Minor Hotels Signs Former Monastery in Vila Viçosa, Portugal

(04 July 2022, 10:57 +07)  Thailand's Minor Hotels has signed a second Anantara hotel in Portugal.

Scheduled to open in 2024, the Anantara Royal Vila Viçosa is located in Vila Viçosa, Alentejo, one of the world's most respected wine growing regions and an emerging tourism region.

Spread over three floors, Anantara Royal Vila Viçosa will feature 50 guest rooms, 10 suites, 16 residences, a spa with an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, three conference rooms, a 40-metre outdoor swimming pool, as well as multiple dining options including a restaurant and bar, a private fine dining area and a wine cellar.

Room at Anantara Royal Vila Viçosa

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, the parent company of Anantara, said, “We are delighted to continue the expansion of our luxury Anantara brand in Portugal in the historic town of Vila Viçosa. Located in Alentejo, an increasingly sought-after tourist destination, the upcoming Anantara Royal Vila Vicosa Resort promises unforgettable experiences that characterise the brand.”

The project is a strategic partnership between the Portuguese Group Investaureum and Anantara, with the aim of transforming a former monastery in Vila Viçosa, which is an iconic and prestigious building from the 15th century, into a five-star luxury hotel.

The interior design will be led by Broadway Malyan with the aim of keeping the history of the existing building front of mind and respecting the vast history and heritage of Vila Viçosa, to create a truly relaxing and sophisticated retreat.

Gonçalo Carrington, co-founder and Managing Partner of Investaureum Group, said, “The Investaureum Group is proud to partner with Minor Hotels and the Anantara brand. It is a real pleasure to embrace this project, not only due to the beauty of the property but also giving the opportunity to highlight Investaureum as a developer and promoter, where the refurbishment and legacy of heritage buildings, combined with the social responsibility and investment in regions of low population density, are the main drive.”

Anantara debuted in Europe in 2017 with the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, followed by a luxury retreat in Marbella, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort. The brand has continued its expansion in Europe with properties including Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome and Anantara New York Palace Budapest, with further openings to come later in the year.

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