Overlooking Ponta da Piedade, the hotel combines contemporary design, Portuguese dining and a comprehensive wellness spa
Overlooking Ponta da Piedade and deeply connected to the ocean, The Editory By The Sea Lagos is one of the latest additions to the Algarve hospitality scene from The Editory Collection Hotels group.
More than just simply a new hotel, the project was conceived as a complete sensory experience where architecture, food, wellness and design all reflect the town’s deeply rooted coastal identity.
Officially inaugurated on June 6, 2025, after opening to guests earlier in April, the hotel marks the brand’s expansion into the south of Portugal after almost five years in development.
The contemporary design is bright and elegant, inspired by the shades of pink coral. The entire visual identity was developed around this motif, gradually evolving into a softer and more organic language, with sandy tones, pale blues and natural textures running throughout the common areas, guestrooms, and restaurants.
That attention to detail is beautifully showcased at the Oyster Bar and Coral restaurant, where handcrafted ceramics sit alongside nautical ropes and textile artworks by Vanessa Barragão, the Albufeira-born artist whose work is deeply inspired by marine ecosystems.
The complex includes 204 rooms and 72 tourist apartments designed to accommodate different types of guests, whether couples and families seeking tranquillity, groups attending events, or remote workers making use of the hotel’s conference spaces.
But whilst accommodation remains central to the project, hotel director Miguel Evangelista believes luxury today extends far beyond the room itself. “Guests are no longer looking only for comfort in the room, but for a more complete stay experience,” he explains.
Originally from the Algarve and with extensive hospitality experience in Lagos, Evangelista has been involved in the project since its planning stages.
The hotel’s connection to its surroundings plays a central role in that experience. Beyond the calm atmosphere indoors, guests are within walking distance of some of the Algarve’s most scenic coastal areas, home to walking trails and the famous Ponta da Piedade boardwalks, whilst Dona Ana beach lies just 10 minutes away.
That sense of place also extends naturally into the food served at Coral restaurant, led by chef Fernando da Cunha – known as ‘Chef Sabina’ – alongside sous chef and Lagos-native José Soares.
Together, they have developed a menu that highlights Algarve flavours through a more contemporary approach. “We work with traditional recipes and local and seasonal products, whilst giving them a personal and contemporary twist. Guest satisfaction is our greatest motivation,” says the chef.
The restaurant combines buffet service with an à la carte menu strongly rooted in Portuguese cuisine and Algarve ingredients. Highlights include the roasted octopus with pumpkin purée and fish and seafood cataplana with sweet potato, which has become one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
Meat options include pork tenderloin with chestnut purée and confit duck leg with red wine sauce and potato gratin. Vegetarian options range from tofu steak with sweet potato and peas to ricotta ravioli with truffle sauce, whilst younger guests up to the age of 12 have their own dedicated menu.
Desserts range from richer classics and lighter options, including leite crème, chocolate fondant, passionfruit panna cotta and pineapple Eton Mess. The kitchen itself reflects a balance between experience and creativity.
“My experience is complemented by José’s boldness and his knowledge of the region, which is a great advantage,” notes the head chef. The wine list brings together labels from several Portuguese regions, including Algarve producers such as Paxá and Villa Alvor, alongside wines like Apelido and Esporão Reserva from the Alentejo, Quinta Monte D’Oiro near Lisbon, and Planalto and Esteva from the Douro.
Wellness also plays a central role in the hotel’s concept. The thermal circuit includes an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and sensory showers, complemented by exclusive treatments at the Sand Spa.
The programme was carefully developed by spa manager and therapist Celina Almeida, who has more than 15 years of experience and has lived in the Algarve since 2002. She speaks enthusiastically about the vision she shares with Miguel Evangelista: “From the beginning, our goal has been the same: to provide the best possible service whilst always prioritising well-being and individual needs,” she explains.
With healthy sun exposure almost inevitable in the Algarve, the spa focuses on holistic treatments and natural products designed to prepare, protect and restore the skin before and after the summer season.
One of their most popular rituals combines a rice powder exfoliation with monoi oil and carrot macerate, created specifically to prepare the skin for the Algarve sun. “Proper exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells before applying products that hydrate and help prolong a tan,” explains Celina.
Alongside relaxation-focused treatments, the spa also offers therapies aimed at muscle recovery and regeneration, including deep-tissue massages preceded by sea salt exfoliation and marine mud wraps. Facial treatments, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, and reiki complete the programme.
The spa manager also emphasises the importance of authenticity and service quality in a hotel environment where spas are often treated as secondary facilities. “It brings me great satisfaction when clients return,” she says. “That’s the best feedback you can receive.”
More than simply positioning itself as visually appealing, The Editory By The Sea Lagos aims to create a meaningful connection between guests and the town itself, prioritising tranquillity, comfort and contemplation away from the hubbub.
Whilst the hotel carefully preserves guests’ privacy by keeping its pool and leisure areas private, it still maintains a balance between exclusivity and openness to the local community. “The restaurant and spa are open to the public. Everyone is welcome,” says Miguel Evangelista.
Designed as a place to slow down and experience the Algarve through a sophisticated, sensory and contemporary lens, the hotel also has ambitious plans for the future, including a panoramic rooftop with a pool, restaurant and bar.
Although there is still no confirmed opening date, Miguel Evangelista hopes the project will become a “unique and encompassing” experience within the Lagos hospitality scene.
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