A new luxury retreat celebrating Portugal’s rich literary and wine heritage has arrived in the Algarve. On 1 March 2026, Wine & Books by the Sea Algarve Resort, the latest opening from Portuguese hotel group PBH, welcomed its first guests within the protected landscapes of Reserva Natural dos Salgados, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The new Wine & Books by the Sea, Algarve Resort follows the rebranding of VidaMar Algarve Resort, which first opened in 2013 and quickly became a landmark in Portugal’s hospitality industry. Now, under a renewed concept and strategic positioning, the property enters a new chapter with a soft opening until the end of March.
After establishing itself in Porto and Lisbon, the Wine & Books concept designed to showcase Portuguese culture through a unique hospitality experience will present a refreshed vision of the hotel with an investment of €12 million in the brand adaptation project.
The five-star resort is 5 miles from the resort town of Armação de Pêra and features 250 rooms and suites across six categories, including spacious suites and connecting pool-view rooms designed for families and groups.
Set within landscaped grounds featuring hundreds of palm trees overlooking the beach, the resort offers four outdoor pools, two indoor pools, a gym, spa and kids’ club, alongside dedicated event spaces—positioning the property as a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the Algarve.
“The Wine & Books Hotels signature aims to convey what Portugal is and what it means to be Portuguese, through literature, gastronomy and national wines,” says Carlos Saraiva, Chairman of PBH. “The essence of this project is to act as ambassadors of Portuguese culture through a rich, disruptive and complementary hospitality experience. This new investment in the Algarve reaffirms that strategy, elevating the destination through quality, excellence, exclusivity and highly personalised service.”
Gastronomy at the heart of the experience
Dining sits at the centre of the guest experience, with five distinctive restaurant concepts celebrating global flavours and Portuguese culinary heritage. Guests can choose from Mediterranean and Asian cuisine to Italian classics and authentic Portuguese gastronomy, designed to reflect the region’s rich food and wine culture.
A highlight is Balcão da Tasca da Memória, a signature element present in every Wine & Books hotel. Here the hotel revives the concept of the traditional Portuguese tasca (a Portuguese eatery known for its classic, hearty dishes) bringing back classic recipes from the past and reinterpreting them for the 21st century. Guests can taste well known delicacies, prepared with the same authentic flavours, but elevated with a touch of sophistication. All of this unfolds in an elegant and welcoming atmosphere, where excellence in service remains a top priority.
Nature-inspired design
The interior architecture and decoration project was led by architect Joana Saraiva, Board Member of PBH, in a concept inspired by nature and designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.
“Soft tones inspired by the sand dunes, combined with muted greens reminiscent of palm trees, lagoon and golf course, create a serene and welcoming atmosphere where comfort is our priority. The iconic bookshelves, symbol of the Wine & Books Hotels brand, stand out, complemented by warm woods and traditionally crafted furniture that reinforce the authenticity and artisanal character of the project,” notes Joana Saraiva.
Rates vary between €299/£257 per night and €490/£421 per night depending on the season for a Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis.
For more information visit www.winebookshotels.com/en/algarve/
