Located in the Aljezur region of southwest Portugal, a collection of villas, suites and ‘casitas’ built using a centuries-old method has quietly opened within the Cota Vicentina Natural Park. Meet Vale Palheiro Earth Resort…
Embracing an ethos where design, nature, culture and sustainability shape the experience, the Vale Palheiro Earth Resort collection of 13 villas, suites and casitas soft launched in August – on the rolling hillside of a 280-acre protected Portuguese valley.
Designed as a stylish, contemporary getaway, offering a vast space to reconnect, slow down and switch off, the project, led by owners Pedro and Madalena Rutkowski, has been a decade in the making; a credit to the purposeful construction that has prioritised traditional techniques, natural materials, and the precious landscape that surrounds it.
Natural textiles and wood furniture sourced from local craftspeople root the Earth Resort in its bucolic locale | Image credits: Vale Palheiro
Madalena, former Head of Architecture at GTA Gabinete Técnico de Arquitectura with 28 years of architectural experience, collaborated with Lisbon-based studio Arkstudio to spearhead the resort’s design. “[It] was about creating a dialogue between the landscape, the architecture and the interiors,” she notes.
“I wanted each space to feel grounded in its surroundings – using natural textures, earthy tones and handmade details. The layout of the villas and casitas were carefully thought out to encourage a fluid space, with open-plan living areas, large windows and transitional spaces that blur the line between indoors and out.”
The villas, suites and ‘casitas’ – small houses – have been built using ‘taipa’ or rammed earth. This regional, centuries-old method is composed of compressed layers of earth that form thick, breathable walls which, at the Vale Palheiro, have been bathed in a vibrant terracotta colour. The interiors are fresh and modern, albeit featuring locally crafted rustic materials that weave both heritage and the outdoors throughout.
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- Dark metal and inky-black wood adds romantic depth | Image credits: Vale Palheiro
Aljezur is a small town of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets which remains rooted in agricultural tradition. Across Vale Palheiro, this local identity is subtly embedded. Each building is named in reference to the land, culture or a produce of the area – from Casa da Taipa, a nod to the region’s construction heritage, to Casa Lyra, named after Aljezur’s prized sweet potato variety, and Casita Alecrim, inspired by the wild rosemary that grows freely across the valley.
Co-owner of the resort, Pedro said: “Vale Palheiro is its own entity – offering something genuinely unique. It’s for travellers seeking more than just luxury; we want to provide an authentic experience, help nurture a connection to the lifestyle and to showcase the best Aljezur has to offer.”
“The Earth Resort means a great deal to us – we’ve always been captivated by the landscape, and we’re very excited to welcome our first guests for the soft opening. It’s a milestone we’re so proud to share.”
Tall, pale ceilings and high inlets of natural light contrast with dark floors and cosy nesting areas, creating a grounding environment with plenty of space to breathe | Image credits: Vale Palheiro.
Facilities at Vale Palheiro include a restaurant, spa, activity spaces, two swimming pools, a small amphitheatre for open-air performances and working stables.
Lounge Terracotta, found at the base of the property, will host retreats, creative gatherings and private events, with the option to hire the entire resort for larger occasions and weddings. The largest accommodation, Casa Atlantica, offers 5 ensuite bedrooms, a self-catering property complete with an infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, wine cellar and cinema.
Main image credit: Vale Palheiro
