Areias do Seixo
Areias do Seixo is a striking eco-boutique hotel located on a protected patch of coast in Santa Cruz, just an hour’s drive from Lisbon.
With the dunes and a magnificent beach as the backdrop, Areias do Seixo is an eco-boutique hotel set in a modernist glass and concrete construction.
The main building offers 14 romantic rooms that combine Scandinavian-inspired minimalism with Moroccan styles, while there are also six self-catering villas located in the vicinity.
The rooms in Areias do Seixo are all unique, featuring log fireplaces, geothermal heating/cooling systems, bathtubs, rainfall showers and private patios or decks where you can enjoy the stunning sunsets or look up and wait for the arrival of the stars.
Each villa offers three bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, a washing machine, an outdoor splash pool and a barbecue area.
Those seeking something more adventurous can also stay a the Shelter - a glamping experience by the lake.
Areias do Seixo is a place to dump your bags, pause and savour every moment.
Awesomeness
Breakfast is a decadent buffet of delights, mostly homemade or locally sourced.
We love the log fireplaces and big bathtubs in the rooms.
The Ayurvedic spa is the perfect place to recharge.
Eco concerns are high, with energy monitoring, eco schemes, photovoltaic solar panels, recycling, composting and more.
Bear in Mind
While the villas are perfect for families, the hotel's main building is designed for people over 16. Children can access the reception, lobby, bar and terrace areas for light meal service between noon and 6pm.
No room service, nor minibar. TVs are available on request.
No AC. The hotel uses geothermal energy to heat and cool the floors, but fans are available on request.
Land rooms don't have a sea view.
With the dunes and a magnificent beach as the backdrop, Areias do Seixo is an eco-boutique hotel set in a modernist glass and concrete construction.
The main building offers 14 romantic rooms that combine Scandinavian-inspired minimalism with Moroccan styles, while there are also six self-catering villas located in the vicinity.
The rooms in Areias do Seixo are all unique, featuring log fireplaces, geothermal heating/cooling systems, bathtubs, rainfall showers and private patios or decks where you can enjoy the stunning sunsets or look up and wait for the arrival of the stars.
Each villa offers three bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, a washing machine, an outdoor splash pool and a barbecue area.
Those seeking something more adventurous can also stay a the Shelter - a glamping experience by the lake.
Areias do Seixo is a place to dump your bags, pause and savour every moment.
A Conversation with Marta and Gonçalo about Areias do Seixo
“We wanted to create a unique place, where we could host people from various corners of the world in a magical atmosphere.”
<quote-credit>– Marta and Gonçalo, Owners<quote-credit>
How did the idea of opening Areias do Seixo come about?
Areias do Seixo was born from a dream. We had a strong desire to create a unique place, where we could host people from various corners of the world in a magical and homey atmosphere. We wanted it to be more than just a hotel, a place that would be like a large house, close to the sea, where we grew up.
At Areias do Seixo you focus on sustainability and organic produce. Can you tell us more about that?
We built the hotel being mindful about the use of existing material resources. Its architecture was designed for comfortable living while taking advantage of the sun, the earth’s energy and the management of hydric resources. We wanted to create a sustainable form of tourism that contributed to the awareness of our visitors and collaborators. So we always had in mind the creation of an organic vegetable patch, with freshly picked produce, clean and chemical-free… a farm-to-table restaurant. The garden is inspired by the principles of Permaculture, supporting the development of a stable, balanced and sustainable cycle.
“We built the hotel being mindful about the use of existing material resources.”
<quote-credit>– GONÇALO, CO-OWNER<quote-credit>
Seven years ago, Areias do Seixo was one of the first boutique hotels to open in Portugal. Do you enjoy travelling, are there any hotels that inspired you?
We love to travel. Marrakesh is a destination that inspired us a lot, due to its smells, colours, its magic and details.
What are your favourite objects at Areias do Seixo?
I have a strong connection with the roots of the trees around the circle of fire. There was a massive storm just before the opening of the hotel when mighty winds invaded the region. Lots of trees fell down but we recovered them, and they now form the circle. Another essential object for us is the big wooden stool which was built from an enormous tree that ‘landed’ on the terrace of our restaurant. Also the tail of the grand piano built with the wood from the construction, and the objects that illuminate the paths of the garden… and many others.
“I have a strong connection with the roots of the trees around the circle of fire.”
<quote-credit>– MARTA, CO-OWNER<quote-credit>
We really enjoyed the circle of fire and to hearing you sing. You are a great singer! How did the idea come about?
Throughout our lives, we have always shared special experiences and moments around a fire. When we thought of opening Areias do Seixo we longed to create a space where we could share special moments. Like a ritual, we could have with our guests to celebrate life alongside the beautiful smell and heat of an open fire.
Thank you very much for this interview Marta and Gonçalo.
Thank you too!
Areias do Seixo is a boutique hotel located in Santa Cruz, near Lisbon.
Areias do Seixo is set on a fabulous location on Portugal’s protected and unspoilt Costa de Prata.
A timetable including all of the hotel’s activities will be chalked up at reception or in their app. We very much enjoyed our yoga class.
Head to the beach and learn to surf or paddle board at the hotel’s surf school.
Spend an afternoon in the picturesque medieval town of Óbidos, 25 minutes away, with its winding streets and whitewashed houses.
Swim in the spa pool, then unwind in the sauna and Turkish bath. Or book a massage and pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic treatment.
In the evening guests are invited for a glass of wine and a sing-song around the campfire overlooking the sea.
Take one of the complimentary bikes or shuttle transfer down to Areias do Seixo’s beachside restaurant/bar, Noah Beach House.
Santa Cruz beach.
If you want to check out some of Portugal’s surfing hotspots (with some of the best surfing in Europe) head to Ericeira or Peniche, both around 30-minute drive from Areias do Seixo. To eat, in Ericeira we recommend Furnas and in Peniche we like Tasca do Joel.
Areias do Seixo
2560-046 A-dos-Cunhados
Torres Vedras
Portugal
Location
Areias do Seixo is located near Torres Vedras, less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon.
Airport
Lisbon (LIS) – 61km
Porto (OPO) – 294km
Faro (FAO) – 331km
By Air
The closest airport to Areias do Seixo is Lisbon Airport. From there you can take a taxi (Uber, Bolt etc. widely available) or hire a car or Areias do Seixo can arrange a private transfer for you.
By Car
Driving to Areias do Seixo from Lisbon takes about 50 minutes. Hiring a car is recommended if you wish to explore the region, the beaches and the beautiful villages nearby.
By Train
From Lisbon take the train from Santa Apolónia to Torres Vedras (departs every 4 hours and takes 1h33mins) and from there take a taxi to Areias do Seixo (16km, 17mins). Tickets can be bought online or at the station up to the last minute, but if the train is full (more likely in high season) you will have to wait for the next one.
© Photos by JO&SO and courtesy of Areias do Seixo.
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