As reported by the luxury hospitality brand, the development will form the centrepiece of a wider investment programme led by Portuguese asset manager Norfin, aimed at transforming Monte Rei into a year-round luxury resort destination, with construction set to begin in 2027.
The project will mark Nobu’s second destination in Portugal, following the brand’s previously announced expansion into the country, and will introduce its internationally recognised combination of luxury accommodation, Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and branded residences to the Algarve.
International reputation
Located on more than 1,000 acres of countryside near Vila Nova de Caceira, Monte Rei has built an international reputation around its Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, consistently ranked among Portugal’s finest. The resort is also known for its exclusive residential community, five-star service and tranquil setting close to the Algarve’s eastern coastline.
Under the plans, the new Nobu Hotel Monte Rei will comprise 100 guestrooms and suites, alongside the brand’s signature restaurant, wellness and leisure facilities. The development will also include approximately 21,000 square metres of Nobu-branded villas and residences, allowing owners to enjoy the hotel’s services while living within the resort.
According to Nobu Hospitality, the expansion seeks to create a destination that combines luxury tourism with permanent and holiday residences, while preserving Monte Rei’s reputation for privacy and low-density development.
Natural choice
An international design team has been appointed for the project, including DSA Architects and the Rockwell Group, the New York-based architecture and interior design studio responsible for many of Nobu’s hotels and restaurants worldwide.
The firms will work together to create a design that blends the brand’s minimalist aesthetic with the landscape and architectural character of the Eastern Algarve.
Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer of Nobu Hospitality, said Monte Rei’s established reputation made it a natural choice for the group’s latest European expansion. “Monte Rei offers a rare combination of natural beauty, privacy and an established reputation for exceptional golf and residential living”, he added. “Together with Norfin, we have the opportunity to create a distinctive Nobu destination that feels deeply connected to the Eastern Algarve while delivering the hospitality, dining, design and service for which the brand is known around the world.”
Miguel Mateus, CEO of Norfin, described the partnership as a significant step in the long-term evolution of the resort, saying the investment would strengthen Monte Rei’s international profile while expanding its leisure and hospitality offerings.
The Nobu development is expected to become one of the most notable luxury tourism investments announced for the Eastern Algarve in recent years, further enhancing the region’s appeal as an international destination for golf, gastronomy and upscale residential living.
