Perched high above the Atlantic Ocean on the cliffs north of Lisbon is a comfortable retreat for guests seeking peace and seclusion. Not only the view is spectacular, but also the Aethos Hotel itself: with its architecture, stylish design and high-quality Portuguese craftsmanship, it is in keeping with the location.
The coast north of Lisbon is not the Mediterranean: the surf is wild, the Atlantic as cool as the constant breeze, and occasionally there is thick sea fog even in August. If you’re looking for a Mediterranean summer, you’re not quite in the right place. But for those who love surfing or want to learn, the area around the coastal town of Ericeira is one of Europe’s surfers’ paradises, with direct connections to Lisbon via the highway and bus lines. But even if you don’t want to plunge into the water with a board and wetsuit, there is plenty to discover – rugged cliffs and a wide variety of beaches as well as unspectacular, authentic life. There are only a few hotels right by the sea in this agricultural, partly urbanized region.
All the more surprising is the “Aethos” with its secluded location on the cliff between fields and rocky coast. Here, Pedra Silva Arquitectos transformed a former “Estalagem”, a simpler form of accommodation, into a comfortable boutique hotel of high architectural quality. This was no easy task, as the existing building, which had been converted several times and was not very charming, had to be redesigned into a new unit and additional rooms had to be created, all within the existing cubature, as the building regulations did not permit any extensions. In keeping with the context, the Lisbon architects’ approach was to open up the house more to the sea, to reinforce the original character of the country estate, to clarify the structure and access – and to design the communal areas as a light-flooded, open spatial continuum.
The fact that this has been achieved is evident from the very first step into the hotel. The two-storey lounge exudes generosity and is oriented towards the sea with its high arched windows. These are emphasized by the recessed reveals, showcasing the view and creating intense light and shadow effects. The lounge flows seamlessly into the bar and restaurant; thanks to the large-format glazing, you seem to float above the coast.
This also applies to the sea-facing rooms – especially those in the completely renovated west wing. Its wooden slatted façade contrasts attractively with the plaster façade of the main building; it frames and protects the deep loggias as a grandiose outdoor seating area. If it gets too chilly, the shimmering silver swell of the Costa da Prata can also be observed from inside through the floor-to-ceiling glass fronts. The rooms are cozy retreats, with clear lines, warm natural colors and beautiful textures. And the careful craftsmanship is just as high quality as the materials. Designed by Astet Studio from Barcelona, the interior design creates a bright, light and airy atmosphere, characterized by wood and semi-transparent elements such as the fine mesh for the glass partition wall to the bathroom, which can be folded to the side like a screen and filters the light.
The land-side rooms face the pool, which is located between the main house and the west wing. The architects have now completely redesigned the previously shaft-like situation with staggered plateaus. The pool is also protected from the wind by a small annex with a spa and gym. The 50-room house, which has been carefully and harmoniously designed down to the last detail – right down to the specially designed furniture made in Portugal – plans to be open all year round, with wellness offers as well as exclusive surf lessons. And the Aethos is also well equipped for stormy winter days: with its cozy rooms as well as the sofas in the lounge.
Prices: Ocean Terrace Room: from 236 euros
Source: v2com newswire
This article can be found in B4/2024. Click here to go to the store!
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