Soulful Luxury
WHEN GUESTS STAY AT
Kimpton Atlântico Algarve
We want them to feel like they’ve discovered a different side of the Algarve – soulful, elegant and deeply connected to the landscape around them. The team at Kimpton asked us to create the brand for their new Algarve hotel and its four food and beverage outlets. Set just a short walk from Praia de São Rafael, Atlântico is rooted in the character of the region, with a relaxed approach to luxury that feels authentic, unpolished and full of soul.
For the identity, we looked to the coastline and the way nature and time have shaped it. Layered forms, earthy colours and unexpected flashes of brightness reflect the olive groves, golden sands and weathered cliffs, while cork, ceramic, leather and wicker bring a tactile, crafted feel. Photography captures simple pleasures and sun-soaked memories of summers past, helping the hotel feel less like a polished resort and more like a place guests can settle into.
The swallow became a signature maker’s mark, connecting the brand back to Portuguese culture and craft. It represents love, devotion, hope and the idea of returning home. Woven through the identity and guest experience, it adds a sense of personality and a meaningful connection to place.
WHAT WE DID:
- BRAND STRATEGY
- NAMING
- VISUAL IDENTITY
- COLLATERAL DESIGN
- OUTLET BRANDING
- ART DIRECTION
- GUEST JOURNEY
- BRANDED GIFTS
“& SMITH were brilliant partners in bringing Kimpton Atlântico Algarve to life. From naming through to creative and all the finishing touches, they demonstrated a sharp strategic mindset, originality and meticulous attention to detail. They truly understood the spirit of Kimpton, helping shape a bold, distinctive hotel brand of one with real personality and soul.”
Eleanor Beattie
Senior Brand Manager, Global Regent Hotels & Resorts
We also branded the on-site restaurants, café and rooftop bar.
Sombra offers a moody, atmospheric hideaway inspired by the natural surroundings of the Algarve with a menu guided by the seasons. The identity keeps things simple and refined, with natural textures, understated typography and thoughtful details throughout. It’s a timeless, quietly confident look that reflects the approach in the kitchen – letting the quality of the seafood and ingredients do the talking.
Terra, the welcoming heart of Atlântico, brings together a bar, café and market in the lobby. Authentic flavours and artisanal craftsmanship bring a taste of Portugal to this lively gathering spot. Earthy colours, tactile materials and expressive details take their cues from the land and craft of the region.
Marés takes its name from the Portuguese word for ‘tides’, referencing the restaurant’s coastal setting and the ebb and flow of dining throughout the day. The identity celebrates the creativity, craft and character of the Algarve, taking inspiration from the region’s makers and handmade finds – from painted tiles to engraved ceramics and chiselled stone. A playful mix of illustration, typography and colour keeps things relaxed, soulful and distinctly local.
Up on the roof, Zénite captures the magic of day turning into night. Historic astronomy texts, celestial diagrams and the spirit of the 1920s inspired the playful menus and typographic identity. A distinctive celestial figure holding the sun and moon nods to the transition between night and day.
