A-LIST AERIE
Minimalist architectural silhouettes, exposed wood construction and high-end white-on-white interiors give a bohemian-chic vibe to the Sublime Comporta. As the go-to boutique resort for this under-the-radar vacation destination, the Sublime Comporta recently reopened after a complete renovation that included redecorating the rooms in the traditions of the region, adding one of the largest “bio” pools in Europe and building nine poolside suites on stilts. With both a beachy and woodland Zen feel–stretches of unspoiled white sandy coastline lay to the west and forests of umbrella pines and cork trees to the east–its stunning locale is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. It’s also a glamorous and restful basecamp for excursions to nearby villages to discover the indigenous handicrafts for which the region is known. sublimecomporta.pt
CLAY DAY
Famous for its azulejo-tiled buildings and artisanal ceramics, Portugal is brimming with talented potters who are drawing on the country’s ceramicist heritage while mixing in their own perspectives. As part of their home decor collection, David Pimentel and Arren Williams of Casa Cubista craft bold and bright ceramics (left) from their studio on the Algarve Coast. Farther north in Alcabideche, Anna Westerlund, of Swedish-Portuguese descent, brings both her legacies to the pottery (right) she creates at her sun-washed atelier. casacubista.com, annawesterlund.com
AZURE THING
Portugal holds a special place in fabric atelier Pierre Frey’s heart–so much so that the brand developed a panoramic wallcovering called Lisboa (above) that echoes the traditional Portuguese azulejos found on the palaces of Lisbon and Porto. Here, Frey shares his favorite architectural spaces. pierrefrey.com
Oriente Station by Santiago Calatrava: It was in Lisbon that I first discovered this architect and I love everything he creates. He has works
in London and France and was the creative mind behind lower Manhattan’s Oculus. His buildings are filled with energy, while being very dynamic and powerful.
Promontorio Headquarters: The impressive interior staircase in this architecture firm’s office is made of concrete, which normally feels heavy, but the curves are graceful and light and entice you to find out where it leads.
Prado: As a culinary institution, of course the food is great, but the architecture is simple and precise. The high, white walls and ceiling are filled with long tendrils of hanging plants making it a refreshing atmosphere to dine.
