A low ring-shaped building on a rocky headland above the Atlantic at sunset

Atalaia Retreat

2026

A ring of timber and stone on the headland,
sheltering a quiet garden from the Atlantic
while every room turns to face the sea.

Location
Costa Vicentina, Algarve, Portugal
Year
2026
Site
3.2 ha
Building
2,400 m²
Program
18 guest rooms, restaurant + spa
Status
Schematic design

The Concept

Atalaia is the Portuguese word for a lookout, after the old watchtowers of this coast. The retreat keeps that watchful posture but gives it a gentler purpose: a single low ring set into the coastal scrub, its outer edge facing the ocean, its inner edge enclosing a planted courtyard sheltered from the wind. A continuous timber colonnade links every room to the garden.

Aerial view of the ring-shaped retreat set into coastal scrub above the cliffs
The retreat's long curved roofline on the clifftop above the Atlantic at sunset
A lit path through low planting leading between the two wings of the retreat at dusk
Long timber dining room with full-height glazing onto the coastline
Stone and timber living room opening onto a terrace facing the sea
Deep timber eaves and glazing seen from below against an overcast sky
A still infinity pool reflecting the timber colonnade and the coast
The low building lit at dusk on the headland above the sea
Site plan of the ring-shaped retreat on the headland
The retreat glowing along the clifftop under a deep blue evening sky
The planted inner courtyard enclosed by the curving timber colonnade
A covered timber walkway running along the glazed rooms

The Result

From the water, the building almost disappears: a thin roofline following the edge of the cliff. Guests move between two worlds, the exposed headland with its light, salt and open horizon, and the calm of the enclosed garden. Deep eaves, local stone and untreated timber allow the retreat to weather with the coast rather than resist it.

Next Project

2026

The Fold