The Immerso Hotel by Silva Dias Arquitectos is not just a place to stay - it's an invitation to experience the essence of Portugal's natural and cultural richness.
In the serene yet vibrant town of Ericeira, just a stone's throw from Lisbon's hustle and bustle, the hotel’s volume emerges as a remarkable retreat that effortlessly blends with its captivating environment. Conceived by the acclaimed architect Tiago Silva Dias, this establishment is a complex example of the harmonious balance between architectural innovation and environmental sustainability.
The hotel gradually reveals itself from the moment of arrival. The entrance presents a modest and unassuming volume, constructed to offer a contrast that subtly unfolds as you move through the space. Its strategic location provides guests unparalleled access to some of Portugal's most pristine beaches, renowned for their excellent surfing conditions. Ericeira, a town celebrated for its cultural diversity and culinary excellence, particularly in seafood, enriches the Immerso experience with tailor-made excursions to local natural parks, artistic gatherings, and the quaint fishing village of Ribamar.
Silva Dias Arquitectos, alongside hotel cofounder Alexandra Almedia d’Eça and designer Bárbara Neto, have crafted a space that respects and reflects the local environment. The hotel's design philosophy is deeply rooted in the southern Iberian tradition of integrating buildings with their natural surroundings. This is evident in the use of a limited yet impactful palette of materials—exposed concrete, mineral-inspired painted surfaces, pine wood, and iron—creating a tactile connection with the landscape.
The interior spaces of Immerso unfold in a sequence of moments, each offering a unique perspective on the blend of contemporary and traditional elements that define the hotel's character. The design is both elegant and understated, with a focus on natural light, space, and the thoughtful incorporation of locally sourced materials and art. The 37 guestrooms are havens of tranquility, featuring custom-made furnishings and expansive windows that frame the stunning vistas beyond.
At the heart of the Immerso experience is the EMME restaurant - it is a celebration of sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, with dishes that are both a delight to the palate and a reflection of the region's gastronomic heritage.
Outside, the hotel's landscape, designed by Margarida Quelhas, extends the invitation to connect with nature. From the artistic touches, like the striking hedgehog sculpture by Paulo Reis, to the organic vegetable garden that serves the restaurant, and the tranquil yoga deck with its panoramic sea views, every element has been thoughtfully placed to enhance the guest's experience.
Beyond its physical attributes, Immerso Hotel stands as a model of how modernity and tradition can coalesce to create spaces that are both innovative and reflective of their cultural and natural environments. It is a destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Portugal's landscape, the warmth of its people, and the vibrancy of its culture.
