Let’s Talk. Design Escapes Portugal
Introducing Emma, the founder of design escapes portugal, a curation of curious casas, slow hotels, spaces to stay, places and people.
Casas Caiadas Open House - Arraiolos, Alentejo
We first discovered Design Escapes Portugal via Instagram. Through our shared love for Portugal, sustainable living and travel we instantly became friends with Emma, the founder of this beautifully curated platform. We are honoured to be chatting to Emma today to find out more about how she came to create Design Escapes, some of her favourite spots in Portugal, what makes a ‘design escape hotel’ and whats to come in 2021. Trust us, there are some real goodies in this line up that you might fancy adding to your wish list ready for when we can travel more easily.
How did you end up in Portugal?
My husband and I moved to Portugal last year after spending 10 years living and working in the fashion industry in London. After we got hitched in June 2019 we left city life and our jobs, family and friends behind to travel the world in search of a different perspective. When the pandemic hit in March, our plans for global ‘wanderlust’ were cut short and we had to make the decision to settle somewhere.
Portugal seemed obvious as we have family connections with the Algarve, and we couldn’t bear the thought of moving back to the UK. Our intention was always to move here, but it happened much quicker than expected!
Tell us more about the idea behind starting Design Escapes Portugal? Was the plan always for it to develop into an influential curation of some of the best and most interesting hotels in Portugal?
With the travel bug thoroughly instilled in us from our 6 months backpacking in South America, and stuck inside during lock down, we started researching and making lists of all the places we wanted to go when lockdown lifted. Our goal when moving to Portugal was to embrace a slower pace and get to know the heart of our destination and community.
I had this incurable desire to learn more about the culture here, both old and new; the food, the communities, the unique, raw and extraordinarily beautiful places that Portugal can offer away from the traditional ‘sun, sand and sea’ idioms that it is so often associated with. Design Escapes Portugal initially began as a mood board and diary for these places that I thought represented a different type of tourism in Portugal. There were so many blogs, Instagram platforms and websites that seemed to focus less on design, style and substance and more on the ‘usual suspects’, so I wanted to pursue something more thoughtful.
Design Escapes has become a platform that explores places and people in Portugal that are committed to this more considered vision of ‘luxury’ and travel.
Casas Caiadas Open House - Arraiolos, Alentejo
Are you been surprised at how quickly Design Escapes Portugal has grown and how it has evolved?
I never expected Design Escapes to grow as quickly as it has, especially when the world has been relatively restricted in terms of travel in the last year. It’s been nice to know that others share a similar passion for Portugal, both locals, expats and travellers. It’s evolved from a personal diary into this amazing platform where we all discover, share and experience the ‘hidden’ Portugal together.
As well as making my own connections, it’s been interesting connecting others too, as people often ask for help if they are seeking local artisans, producers, restaurant tips, interior designers, architects etc. We’ve also had makers, chefs, designers, other travellers and creators do takeovers on the platform which allows for a different perspective other than my own, which i like, as it has created a real sense of community.
It’s a creative melting pot for all things Portugal and I like to think we are all representing the country as one at the forefront of exploring a fusion between immaculate design and a sustainable, more conscious approach to travel.
Many find it difficult to know where to start when looking for smaller boutique hotels which have character and charm without a heavy price tag. How have you managed to discover all of these wonderful places?
I have always been an intense researcher, probably bordering on compulsive! For any vacation we would take when we were living in London, I would make a spreadsheet (i’ll happily admit i’m a Virgo!), spend hours putting together itineraries and seek out places off the beaten track (even if we didn’t end up going!). I find a lot of my hidden gems through Instagram, and spend time investigating and navigating through endless holes in order to find out where certain places are. There have been moments in the past where I’ve seen a certain place, have found out that it’s a private home, and slid into the owners DM’s to convince them to let us stay there!
It’s definitely about putting yourself out there, asking questions and being inquisitive. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you follow whose taste you admire to ask them if they have tips for you if you know they have been somewhere. Magazines are also immensely useful, i love Openhouse by architect Andrew Trotter, and Revista Observador, a beautifully curated Portuguese magazine (which also helps with my language learning too!).
