Casa Amor

WHEN, WHEN, WHEN, THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE ASKING. WHEN WILL CASA AMOR BE READY TO WELCOME GUESTS WHO WILL STAY, THOSE WHO ARE THERE FOR A MEAL, OR A DRINK, THOSE WANTING THE TASTE OF WALTER’S PASTRIES? EACH MONTH, AS WORK PROGRESSES, BRINGS THAT DAY CLOSER

Consultations by appointment on Saturdays.

Words: ELAINE JOYCE

LAST MONTH, the intrepid twosome explained the work that was taking place on the ground floor, including the change of plans for the entrance of the building, and some of the more unwelcome surprises that showed up weaknesses in the structure. But Jack and Walter, it seems, let nothing dampen their enthusiasm, knowing that every problem will become a pleasure.

Right now, the building team are focused on the upstairs and the nine rooms on the first floor, and the one on the roof top. “They all have natural light now, that enters through new large French windows designed to perfectly compliment the façade,” says Walter. “There are two rooms that overlook the patio and the newly instated grand olive tree, and each of those has a large private balcony with seating so one can relax in the calm.”

The smallest room is Walter’s favourite, presented as the room of lovers or for happy singles. With its queen size bed, it has a special charm. There are two other rooms that overlook Rua Bombarda, both of which are large. These corner rooms of the previous owners, they are now light and wonderfully bright and will be dressed with fine linen curtains that are currently being made. The other rooms that overlook Rua Alfredo Keil or Rua Dr. Pádua are between 18 and 32m². “We chose to have large bathrooms throughout the boutique hotel to create another attribute to its character,” says Walter. “But we have kept the original walls.”

And what about decoration? “The bathrooms are simple and bring together the best of classical features. We have a light sandstone on the floor, pale tiles on the wall, the white basins are rest on Portuguese stone, towels sit on wooden shelves, and taps are chrome and stylish. And within the bathrooms there are large areas to actually put things – an important feature that sadly is ignored in so many hotels today. There is space for everything in the bathrooms at Casa Amor, from toiletry and makeup bags to personal things like medications and reading material,” says Jack.

In the bedrooms themselves, the message is one of chic simplicity. Northern pine flooring, white walls, porcelain buttons for light, linen curtains; colour will be introduced by the paintings the couple love like lithographs by Cocteau. White custom-built cupboards with natural cane doors hide a refrigerator and a safebox; the old furniture has been beautifully restored in readiness of its new chapter.

But the most important thing is the bedding. After a considerable amount of research, the boys chose Molaflex, a Portuguese manufacturer not far from Porto, that equips luxury hotels. “The company has an environmentally friendly policy and this is important to us,” explains Jack. “And of course we have tested and approved them.”

Through the large bay window and up to the next level, you arrive on the roof top with the pool from which you feel you are diving into the heart of the white cubic city. There are blue and white upholstered sunbeds, white masonry benches covered with cushions, shady natural cane pergolas, corners to rest, an honesty bar, a shower and a cloakroom. And from there you can access the mirador with its breathtaking views, and the large sumptuous suite with its private 71m² terrace. “It is a suite to enjoy life outside and where you can even sleep under the stars,” says Walter.

Ready to book? Our two friends are cautious, they hope to open their doors this summer but they are aware that in Olhão the summer lasts a very long time...

Amara now has an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining with beautiful views over the golf and pines. And the chef is currently busy adding some exciting flavours to the delicious 2023 menu.