First phase of resort to open at end of 2023
Ombria Algarve, the luxury resort located in Loulé, has purchased over 500 craft pieces created by local artisans to decorate its properties and its five-star hotel, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve.
“Exclusively created” for this project, the ceramic and palm pieces will be used to decorate 65 Viceroy Residences apartments and 76 rooms and common areas of the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve hotel, designed by the American firm Wimberly Interiors.
The pieces were created by furniture designer Leni Farenzena and ceramic artist Bernadette Martins and include 282 plates, 141 towel baskets and 141 umbrella baskets.
The artists used traditional techniques and materials such as clay and palm to create these items, which the resort says is in line with its construction philosophy, which prioritises materials such as “cork, Santa Catarina tiles, pottery, and locally and nationally sourced furnishings.”
Both artists are part of the Loulé Criativo project, which aims to value the traditional identity of Loulé whilst encouraging creativity and innovation. The initiative also supports the training and activity of these local artisans, “contributing to the revitalisation of traditional arts and the dinamisation of new approaches to intangible heritage.”
The pieces acquired by Ombria Algarve are part of the Red List of Algarve Craft Activities, an initiative organised by the regional culture board (DRCA) and the regional development commission (CCDR Algarve), which identifies, catalogues, and registers the region’s arts and crafts, promoting their preservation. The list features palm weaving, palm basketry, and ceramics showcased in these pieces.
“Ombria is a recreation of an Algarve village, and this partnership aligns with our social responsibility strategy, allowing us to highlight and preserve endangered heritage. Through this collaboration, we celebrate and showcase local know-how to our guests and homeowners from around the world,” said João Richard Costa, Ombria’s Director of Sales and Marketing.
Developed by Finnish group Pontos, the first phase of Ombria Algarve is due to open at the end of 2023.
