The aldeias are the ancient Portuguese medieval villages, strategically perched near the frontier. These settlements, made up of small houses and granite and schist towers, were once governed by the nobleman of the time and had a deep sense of community. Independente Comporta, with its white cottages scattered across twelve hectares of sand and maquis, seeks to evoke that spirit of solidarity, where everyone had their role. It promotes the meeting of locals and tourists, blending cultures, and marking the day with new rituals. There is a noir film program, a concert lineup, a farm-to-table market, a newsstand, and a grocery store. Visitors sleep in 34 cottages and 40 rooms, furnished with one eye on design and the other on Portuguese tradition. The ceramic wall sconces are handmade in Melides, the lamps are handwoven in Évora, the chairs are made in Algarve, and the tapestries are woven in Alentejo, with custom-made patterns. Lisbon is an hour’s drive away, the ocean just a few meters away. Our senses, accustomed to the Mediterranean, take a moment to adjust to the vast beaches and oversized waves. The light, however, is similar, alternating between dazzling, golden, and maternal. The project is part of the Independente group by the D’Eça Leal brothers, inspired travelers who, ten years ago, returned to Portugal and created a collection of hotels and restaurants with strong creative value, redefining the idea of hospitality in Portugal.

Words Meraviglia Paper. Pictures Valerio Vescio.