Ocean, Sand & Land: Praia do Canal Nature Resort, Portugal

An absolutely unique location in the middle of a wild natural park

Hidden in a treasured landscape between the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Parks, Praia do Canal Nature Resort is the place for those in search of unspoilt and inspiring nature.

The property is set in over 220 hectares of pure nature, stretching from a higher plateau down a valley to the ocean, where the waves break onto the shore of Praia do Canal beach.

Spectacularly isolated, offering breathtaking silence and a rare opportunity to gaze at the stars.

ACCOMMODATION

Praia do Canal Nature Resort is composed of 56 rooms and suites, making it the perfect destination for everyone, from lonely travelers to large families.

These feature spacious balconies or terraces with direct access to a semi-private garden area, offering panoramic views over the valley onto the Atlantic Ocean.

Everything from the outside of the property to the hotel itself is spacious, comfortable, authentic, and discreet.

DINING

Dining at Praia do Canal Nature Resort is like taking a journey through the culinary heritage of the Alentejo and Algarve regions of Portugal.

The ingredients are preferentially sourced from local producers: sausages and peanuts from Rogil (Feiterinha) and Serra de Monchique; cheeses from Odemira, Serpa, and Évora; fish from the Altantic Ocean; seafood from Ria Formosa and Ria de Alvor; black pork from Barrancos and Estremoz; steer from São Teotónio, and so on.

The hotel’s main restaurant, Azeitona (Olive), draws its inspiration from the sea and the land surrounding the estate, offering a regionally inspired fine cuisine based on fresh local organic ingredients sourced directly from the local community. Open daily, it’s the perfect way to unveil the region’s most exquisite culinary traditions and recipes.

Medronho is the very heart of the hotel. Similar to a town center, it’s where everybody gathers to have a refreshing drink, enjoy a delightful meal with privileged views, and keep up with what’s happening. If you prefer a more secluded place to enjoy an afternoon tea or a cocktail named after the surrounding beaches by a traditional fireplace, Medronho Bar (arbutus) is the place to go.

Zimbro is a restaurant with a more relaxed atmosphere located close to the hotel’s main pool area, making it the perfect setting for a midday light meal or casual dinner with panoramic views over the Nature Reserve and the Atlantic. With a wood-fired oven and Josper, its signature dishes include fresh grilled fish, shellfish, and shellfish from the coast, all seasoned with the iconic blend of Alentejo garlic and coriander, or grilled chicken from local farms, all accompanied by fresh seasonal vegetables, like Aljezur’s iconic baked sweet potato. But rest assured, if you want a good organic pizza, you can also count on Zimbro to offer one of the best you’ve ever tasted.

WELLNESS & SPA

The Esteva Spa & Health Club offers an oasis of tranquility and relaxation. Located in the gardens of the hotel and surrounded by the extraordinary landscape of the South-West Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Parks, its serene yet contemporary atmosphere makes it the perfect refuge to unwind, restore, and rejuvenate.

Featuring a heated indoor and outdoor swimming pool, two massage rooms, a Turkish bath (hammam), a 90-degree Celsius Finnish sauna, a 70% bio sauna, and an indoor and outdoor relaxation zone, it also offers a cold plunge tank and an ice water bucket for the most intrepid souls.

All face and body treatments—from anti-aging routines to relaxing body massages, including men’s and pregnancy-targeted solutions—are performed with Elemi products, a renowned skin wellness brand with an aromatherapist’s soul, an artist’s spirit, and a scientist’s commitment to results.

ACTIVITIES

Praia do Canal Nature Resort introduces its guests to the Costa Vicentina’s culture, traditions, and way of life. As such, the hotel offers a series of unique, authentic experiences that will connect them to the local community and create memories that will last a lifetime. Like visiting regional wineries and distilleries, fruit harvesting, savoring goose barnacles with Portuguese sparkling wine, or having cooking lessons with the chef.

The hotel also invites guests to discover and connect with the majestic ocean in front of it through surfing and stand-up paddle activities, dolphin and seabird watching, cave trips, and fishing trips. Last but not least, the land is to be unraveled through hiking along the many paths and the infamous Rota Vicentina, running, cycling, birdwatching, horseback riding, motorbikes, or a jeep safari.