Torel Palace PORTO Drawing inspiration from Portuguese literature, the story of Torel Boutiques’ fifth property is brought to life through sensitive design and a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Words: Jenna Campbell • Photography: © Carlos Vieira
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haracterised by cobbled streets and narrow
group’s other properties including Torel Palace Lisbon and
passageways meandering past pastel-coloured
the common areas of Torel Avantgarde in Porto, infuses the
houses, gothic churches and bustling cafés down
mansion with a contemporary edge.
towards the banks of the Douro, Portugal’s second city is
“One of the key questions was how to reconcile the
both a beacon for old-world charm and a portal through
building’s characteristics and its classic style with the
which to experience forward-thinking gastronomy.
comfort and convenience of contemporary décor,” says Ingrid
This sentiment certainly rings true at Palacete Campos
Koeck, one of the Founding Directors of Torel Boutiques.
Navarro, a 19th century mansion, which has been sensitively
“The common spaces were designed to respect the history
transformed by Torel Boutiques – a collection of guest houses
and antiquity of the palace, creating a modern space. In this
and hotels based in Portugal. Representing the group’s
sense, the architectural structure was maintained and the
third property in the city, Torel Palace Porto is inspired by
intervention being more at the level of furniture, colours
literature, with each of its 24 rooms and suites named after
and lighting, with the intention of enhancing the beauty
a Portuguese writer or poet – among them Eça de Queiroz,
and restoring its splendour, as can be seen in the lobby, the
Florbela Espanca and Fernando Pessoa. However, it is within
staircase or the skylight, which is undoubtedly the hotel’s
the property’s signature restaurant – a blindfolded culinary
ex-libris,” adds Koeck.
journey conceived by Michelin-star chef Vitor Matos – that is appealing to gastronomes.
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On the ground floor and situated at the back of the property, the outdoor terrace, featuring an emerald-green
The newly envisaged property pays homage to the elegance
swimming pool and vertical plant wall, continues the
of the original structure – a striking example of the romantic
project’s overarching design concept, whilst ensuring the
architecture period in Porto – and has been reimagined
space seamlessly transitions from day to night. Blending
with a number of modern touches. The restoration work,
minimalist furniture and black and white fabrics with
overseen by NN Arquitectura, preserves the architectural
romantic pink features and vintage-style chandeliers
and decorative elements whilst giving the building a new
interwoven into a canopy of plants and flowers suspended
lease of life, and interior design, which was handed to Isabel
from a timber pergola, the space serves as a prelude to the
Sá Nogueira, who has previously worked on some of the
inventive dining experience awaiting guests on the other
