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A Portuguese Hotel is Renovated into a Modern, Serene Retreat

05.05.15 | By
A Portuguese Hotel is Renovated into a Modern, Serene Retreat

We head to Vila Nova de Cerveira, Portugal, to check out the recently remodeled and expanded Hotel Minho for this month’s Destination Design. The hotel’s modern aesthetic provides an intimate and serene locale for guests to relax and rejuvenate any time of the year. The hotel reopened towards the end of 2014 with a new concept of leisure in mind. A brand new spa, business center, and various social areas were designed to provide each guest with a memorable experience, dotted with simplicity and elegance.

© Eva Sousa

© Eva Sousa

They hired Virgula i to enhance their vision of the 65 room hotel, keeping with their original 2005 ideals of having an inn-like feel. Of the 65 rooms, 15 are double rooms, 42 are twin rooms, three are family rooms, and five are suites that are independent of the hotel.

© Eva Sousa

© Eva Sousa

Just like on the exterior, chestnut wood pops up within the interior, both as an element to link the hotel’s design with its surroundings. The locally-sourced wood is often paired with white Carrara marble and white walls.

© Eva Sousa

© Eva Sousa

Interior and exterior spaces feel unified with the help of large windows that flood the interior with natural light.

© Eva Sousa

© Eva Sousa

© Eva Sousa

© Eva Sousa

The hotel’s design was inspired by Portuguese 1960’s architecture and product design, designers like Arne Jacobsen and Alvar Aalto, and local giants like Arménio Losa, Januário Godinho, and Álvaro Siza.

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

Wood volumes were constructed on the interior to house various functions, like a wine bar, tea room, and business center.

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Eva Sousa

© Eva Sousa

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

The chestnut wood throughout brings a sense of warmth to the hotel, paying homage to the wooded location, which is one of the main attractions in the area.

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

Guests can immerse themselves at the spa with one of their signature spa treatments.

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Eva Sousa

© Eva Sousa

A green roof helps reduce the visual impact the expanded hotel would have on the environment.

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

© Nelson Garrido

Destin-Hotel-MINHO-Virgula-i-15-room

Guest rooms are simple but provide modern comfort for the guests in a unique atmosphere. Each of the rooms has either a balcony or terrace for outdoor access.

Destin-Hotel-MINHO-Virgula-i-16

Destin-Hotel-MINHO-Virgula-i-17

Andy Warhol Suite

Andy Warhol Suite

Each of the five suites has two floors, both with outdoor terraces. The original spaces were inspired by five painting masters from various times and artistic movements.

Almada Negreiros Suite

Almada Negreiros Suite

What: Hotel Minho
Where: Estrada Nacional 13 – Vila, Meã 4920–140 Vila Nova, de Cerveira, Portugal
How much? From 85€ per night
Highlights: A luxury spa, relaxing atmosphere, and a serene location.
Design draw: A cozy atmosphere that offers a memorable experience, dotted with simplicity and elegance that’s created with warm woods, cool marble, and modern furnishings.
Book it: Call +351 251 700 245 or email [email protected]

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.