Areias do Seixo

Areias do Seixo is a boutique hotel with suites and private pool villas, set among pine trees, dunes and sea near Praia de Santa Cruz, less than an hour from Lisbon. The hotel opened in 2010. It grew out of a dream shared by its owners, Marta Fonseca and Gonçalo Alves, who wanted a place where people from all over the world could be received in a magical setting. Its manifesto talks about choosing to slow down in a fast world, protecting the planet and designing life in a more sustainable way. The stated mission is to welcome staff, partners, the local community and guests into a creative ecosystem while building a sustainable future. Its values are simplicity, creativity, sustainability, trust, joy and determination. Food is tied to the land. A garden and greenhouse supply aromatic and medicinal herbs, and the restaurants serve what is harvested. The experience called "Da Terra ao Chá das 5" takes guests into the garden to pick herbs, which are then served as an infusion with warm homemade cake. There is also a vegetable-basket offer, "Cesto da Horta", and picnics in the dunes. Staff also receive a organic basket from the garden. Guests can book a spa with sensory treatments, yoga mornings, themed dinners in rooms and villas, and events. Sustainability is described as part of the hotel's DNA, from management strategy to everyday practice. The team benefits listed in its recruitment call include health insurance, staff housing, training incentives, incentives for electric bicycles and incentives to engage with the local community. The hotel is run by Areias do Seixo Empreendimentos Hoteleiros Lda, based in Póvoa de Penafirme.