'Comporta Bliss'

With its relaxed pace, artistic community and ability to draw a host of personalities such as Jacques Grange, the Espírito Santo family and Madonna, the southern Portugal fishing village of Comporta has often drawn comparisons with 1950s Saint Tropez. With a scenic landscape comprising swaths of beaches and rice paddies, nature provides a stunning backdrop to this village, which is punctuated by rustic cabanas and thatched-roof huts. Over 280 pages and 250 illustrations Assouline's 'Comporta Bliss' explores the beauty, joy and simplicity of this corner of the world, while also examining how architects and designers have responded to this uniquely bold and picturesque environment. The work of Carlos Souza — a jewellery designer, editor-at-large for Architectural Digest and contributing editor for Interview — and Charlene Shorto, a Lisbon-based Brazilian with an extensive history in fashion and photography, 'Comporta Bliss' is a celebration of a truly distinct setting.