Casa Modesta — Algarve, Portugal

Set in the lush, wild environs of the Algarve’s Ria Formosa National Park, Casa Modesta is a rural hotel with a distinct contemporary Portuguese edge. Owner Carlos Fernandes named the property after his mother, Modesta Maria, who grew up in the original 1940s house built by his grandfather, a local fisherman. Transformed by Fernandes’ sister, Vânia - of local architecture firm Par – the humble home now features nine suites, each with private bathrooms and patios. Inside, Albio Nascimento and Kathi Stertzig of The Home Project Design Studio have echoed the exterior’s clean cubic aesthetic, by creating an unfussy interior that sees vaulted brick ceilings and traditional terracotta floor tiles complimented by Canadian cedar furnishings and bespoke cork and brass lamps. Surrounded by acres of almond and olive orchards, the hotel’s garden-cum-greenhouse provides fresh organic vegetables for the kitchen, while a range of spa treatments are also available, using the natural properties of the local olives, almonds and algae.
ADDRESS
Quatrim do Sul, 8700-128 Olhão
Algarve
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Rupert Eden has worked for Wallpaper* magazine since 2010 covering everything Iberian from architecture and design to wellness and travel. He is happiest championing sustainable projects featuring up-and-coming artisans or chefs.
-
All-In is the Paris-based label making full-force fashion for main character dressing
Part of our monthly Uprising series, Wallpaper* meets Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of All-In, the LVMH Prize-nominated label which bases its collections on a riotous cast of characters – real and imagined
By Orla Brennan
-
Maserati joins forces with Giorgetti for a turbo-charged relationship
Announcing their marriage during Milan Design Week, the brands unveiled a collection, a car and a long term commitment
By Hugo Macdonald
-
Through an innovative new training program, Poltrona Frau aims to safeguard Italian craft
The heritage furniture manufacturer is training a new generation of leather artisans
By Cristina Kiran Piotti
-
Sun-soaked European destinations to visit in spring
Dreaming of Florentine palazzos and Greek islands now that the weather is starting to turn? Check into one of these beautiful European hotels and holiday homes
By Anna Solomon
-
The world's most heavenly destinations for astrotourism in 2025
We're in for a big year for celestial events. These are the world's best hotels to see the cosmos as you've never seen it before
By Anna Solomon
-
Wallpaper* Design Awards 2025: meet the travel winners transcending destinations
Discover the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2025 travel winners – the year’s places to stay, dine, drink and join – and watch our video to find out why they won
By Lauren Ho
-
2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this year
From the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
By Sofia de la Cruz
-
Find serenity at Casa Fortunato, a Portuguese bolthole filled with light
Design-savvy duo Antonio Falcáo Costa Lopes and Filipa Fortunato chose Alcácer do Sal as the perfect setting for the second iteration of their original Casa Fortunato
By Mary Lussiana
-
Lisbon hotel Locke de Santa Joana wins Wallpaper* Design Award 2025
Born from the restoration of an old convent, Locke de Santa Joana receives our Best Opening award for its design inventiveness and sunny disposition
By Mary Lussiana
-
The Rebello is a chic hotel with an industrial past on Porto’s riverside
Transforming industrial buildings on the Douro river, The Rebello is a new hotel ‘with an old soul’
By Rupert Eden
-
Modern, earthy lodges await at Lavandeira Douro Nature & Wellness
Lavandeira Douro Nature & Wellness in Portugal boasts off-track luxury cabins by FCC Architectura
By Rupert Eden