Casa Modesta
FUSETA / GUESTHOUE / WATCHLIST
In a little village on the edge of the wild Eastern Algarve’s Ria Formosa, Casa Modesta is a design-led guesthouse-come-slow hotel with a distinctly traditional yet contemporary Portuguese edge. The property is named after owner Carlos Fernandes’ mother, Modesta Maria, who was born in the original house built in the 1940s by his grandfather. A family affair, he since renovated the property with his sister Vânia - who founded local architecture firm, Par – to breathe new life into nine en-suite bedrooms, each with a private patio & epic views out to the estuary.
Inside, the exteriors’ clean & cubic aesthetic are juxtaposed by curating a thoughtful & authentically Algarivan interior that relies on typical vaulted brick ceilings & terracotta floor tiles. Complimented by wood furnishings, cork & brass lighting & natural textiles, this is a place that feels design-led & cool yet culminates in a character-filled, personal experience. Acres of almond & olive orchards border the gardens & a vegetable garden provides fresh organic sustenance for the kitchen.
Images by Alex Reyto for Suro Living.
Room Service
Location: Fuseta, Algarve.
Price: Starting at 130€ per night.
Highlights: Being so close to the sea, there’s a salty serenity to the air at Casa Modesta & picking up one of the hotel bicycles to cycle along the estuary at sunset will leave a mark in your memory until your next visit.
Our favourite room: Each suite is roughly similar so it’s hard to go wrong. Make sure you book a south-facing room to enjoy the best views.
Services: Breakfast is served daily & dinner is on request. A range of spa treatments is also available, using the natural properties of the local olives, almonds & algae.
Designed by Par Architects.
Photography by Alex Reyto for Suro Living.
The Neighbourhood: The hotel is located in a small village in between the fishing towns of Olhão & Fuseta, where life is simple & local. Hop on the ferry from either town to get to the island beaches before sailing back at sunset for simple grilled fish at one of the restaurants on the marina. Don’t miss the Saturday market in Olhão, one of the best in the Algarve.
Things to know: This end of the coast is much less developed, so be prepared to slip slowly into Algarve local life.
The Map
Casa Modesta is located in between the towns of Olhão & Fuesta, around a twenty-minute drive from Faro. Fly to Faro & rent a little car to take a road trip while finding some freedom while you’re there.
Download the Design Escapes Directory for local recommendations & to ensure you don’t miss out on any spots on your journey.