into the decorations, as well as smooth stone surfaces, airy linens, handcrafted ceramics and timber accents.

The property is managed by Highgate, a global real estate investment and hospitality management company with an existing presence in Portugal.

Dining

The resort’s dining facilities represent the Kimpton brand’s commitment to gastronomy.

The Terra is a multi-modal venue offering drinks and café-style dining in a friendly atmosphere. It serves Portuguese pastries using local ingredients such as toasted almonds, fragrant oranges and honey from Madeira.

Sombra is a garden oasis serving fresh local seafood from an à la carte menu.

Marés offers a daytime beachfront option for meals made with market produce, such as Piri Piri chicken and Mediterranean wood-roasted beets.

Zénite is a rooftop bar where guests can drink cocktails and local wines while experiencing views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Freitas said, “With the resort’s bold design, locally-inspired dining, intuitive service and a focus on wellbeing, we’re redefining modern luxury into an authentic and transformative experience that resonates deeply with each guest.”

Kimpton

Kimpton was founded in 1981 by entrepreneur and keen traveller Bill Kimpton, who set out to redefine traditional hospitality.

Inspired by his adventures in Europe, Kimpton set up his synonymous company in San Francisco to bring a similar ethos of luxury hospitality to unique destinations across the US initially.

The brand now represents more than 75 properties and over 100 restaurants, bars and lounges globally.

Kimpton Atlântico Algarve joins the brand’s growing portfolio of luxury lifestyle hotels in Europe, including Kimpton Fitzroy London, Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella and Kimpton Main Frankfurt, with more destinations in the pipeline.

IHG

IHG, Intercontinental Hotels Group, is a global hospitality company with a collection of 20 hotel brands. It has more than 6,000 hotels in operation in more than 100 countries, with 2,200 more properties in development.

The property’s brands in their respective categories include:

Luxury and Lifestyle: Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, Six Senses, Regent Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo

Premium: voco hotels, Ruby, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts and EVEN Hotels

Essentials: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Garner hotels, avid hotels

Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites

Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
There is also a recovery lounge within the spa Credit: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel/ IHG Hotels and Resorts
The hydrotherapy spa circuit includes a vitality pool, flotation tank, experience showers, hot tub, sauna and Turkish baths Credit: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel/ IHG Hotels and Resorts
The 149-key property is managed by Highgate, a global real estate investment and hospitality management company Credit: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Hotel/ IHG Hotels and Resorts
MORE NEWS
One in three spa practitioners have considered leaving the industry due to concerns about their own wellbeing
A new survey of UK and international spa practitioners shows that stress, burnout and wellbeing concerns have caused one in three respondents to consider leaving the industry.
UK updates physical activity guidelines with focus on daily movement
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Sauna advocate Becky Pelkonen drafts global public sauna-bathing charter
Becky Pelkonen, the sauna advocate and researcher, has unveiled the draft of a global public sauna-bathing charter.
Marriott International partners with Fitwel for wellness solutions across its residential portfolio
Marriott International has partnered with Fitwel, a healthy building certification system that aims to optimise occupant health.
Anna Bjurstam steps down from Six Senses to build new company Wahayla
Anna Bjurstam has left her role as Wellness Pioneer at Six Senses Hotels and Resorts and launched a new wellness, longevity and “consciousness consultancy” called Wahayla.
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, opens with spa philosophy of ‘Wellness without Walls’
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, has opened today (10 July) in the Northwest of England with a 1,715sq m Fairmont Spa that has been designed using a ‘Wellness without Walls’ concept.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Elemis launches its first Red Light Mask, lighting the way to advanced skin health and restoration
Elemis has branched into LED skincare with the launch of its breakthrough Red Light Mask. [more...]

Zerobody Cryo: Starpool's contrast therapy solution
Contrast therapy, based on the alternation of hot and cold rituals, has become one of the most valued practices in the fields of wellness and recovery. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Prism Light Pod

Prism Light Pod launched its first whole-body red light bed in 2016. We expanded with the Prism Li [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
10-12 Sep 2026

ASEAN Patio Pool Spa Expo 2026

MITEC Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, Malaysia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
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