A 113-key hotel shaped by stewardship, craftsmanship and the rhythm of the dunes
Set on a secluded peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and a protected nature reserve just beyond Comporta, the much anticipated Na Praia will open its doors to guests on 1st May 2027. This independent 113-key hotel will represent the culmination of more than a decade of planning by hospitality visionary, José António Uva, eighth-generation steward of São Lourenço do Barrocal. While Barrocal is steeped in agricultural traditions inland, Na Praia will turn towards the sea, continuing Uva’s commitment to protecting, restoring and preserving Portuguese heritage and biodiversity. Spanning 340 hectares of preserved wilderness, Na Praia will sit among Comporta’s sand dunes and pine forests, with architecture by Studio KO in collaboration with Estúdio Lisboa and landscaping by Doxiadis+.
A legacy of stewardship
Na Praia’s story began in 2011, when José António Uva was first captivated by this stretch of unspoilt Atlantic coastline. From the outset, the vision was guided by a deep respect for the surrounding ocean and wildlife, allowing the natural landscape to inform every stage of the development. Following extensive ecological research, Uva reduced the originally approved construction footprint by 80%, placing conservation at the heart of the project through the restoration of native flora and the removal of invasive species. This philosophy extends to the landscape architecture by Doxiadis+ and the architecture and master planning by Studio KO and Estúdio Lisboa, whose approach works in harmony with the existing environment rather than imposing upon it.
Design in harmony with the landscape
At Na Praia, sculptural buildings will follow the natural contours of the dunes, constructed using clay, timber and materials chosen to weather the lively Atlantic winds. Rather than introducing artificial gardens, the ethereal native landscape will be a central design feature, including more than 60 different plant species and over 600,000 individual plants planted across the property. Interiors by Studio KO and Estúdio Lisboa will combine natural materials with bespoke pieces commissioned from predominantly Portuguese artisans and makers.
The accommodation will comprise 45 adults-only suites, 63 houses and five villas, each designed to sit discreetly within the surrounding dunes and pine forests. The suites will range from intimate retreats with sheltered nooks to expansive pool suites featuring generous dining areas, heated pools and spacious terraces. Characterised by their striking hexagonal architecture, the houses will offer large outdoor spaces and open directly onto the dunes, with the flexibility to connect multiple houses to accommodate families and multigenerational groups. Na Praia’s five villas, each with three or four bedrooms, will provide the property’s largest accommodation option with extensive living and dining areas and private pools.
A taste of the Atlantic
Dining will comprise five distinct spaces across the property, each heavily influenced by the abundance of fresh produce and cultural traditions of southern Portugal. Zimbro, meaning juniper in Portuguese and named after the ancient juniper tree that sits at the heart of the restaurant, will be a relaxed all-day dining eatery, specialising in wood-fired cooking and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Located at the entrance to the property, Casa Na Praia will move from stylish café, deli, and bakery by day to a convivial wine bar in the evening, with more than 5,000 bottles from Portugal and beyond. Mais Sol, Na Praia’s summer oceanfront bar, will serve a light and fresh Portuguese coastal menu, while Poente will offer laid back poolside drinks and dining exclusively for hotel guests throughout the day.
MOGO is set to be the property’s destination restaurant led by João Rodrigues, one of Portugal’s most celebrated chefs, curated by Projecto Matéria, in partnership with Na Praia. This pioneering concept restaurant has been developed following two years of research into the surrounding region, a process that will be reflected in the menu which will explore the themes of Water, Dune and Land, incorporating native plants, wild herbs, and local seafood.
Experiences shaped by nature
Guests will be invited to immerse themselves in the region’s rich biodiversity and culture through a number of carefully crafted experiences from guided walks through the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve with a resident biologist to boat trips along the Arrábida coastline, where guests may discover hidden coves and resident dolphins. Spectacular sunrise hikes will conclude with breakfast overlooking the Atlantic, while cycling routes through the surrounding rice fields offer another way to explore the landscape. Private cooking classes and workshops will introduce guests to local culinary traditions, while families can discover Portuguese craftsmanship through ceramic workshops inspired by shells, anemones, and traditional tiles. The unique signature Art & Sea experience will connect creativity with marine biology through a natural-ink fish-printing workshop on reclaimed linen and a zero-waste dinner prepared from the day’s catch.
Wellness
Na Praia’s Spa will offer a highly personalised approach to wellbeing, carefully tailored to the needs of each guest. All spa rituals will begin with a conversation about how guests feel and what they need, with experiences tailored accordingly. Water will sit at the heart of Na Praia’s spa experience, inspired by the surrounding Atlantic and its restorative qualities. The circular Spa will blend seamlessly into the landscape.
For more information and reservations, please visit napraia.com
About Na Praia
Opening on 1st May 2027, Na Praia is an independent 113-key hotel set on a secluded peninsula along Portugal’s Atlantic coast, between the ocean and a protected nature reserve near Comporta. A decade in the making, the hotel is the vision of José António Uva, eighth-generation steward of São Lourenço do Barrocal, whose commitment to environmental stewardship and Portuguese heritage shapes every aspect of the project. Spanning 340 hectares of preserved dunes, pine forests, and wilderness, Na Praia comprises 45 suites, 63 houses, and five villas, all designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape by Studio KO, Estúdio Lisboa, and Doxiadis+. Guests will enjoy five distinct dining experiences: Casa Na Praia, Poente, Zimbro, Mais Sol and MOGO, each reflecting the bounty of southern Portugal and the rhythms of the Atlantic coast. Na Praia will also offer a spa, curated experiences in nature, and bespoke wellness programmes, all emphasising thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to place.
