A new definition of modern luxury finds a home in the heart of the centrally located Chiado in Lisbon.
The just opened Verride Palacio Santa Catarina is my favourite hotel in town, set in a glamorous 18th-century palacio-turned-boutique hotel that definitely marks a new kind of exquisiteness when it comes to luxury. I am not talking about overly decorated, old school kind of luxury with well stocked minibars and too many brochures offering all the luxury services of a hotel (nobody actually no longer needs).
Let me tell you why you should plan a weekend in Lisbon soon and why new luxury. Isn’t new luxury about lots of time, freedom and skills?
All that awaits you and more:
- When I entered my room, a beautiful flower bouquet welcomed me that could have been put together and freshly picked in a garden by super stylist Carlos Mota, www.casamota.com.
- Much of the decor is neutral in color, from the pale grey marble and cream-colored Egyptian cotton towels in the bathrooms to the light wood desks and rattan chairs. Simply feels good.
- In my suite pops of blue and purple appear in the velvet furniture and glass orbs by artist Claudio Buarque (of which you’ll see many around the hotel); they are not only decorative but lend a touch of holistic modernity throughout the hotel.
- A free-standing soaking tub with a view of the Tagus River besides original decorative details like Rococo-style molding, hand-painted 18th-century Portuguese tiles and intricately carved wood paneling create a perfect mix of old and new.
- The use of the highest quality materials – like the carpets and linens made from organic cotton, antiques and chandeliers from Portugal, France and the Netherlands mixed with design classics like Minotti sofas and in the main entrance the 1969 white Carrara marble M Table by Angelo Mangiarotti – makes everything pleasant and balanced for the eye.
- Local artisan craftsmanship created the tableware and handmade ceramics for both restaurants, Criatura and Suba, feels just like home and matches the art of traditional slow cuisine.
- Custom-made De Gournay wallpaper inspires your creative mind, especially after strolling around busy Lisbon.
This design report can also be found on ICONIST.de.
