The Private Hideaway in Portugal’s Ericeira, Europe’s First World-Surfing Reserve, is Set to Open in February 2022
Vancouver, Canada – September 2, 2021 – Querido, the hotel collection representing Europe’s most renowned family-owned properties including Sublime Comporta, Lily of the Valley Hotel, and Borgo Santo Pietro, announces today the addition of Immerso, Immerso is a private hideaway set to open in February 2022 in Ericeria, Portugal, designated Europe’s first world-surfing reserve. Located just 40 minutes outside the buzz and bustle of Lisbon, the seaside surfing community of Ericeira is an oasis of tranquility for Lisboetas and global travelers alike. Nestled on the edge of the Atlantic, this historic fishing village is an unassuming jewel in the crown of Portugal’s surfing scene. The destination has been popular since the 1800’s—previously celebrated as one of Portugal’s biggest exporters of wine and spirits. As that chapter concluded, it’s the beach breaks and surf culture that have come to thrive.
Located in the valley with sea views, Immerso will be the region’s first five-star hotel to date, and with an ethos deeply centered on community and intimate, natural communion, it will boast just 37 rooms.
Additional experiential offerings include a gym, the Immerso SPA, featuring a sauna, hammam/ Turkish bath, sensory bath and 3 massage rooms. Immerso also features a stunning pool, yoga classes and nearby Chef’s Garden. Complimentary electric bicycles will also be on offer for guests to discover the property’s coveted natural grounds and surroundings. Horse Riding, Surf Lessons, Wine Tasting, Picnics and more can also be booked.
Commenting on Querido’s newest property, Querido Founder Carlos Quereda commented,
“We are so delighted to welcome Immerso to the Querido family. This incredible respite will embody every element of the Querido brand—family-owned and operated, offering a thoughtful, immersive and caring experience for all who visit. A destination for people seeking to reconnect—with nature, with each other, and ultimately with themselves—especially after such a trying time for so many. We are absolutely thrilled.”
Emme, Immerso’s culinary destination, will feature one casual dining restaurant, paired with an outdoor, more spontaneous, firepit experience. Chef Alexandre Silva will emphasize seasonal Portuguese produce and natural larder. The culinary team will also be producing two newly-crafted light, crisp artisanal beers. Inspired by Ericeira, Bica—a distinctive Pilsener-style beer, will feature floral notes, hops and citrus.
The property’s unique architecture is the work of Tiago Silva Dias and inspired by the “spirit of the place.” It reconciles the building with its natural surroundings by contextualizing and integrating the structures into the destination, adhering closely to the principles of environmental sustainability adapted to the specific climate conditions. The result is a hotel that adapts to the land and its natural contours within the principles inherited from southern Iberian architecture: simple structures on the slopes and striking buildings on the summits. Appealing to the senses, through the views of the valley and the ocean, is evident inside and outside in elements that emphasize the relationship with the surrounding landscape. The curvilinear forms used in various areas, such as the restaurant’s balcony that evokes the nearby waves, is an example of this. Split into 3 blocks that sprout from the high points in the valley, the hotel is surrounded by greenery. The pool and the bar are built on top of one of the blocks, while below is the fire pit dedicated to memorable culinary moments – and the unmistakable flavors and aromas that Immerso promises.
The interiors – based on nature’s unique earthy and maritime textures – are the work of architect Tiago Silva Dias and designer Barbara Neto and were curated by one of the hotel’s owners, Alexandra Almeida d’Eça, who has also made various contributions to the Immerso concept. The various spaces, with their own distinctive characteristics, are laid out sequentially, providing different fluidly interlinked “moments” that interact dynamically between themselves and the exterior.
Contemporary artwork, mostly by Portuguese artists, such as the painter and artist João Noutel and Iva Viana, recognized for her work in plaster, can be seen all around the hotel. Matching their work with the other decorative elements was an enjoyable challenge for the owners, who also chose Susana Godinho’s handwoven carpets from SUGO CORK RUGS, made from waste wool and organic cotton, and Diana Cunha’s lamps for Oficina 166, among other decorative objects. Immerso also has furniture by Mexican designer Diego Franco.
Lourenço Lucena, the only Portuguese member of the French Society of Perfumers, is responsible for creating Immerso’s olfac tory identity. He has translated the deep blue of the sea and the tranquillity of the countryside into aromas, creating a harmony that remains in the memory and draws you back. Elvis Veiguinha is responsible for creating the hotel’s aural identity. Unique spaces need their own soundscape, so in each area one hears a distinct sonic ambience that maintains the calm and peace of mind that the experience generates.
Immerso is scheduled to open in February, 2022. For more information, please visit immerso.pt/en/.
