Quinta Amala: Hotel in Melides
In Melides, between golden rice fields and endless skies, Quinta Amala embodies a discreet, confidential form of luxury, shaped by omnipresent nature and profound silence.
Quinta Amala: An intimate retreat, shaped by the surrounding nature
Set across five hectares of preserved landscapes, shimmering rice fields, hidden lagoons and rolling green hills, Quinta Amala enjoys an exceptional location in southern Portugal. Just one kilometre from the village of Melides, minutes from the wild Atlantic beaches, including the sublime Praia da Galé, and less than half an hour from Comporta, the address strikes a rare balance between soothing seclusion and easy accessibility. Here, morning light ignites the rice fields, birds trace patterns across the sky, and evenings unfold in spectacular ocean sunsets. The atmosphere is gentle, almost meditative, infused with that rare sensation of being alone in the world, without ever feeling disconnected from what truly matters.
Quinta Amala was born from a life-changing decision. Karine and Jan, former co-founders of a marketing group and a European fintech dedicated to non-profit organisations, chose Portugal to write a new chapter. For Karine, this project fulfils a long-held dream: creating a sanctuary where respect for nature and people guides every decision. Deeply involved in every detail, she envisioned a human-scale retreat limited to just 42 guests, where each space opens onto the landscape without ever compromising privacy. The name “Amala,” meaning “pure” in Sanskrit, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the place.
The architecture of Quinta Amala draws direct inspiration from the spirit of Comporta and the vernacular architecture of the Alentejo. Wooden cabanas topped with thatched roofs blend seamlessly into the land, as if they had always belonged there. No ostentation, no unnecessary sophistication: beauty here lies in balanced lines, noble materials and a constant dialogue with the surrounding nature. Interior design favours refined simplicity, accented with handcrafted pieces carefully sourced from local artisans. Each object tells a story, never overshadowing the true protagonist: the landscape.
The accommodations reflect this pursuit of harmony. Quinta Amala features 15 cabanas, ranging from standalone units to rooms with private terraces or balconies, as well as a 130 square meters independent villa. The cabanas, each around 30 square metres, all offer unobstructed views over the rice fields of Melides. Deliberately free of televisions, they invite guests to reconnect deeply with their environment. The villa houses six minimalist-designed bedrooms and can be partially or fully privatised, with a heated pool and shared living spaces, while still granting access to all of the hotel’s facilities.
Dining lies at the heart of the Quinta Amala experience. True to its “pure and sustainable” philosophy, the cuisine highlights local, organic and seasonal ingredients, sourced from nearby producers or the estate’s own garden. The intentionally limited menu helps reduce waste while ensuring impeccable freshness. At the helm is Brazilian chef Zito Lara, trained in international gastronomy. His cooking tells a story, of the land, the seasons and deep respect for ingredients. The wine list, made up of over 70% organic Portuguese labels, completes this committed approach. The experience unfolds between the main restaurant, outdoor terraces and a convivial rooftop dedicated to cocktails and artisanal pizzas.
Well-being at Quinta Amala is a way of life. Two outdoor swimming pools, one of them heated, a wellness area with sauna, sensory shower and cold plunge bucket, two massage rooms and a fitness space create a sanctuary for body and mind. Each morning, open-air yoga sessions accompany the sunrise. The pace is slow, guided by nature: massages, wine tastings, culinary workshops, pétanque games or electric bike rides through the Alentejo. Tailor-made experiences; organic picnics, horse riding, golf or regional exploration, allow guests to deepen their discovery of the area.
More than a hotel, Quinta Amala is an invitation to slow down, to feel, and to reconnect with the essence of simple things. A rare place where luxury is measured in light and shared moments.
We love Quinta Amala for:
Opening in 2026
15 cabanas and one six-bedroom villa
Contemporary décor with natural materials
Restaurant with pure, sustainable cuisine
Pools, yoga, wellness area, treatments, activities and local experiences
In the heart of the Alentejo, between rice fields, lagoons and wild beaches
Budget
Double room from 280 € per night during low season.
