Adrian Kołodziej from Luxury Boutique, talks to Alda Filipe from Palmares Ocean Living & Golf in the Algarve

Palmares Ocean Living & Golf is a luxury resort in Portugal's Algarve with homes for sale, a boutique hotel, a 27-hole golf course, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Al Sud. The resort has attracted significant international attention. To learn more, we spoke with Alda Filipe, Sales and Marketing Director at Kronos Homes.

Good morning, I'm glad we were able to meet to discuss Palmares Ocean Living & Golf. Al Sud has just announced its new menu for summer 2023. Can you share the inspiration behind it?

The new menu celebrates the best flavors of the Algarve. Our chef, Louis Anjos, is passionate about local cuisine. His goal is to tell a story through Algarve products, combining creativity with deeply traditional flavors. The result is incredible – we offer a menu of ten "moments" that take guests on a true gastronomic journey.

One of my personal favorites from the new menu is the tuna with oysters from the Alvor Estuary. The terrace of the Al Sud restaurant overlooks the estuary, creating a beautiful sense of balance with the natural environment. The same applies to the entire menu—it's a real joy to experience the innovations that Chef Anjos and his team bring to local flavors. The duck with foie gras, orange, and Carolina rice from Vale do Sado, Portugal, is another excellent example. And the Algarve almond dessert with muscat and rosemary is simply outstanding.

One of the fascinating aspects of Palmares is the way the resort blends architecture and nature. How did you achieve this?

This has been a key goal for us in everything we've built, from the clubhouse to the individual homes available for purchase in Palmares. It's about achieving harmony between the ocean, the golf course, the surrounding greenery, and the development.

The RCR Arquitectes team was fantastic in helping us achieve this. There are strict requirements regarding building density, height restrictions, and more. The team was also incredibly attentive to building in accordance with the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) sustainability accreditation framework. This is evident in everything from daylighting and water-saving measures to the use of natural, responsibly sourced materials during the construction process.

Colors and textures also reflect the beauty of the natural environment, both inside and outside the homes. From the rich clay tones of the insulated Stucco finish in the Signature Apartments to the stone baseboards, harmony with nature was a top priority.

Why do you think Palmares Ocean Living and Golf has attracted such an international clientele?

We now have owners from all over the world at Palmares, including those from Portugal, northern Europe, and as far away as the USA and Canada. I think the luxury of Palmares is a major attraction, as is the tranquility of the surroundings. Here, our owners can truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, forgetting their worries and focusing on their well-being.

The 27-hole Palmares golf course is also very popular with our international owners. Designed by renowned American architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., it features a unique blend of challenging terrain and stunning views. It's a great way to stay fit while enjoying a healthy dose of sunshine and nature. Of course, the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant is also a major attraction.

The ease of access to the Algarve has also helped many international travelers discover the region for the first time. You can fly directly from many different destinations, or you can fly into Lisbon and then drive to the Algarve—a truly beautiful drive through the rolling Alentejo countryside.

For Polish readers, it is important whether it is possible to fly to the Algarve directly from Poland.

Yes, absolutely. From Warsaw, you can fly directly to Faro, the main airport in the Algarve. Faro is well-located for access to the entire Algarve. Palmares Ocean Living and Golf is about an hour west of the airport, and if you travel about the same time east, you can reach the Spanish border.

I think Poles visiting the Algarve for the first time will be surprised by how much there is to do. Portugal is so much more than beaches! From art exhibitions and sand sculptures to challenging mountain walks, there's so much to discover in the Algarve.

What property options do buyers have if they want a second home in Palmares Ocean Living and Golf?

The resort has something for everyone when it comes to its properties. Our Signature Apartments have proven very popular. We offer two types of apartments – two- and three-bedroom, with exceptional views of the Alvor Estuary and Meia Praia, the largest beach in the Lagos area.

Signature apartments start at €600,000, while plots for custom-built villas start at €1.25 million. All homes are built in harmony with nature, with an emphasis on tranquility and views. Each home also includes a one-year golf club membership for two.

Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Portugal and Spain have become some of the most popular countries for Poles to buy second homes in. Do you think second-home buyers' expectations are changing when it comes to owning property in Portugal?

Absolutely. More and more people are discovering Portugal as a luxury travel destination. The Algarve, in particular, has managed to combine family vacations with a range of luxurious amenities and attractions. A prime example is the fact that our Michelin-starred restaurant has been so well-received by tourists. A visit to the Algarve is no longer just about access to beaches and charming towns. Yes, Poles and citizens of other countries can still see wonderful places here, but buyers are now looking for something more, which, of course, Palmares provides!

More information about Palmares Ocean Living & Golf:

e-mail: realestate@palmaresresort.com

phone: (+351) 917 766 932

website: https://palmaresliving.com/

Exclusively for Luxury Boutique Magazine. Interviewed by Adrian Kołodziej

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