T R AV E L
CLAUS PORTO AN ICONIC BRAND CELEBRATES 130 YEARS OF FINERY WITH A NEW FLAGSHIP STORE
Upon entering your room, a familiar fragrance reminds you that the hotel has more than earned its five stars: Hermès bar soap, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners represent a special touch that is often overlooked at similar properties. Speaking of touch, hefting the wand-like remote control for your exquisite Bang and Olufsen wide-screen is another reminder that no luxury has been overlooked. The bedding, like all other appointments, is impeccable. Yes, you will want to lather up with the exclusive suds, and you’ll marvel at the remind-you-of-your-home-theater TV, but you won’t want to spend too much time in your room: Bairro Alto is the trendiest neighborhood in town. Whatever your taste, modern or Old World, Bairro Alto, and all of Lisbon for that matter, is unrivaled. Trendy cafes are offset by dozens of Fado dinner clubs, a not-to-be-missed experience of traditional folk music. High-end fashion is complemented by funky boutiques and exceptional antique stores: you absolutely must bring home one or more porcelain tiles (you’ll know what we mean once you arrive). Above all, be prepared to be pampered and adored, whether you’re at Memmo Príncipe Real, or wandering this magical city: there is no place more inviting or engaging than Portugal.
While not every hotel in Portugal is appointed with Hermès, just about every authentic five-star sports something just as luxurious. The unmistakable packaging of a Claus Porto soap, or any other product in the brand’s growing portfolio, signals instant exclusivity. For over 130 years, the label has built its name on hand-crafted soaps infused with fine fragrances, drawn from ingredients found in Portugal’s lush countryside. The products are imbued with an artisan’s heart and soul, and are wrapped by hand in packaging illustrated with beautiful art. While you can find Claus Porto at the finest hotels and shops throughout Lisbon, you’ll want to visit Porto, home base of Claus Porto, to take in the full splendor of this magnificent brand. Opened in June, the new Claus Porto flagship store was overseen by architect João Mendes Ribeiro, who aimed to “underline the wealth of Claus Porto’s heritage: a heritage made up not only of the physical legacy of the past 130 years, but also the intangible heritage represented in the symbolic value of each historic object.” Guys, don’t miss Musgo Real hot towel shaves on Saturdays, a luxurious traditional barber service that pampers customers with the full range of Claus Porto male-grooming products. It’ll take your mind off the fact that your partner (and you’ll thank them) is spending a fortune on the world’s best soap while you’re getting coddled. Claus Porto clausporto.com
SocialLifeMagazine.com