They say Lisbon is Europe’s coolest capital, right now and The Lumiares Hotel deserves its place at the top of the hill. Nick Constance checks in
Within the old walls of this recently opened former 17th century palace, architects Metro Urbe – Helder Cordeiro and João Pedras – have skilfully blended the past and the present.
Located in the city’s bohemian Bairro Alto district, The Lumiares has 53 beautifully conceived apartments ranging from 35 to 120 square metres. Bairro Alto is at the top of the Gloria Funicular, a district where classy wine bars and high-end boutiques share space with edgy galleries and independent cafes.
If you want to explore further afield, there are plenty of tram and bus stops nearby ready to whisk you around town. The vibrant Chiado district – home to busy shops and buzzing nightlife – is just a short ride away.
My Pad
Featuring wooden floors and sleek minimalist lines, our stylish one-bedroom apartment is the epitome of modern luxury.
The living room comes with a huge TV, Beats Pill speaker and Nespresso machine as standard. Somewhat decadently, there’s also a TV in the bedroom. The fridge was laden with a complimentary bottle of Portuguese wine, some beer, mineral water, soft drinks and milk. Oh, yes, and one more small thing, let’s not forget the large, ultra-luxe bed with perfectly smooth, 300-thread count Portuguese linen.
The sleek kitchenettes are equipped with SMEG appliances (including dishwasher) and breakfast bar, with the equally classy bathroom decked out with rainfall shower striking Portuguese tiles and Claus Porto luxury soaps.
All apartments are complete with Vista Alegre porcelain and custom-made rugs by Ferreira de Sá, a long established family owned company.
Continuing the homegrown theme, weavers in Alentejo – 2 hours from Lisbon – create the tapestry bed cushions, whilst works by American Street-artist Maser and Internationally acclaimed sculptor Jeff Lowe spice up the rooms.
One thing you can’t escape is the spectacular Beau McClellan brass chandelier hanging high above the sweeping stone stairwell, echoing the brass Art Deco style signage throughout the hotel.
What’s Cooking?
The Lumni restaurant and rooftop bar is a local favourite with fabulous views across the city, extending to the Castelo de Sao Jorge and out across the River Tagus.
Portuguese chef Miguel Castro e Silva oversees a high-quality, yet unfussy, menu: “Contemporary Portuguese with an International twist”. On the ground floor, the less formal Mercado Cafe is great for brunches, with freshly baked breads, strong coffee and those delicious egg-custard tarts for which Portugal is so famed. Breakfast is a veritable banquet of local pastries, hams, cheeses, fruit, juices, smoked salmon and eggs to order. The ever-attentive staff dealt with my off-menu request for porridge admirably.
Wellness
If you need to soothe those aching bones after a long, hard day, look no further than the Lumiares’ bijou spa and wellness centre.
There are 4 treatment rooms using La Sultane de Saba skincare products. Choose from the lengthy treatment menu or simply spend quiet time in the sauna or steam rooms – a perfect place to combat anything from a stiff neck to freelancer burnout.
If you’re feeling energetic, the well-equipped gym is kitted out with the latest ‘torture’ equipment, and there’s even a personal trainer on hand to motivate you into shape. Top tip: When heading to Lisbon, take your comfiest walking shoes.
“The Lumiares is essentially an urban sanctuary, a home from home with all the facilities a 5-star boutique offers”, says Catarina Laires, International PR and Event Manager.
It’s certainly a place to reboot, to slowly restore the internal equilibrium. AND it’s in Lisbon.
Verdict: Ultra chic. When life calls for the ultimate de-stresser – hit the link below.
Address: R. do Diário de Notícias, 1421200-146 Lisbon, Portugal
