Fonte dos Frades | Thermal Baths.

For the first time in my life I took 3 weeks holiday! It was great.

First days I spent in Lisbon, where I live, and the other 18 days by the beach in my hometown, Maceira.

In Maceira I don't have only the beach to enjoy. I have thermal baths which is often referred to as a spa. To wrap up what was a great holidays I went there to enjoy well-being.

Here's a few pictures. Get inspired.

The entrance of Fonte dos Frades (Friars Fountain)

Ladies chit-chatting

The building on the right where the baths happen 

The fountain where you can taste the mineral water,

TECHNICAL INFORMATION |

Fonte dos Frades source is chlorinated with sodium chloride-magnesium, and has a mineralization level of 3,200 mg/liter.

Skin | eczema, acne, cellulitis, ulcers
Gastro-intestinal | gastro-oesophageal, colitis and hepato-biliary pathology
Circulatory | varicose veins, haemorrhoids, hypertension (controlled) and migraines
Respiratory system | chronic rhino-pharyngitis, chronic sinusitis, chronic laryngitis, asthma and chronic bronchitis

Of course, everyone is welcomed to enjoy a simple relaxing bath, the gardens and even the space itself, which is inspired on its own.

Mandarin Hotel | Shopping in Barcelona.

Personal Shopping is the next step.

Windows Display

Loewe

It could be Neo-Art Deco, couldn't it?

GOLD is the colour for success

Mandarin Hotel | Patricia Urquiola in Barcelona.

Hotels became the World Museums of Contemporary Design and we all love it. 

The Mandarin Oriental | Barcelona

Tea Room birds' view

Tea Room

Brunch Corner

Chit-chat Room

Only For Two 

Buffet 

Detail is above all cosiness

Stockholm Design Week 2012 - Note.

First time I went to the biggest design fair in Scandinavia. It's been a surprise, a good surprise. 
I've lots to show you. From products to talks, I had it all. Three days enjoying good design. Yes, I know! Three days? You could have done in one and a half, but I always love to go back and enjoy again my favorites, plus I had work meetings to attend. Good meeting too though.
Anyway, I have indeed many pictures and a few tips on trends as well. Today I attend to this amazing seminar with Rita Nakouzi, the trend forecaster from New York. Good one.
In the meantime I leave you here a photograph to celebrate what Stockholm has best to offer - cosy hotel lounges to have a cup of tea (if it's still early) and write down all your notes about this amazing visit.
Have a lovely evening.

Nobis Hotel

An Hotel In Paradise.

As I'm researching for nice and wishful spaces (and following a recent link) I find this amazing hotel somewhere in the world.
Unfortunately the photographer Earl Carter doesn't give a clue where it is or who designed it, though I'm pretty sure it's close to Paradise.

The walls design is what makes the space so creative and special. They make me imagine and actually define where the balustrades are and possibly the windows.

If by any change you have the locations and/or creatives' names involved in the design of such space, please let me know. I would love to know it.

Areias Do Seixo Charm Hotel.

Facing the cold Atlantic waters lays one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in the western cost of Portugal - Areias do Seixo (Seixo Sand). Lucky me, it is right next door, where I can always go and enjoy a cup of coffee or a day SPA in this space located less than one hour from the capital.

Surrounded by dunes and pine trees in this hotel you will find a very balanced marriage between contemporary architecture and eclectic decó. Every room has a different story to tell and in the restaurant you can taste (real) organic food supplied by local farmers.

For now, enjoy the images, though if you're planning to visit, let me know. We can always meet up over a drink.

Oh, and if you're a surf lover, you will enjoy the best waves in entire cost of Portugal.

Photos from Areias do Seixo Website

White | Romantic. Gold | Luxurious.

Yesterday I was watching "The World Is Not Enough" (for the thousandth time) looking for inspiration. James Bond's movies always make me wonder about timeless spaces.

Trends come and go but there are a couple of things I'm faithful to (as I said yesterday). Gold and Tulle are indeed two of them. They're both so romantic and luxurious, don't you think? There's always an elegant and innocence vibe in the air...

Here's a few fragments for inspiration.

Pictures from "The World Is Not Enough".

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Rough Luxe Hotel #1

For some time I've been planning to post photographs about the Rough Luxe Hotel in London I've shot early September.
Here's a few of my favourite details on such decadent yet luxurious space in King's Cross.

Tables and chairs by Piet Hein Eek

Original stairs

Photograph with Philippe Starck

Photograph by Massimo Listri on the left and original door on the right (love the ways these two blend so well through colours and textures)

Original lock on a bathroom door

Vidago Palace.

And because it's Friday we all look for beautiful p(a)laces to enjoy what life has best to offer. Being with family and friends in places, or rather palaces, like Vidago, in north of Portugal is what I've been dreaming about for a while.

Originally opened in 1910, the Belle Époque Palace's been reborn under the guidance of Álvaro Siza who preserved the architectural heritage of the building so predominant in this country. The rooms have been decorated by José Pedro Lopez Vieira and Diogo Rosa La with four dominant colours recalling the nature of the region.

Have a calm weekend.

This is indeed my favourite one. Not sure if it's the colour or the wallpaper that grabs my total attention.

I always loved white door and window frames in contrast with bold wall colours. This shade of gray is simply stunning to enhance the calm wallpaper on the far wall, isn't it?

A bathroom as charming as it could be. Love the small floor tiles.




I find so elegant when the floor (or wall) is partially covered with patterns like this one. In this specific case, it enhances much more the tiles making them more special and decorative.

All these beautiful rooms inside this stunning piece of Portuguese architecture. If you haven't visited my country, I'm sure you're going to love it.

Images from Vidago Palace's website.