Vale Palheiro, located in one of Europe’s most ecologically protected regions, has unveiled a first look at its interiors ahead of its late-summer launch.
The new ‘Earth Resort’ – which sits within the Costa Vicentina Natural Park in southwest Portugal – is designed to offer a space to reconnect, slow down and switch off, while being a contemporary, stylish getaway.
Vale Palheiro embraces an ethos where nature, culture and sustainability shape the experience. The accommodation, made up of 13 villas, suites and ‘casitas’, is scattered across the 280-acre valley, climbing the hillside.
Project leads and owners, Pedro and Madalena Rutkowski, were drawn to the raw beauty of the area more than a decade ago. Construction has evolved gradually and with purpose, using traditional techniques and natural materials to create a resort that feels rooted in its surroundings.
The villas, suites and casitas are built using ‘taipa’ – a regional, centuries-old method of compressing layers of earth to form thick, breathable walls – giving each building on the property a sense of depth, character and heritage.
The interiors are modern, featuring rustic, cosy textures and natural materials that carry through elements of the outdoors and local craftsmanship.
Madalena, an architect with 28 years of experience and former Head of Architecture at GTA Gabinete Técnico de Arquitectura, led the design in collaboration with the Lisbon-based studio Arkstudio.
Throughout the resort, local identity is subtly embedded, with each building named in reference to the land, culture or produce of the area – from Casa da Taipa, a nod to the region’s construction heritage, to Casa Lyra, named after Aljezur’s prized sweet potato variety, and Casita Alecrim, inspired by the wild rosemary that grows across the valley.
The resort also boasts facilities including a restaurant, spa, activity spaces, two swimming pools, a small amphitheatre for open-air performances and working stables.
Lounge Terracotta, situated at the base of the property, will host retreats, creative gatherings and private events, with the option to hire the entire resort for larger occasions and weddings.
The largest accommodation, Casa Atlantica, offers 5 ensuite bedrooms, a self-catering property complete with an infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, wine cellar and cinema.
Vale Palheiro is located in Aljezur, a small town of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets rooted in agricultural tradition. The resort has been built in step with the community’s heritage and customs – employing local craftspeople and drawing from longstanding regional techniques.
“Vale Palheiro is its own entity – offering something genuinely unique. It’s for travellers seeking more than just luxury; we want to provide an authentic experience, help nurture a connection to the lifestyle and to showcase the best Aljezur has to offer,” says Pedro.
“The Earth Resort means a great deal to us – we’ve always been captivated by the landscape, and we’re very excited to welcome our first guests for the soft opening. It’s a milestone we’re so proud to share.”
Madalena adds: “Designing Vale Palheiro was about creating a dialogue between the landscape, the architecture and the interiors. I wanted each space to feel grounded in its surroundings – using natural textures, earthy tones and handmade details.
“The layout of the villas and casitas were carefully thought out to encourage a fluid space – with open-plan living areas, large windows and transitional spaces that blur the line between indoors and out.”
She concludes: “I’ve always been drawn to the emotional side of design, so we’ve created an environment that is both connected to the region and luxuriously comfortable. There’s a balance between tradition, modernity and warmth that I hope surprises our guests and also makes them feel completely at home.”
