A Conversation with Marta and Gonçalo about Areias do Seixo in Santa Cruz

LAST UPDATED:
March 14, 2018

Marta and Gonçalo are the owners of Areias do Seixo, a striking eco-boutique hotel set on a protected patch of coast near Santa Cruz beach, within an hour's drive from Lisbon.

Portrait of Gonçalo and Marta, smiling to the camera

“We wanted to create a unique place, where we could host people from various corners of the world in a magical atmosphere.”
– Marta and Gonçalo, Owners

How did the idea of opening Areias do Seixo come about?

Areias do Seixo was born from a dream. We had a strong desire to create a unique place, where we could host people from various corners of the world in a magical and homey atmosphere. We wanted it to be more than just a hotel, a place that would be like a large house, close to the sea, where we grew up.

Suite with a fireplace, at Areias do Seixo - a boutique hotel in Santa Cruz
One of the cosy suites with a fireplace at Areias do Seixo.

At Areias do Seixo you focus on sustainability and organic produce. Can you tell us more about that?

We built the hotel being mindful about the use of existing material resources. Its architecture was designed for comfortable living while taking advantage of the sun, the earth’s energy and the management of hydric resources. We wanted to create a sustainable form of tourism that contributed to the awareness of our visitors and collaborators. So we always had in mind the creation of an organic vegetable patch, with freshly picked produce, clean and chemical-free… a farm-to-table restaurant. The garden is inspired by the principles of Permaculture, supporting the development of a stable, balanced and sustainable cycle.

Sapling from Areias do Seixo hotel's garden
The farm-to-table restaurant benefits from the hotel’s garden which follows principles of Permaculture, supporting the development of a stable, balanced and sustainable cycle.


“We built the hotel being mindful about the use of existing material resources.”
– GONÇALO, CO-OWNER

Seven years ago, Areias do Seixo was one of the first boutique hotels to open in Portugal. Do you enjoy travelling, are there any hotels that inspired you?

We love to travel. Marrakesh is a destination that inspired us a lot, due to its smells, colours, its magic and details.

What are your favourite objects at Areias do Seixo?

I have a strong connection with the roots of the trees around the circle of fire. There was a massive storm just before the opening of the hotel when mighty winds invaded the region. Lots of trees fell down but we recovered them, and they now form the circle. Another essential object for us is the big wooden stool which was built from an enormous tree that ‘landed’ on the terrace of our restaurant. Also the tail of the grand piano built with the wood from the construction, and the objects that illuminate the paths of the garden… and many others.

People gathered around fire, chatting and drinking wine
The circle of fire at Areias do Seixo.
“I have a strong connection with the roots of the trees around the circle of fire.”
– MARTA, CO-OWNER

We really enjoyed the circle of fire and to hearing you sing. You are a great singer! How did the idea come about?

Throughout our lives, we have always shared special experiences and moments around a fire. When we thought of opening Areias do Seixo we longed to create a space where we could share special moments. Like a ritual, we could have with our guests to celebrate life alongside the beautiful smell and heat of an open fire.

Thank you very much for this interview Marta and Gonçalo.

Thank you too!

Here's hoping you create new memories here in Portugal. Tag us on Instagram (we would love it if you do!) and let us know how it goes. 🤗

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Obrigada,
Joana and Sofia
- JO&SO

Check out our full report on Areias do Seixo

© Photos by JO&SO and courtesy of Areias do Seixo.

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