38°16' 39''N, 8°41'57''W Sublime Comporta, Grandola, Portugal

Beneath the whispering branches of the umbrella pines lies the unspoiled but sophisticated haven of Sublime, a place where untouched nature meets subtle luxury. With earthy but polished design echoing the seaside shacks built by generations of Portuguese fishermen, Sublime lies amid 17 hectares of forest and is flanked by the natural wonders of Sado Estuary nature reserve and a beach club.

Designed by architect José Alberto Charrua, this nature-inspired spa resort is spread across a number of sympathetically designed buildings, with secluded spaces offering soothing garden views and silvery pools. Within the airy interiors, tones of driftwood and sand play against white Danish linens and polished concrete walls. Each unique space is accented with the organic beauty of straw and local timber, subtly reflecting the rich landscape and romantically ramshackle architecture of the nearby Carrasqueira fishing port.

You need not wander beyond Sumblime Comporta’s expansive, sheltered grounds to experience the delights of Alentejo cuisine: three restaurants cook up local delicacies from razor clams to suckling pig. Pair with a glass of crisp vinho verde and an open heart.

Rooms and suites The 22 rooms and suites are housed within two long, ochre-toned structures that meld into the landscape; sweeping glass doors flood the rooms with natural light and open onto private terraces. Guests enjoy access to one of the four main pools; within the adults-only Owners House, a kingsize suite, private hot tub and two terraces offer unalloyed tranquillity.

Villas For those seeking even more seclusion, Sublime’s 23 private villas and cabanas are exquisitely peaceful. Nine Bio-Pool Suites with private decks and terraces open directly onto a huge natural pool – the water biologically filtered and cleaned by nature, and so invitingly fresh that it hosts a chorus of frogs and wild birds.

The freestanding, pavilion-like Cabana Suites house fully equipped kitchens, lavish freestanding bathtubs and rain-showers, with underfloor heating and private decks, and two to five bedrooms. Each has its own private plunge pool, should you tire of Comporta’s seemingly infinite white beaches, and its own outdoor fireplace for magical evenings beneath the stars.

How far to the nearest…

• Neighbour 1.5km
• Beach 10.2km
• Town 14.7km
• Shop 5.6km
• Off-site Café/Restaurant 1.4km
• Airport 127km (Lisbon)

Location A wildlife-rich private estate spanning 17 hectares, set between Comporta and the coast.

Build Trees have been built around or incorporated into structures to avoid felling; lower-impact stilted construction; sustainable materials used include weathered local timber and straw thatch. One of Europe’s biggest freshwater bio-pools, filtered by its own eco-system and totally chemical-free.

Energy Solar panels power the heated pools, underfloor heating system and hot water. Sumblime has a totally self-sufficient water supply, including WWPT for irrigation and mini ETAR for water treatment. E-vehicle charging points and e-bikes to rent. LED lights. Minimal single-use plastics.

Environment The Herdada de Comporta hosts miles of lush green paddies and forests of juniper, cork and pine. The kitchen garden is 100% organic, as is all the coffee served in the hotel. So joyful are the frogs and songbirds around the pool, you might need earplugs.

Digital detox Willpower required: all rooms have free WiFi and TVs.

Creature comforts Danish bedlinens, log fires, underfloor heating, air-conditioning; gymnasium, indoor pool, on-site spa with sauna, hammam and organic spa treatments; private pools and kitchens in Cabana Suites.

Comporta is home to one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches; from October to May, when it is too chilly for swimming, the temperature is perfect for exploring or horse riding along the pure white sands and through the sweeping dunes. Sublime’s heated floors, indoor pool and log fires give the cooler seasons a deeply comforting ambience.

Engage

Commune with nature in the Sado Estuary, where the rich bird life rewards careful attention, and a resident dolphin pod frolics in the waters. Wander the Roman ruins of Tróia and soak in Portugal’s history, or set sail at sunset for an evening on the sparkling Atlantic. The long, pristine beaches are perfect for surfing and windsurfing; lessons are easily organised in season. Pedal one of Sublime’s Dutch Johnny Loco bicycles through the sand dunes and find the perfect spot for a snooze. Vibrant Lisbon's red-roofed streets, bustling markets and modern museums are just a 90-minute drive away.

Savour

Surveying the unrivalled beauty of Carvalhal beach, Sublime's beach club restaurant focuses on fresh local seafood in summer (June –September). The nearby village of Comporta overflows with small-town charm and barefoot-chic beach-side dining. But you need not stray beyond the grounds of the resort to find great food: Sem Porta ('without a door') offers a seasonal menu starring ingredients from its organic kitchen garden; meals here celebrate nature in a sophisticated setting. Farm-to-table, fire-inspired dining under the stars is the focus at Food Circle (April–October). And in high season, Tasca da Comporta provides the full Portuguese petisco experience (tapas-style 'tidbits'): try traditional specialities such as octopus salad and pica-pau beef.

Sublime’s wine cellar can lead you on a journey through Portugal’s 250 varieties of wine-making grapes – including six Sublime wines. And when you leave, you can bring another souvenir of your time: Sublime’s own artisanal olive oil.

Go slow

Long languid days lend themselves to a different, slower pace of life; one where every moment is to be savoured. Wander unhindered and listen to the birdsong. Breathe deep with a relaxing massage or treatment in the spa. Pack a picnic to relish after exploring the rice paddies by bicycle. Early morning yoga leads to horseback adventures, and an evening spent sipping muscatel de Setúbal by an open fire.