Na Praia
Comporta, Portugal
Set on a secluded peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and a vast nature reserve near Comporta, Na Praia is a striking new independent hotel that honours the raw beauty of Portugal’s coastline. Opening in spring 2026, this 113-key retreat is the culmination of over a decade of vision, design, and ecological commitment — a place where architecture, landscape, and heritage come together in perfect balance.
Just over an hour from Lisbon yet seemingly a world away, Na Praia lies on 340 hectares of preserved wilderness, opening directly onto two kilometres of white sand. Here, time slows to the rhythm of the tides, and the scent of pine, juniper, and thyme fills the air. The hotel exists in quiet dialogue with its surroundings, blending into the dunes and echoing the textures and tones of the land. Every detail — from construction to cuisine — has been shaped by a deep respect for the environment and the ecosystems that sustain it.
Na Praia is the second hotel from José António Uva, eighth-generation custodian of São Lourenço do Barrocal in Alentejo. While Barrocal celebrates the inland rhythms of rural Portugal, Na Praia looks seaward — a continuation of Uva’s philosophy of stewardship and preservation, protecting both cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
The hotel’s architecture and landscaping are a collaboration between Studio KO, Doxiadis+, and Estúdio Lisboa, guided by a shared belief in modest, place-led design. Studio KO’s sculptural buildings emerge gently from the dunes, built with raw earth, local clay, and timber that will weather gracefully with the Atlantic winds. Doxiadis+ has woven the natural topography into the design, restoring native vegetation and removing invasive species to ensure harmony between human and habitat. As Studio KO’s Olivier Marty notes, “The landscape gives us our architecture — we try not to impose ourselves.”
Accommodation is spread across 42 rooms, 3 suites, 63 houses, and 5 villas — all nestled among the pines or dunes, many with private pools. Interiors mirror the coastal palette: sandy neutrals, soft woods, and natural textures inspired by lichens and juniper. This understated elegance flows throughout, from the serene guest spaces to the gentle integration of lighting and movement. Electric buggies navigate sandy paths, while cars remain at the perimeter, preserving the peace of the landscape.
Na Praia’s five restaurants will celebrate the flavours of southern Portugal, showcasing produce from the surrounding rice fields, estuaries, and farms. Expect freshly caught seafood from Carrasqueira’s stilt pier, vegetables from a local women-run farm, and seasonal menus that tell the story of the region. Dining experiences range from refined beachside plates to convivial Mediterranean feasts, while a bakery-deli transforms into a wine bar by night. Guests can also enjoy picnics curated for barefoot, toes-in-the-sand moments.
At the heart of Na Praia’s wellbeing offering is a spa seemingly carved from the dunes, housing movement studios, water-based therapies, and serene treatment spaces that draw on the healing power of the Atlantic. Immersive experiences invite guests to engage deeply with nature — from guided walks led by the resident biologist and traditional cooking classes, to classic boat excursions through Arrábida Natural Park and the Sado Estuary. The children’s club fosters creativity and curiosity, inspiring a lifelong connection to the natural world.
Completing southern Portugal’s “perfect triangle” — between the energy of Lisbon and the tranquillity of Alentejo — Na Praia offers rare privacy and a profound sense of place. More than a hotel, it stands as a testament to harmony between people and planet: a lasting tribute to the elemental beauty of Portugal’s Atlantic coast.