There’s a swirl of activity in the lobby of Martinhal Sagres when we check in on a Friday afternoon. But it isn’t the usual comings and goings of a busy resort hotel. Clothing rails are being constructed, product displays perfected and, everywhere we look, there are beautifully dressed people carrying beautiful things.
It feels like we’ve stumbled into a gallery space ahead of opening night – which, in many ways, we have. We’re here for the twelfth edition of the resort’s Art, Design & Wellbeing Weekend. The intriguing, off-season event takes place every November, bringing together Portuguese and international artists, artisans and brands.
People who love to ooh and aah over beautiful things (that would be me) get introduced to brands that would otherwise not be on their radar. The makers, meanwhile, get to mingle with like-minded creatives. While this is my first time staying in Martinhal Sagres, I’ve been aware of the luxury beach resort for quite some time.
Parents of young children rave about its family-friendly offering , which includes a baby concierge service, kids’ clubs and activities galore. Beach views from Martinhal Sagres But this isn’t your typical, conveyor belt-style family getaway, as we discover shortly after checking in. Overlooking the rugged beauty of Martinhal Beach on the Western Algarve coast, and set within a 40-hectare protected natural park, it feels more like an artisanal Club Med.
The connection to nature continues inside, where .