The 5* EPIC SANA Algarve Resort is a remarkable example of landscape integration. Its design was based on the harmony with the existing terrain and the safeguarding of its landscape values, namely the morphology, the pine forest and the system of views. As a result of this and based on a careful landscape analysis, the deployment of the buildings was determined, using whenever possible areas that had been intervened on in a previous project, the latter now abandoned. This sustainable approach created a very small impact on the natural terrain, making this one of the main assets of the project. The Masterplan presents a group of buildings that rise only two floors above the natural terrain’s profile, and use an existing crater at the site for placement of the central core of the hotel. Half buried, however it has a view over a landscaped platform, location for the terraces and swimming pool, forming a courtyard featuring two restaurants and a bar. All the remaining buildings were carefully laid out on the existing topography, within landscaped platforms.
From the arrival courtyard, with a water cascade, an axis connects the entrance with the lobby and its stunning terrace, with sea view. This axis connects trough a stair case to the lower floor accessing the food court open terrace. In complement, a SPA is made up of two floors and provides unusual treatment rooms with private exterior terraces with special emphasis to the VIP pavilion that provides unforgettable experiences overlooking the sea. The Congress Centre, is located in an independent block, full of natural light, offers two large congress floors, either open space or divided in function rooms. An Apartment Hotel located inside the pine forest, is also part of the Resort, and is dedicated to families, including a swimming pool and a Kid’s Club. But the “must” of the project are the suites. Independent pavilions, located in green terraces in the middle of the pine forest with a superb view of the sea. As a result the Resort has wined several international awards, being considered the best Resort in Portugal.
PERSPECTIVE Lisbon has a proven track record of 30 years’ achievements in hospitality design (business hotels, boutique hotels, resorts and touristic masterplans), corporate design, residential and shopping centers, and through the practice’s sister companies NL Decoraçâo for interior design and decoration, and PROCOS for corporate fit out and implementation of operative management systems. Since its foundation Perspective Lisbon has demonstrated a clear commitment towards sustainable design, focusing on passive solar architecture, natural lighting and ventilation and other highly efficient solutions aiming towards LEED Premium excellence. With its head office in Portugal, the practice is also present in Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, East Timor, Brazil, Paraguay and Colombia.