Wellness and nature enthusiasts now have a new destination for holidays or quick getaways. The Kimpton brand, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), has opened its first location in the Algarve, specifically at São Rafael Beach.
The Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, which emerged from the renovation of the former NAU São Rafael Atlântico, aims to stand out with its 'soulful luxury' concept, focusing on local experiences, as explained by the hotel's general manager, Catarina Simões, to Forbes Portugal.
When asked about the reasons behind this debut in the Portuguese market, Simões highlights that Kimpton brings a bold and different concept from what's currently available, especially in the Algarve, chosen for the brand's first Portuguese unit. Founded in 1981 in San Francisco by Bill Kimpton, the luxury brand has since expanded internationally, now boasting over 75 locations.
Expansion in Portugal won't stop here. Without revealing the exact location, Simões confirms that Kimpton will open another unit in Portugal this year and is experiencing rapid growth in Europe, with several hotels to be announced soon.
The general manager did not disclose the investment amount for the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve but admitted it was considerable, given the renovation of all guest areas, including rooms, Spa, restaurants, bars, and gardens, along with upgrades to staff areas and essential hotel services.
Regarding the target audience, Simões details that the hotel caters to couples seeking relaxation, wellness lovers who enjoy meditation, connecting with nature, and revitalizing treatments, friends celebrating important moments together, and guests who travel with their four-legged family members.
Simões believes the hotel will attract many guests from the United States, where the Kimpton brand is well-known, along with significant interest from South America. Additionally, there's considerable demand from various European markets, with guests opting for extended stays in the Algarve. Portuguese guests are also showing interest for weekend escapes.
The Kimpton Atlântico Algarve offers the best of both worlds, with direct access to the renowned São Rafael Beach and proximity to several historic Algarve locations, just 30 minutes away.
On the impact of wellness on tourism, Simões notes an increasing focus on well-being, with people seeking time for themselves to recharge and disconnect from the digital world. The hotel's Wellness Hub, a 1,800-square-meter sanctuary, offers meditation, private instructor-led exercises, revitalizing treatments, and relaxation in a vitality pool with natural light.
Portugal is becoming a prime destination for wellness experiences, increasingly integrated into luxury hotels across the country. While wellness doesn't yet significantly impact revenue or the economy, its growth is evident yearly, prompting many hotels to invest heavily in wellness offerings.
The Kimpton Atlântico Algarve is also the first hotel in Portugal with a Virtual Yoga and Pilates Studio, allowing guests to take classes anytime, alone or in groups, tailored to their flexibility level.
Seasonal activities at the hotel include meditation sessions, pottery and palm article workshops, painting workshops, stargazing, stand-up Yoga experiences, and other leisure activities promoting well-being and authenticity.
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