Praia do Canal
ALGARVE / HOTEL / TRIED & TESTED
Cradled within the vast Vicentina Coast Natural Park, Praia do Canal feels like a secret held between ocean and hills. From its perch above untamed valleys and dramatic cliffs, the hotel gazes out over endless horizons where the Atlantic meets the sky in shifting shades of blue and silver. The architecture is bold yet restrained - clean lines, stone walls, and wide panes of glass that let the wild beauty flood in. Inside, natural textures and earthy tones create an atmosphere that is quietly elegant, allowing the drama of the landscape to take centre stage. Every corner seems designed to frame a moment - the play of light across a terrace, the hush of sea breeze drifting through an open window, the soft silhouette of the cliffs at dusk.
Unlike some of the more rustic stays in the area, Praia do Canal offers the comforts of a full hotel experience, making it ideal for those who want to be immersed in nature without giving up a sense of indulgence. The spa is at its heart - a serene retreat where time slows, with heated pools, saunas, and treatments that draw on the healing rhythm of the elements. Days unfold between long walks along deserted beaches, restorative hours by the infinity pool, and evenings of simply refined dining that celebrate the flavours of the Algarve. This is a place where wilderness and sophistication meet, inviting you to rest deeply, breathe fully, and fall in step with the timeless pulse of the coast.
Room Service
Location: Aljezur, West Algarve, set within the Vicentina Coast Natural Park.
Price: 56 rooms and suites, with prices starting from around 250€ per night.
Highlights: A strikingly modern yet soulful hotel, where clean design and natural materials blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness. Expansive views, a full spa, and infinity pool make it a rare balance of luxury and raw Atlantic beauty.
Our favourite room: The Deluxe Suites with private terraces are perfect for watching the sun melt into the cliffs.
Services: Full hotel experience with multiple restaurants and bars, the Esteva Spa offering saunas, steam rooms, and pools, plus curated activities from hiking to surfing. Thoughtful touches throughout invite you to slow down and immerse into nature’s rhythm.
Designed by: Portuguese architects with a vision to create a contemporary retreat that honours the wild landscape.
Photography by: Design Escapes Portugal.
The Neighbourhood: Tucked inside the protected park, the hotel feels deliciously remote, yet within reach of Aljezur’s laid-back town and the dramatic surf beaches of the West Coast. Vineyards, hidden coves, and miles of rugged coastal trails make this a place to wander, linger, and return to again and again.
Praia do Canal is a member of the Design Escapes Club, tried & tested by us.
The Map
Praia do Canal lies deep within the Vicentina Coast Natural Park, just south of Aljezur on the Algarve’s wild West Coast. The closest airport is Faro - from there, rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills and rugged coastline, with the freedom to explore hidden beaches and cliff-top trails along the way.
Download the Design Escapes Directory for local inspiration & The Map to ensure you don’t miss out any spots on your journey.