Memmo Baleeira

From the outside the Algarve looks like a fairly homogeneous yacht-and-parasol affair. (Not that there’s much wrong with that.) But with hundreds of kilometers of coastline to offer, Portugal’s famed southern coast is far more diverse than a resort brochure might have you believe. Take Sagres, for example, Continental Europe’s southwestern extremity and one of the major seaports of the Age of Discovery. Given the spectacular, clifftop Atlantic views in one direction and the rugged beauty of Costa Vicentina Natural Park in the other, it’s clear that Memmo Baleeira chose the perfect vantage point from which to showcase the less-traveled side of the Algarve.

You’ll be glad they did. While it’s no undiscovered paradise, the undulating swaths of manicured lawn and a handful of well-kept beaches within walking distance make for a pleasant escape. The indoor element presents a clean-lined, minimalist counterpoint, respectably wood-forward and absolutely flooded with natural light — and for all its modern minimalism, it’s surprisingly family-friendly (and thus perhaps not ideal for silence-seekers or solitude fanatics). 144 rooms and suites spread out over a series of long, low-slung wings in chic, beachy white with dark earth tones for balance. Thick-pile carpets and plush seating ensure comfort for weary explorers, and LCD flatscreens give you something to do once you put your legs up. Spring for the ocean and harbor views for the full experience, including a knockout sunrise.

Fornaria, the restaurant, hits all the right notes — wood oven, unbelievably fresh seafood — and pairs them with a deep, country-spanning wine list; there’s also a lounge for small plates and the requisite caipirinha, though both enjoy that same engrossing view. An equally large menu of activities awaits the active: a fully equipped spa and fitness center, bike rentals, shipwreck diving (indeed), and an on-site surf center, for starters. Or do as the local fishermen do and range the coastal trails.