Travel / LIFEADDITIONAL REPORTING: ELIZABETH LEE (ADARE MANOR); IMAGES: AL BAIT SHARJAH, BELMOND CADOGAN HOTEL, LA CLEF CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES AND VILLA FOZ HOTEL & SPA
Vila Foz Hotel & Spa
PORTO, PORTUGALL
ocated in the Iberian nation’s gastronomic capital, Porto, this
19th-century manor in the affl uent Foz do Douro neighbourhood
opened recently after a comprehensive restoration by architecture
fi rm Miguel Cardoso Arquitecto and interior designer Nini Andrade Silva.
The stately mansion, which previously belonged to one of Porto’s most
important families, employs a varied and inspired material selection that
includes locally-sourced stone, hydraulic mosaic and bronze.
While the architects have retained the original architectural features of
the 68-room property, they have also infused it with of-the-moment details
and fi nishes that meld beautifully with its rich heritage. The new-build
elements of the hotel are defi ned by a volume of simple lines that provide
the perfect counterpart to the historic structure’s gold-corniced elegance,
all while maintaining its unique spatial fl ow.
Ranging from 28sqm to 48sqm, the guest rooms feature tactile materials
such as natural wood, stone and glass, all highlighted by carefully-placed
lighting that lends the rooms an air of splendour. Silva, known for her
minimalist approach to design, has created bold, modern spaces using a
grounded colour palette of tourmaline greens and earthy browns.
In keeping with Porto’s culinary traditions, the hotel also features a
stately fi ne dining restaurant that serves seasonal, seafood-focused dishes
by executive chef Arnaldo Azevedo. The other restaurant Flor de Lis,
in contrast, off ers an informal yet refi ned experience anchored on a
selection of regional dishes. If you’re able to peel yourself away from
the gorgeous interiors, the outside also holds a treat. The Foz do Douro
district is home to some of the fi nest gourmet establishments and eclectic
boutiques that showcase Portugal’s highly regarded craftsmanship, as
well as the 17th-century Castelo do Queijo fortress, Serralves Museum of
Contemporary Art, and City Park, Portugal’s largest urban park.Belmond Cadogan Hotel
LONDON, UKI
t might be considered a new entrant to London’s dynamic hotel scene,
but the property, dating back to 1887, has long been part of the city’s
fabric. The Cadogan, as it was known then, was the social hangout
of luminaries such as writer Oscar Wilde, and became a magnet for
Chelsea’s swish set, which included socialites, intellectuals, artists, and
authors such as Mark Twain and Bram Stoker.
The hotel, which was originally owned by a royal physician, and
thereafter by his daughter and her baron husband, opened earlier this
year after a multimillion-dollar renovation. The four-year renovation saw
the seamless connection of fi ve separate buildings and the reconfi guration
of compact public areas into spacious gathering places—where art
afi cionados can pore over more than 400 original artworks of British
artists on display. Additionally, botanical-inspired artwork by fi ve female
British artists adorn the guest rooms.
Holding court in Belmond Cadogan’s lobby is a bar, which instantly
transports you to early 20th-century watering holes—leather banquettes,
and velvet armchairs, included. Here, chef patron Adam Handling
presents traditional dishes with a modern twist made using seasonal and
local produce.
Showcasing the property’s association with Wilde seems to be one of
the highlights. His favourite Room 118, overlooking the corner of Sloane
and Ponte streets, has been rechristened the Royal Suite and is fi lled with
books by and about him. A quirky reference to the legendary author can
also be seen in a glitzy peacock studded with thousands of Swarovski
crystals, which stands at the entrance to the private dining room.
In keeping with the literary spirit of the hotel, in-room private libraries
have been curated by family-owned Chelsea bookshop, John Sandoe. It
is also set to host a series of literary gatherings throughout the year.A refreshing green colour scheme adds an elegant contemporary touch
to the regal interiors of Villa Foz Hotel & Spa (left and bottom left);
the Belmond Cadogan Hotel (below), a stylish retreat at the heart of
London has a history replete with literature and high-society glamoursingapore tatler. october 2019 205