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An Eco-Friendly Hotel & Spa in the Middle of Nature

Destination Design heads to Bornes de Aguiar, Portugal to spend some time in the woods at Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park. Designed by Luis Rebelo de Andrade, the retreat consists of 12 modular eco-houses, two tree houses, and one main house that seamlessly blend into the centuries-old park it’s located in.

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These tree houses will make you feel like you’re living your childhood fantasy by sleeping amongst the trees but within the comforts of a luxury, design hotel. They even resemble snakes whose heads have risen up from the ground.

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The bed in the tree house is positioned to view the stars and the lush greenery that surrounds the grounds. Even though there is Wifi, the nature looks like it’s much more entertaining than anything you’d find on the computer.

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Each of the eco-houses features outdoor decks and spaces, along with floor-to-ceiling windows keeping nature close.

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Each of the structures were assembled onsite and strategically fitted into spaces between the ancient trees.

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They worked with Modular System on the prefab modules so that the land and trees would remain undisturbed.

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The interiors are kept clean and simple with a minimalist feel thanks to the white-on-white color palette that was used. The white is paired with the wooden floors and furniture keeping the spaces warm.

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The thermal spa lets guests relax in a 19th century building that was renovated by Alvaro Siza Vieira, bridging old and new.

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After a thermal dip, you can head outdoors for a swim in the outdoor pool.

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Are you packed yet?

What: Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park
Where: Parque Pedras Salgadas, 5450 – 140 Bornes de Aguiar, Portugal
How much? From about $222 a night.
Highlights: Lush green surroundings that let you relax and enjoy the comforts of nature. A renovated thermal spa for the ultimate in relaxation.
Design draw: Minimalist eco-houses and tree houses that will make you feel like a kid climbing trees and camping. Sleek and simple, white-on-white interiors that feel like a luxury hotel.
Book it: [email protected]

Photos courtesy of Design Hotels™.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.