Anantara Algarve Hotel
Vilamoura, Portugal
2009–2004
Located in the touristic heart of the Algarve, the Anantara Victoria is a golf-dedicated hotel facing the Victoria golf course (hence the name), and surrounded by two other courses. This quasi-symmetrical building is formed by a main central building and two bedroom wings which generate a west facing u-shape. The project comprises a total of 184 twin and 79 double guestrooms, in addition to 14 junior and 2 executive suites, plus a presidential suite with private rooftop pool and garden. Furthermore, it includes a large conference facility, with a capacity for 950 people, which was carefully laid out in order to preserve the undisturbed life of the hotel.
The arrival experience begins with the entry square. With its three independent drop-off entrances surrounded by a stone arcade, it separates the flow of guests coming as groups, or for conferences, into the lateral canopies, releasing the monumental porte-cochère for the individual visitors.
The impressive double height lobby offers direct views to the golf course. From there, guests can descend towards the exterior pools and bars, or go up to the fine-dining restaurant and the Spa.
Meticulously detailed in fine stonework, solid wood and handmade ceramics, the building echoes the spirit of prewar grand hotels, as it aspires to a contemporary rethinking of that classical splendour. The facade system is a stereotomic composition of massive yellow limestone blocks, white precast concrete lintels and brass-anodized aluminium frames. Also in precast concrete, and as part of the facade composition, the artist Pedro Calapez designed and moulded a series of decorative bas-reliefs.

Arrival square with bas-relief artwork by Pedro Calapez


Upper level floor plan

Lower level floor plan

Main pool

Façade detail



Terrace detail

Section and façade detail


Façade overlooking the golf course

Lobby

Reception

Fine dining restaurant

Standard guestroom

Spa floor plan

Spa rooftop pool

Location: Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal
Owner: Minor Group
Operator: Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Scope of Services: Architecture, interior design and landscape
Project Brief: Golf resort hotel with 280 keys, Spa and conference centre
Gross Built Area: 36,000 sq .m plus 12,000 sq. m below grade
Collaborating Artists: Pedro Calapez and Gabriela Albergaria
Construction Cost: EUR 60 m
Project Status: 2004 (concept design) – 2009 (completed)