Immerso ERICEIRA Emphasising the connection between outside and in, a new hotel in a Portuguese surf town aims to immerse guests in their surroundings. Words: Elly Earls Photography: © Francisco Nogueira
A
t Immerso, a new hotel that has opened
translated as ‘I dive in you’ – by João Noutel,
in the small surf town of Ericeira, some
which sees a gigantic diver’s head complete
40 minutes north of Lisbon, the valley
with snorkelling gear seemingly emerge from
site is the protagonist. In the style of southern
an underwater adventure. Nearby, a colourful
Iberian architecture, the main building is at
ring bench crafted by Los Pepes Studio, sure to
the highest point, while the three others follow
be popular amongst Instagrammers, overlooks
the contours of the land. “The guestrooms and
the ocean.
restaurant are positioned to make the most
Every element of Immerso is designed to
of the view, taking in the valley and the sea,”
make use of the site and connect guests to
explains Portuguese architect Tiago Silva Dias.
their surroundings. A wooden walkway leads
“That was the first and most important aspect
to a yoga platform with panoramic views,
to our approach.”
while interiors are a multi-sensory experience.
Silva Dias was involved not only in the
Elvis Veiguinha was tasked with producing a
architecture of the buildings, but also in the
distinctive soundscape for the hotel, while
furniture design and, together with the hotel’s
Lourenço Lucena – the only Portuguese member
co-founder Alexandra Almeida d’Eca and Bárbara
of the International Society of Perfumer-
Neto from Lemon Variance, the recruitment
Creators – developed an olfactory identity,
of local artisans. Both guestrooms and public
translating the scent of the ocean into an aroma
spaces feature pieces by contemporary artists,
that stays with guests long after they leave.
primarily Portuguese, spanning decorative
Inside, the foundational elements of the design
vases and mirrors to artisanal rugs and lighting.
use the rawest of raw materials – concrete,
Outside, the site is dotted with sculptures, the
wood and steel. “Again, it’s to emphasise the
most striking of which is ‘Mergulho em Ti’ –
connection with the environment,” confirms
083