On a hill in the middle of town overlooking the glinting River Douro, Porto’s newest five-star hotel pays homage to the best of Portuguese arts and crafts.
From sculptor Paulo Neves (who was responsible for the entrance doors and restaurant) to graffiti artist Frederico Draw and visual artist Jorge Curval, a total of thirteen creatives were pulled together by interior designer Isabel Sá Nogueira who is behind the memorable flower room where artificial blossoms cover the ceilings and walls.
The 47 rooms are named after figures from the avant-garde era such as Francis Bacon, Alberto Giacometti or Salvador Dali, and each one reflects the personality of the artist on the door. Inside the rooms vary from four-poster beds (Frida Kahlo) to the private hot tub in the Coco Chanel suite.
A tiny spa is hidden in the basement and a swimming pool lies in the gardens, while the restaurant, Digby, is the first outlet of Lisbon’s acclaimed Casa da Comida. Don’t miss the monkfish with clams and do finish with the pear in port wine with serra da estrela sheep cheese foam for a completely immersive Portuguese culinary experience.
