From Portugal’s Coast, Immerso Hotel Joins Design Hotels

Nestled in a valley on the coast of Portugal less than one-hour north of Lisbon, Immerso Hotel roots its philosophy in establishing purposeful connections with its surrounding locale. Framed by ocean views, earth tones and natural textures define the property, complemented by amenities including a plentiful spa, picturesque pool, and two destination dining options. “Immerso is inspired by concepts of luxury with a soul, sustainable and responsible, for people who, like us, seek wellbeing, respect nature, and act sustainability,” says Original Pedro Lopes. Beyond calling for slow and relaxing times as the first design-conscious, boutique hotel in Ericeira, the hotel simultaneously acts as the ideal base from which to explore nearby nature reserves like Tapada Nacional de Mafra or Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, surf unforgettable waves in the Atlantic, or go wine tasting in the region.

One of the newest members of Design Hotels, Immerso Hotel invites guests to enjoy the Ericeira landscape and sink into its elements, serenely and with peace of mind. The experience is backdropped by a unique interior design concept led by Tiago Silva Dias alongside Bárbara Neto from LemonVariance and Alexandra Almeida d’Eça, one of the hotel’s Originals. Moving between the lush gardens, 37 rooms, restaurants, and spa forms a sequence of different experiences and ever-changing perspectives: custom artworks and artisanal objects, fragrances, and soundscapes activate all the senses both indoors and out. Inside, panels by Iva Viana and carpets made from scraps of organic wool and cotton by Sugo Cork Rugs are paired with design pieces from Diego Franco, tapestries from LRNCE, and mirrors by Anna Westerlund. Outside, painter and sculptor João Noutel created Mergulho em Ti, a sculptural installation; Paulo Reis realized Uniouriço, an artistic intervention near the hotel’s entrance; Los Pepes Studio crafted a “ring-bench” overlooking the ocean; and José Quiroz produced a statue of Ericeira’s mythological guardian for the open-air bar.  

Such site-specific artworks draw in visitors and locals alike, as do Immerso’s Hotel two restaurants: Emme and Emme on Fire. Created by consultant chef Alexandre Silva, whose Lisbon restaurant LOCO was awarded a Michelin star, both menus focus on sustainably caught seafood and farm-fresh ingredients, many of which are sourced from an onsite organic garden growing around 30 types of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. As the first destination restaurant in the area, Emme on Fire offers an experience immersed in nature, where the primary element of the kitchen is fire and authentic dishes arise from charcoal embers or the wood-fired oven. Emme, meanwhile, offers a casual atmosphere and Atlantic cuisine: dishes are based on what the ocean provides, including fish and saline-tasting plants from Berlenga and Ericeira sourced daily from a local fish market. Cocktails with crisp notes, an exclusively Portuguese wine list, and two craft beers produced in partnership with Portuguese brewery Cerveja Vadia are served at both restaurants, as well as the separate pool bar, and complement the tastes and textures of the food.

Further rooting the hotel in its surroundings while expanding upon its conscious and local philosophy are an outdoor fire pit, on which food at Emme on Fire is cooked but also perfect for communal gatherings, a boutique stocked with local and sustainable brands, and a spa. In the boutique, one will find everything from handmade necklaces by Antik Pink and cork flip-flops by As Portuguesas to wool blankets by Burel, tea from Companhia Portuguesa do Chá, Immerso’s Hotel own homemade jams, beachwear and accessories by Futah, and more. The spa encompasses a sauna, steam room, and sensory bath, as well as treatment rooms where healing offerings are carried out in partnership with the natural skincare brand Vinoble Cosmetics. Plus, Lourenço Lucena—the only Portuguese member of the International Society of Perfumer-Creators—created an olfactory identity for Immerso Hotel, and sound designer Elvis Veiguinha produced an aural soundscape. Together, the sights, tastes, smells, and sounds experienced throughout Immerso Hotel translate the oceanic biosphere and the stillness of the surrounding nature into a lingering harmony.