Casa Modesta

The perfect retreat in the Algarve

Just 50 kilometres separate Spain from Casa Modesta (Olhao, Portugal), and yet the feeling once there is that Spain is still far from enjoying this type of accommodation. A hotel of only 9 rooms where the architecture and design, its location and the personal and familiar treatment show us that true luxury really is simple.

A building from Portugal in the 40’s, where Modesto, the grandfather of Carlos Fernandez (owner of Casa Modesta), not only managed to fill this house with family memories, but also to use it as a base for his work, where he used to store and sell the fish that arrived every day from the sea. Now it is Carlos, his grandson, who pays homage to his grandfather and his family, maintaining their memories in a unique building that has even won an Architizer A+Awards architecture prize. The stairs have become a symbol of the accommodation and serve as access to the private terraces of each room.

Casa Modesta, as its name suggests, is also a tribute to the simple life, to the enjoyment of nature, animals, relaxation and minimalist design. And in this way Carlos and his partner Nuno Lopez, make the guests feel at home.

Located just 3 minutes walk from the Ria Formosa, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Portugal. It is a kind of lagoon with several islands connected to the sea. The quietest beaches of the Algarve are found here and sometimes a simple boat will take you to the beach itself and at other times, when the tide is low, it is possible to walk to the beach.

Sunrise at Casa Modesta, a bike ride or half an hour’s run on the Ecovia, the 214 km walk that connects the Algarve from end to end. Another of the pleasures of this accommodation.

Nuno Lopez and Carlos Fernandez

Nine rooms of minimalist design, a main building with reception and dining room on the ground floor and opposite a secondary building with more rooms and an honesty bar open 24 hours a day. In the middle of both there is an old pool that serves as a swimming pool and sun loungers scattered around this beautiful plot. Massage hut, designer hammocks, and a vegetable garden that is 100% maintained and that feeds Casa Modesta for its breakfasts and dinners. A breakfast with attention to detail and personalised according to the tastes or intolerances of each guest.

Casa Modesta shows us that you can be happy with simplicity and enjoy natural resources above all. The perfect refuge in the Algarve.