Travel should be a transformative experience more than just checking a bucket list, and for everyone that transformative experience is so personal, so I tend to avoid blogs or websites that I know get paid to promote certain places, there are so many out there!
“It’s definitely about putting yourself out there, asking questions and being inquisitive. don’t be afraid to reach out to people you follow whose taste you admire to ask them if they have tips for you if you know they have been somewhere.”
What is your favourite hotel that you visited in Portugal in 2020? and what made it stand out for you?
Such a hard question...so i’ll pick three!
It’s quite well known now, but I was completely blown away by Sao Lorenco do Barrocal in Monsaraz, set in the countryside outside of one of Portugal’s oldest villages in Portugal founded in the 12th century. Even though it’s perhaps larger than a typical ‘Design Escape’, the hotel for me is one of the best examples of a beautiful, yet consciously curated place.
Not only is it stylish but it also strives to be sustainable in its philosophy. It’s all about preserving the history of the Monte for future generations, living off the land, providing employment to locals, working with local artisans and protecting a heritage. That, for me, is as important as style when it comes to a true Design Escape.
Second is Morgado Do Quintao, one of the only vineyards in the Algarve that really stands out as a game changer, and has the most beautiful vision for reviving it’s heritage in a cool and contemporary way. The estate is still owned by the same family who founded it over 200 years ago, and the current owner is breathing new life into it. It’s so laid back and effortless, it feels like being in Provence, but even better, in Portugal!
Third is Aldeia Sao Gregorio in Estremoz one of my favourite towns in the Alentejo (mainly for it’s Saturday antiques market, and local restaurant Mercearia Gadahna). I have found it difficult to find ‘Design Escapes’ in the area as it’s still quite undiscovered, so when I stumbled on Sao Gregorio it immediately stood out. It’s by no means luxurious (there’s no heating or air conditioning, and it still needs a good lick of paint!) but it’s the setting and the history and purpose of place that is just magical.
The Aldeia is a 12th century village where over 30 families used to eat and live that was bought by it’s current owners a couple of years ago. The tiny village houses have been converted into simple but comfortable bedrooms all with roaring open fires and thick white walls and wooden blue doors. Waking up to fresh bread delivered in a muslin pouch on your doorstep, surrounded by vineyards, and the sound of the village church bells it a real Altentejo experience...
What hotel are you most looking forward to visiting in 2021? That’s a hard one I know.
2020 was mostly spent exploring the South of Portugal (mainly as we are based in the Algarve and it’s the easiest to explore!). We travelled around the Algarve and the biggest region of Portugal, The Alentejo coast and inland, as well as Lisbon & Porto.
Before things open up too much again to international tourists, we need to visit Sintra and the Douro (usually popular and to be avoided…!) apparently at the moment it’s another world! There’s a hotel in the Douro designed by interior architect and designer Pierre Yovanovitch which is high up on my list, Quinta Da Corte. It’s a vineyard that has his unique touch in the quirky interiors overlooking the Douro river and the grapes below.
Qunita da Corte - Interior Design by Pierre Yovanovitch
I’m also hugely intrigued by the lesser known wine region, the Dao, one that concentrates a lot on low intervention, natural wines. There’s a hotel in the Serra Da Estrela mountains close by (one of the only places it snows in Portugal!) called Casa da Sao Lorenco that i’m looking forward to trying. We will try to fit in some skiing before cosying up by the fire or in their heated outdoor pool filled with natural water from the mountain springs.
What interests me about this particular hotel is that it is also a pioneer in preserving local heritage and has worked hard in reviving one of the oldest textile factories in the region which traditionally makes a rare blend of wool called Burel. They are now one of the biggest employers in the region and you can visit the factory and see them work their magic on the looms...heaven!
The Azores is also a place I am desperate to visit, but i’m saving it for a special occasion and when it feels more appropriate to fly.
Portugal has an incredible collection of design led and very inspiring hotels which you have spent a lot of time discovering this year. We would love to know what your top three hotels in the country are in terms of interior design and styling and why?
