In an article published by Travel News, Alexandre Solleiro, CEO of Highgate Portugal, confirmed the closure and extensive remodelling of four hotels in the Algarve, with their reopening scheduled for April 2025. The hotels involved are Salgados Dunas Suites, Salgados Palace, Palm Village, and São Rafael Atlântico, the latter of which will rebrand under the Kimpton name. Solleiro emphasised the focus on improving the infrastructure and elevating the hotel experience in the Algarve and tourism offerings, primarily through luxury branding.
The renovation is set to begin in November 2024, after the hotels close in late October. Solleiro assured that all preparations are “100% guaranteed,” with approved budgets, finalised designs, and contracts signed. Furniture orders are already underway. This large-scale project aims to shift away from the all-inclusive model, repositioning the hotels for the upscale market. Solleiro highlighted the transformation of Palm Village and Dunas Suites into branded residences, which will “completely change the marketing of the complex.”
Hotel experience in the Algarve
Solleiro’s comments underline the importance of better infrastructure in attracting high-end tourists, stating that these changes will introduce “an interesting proposition for the luxury market.” He also mentioned that the rebranding of the Salgados hotels would cater to different luxury market segments, supported by a golf course and a conference centre, making the destination more appealing to various upscale tourism sectors.
Despite these closures, Solleiro expressed optimism for 2024, noting a 7% growth in RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) even with partial closures due to renovations. He believes that the repositioning of the hotels will lead to “significant growth after reopening.” Additionally, Highgate is exploring further expansion opportunities in Portugal, with potential investments on the horizon for 2025.
This ambitious project demonstrates a commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure for the best Portugal golf holidays, particularly the hotel experience in the Algarve, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region.
Photo by: Travel News.
