Aethos Ericeira
Welcome to a place where you can literally feel the Atlantic Ocean and end the day with beautiful and warm lighted sunsets.
You all know by now, how I love (and need) to be close by the ocean. So, I was very eager to stay and experience the new hotel Aethos Ericeira. Furthermore, it would be our first stay at a Portuguese hotel as a family of three. I was a bit sceptical: Will a baby be welcome in such a design hotel? Our experience in Switzerland so far (in hotels and restaurants) is that Babies are not always welcome. But in Portugal, children are loved. We had a great experience at the airport and in every hotel we stayed. Even in the restaurants (no matter how chic) they were so kind and our son was always welcome (even by the international guests).
Aethos Ericeira is the new hotel of the design-led hospitality brand Aethos. Their target group is the next generation of luxury travellers. Aethos Ericeira opened on September 1, 2022. Nestled on top of a 40-metre cliff, this new lifestyle destination with unrivalled views of the Atlantic Ocean is surrounded by some of Europe’s best and most beautiful beaches. Aethos focus on community-driven experiences stands out through a locally engaged approach that puts wellness at the centre, which can be experienced in many ways. From delicious food to daily yoga and meditation classes, Aethos strives to create a healthy balance in all of its properties, and Aethos Ericeira is no exception.
“We want to be an authentic reflection of the local
environment, so every destination is very different
from the others. What is true in all of our properties
is that there’s always something happening, and there’s
a reason to be there.”
Aethos Ericeira is located a bit outside Ericeira (about 10 minutes by car) on top of sandstone cliffs surrounded by nature. The spectacular views are almost unbeatable. Ericeira itself is a charming fishing village abounding in cobbled streets and whitewashed houses descending to glorious beaches along the western Portuguese coastline. In summer it’s very busy (to be honest a bit too busy for us). However, we visited the village twice in winter and loved its sleepy mood during the colder season. By the way, you can surf all year round but if you’re a beginner please book a teacher. Never underestimate the wilde side of the Atlantic Ocean.
THE PROPERTY
The property, which is centred around undisrupted sea views, features 50 rooms and suites, a wooden walkway along the edge of the cliff, a meditation and yoga deck, and a fire pit area. With a focus on physical and mental wellbeing, Aethos’ experiential offerings cater to the modern luxury traveller and the surfer community alike. Besides a gym and heated saltwater pool the spa area includes a hammam, a hot slab as well as treatment rooms. Complimentary e-bikes and beach buggies will allow guests to discover the property’s beautiful surroundings and nearby bike paths and beaches. In addition hotel guests have, as “Resident Members”, the same privileges as Aethos Members for the duration of their stay and can participate in all cultural and social events.
ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT
To reimagine this former farm property, Aethos partnered with award-winning design studio Astet, based in Barcelona, and Portuguese architect Luis Pedra Silva. Together, they have created a unique hospitality destination that captures the textures, diversity and spirit of its surroundings: the ever-changing hue of the sand combined with the intense blue of the Atlantic ocean and the earthy colours of the soaring cliff.
“One of the challenges was making it work for every season. But we believe we were able to solve it by proposing a dialogue between cold and warm materials. ”
Aethos Ericeira aimes to welcome a young, striving community, including nomads who love surfing, but also appreciate effortless luxury. The unpretentiousness of the space is materialized through several architectural and design choices that allow guests to “enjoy the pleasures life can offer.” At Aethos Ericeira anyone from anywhere can feel happy and relaxed. Nobody should feel out of place, the space gives a sense of belonging.
CONSCIOUS FOOD FOR CONSCIOUS PEOPLE
ONDA, the property’s exquisite yet relaxed restaurant, invites guests to share and indulge in the flavors of contemporary coastal cuisine while taking in breathtaking views over the Atlantic ocean. The menu is inpired from the beauty and culture of its surroundings. The main goal is for people to come to ONDA and have a unique experience of sharing and discovering dishes that are cooked with love and appreciation for Portugal and its people. Onda’s menus evoke conscious eating, responsibly sourced local ingredients, and myriad dishes that cater to every palate. At Onda, children are welcome. We ate there three times (dinner and lunch) with our 11 weeks old baby. There was also another family with two kids. Mike does not eat seafood and the chef made him a vegetarian pasta instead and it was very good. I had the daily catch from the ocean with a risotto and it was delicious.
We stayed in an Ocean Terrace Room. The room is big enough for two people but a bit too small with a baby crib. It worked but I recommend to chose a more spacious room as the Ocean Suite or the Aethos Suite. However, I loved the view over the Ocean from our room. If you need to have boiled water for your baby’s milk they will bring it to you right away 24/7. There is no kettle in the room.
Ocean Terrace Room
Aethos Suite
Ocean Suite
We enjoyed our stay at the hotel very much. And next time, we need to try out the spa and pool (heated!) area. Our baby boy was still too little to go into the pool with us. With children, it’s the perfect place to stay two or three nights and explore the area. I don’t recommend to stay there a week with little children as there are no child activities or space where they can go “wild”. I can absolutely recommend to stay longer if you’re not travelling with kids or/and you’re an avid surfer. There are several beaches to explore and nature is beautiful and inviting for long walks.
A big thank you to the Aethos Ericeira family for a warm welcome and see you in the future!
More: aethoshotels.com
Pictures by Francisco Nogueira and Pion Studio