Perfecting Portugal
DESIGN HOTEL SERIES
Written by Alison Lewis
Village ByBOA, Porto, Portugal
Portugal is a country on a mission to catch up with the rest of Western Europe. Under dictatorship until the 70’s, there’s something raw and inviting about its ‘step back in time’ atmosphere, while equally hurried and exciting is its race to create beautifully designed hotels and aparthotels, and up the tourist ante.
I recently spent two weeks exploring Portugal with my family and saw first hand the beautiful juxtaposition between old and new and traditional and contemporary. Our trip began in Porto, and made its way south, side stepping over to the Douro Valley, before reaching its capital, Lisbon. We then travelled through Alentejo and finished up at the bottom tip of the Algarve.
Sounds exciting? It was! So read on for the design highlights of our first foray into Portugal.
Village ByBOA
Our first stop was at Village ByBOA in the historic centre of Porto. Consisting of five buildings surrounded by a beautiful internal courtyard filled with rustic pots, rattan pendants and gorgeous landscaping, this Aparthotel was the best of both words.
Continental breakfast delivered in the morning filled with pastries, yogurt, fresh baguettes and ham and cheese filled our bellies for a day of walking, while the self-contained kitchen allowed us to cook a simple dinner in the evening when our feet couldn’t carry us any further.
For many years Village ByBOA was home to the residents of Bairro do Silva, a 19th century project to group together working class houses as neighbourhoods. Its communal vibe hasn’t be lost, in fact, this is what good design does; creates spaces that feel connected through its community.
Lead by the Pablo Pita architecture firm, the property was restored over the course of two years. To maintain its history, Pablo Pita Architects took inspiration from both the buildings’ original architecture and the soul from the Bairro's stories, combining them to create a series of apartments that are cohesive with the surrounding landscape.
With the existing buildings renewed, Portuguese interior designers Bacana Design Studio, have turned the interiors of Bairro do Silva into Village By BOA, an oasis in the heart of Porto and one of our favourite places to stay!
Images via Village ByBOA
Octant Douro
Our second stop was a mere 40kms east of Porto, along the Douro river at Octant Douro. Although close to the hustle and bustle of Porto, the hotel is far removed from surrounding properties and tucked away at the bottom of a winding road.
A luxury hotel in every sense of the word, staying here was our slice of la di da in between Aparthotels and B and B’s. Did I cram three people into a tiny room? Yes. Did we spend a week’s budget in two days? Also yes.
Image via The Affluence
Video via Octant Douro
Cut into the banks of the hillside terraces of Castelo de Paiva along the spectacular Douro river, Octant Hotel is flooded by nature. Stretching down almost to the river’s edge, the hotel was designed to be unobtrusive, blending into the banks of the river and built from schist (a course-grained metamorphic rock) and glass, with every viewpoint of the hotel filled with mountain, river or both.
The mid-century modern elements of the hotel were captured and designed by Cristina Jorge Carvalho, who added soul to the minimalist and contemporary space.
The choice of a natural palette, further represented by natural materials and texture, added warmth and sophistication, while also enhancing the buildings connection to its environment.
Images via Octant Douro and Cristina Jorge Carvalho
Octant Évora
Did I say earlier Octant Douro was our little slice of la di da between Aparthotels and B and B’s? Look at me eating my words… ok, ok, Octant Évora had me at kids club and I couldn’t look past it!
A 20 minute drive from UNESCO World Heritage listed town Évora, Octant Évora is in the heart of Alentejo and designed with kids in mind! Definitely a firm family favourite, what kid could go past a teddy on her pillow, kids toiletries, go-kart, chickens and kids club, complete with crepe making?
Image via Condé Nast Traveller
Video via Octant Évora
Simple but beautiful is the best way to describe Octant Évora’s aesthetic. Contemporary design, incorporating the neutral palette of the surrounding area, think wood, cork and accents of blue, compliments the hotels unique topography. Designed by internationally acclaimed Broadway Malyan, the interiors of the hotel drew its inspiration from the surrounding countryside.
Stark white walls work when they’re draped with organic textures and go a long way to providing coziness and comfort, as well as interest and tactility. Broadway Malyan used handcrafted furniture and décor throughout to give the hotel a sense of authenticity.
Tree in the lobby? What better way to introduce guests to the playful nature of the accommodation while also connecting the rural environment of open plains and waterways with the sophistication of a luxury hotel.
Images via Octant Évora
Conversas de Alpendre
Conversas de Alpendre is a small, family run retreat in Eastern Algarve, only a 20 minute drive from the Spanish border. Categorised as ‘Turismo Rural’, the hotel focuses on actively participating in a rural lifestyle for tourists.
Conversas de Alpendre means ‘Conversations under the porch’ a philosophy the retreat embodies through its hospitable team, cosy atmosphere and homely restaurant.
After travelling for almost 4 weeks, we were craving relaxation by the pool, lazy days and adventures to the beach. While we only managed to achieve two of those things, pool time and lazy days (I’m not complaining!), it allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in Portuguese life, where we only had to move to venture into town for dinner and ice cream.
Image via The Collection
An old farmhouse, turned homestay, once you find Conversas de Alpendre you’re surprised by its size. With an enviable view of the sea, the owners, Marta and Tiago have converted the farmhouse into accommodation, while also building additional lodgings with their own unique aesthetic and vibe.
Each room has been designed with Portuguese woods, textiles and tiles and each is unique. Boho in style and décor, it’s obvious that every inch of space has been well thought out for comfort and style. The common area, cleverly designed to catch the breeze on a warm summers morning, is the hub of the hotel for breakfasts, dinners, chatting with other guests and afternoon tea of freshly made cake.
And if that’s not enough, book in for a massage in the gorgeous on-site hut, draped in white linen, where you will feel like you’re a million miles from anything and everyone.
Images via The Collection
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