To the places that stay with you long after visiting…
Areias do Seixo will forever hold a special place in my heart, the longing to return growing intensely stronger as time continues to pass. It’s a captivating hotel and spa, located in the Torres Vedras area of Portugal, that I had long wanted to experience. Having first come across it through a beautiful wedding, it was the location and ambiance that evoked this natural serene beauty and whose intrigue immediately drew me in. It’s a gorgeously unique location to celebrate an occasion as special as a wedding, but even more so to celebrate and embrace the beauty of life. Upon arriving and entering this breathtaking space, I was greeted by the loveliest staff and knew I had been welcomed into a truly one of a kind environment.
My stay started with one of the best massages I’ve ever had, The Seixo Touch. It’s their signature that uses a combination of techniques from shiatsu, Indian and therapeutic massages — all with a precise touch to offer an utterly relaxing and tension-releasing full body experience. When I envision a spa, one that is also visually beautiful and creates an immediate sense of profound calm, as if transporting you to the most zen places of the world … I think of this Spa.
After my massage, I finally made way to my amazing room. I choose one of their ocean front rooms, which is more so of the dunes, yet the view and sunset are a sight to see. Mine was the Quarto Que Voa {Room That Flies} and when they say it’s “a magical refuge where time doesn’t exist,” well they are most certainly correct. I don’t have enough words to describe the magical serene beauty other than when I entered, I immediately felt a sense of awe deep within my soul. Awe; one of those feelings I chase daily, more so when traveling — to be in awe of the sights, the tastes, smells and connections you experience …..
Portraits taken by the talented Adriana Morais Photography. All other photos taken by me.
Aesthetically it was a feast for the eyes, with natural elements and textures at their finest. To this day, it is the most beautiful room I have ever stayed in and one of the most visually inspiring. I still think of the textured-like walls, woods and stones used throughout, the bathtub that just called for one to slip inside, gaze out onto nature and melt any care or worry away. The sweet table set with delicious ginger sable-like cookies, crackers, fresh fruit and water bottles were the perfect caring touch.
This room has become such a big creative inspiration for me. If I was to envision my ideal bedroom and bathroom, my goodness, it would be this. And it was not only visually beautiful, each room having a different design, all tell a story along with the music playing, directly mimicking the evolution of a day — from uplifting chill, to playful jazz and fado, while ending the night with romantic and calming jazz/bossanova melodies. After dinner when I walked into my room, I was delightfully surprised with every single candle lit up. I smiled at the wonder, utter romance and even greater beauty the room now possessed. This may have been a solo stay, but it felt like the most loving thing I could have done for myself. A gorgeous design and a playlist that only makes it that more enticing, there aren’t enough words to praise this location. Simple details that made such an impact, I now carry with me always…
I could’ve stayed in my room until the next day, but my stay was short and wanted to take a walk around and to the dunes/beach. But first, I stopped at the bar/cafe/restaurant area and sat outside, enjoying the warm autumn day feeling the ocean breeze along a complimentary slice of delicious cake baked with dried fruits and nuts, and a jasmine tea. Passing the glass building held for events, weddings, special occasions and private dinners, as well as their large fire pit for all to enjoy on evenings, and their Yurt which holds morning Yoga sessions.
Making my way to the dunes, barefoot I went alongside the cliffs with my gaze fixed on the seaside and crashing waves as the golden sun began to dip ever-so gently. Located above the Praia da Mexilhoeira, one thing to note about the area is that these beaches are prone to intense winds. And come Autumn or later in the day, they do become stronger and unpleasant if aiming for a tranquil beach moment. The stairs down to the beach are also a bit steep, and with the winds and sun setting, opted not to finish the walk all the way down to the beach and simply enjoyed the beautiful views from where I was.
Dinner at their Restaurant is pre-reserved at check in, and with an open kitchen I was treated to an magnetic gastronomical show and an incredible meal. A meal that was the first since having had lost my sense of smell/taste from Covid {over 2 years from this night}, that I was able to fully savor and taste every nuanced flavor of what I’d been eating. I started with the Oysters from Setubal, so fresh and delicate, and as my main the Tagine of Curried Couscous with Zucchini, Eggplant and other complimentary vegetables and herbs.
The skilled chefs of Areias’ restaurant create an ever changing menu that uses many ingredients grown on premise and others that are locally sourced, like their delicious bread from Ericeira, an area known for their bread in Portugal. My curiosity intrigued by the Eucalyptus Sorbet, was delighted by this surprising dessert. Subtle yet distinct, delicate and floral — well worth it! After my espresso, I was treated to a glass of homemade liqueur and a decadent chocolate truffle. Back in my dream of a room, I ended the gorgeous full moon night in a relaxing candlelit bath.
Waking up early, I made my way around their vast breakfast setup. With endless choices of breads, cheeses, fruits, yogurts and made to order eggs and waffles — I opted for a simple selection of coffee, a yogurt parfait, and toasted bread with requeijão. With such a stunning location as the backdrop, it’d be the perfect setting to finally meet the amazingly talented, and kind Adriana Morais and take some new, well deserved portraits. Areias do Seixo graciously allowed us to take these beautiful portraits, mostly in my room and along the dunes, as I’d be using them for my personal business branding needs.
In that morning hour with the sun warming with the seaside breeze and connecting with Adriana, I felt the confidence in me personally, but also creatively grow. It was truly a gift. These are memories I cherish wholeheartedly and am so grateful for having given myself this experience. Just one of the many reasons why Areias do Seixo holds such a special place in my heart ….. it is such more more than a hotel, it’s an experience that leaves its etchings on your soul …..
Portraits taken by the talented Adriana Morais Photography. All other photos taken by me.
Leave a Reply