From Porto aparthotel to vineyard resort
Boa Hotels made its name in Portugal with Village by Boa, which opened at the end of 2022 in central Porto. The project transformed the historic “Bairro do Silva” into a 40-unit aparthotel complemented by two retail spaces.
With Kura, the group is changing both scale and model. The project involves converting Quinta da Barroca, currently operated as a three-star rural hotel, into a five-star resort positioned on wellness, scheduled to open in 2029.
A 26-hectare estate at 1,000 metres
The historic property extends across 26 hectares of vineyards, orchards and hillsides, at an altitude of around 1,000 metres, in the Upper Douro region. The group says it intends to take regional wine tourism to a higher level of luxury and wellness.
The programme comprises 70 rooms and suites, a two-level spa with eight treatment rooms, as well as a bar and a locally inspired farm-to-table restaurant. In a later phase, a collection of private villas marketed as branded residences will complete the offer.
The investment is expected to exceed €50 million and create around 100 jobs. The residential component reflects an approach now widespread among upscale resort operators in Portugal, as illustrated by the Coporgest and Park Hyatt project in Comporta.
A firm commitment to the region
The architecture, presented as sustainable and integrated into the landscape, has been entrusted to FAT – Future Architecture Thinking, the studio led by Miguel Correia. Interior architecture is by Ingrid Aparicio Studio.
The holistic wellness approach will be led by Adília Ferreira, whom the group describes as a pioneer of the sector in Portugal, with more than 25 years’ experience in sound therapy, Tibetan yoga and Ayurvedic techniques. This positioning echoes a broader trend in the segment, already seen at groups such as Minor Hotels with its Life Longevity brand.
Streamlined leadership around Lior Zach
Having settled in Portugal in 2019, George Vinter and Lior Zach launched their hotel venture together; it was slowed by the pandemic before regaining momentum. The duo parted ways around a year ago, and Lior Zach now leads Boa Hotels alone.
A management graduate, he has more than a dozen years’ experience in international hospitality. He began his career as a receptionist at a boutique hotel in Tel Aviv, before joining the Selina chain in 2015, which he left in 2019 to develop new hotel concepts focused on the premium segment.
A Mediterranean-facing pipeline
Alongside Kura, Boa Hotels is developing a charming boutique hotel on the Greek island of Paros, due to open in 2028.
Analysis – With two very different projects in Portugal and a first step into Greece, Boa Hotels is building a small but diversified portfolio, from urban residential to destination resort. The group is part of a Portuguese market where hotel investments are multiplying, from Porto, where Ennismore is preparing its first Mama Shelter, to the inland wine regions.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Boa Hotels converts Quinta da Barroca into Kura, a five-star wellness resort in Portugal’s Upper Douro
Investment above €50 million, around 100 jobs, opening scheduled for 2029
70 rooms and suites, two-level spa with eight treatment rooms, farm-to-table restaurant and bar
26-hectare historic estate at around 1,000 m altitude; branded private villas in a later phase
Architecture by FAT – Future Architecture Thinking, interiors by Ingrid Aparicio Studio, wellness led by Adília Ferreira
Pipeline: boutique hotel on Paros, Greece, due in 2028
