Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments A luxury stay in the heart of Porto

The award-winning Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments in the heart of Porto is dedicated to explorers who seek more than just a room key. Torel 1884 offers 12 rooms and suites at the main building. Not far at the Rua das Flores, the property offers 11 more apartments for an authentic stay in the city of Porto.

To make it the best stay in Porto possible guests can enjoy self service drinks at the honesty bar on the top floor, as well as experience the Portuguese culinary in the “Bartolomeu Bistro & Wine”. A very intimate and elegant space, where typical Portuguese specialties are served.

The boutique hotel has an interesting history, as the stunning building was built in 1884. The palace’s grandeur – with its magnificent windows, spacious rooms, high ceilings, elegant staircase and fabulous crowning skylight – demanded a superlative theme. The one chosen was that of the cultural diversity of the faraway lands. The concept is inspired by the exotic discoveries which Portugal’s mariners made along the sea and trading routes they followed. Many of the materials and products found in these distant lands, including pepper, porcelain, coffee and silk, continue to be a part of the Portuguese lives and culture today.

The architectural project was the work of Miguel Nogueira, a Portuguese architect. The interiors were conceived by Nano Design and features the work of the artists Jorge Curval and João Pedro Rodrigues. The remit was to enhance the architectural beauty of the building, with the theme of the cultural diversity of the voyages of discovery eviden throughout. Close attention has been given to every detail, with bespoke wooden fittings, the showcasing of the traditional art of handmade tassels, and a decorative finishing which gives each room a personalized touch, while using Portuguese suppliers and artisans whenever possible.

RIBEIRA GRANDE | PORTUGAL

Santa Bárbara Eco ­ Beach Resort

Natural coastal landscape meets modern luxury

Overlooking the grand beach of Santa Barbara, Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort, the Azores’ first ecologically-friendly eco beach resort was opened in 2015. It began with a passion for the natural black beaches along the picturesque northern coast of São Miguel in the Azores. The unique, almost magical, green pastures and mountain hues that contrast with the azure blue oceans are the ideal backdrop for a calming resort retreat. The inviting natural coastal landscape, the elegance of the modern luxury spaces and the commitment to a full-range of experien es epitomizes the passion for the art of hospitality, nature and, above all, the Azores.

The resort is dedicated to sustainability: The architecture and luxury amenities, the Farm-to-Table supply chain, environmental support and energy/water efficiency programs were constituted to reduce the ecological impact, maintain the natural beauty and environmental balance of the coastal ecosystem. The architectural design and the choice of materials were selected to blend harmoniously with natural surroundings. The minimal- ist architecture was adjusted to the morphology of the land, in order to minimize its impact on the natural landscape. This was enhanced by the use of natural building materials sourced locally or nationally, such as the islands’ cryptomeria, exotic bamboos and domestic cork that built on the simple natural setting.

Construction of the Santa Bárbara resort prioritized the use of natural materials, primarily the use of local wood (cryptomeria), cork and bamboo, and infused decorative elements that callback to traditional Azorean motifs and accents. Santa Bárbara’s furniture was designed and built exclusively for the resort. Other decorations were made from repurposed materials, such as lamps which were made from oil containers of an abandoned farm, and the restaurant chairs and tables which were made from reused iron and covered with vegetable fiber, using matting crafts.

ARICO EL NUEVO | SPAIN