Casa Modesta, a small hotel in Portugal

A Boutique Hotel in the Ria Formosa

We love the crisp modern take on classic Algarve architecture and the embrace of the simple life here. An homage to the region's rural lifestyle and family traditions, the history of the original house lives on with renewed energy, chic design and welcoming hospitality.

Located within the wild coastal region of the Algarve’s Ria Formosa National Park, this boutique hotel has a long family history combined with a contemporary style and purpose. A personal and intimate dedication to tradition, Portuguese culture, and the heritage of the coastal Algarve region, the property has been in the same family for decades.

Winner of the 2017 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence in Green Practices as well as an Architizer A+ Award in 2017, the house was originally built in the 1940s by a colorful and beloved local fisherman and has been transformed and redesigned by his grandson as an homage to the generations who grew up on the land before him. Working closely with his sister (an architect with local design firm Par) the process has reimagined and put a contemporary spin on the farm of their youth.

The crisp whitewashed exteriors feature clean lines and simple, modern silhouettes with dramatic vaulted brick ceilings and terra cotta tile interiors.

Partnering with Albio Nascimento and Kathi Stertzig of The Home Project Design Studio, the fresh, uncomplicated design extends throughout each building where you'll have your choice of nine en-suite rooms, each with a private patio. There's an expansive and bright shared common room and dining room next to the kitchen with access to the fresh harvest from the land.

Surrounded by acres of almond and olive orchards, the land is as it has been for generations and overlooks the wild coastline.

Layout

The property offers three room types:

Room with Sea View: 18-square-meters, double bed, ensuite bath with shower, common terrace. Breakfast included. Free bikes, availability permitting. Note: No children or pets

Room with Private Terrace: 20-square-meters, private sea view terrace, double bed, ensuite bath with shower. Breakfast included. Free bikes, availability permitting. Note: No children or pets

Premium Room: 22-square-meters, double bed and extra bed for third guest, ensuite bath with shower, common terrace with sea views. Breakfast included. Free bikes, availability permitting. Note: Pets allowed, at 20 Euros/night. Cribs available at 20 Euros/night.

Around

Just a few miles from Olhão city center, the southern coastal area of the Algarve features over 200 km of coastline and beaches just a short drive away including Praia de Tomates and Praia da Falesia.

Faro is just nine miles away and connects with the bustling coastal area of Albufeira. Nearby Ria Formosa national park is a lovely and protected stretch of coastline and island lagoons.

Away from the well-trodden beaches are the national parks and village of Sagres, the town of Tavira to the east, and the quiet hill town of Monchique. Close to the Spanish border, you are just a two-hour drive from Seville.