The small town of Redondo in Alentejo is set to become a new hotspot for luxury tourism with the announcement of a €110 million hotel project. Nestled on the historic Herdade da Palheta, this development promises to blend natural beauty with cultural richness, aiming to attract both international visitors and local residents.
A Vision for Luxury Tourism
The Palheta project, financed by the Global Real Estate Fund and managed by Arbra Partners, is designed to be a “natural and cultural refuge away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.” Lucas Bitencourt, founder of Arbra, emphasized the significance of this investment, stating that Portugal has yet to see a project of this magnitude.
Architectural Excellence
The project will feature a five-star hotel with 60 luxurious rooms, alongside 35 villas and 20 country houses, all equipped with private pools and gardens. The design is led by renowned British architect John Pawson, who has expressed admiration for the extraordinary beauty of the Alentejo landscape. This will be Pawson’s largest project in Portugal to date.
Unique Amenities
In addition to high-end accommodations, the Palheta development will include:
- A wine club located in a century-old winery.
- An open-air amphitheater for events and performances.
- An art pavilion and studios for artists.
- A health and wellness center, complete with indoor and outdoor pools.
- Sports facilities, including tennis courts and fitness areas.
- An organic farm and a farm-to-table restaurant.
- An equestrian center and spaces dedicated to local handicrafts.
Sustainable Development
Construction is set to begin in 2025, following necessary demolition work on the site, which previously housed an abandoned project by the Vila Sol group. The new developers aim to create a sustainable vision for the area, focusing on a more appropriate scale for luxury tourism. The previous plans for a golf course have been scrapped, as they do not align with the Alentejo’s character.
A Bright Future for Alentejo
Bitencourt envisions Palheta as a transformative project that will elevate the Alentejo region, comparing it to renowned destinations like Provence and Tuscany. He believes that the area has immense potential for luxury tourism and that this project is just the beginning of what they hope to achieve in Portugal.
As the region prepares for this significant investment, the Palheta project is poised to redefine luxury travel in Alentejo, offering a unique blend of culture, nature, and architectural beauty.