Simply based on interior design and styling I would say firstly, Pensao Agricola, a small rural hotel in the Algarve. Once an old abandoned farmhouse the owner worked with a Portuguese architectural practice ‘Rua Atelier’ to revive it. I love how they have managed to infiltrate a modern edge, using walls and courtyards to create 8 rooms that all feel fresh but still fulfil a ‘purpose of place’. The interior design is an eclectic mix of found objects and furniture, contemporary art and photography all sourced by the owner. It feels like what i’d want my home in Portugal to look like!
Da Licenca in Estremoz is also a dream. One half Parisian (ex Hermes), the other Portuguese, the owners worked with local artisans to reflect regional craftsmanship in a super contemporary and refreshing way. The hotel has its own art gallery too which, when you consider the hotel is literally in the middle of nowhere in an often unexplored area of Portugal, feels mysterious and I like that it could bring a different type of traveller to the region. One of a kind for sure.
Last but not least I love Casa Da Volta in Grandola, primarily for it’s incredible architecture. It is distinctly futuristic and modern and yet feels as though it has been there since the beginning of time, using a layout inspired by moorish fortresses, traditional Portuguese roof tiles and stone from the site to build the house. The interior design is a blend of midcentury Portuguese furniture, found objects and modern art. It just oozes cool and Pedro, the owner, is the most kind and generous man i have ever had the pleasure to meet.
Which interior designers inspire you the most in Portugal and why?
I love Ana Ahory and Felipa Almeida, the creatives behind the interiors at Sao Lorenco do Barrocal. For them it’s all about finding local solutions. Whether they are styling a restaurant with local ceramics, tiles, bowls and wares - they will find artisans to make them and always think about tradition for a contemporary space. When filling a bedroom of living room with textiles created by a 100 year old factory in the Alentejo, they’ll work with them to create modern pieces appropriate for the coolest of houses.
Obviously, too, my heart lies with escolhido! I love what Jade is doing to shift the consumer perspecitive; that renovation, stying and and creation doesn’t necessarily mean making or buying new. There are so many amazing things that you can do to style a space using old objects, discarded items and found curiosities and escolhido manages to do it perfectly in that it never feels like the items are old, they just retain that air of curiosity and timeless, mindful design.
For any new hotels out there, can you tell us a little bit about what it takes for them to be featured on Design Escape Portugal?
For me, a ‘Design Escape’ is not a ‘Design Escape’ unless there is a story. Anyone can build a beautiful hotel, fill it with beautiful things, and plaster it one the cover of glossy magazines and travel websites. When I’m looking for Design Escapes, I’m looking for spaces that are reflections of their location.
Whether that manifests itself in conceptual architecture, situational design and building using local materials or ideas that blend the building with it’s surroundings. Or whether it appears in those who created it, who influenced it, about the heritage and the people who live in the local area, their traditions, their culture. How does that soul translate to those who visit and their experience there, through the spaces’ design decisions or philanthropic initiatives?
I am drawn to places that make a conscious effort to work with Portuguese makers, artisans and designers, the more local to the location, the better. Are the recipes in the restaurant inspired by local delicacies and recipes, how is breakfast served, are products grown on site or with local farmer? What will your guests leave knowing about Portugal, about slow living, about mindfulness, that they didn’t know when they arrived?
A Design Escape is one that encompasses this 360 vision, thinking about the past and preserving it for the future in a modern way in everything from physical space, to service, communications, social media, guest experience. They should focus on curating a new kind of luxury for the modern explorer, one that is mindful rather than choosing ‘style’ over ‘substance’. A ‘Design Escape’ highlights that the former cannot be achieved without the latter.
What is next for Design Escape Portugal?
My aim is continue what we are doing at the moment, offering a place to uncover more exciting spaces in Portugal to visit, people to meet, places to eat and communities to explore. We have some exciting collaborations lined up and some more of our community take overs which should give insight into sights unseen in Portugal and some of the most anticipated hotels, kitchens and workshops.
We want to grow our international community once borders begin to open and people start to travel more freely again. And I’m currently working on our website which will feature carefully curated list of slow hotels and homes, insider guides, travel diaries and itineraries which will make putting together a trip to Portgual easier, especially if travel becomes more last minute! Lastly, we’ve been thinking about how to create the online experience of Design Escapes, offline, and have some interesting things in the pipeline that will hopefully come to fruition in 2021…
