The project to transform the old Convent of São Paulo, in Vila Viçosa, into a luxury hotel under the Anantara brand has 24 million euros in guaranteed public funding, approved by the COMPETE program and financed through the golden visas. However, the Municipal Council does not know when construction will begin, almost eight years after the first announcement.
The municipality's president, Inácio Esperança, stated that the convent has already received the ARI funds and that the developer is still trying to find a new private investor to complement the public investment. The current value exceeds the 20 to 21 million euros announced in 2019, when the project was initially presented as Royal S. Paulo Hotel Resort.
The convent, built in the 16th century and classified as a Monument of Municipal Interest, has been vacant since the end of the 20th century, having housed the SOFAL factory for decades. The current configuration includes 76 accommodation units, including rooms, suites and residences, as well as restaurants, a spa, swimming pools and conference spaces.
Anantara maintains 2027 as the projected opening year, but without construction having started or an official date confirmed, the target remains uncertain. The project continues to be presented as one of the main tourism investments planned for Vila Viçosa, but opening next year still depends on the start of works and the completion of private financing.
