When most people picture luxury in the Algarve, they imagine coastal resorts – whitewashed apartments, busy beachfronts, and rows of apartment blocks competing for sea views. Kristjan Thor-Vähi, the visionary behind Silves Hills, had something else in mind.
“In Southern Spain or France, real luxury isn’t on the coastline,” he explains. “It’s in the hills and mountains, where the climate is better, the surroundings are quieter, and you can actually breathe.”
That perspective shaped Silves Hills from the beginning. Nestled just outside the medieval town of Silves, the development sits next to a natural park only fifteen minutes from the beach. For Kristjan, this location captures the best of both worlds: untouched nature with panoramic views, but close enough to the coast and the city for convenience.
“We saw southern Portugal as one of the last unpolished pearls of Europe,” he says. “The coast is beautiful, but it can be crowded and noisy, which is, of course, also great if that is what you’re in the mood for. Inland, you find serenity.”
A Philosophy of Privacy and Serenity
The first time Kristjan visited the site, he felt its uniqueness immediately. The landscape, he recalls, had a sense of magic – a beauty evoked by a unique and singular setting. There is a silence and serenity that washes over you and fills you with joy. “It reminded me more of South America than southern Portugal,” he says. “That feeling became the starting point for everything we built. We knew it had to be a villa community. Privacy was essential.”
In the past, many Algarve developments were built as rows of townhouses or apartments packed closely together. “Everyone wanted to sit right next to each other,” Kristjan recalls. “We wanted the opposite – space, privacy, and views.”
Instead of dense housing, Silves Hills offers stand-alone villas, each positioned to ensure unobstructed views. Those who want connection can gather in shared clubhouses and amenities, but every home is also a retreat.
Architecturally, the project breaks from the Algarve’s traditional mould. Where older houses relied on thick stone walls and small windows, Silves Hills embraces glass and openness. Floor-to-ceiling windows erase the boundary between inside and outside, while green roofs and hidden infrastructure allow the homes to blend into the landscape. Even the window frames are designed to disappear into the roofline, so when you look out from your villa, nothing interrupts the view. “Our goal was always to put nature first,” Kristjan explains. “Every design choice was made to protect that serenity.”
The Meaning of Balance
Although the idea of balance wasn’t part of the original blueprint, it soon became the defining word for Silves Hills.
“Most of our clients live in major European cities. Their lives are fast-paced and intense,” Kristjan says. “Silves Hills is the opposite – a place where time slows down and you can recharge. That contrast creates balance in life.”
Balance here works on several levels. There is a balance between seclusion and accessibility: villas in the hills are just two kilometres from the historic centre of Silves, with its castle, restaurants, and culture. Balance between rest and activity: while the community itself is designed for peace, golf courses, hiking trails, and wellness activities are either minutes away or, in most cases, right on your doorstep.
Unlike many Algarve resorts, Silves Hills has no golf course on site. “We wanted to prioritise open landscapes and natural surroundings within the community,” Kristjan says. “Golf lovers won’t miss out, though – there are several renowned courses within easy reach.”
And finally, a balance between luxury and nature: every villa is fully equipped, yet the landscape remains the dominant feature.
A Journey into the Hills
Even arriving at Silves Hills feels different. The drive itself becomes part of the experience: the sunlit Algarve countryside, the winding roads of Silves, the silhouette of its medieval castle.
“From the town, you take a small mountain road,” Kristjan says. “Two kilometres later, you’re in another world. Surrounded by nature, with views stretching across the valley – it feels hidden, but still connected.”
In that moment, the philosophy behind Silves Hills becomes clear. This is not about following the crowd to the coast. It’s about redefining what living in the Algarve means: space, peace, and a life lived in balance.
About Kristjan
At the helm of the Silves Hills project is Kristjan Thor-Vähi, founder and CEO of Invego. Invego is a leading European real estate developer, with a track record spanning more than 10 years and over 1,400 new homes delivered across Estonia, Latvia, and Portugal. Their work has shaped residential and commercial communities that prioritise quality, sustainability, and smart urban living. The company has developed over 150,000m² of residential and over 50,000m² of commercial property.
Kristjan’s background brings a forward-thinking vision to Silves Hills – transforming it from a conventional coastal resort concept into something that genuinely redefines luxury in southern Portugal, a secluded yet connected destination.