Rising from the ocean just outside Cascais, Portugal, the Farol Design Hotel is a striking blend of historic and contemporary. Originally a mansion built in 1890 and owned by the Count of Cabral, it’s now a showcase for Portuguese contemporary design.
The original mansion remains, but in 2002, the hotel had a major makeover, including an extension built directly on the rocks. An assortment of well-known Portuguese fashion designers were asked to ‘dress’ ten rooms ‘for bliss’.
Designers include Ana Salazar, Antonio Augustus, Arkadius and Fatima Lopes, and rooms range from minimalist to provocative.
The makeover, under the supervision of interior designer Joao Christo, extended throughout the hotel and its grounds. Spaces are defined with a strong sense of contrast: black and white, old and new, minimalist and traditional.
As if the Farol Design Hotel itself weren’t striking enough, the terrace, with its classic ocean-water pool, has been made over too, and features dreamy white cubes and floaty loungers. Leave only when your money runs out…
