Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, The Place Where Refinement Meets Tranquility ♦ Secrets From Portugal brings you this amazing and elegant place, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the Bela Vista Hotel combines refinement with hospitality in a historical space, perfectly adapted to the most modern requirements. The mansion which houses the Bela Vista Hotel is dated of 1918 and preserves the romantic aesthetic that inspired it. Its beauty is felt in each detail and the decor is currently signed by Graça Viterbo, one of the most respected and leading professionals in Portugal. Here is a dream destination with a charming environment that will provide you with unforgettable moments.
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With 100 years of history, the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, which belongs to the Relais & Chateaux chain, has recently become a contemporary project with the headquarters of the past, reinterpreted by Graça Viterbo’s studio.
Deployed on the cliffs of Praia da Rocha, some say it was the first hotel in the Algarve. Having hosted distinguished personalities still has in its guest books, registration of signatures and comments from Sidónio Pais, the King of Italy Umberto di Savoia, Fulgêncio Baptista, among others.
With a stunning and awe-inspiring view of Praia da Rocha, the Bela Vista Hotel is within walking distance of the most prestigious Algarve Golf Clubs; Marina of Portimão, and no more than 10 kilometres from the Algarve International Circuit.
“The Hotel’s original décor – with carved wood ceilings and colourful wall mosaics – was kept intact during the recent renovation that brought Bela Vista modern touches and bold, elegant furniture. The highlight of the hotel is undoubtedly its palm-fringed freshwater outdoor pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. ”, SAYS CNN.
Luxury and history hand in hand. Overlooking the sea from Praia da Rocha, in 1918 stood a small palace that is today a luxury reference. In the inauguration, was the President of the Republic Sidónio Pais. It is said to be the oldest hotel in the Algarve. And those who pass by… do not pass unharmed to the beauty of this building of the early twentieth century, which still stands today.
Each detail of contemporary décor is combined with typical Portuguese details such as stained glass, Arraiolos rugs or Alcobaça cheetah. “The goal was to keep the original design, the elements that identify the Palace, the tiles, the exotic wood of Brazil and the stained glass that were all retouched and maintained. It is a very eclectic style, a mix of many shades, patterns and textures. For example, the piano was bottle-green and was lined with Alcobaça cheetah, which we also placed in the elevator, ”continues Gonçalo, who points out that in the past this space received“ illustrious figures such as during the inauguration in 1918 Sidónio Pais [before to die during an attack on Lisbon’s Rossio Station at the end of the same year], King Humberto II of Italy [who lived 36 years in exile in Cascais] or Fulgencio Batista [Cuban military who was president between 1940 and 1944, and dictator between 1952 and 1959 until it was overthrown by the Cuban Revolution ».
In total there are three buildings that make up the hotel. «The palace has 11 rooms and has existed since 1918, as well as the Blue House, where we now have seven rooms. At the time this was the house of the servants. It has been rehabilitated and is an integral part of Bela Vista. And we also have the Bela Vista Jardim, with a more beach mood. In all buildings, the rooms differ in size, colour or view. ‘
One of the highlights of the Hotel is the Vista restaurant, under the command of chef João Oliveira, who in 2017 was awarded a Michelin star. For this season the chef has created a menu based on seafood, mainly from the Portuguese coast. The Sea and Sustainability Menu is also a ‘movement’ created for Vista that is guided by the values of the sustainability of the ingredients, their creation as well as their capture, bringing a renewed ‘Sustainable Portugal’ to the table.
The hotel also houses a swimming pool and the only spa in Portugal by the French brand L’Occitane. It has 400 square meters, 5 treatment rooms and a relaxation area with sauna, Turkish bath. The treatments are very herbal-based, but so far there is a concern with what is local, such as the Algarvian almond ritual.
