3 minute read
Quinta da Marinha - New Gen
Quinta da Marinha - A New Generation
Since Carlos Montez Champalimaud bought Quinta da Marinha in 1922 it’s become much more than a residential estate in a picturesque setting. Today The Oitavos hotel and award-winning Oitavos Dunes golf course offer contemporary design and luxury rooted in Portuguese heritage on Lisbon’s doorstep.
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Areal family business, when Carlos Sommer Champalimaud carried on his father’s vision in the 1950’s and 1960’s he built roads and the first homes on the estate. He also introduced sports facilities including horse racing and tennis. Under the ownership of Miguel Champalimaud (the third generation), the sporting estate has been enhanced, including one of Portugal’s leading equestrian centres, a state-of-the-art Health and Racket Club.
WHEREVER chats to Miguel Champalimaud about his take on taking over the family business.
How is it growing up within the family business?
Fascinating, overwhelming sometimes, but always interesting. Also an added responsibility when taking in consideration the future generation.
Did you always know you would follow in your parents’ footsteps or were there other plans?
It was never something I was aiming at. It just naturally happened. A good timing of new projects with finishing of university, made the process evolve naturally. If I would not be working in the family business I might ended
up working in the same industry – hospitality. My business education and personal traits of personality have led me to like to work with people. Make things happen!
How is it working with family – Benefits? Challenges?
Working with the family is good. But there are always two sides in each coin. On one side you it’s easy to engage people to speak and think about taking important business decisions. Sometimes all that you need is a phone call or a one-on-one meeting and you take a decision. This for me is a major benefit. On the other side you can have work related issues on top of your mind all the time and you might skip family time (related to non working issues) more than you should. And that is challenging.
How has the business worked within Covid? Hospitality specifically has had a rough time…
Covid affected all our business very hard. We managed to maintain the workforce in place through 2020 and 2021, of course with furloughs in place, etc. But that was one of the most important, if not the most important, challenge we successfully managed.
Can you pinpoint key turning points in your life?
Being national surf champion in my teens; Gap year Graduating from university Being a father (I have three kids) Opening The Oitavos hotel
Any advice for those thinking about starting a family business? In hospitality or otherwise?
Listening is as important as speaking
What’s your life motto?
I don’t have one but like a fine wine… one should be balanced in life.
What does family mean to you?
Big get togethers, culture, big meals
How important is your location?
Cascais is in a privileged location in the actual context. It is far yet close from it all. Location is not everything but it is very important. I’m a believer that good experiences/views/ meals/ hotels/ golf courses/ waves, etc deserve a detour - or an entire trip in itself..
How has your area changed recently - Cascais and Quinta da Marinha has seemingly exploded with expats in the last couple of years?
Our area has changed a lot. Like with every change there are good and not so good things. I think that the balance so far is positive for the local community and economy.
Find out more at quintadamarinha.com Follow Miguel at @theoitavos
