Once a 16th-century convent, the charming Convento do Seixo Design Hotel in central Portugal is being transformed into a distinctive base for exploring the nearby Serra da Estrela mountains, Portugal’s first and largest protected natural park. Scheduled to open in early 2018, the property will offer 16 guestrooms, four suites and four exterior villas. Originally built in the 16th century for Franciscan monks and later repurposed as a school in the 18th century, the complex has been sensitively redesigned as a modern design hotel that preserves and references its historic character.
The renovation is led by FAT — Future Architecture Thinking — together with Roquete Architects — Architecture and Urbanism Workshop. Their design blends contemporary interventions with the convent’s historic fabric, highlighting original architectural details while introducing clean, modern lines and thoughtful materials. Guests will find two swimming pools — one indoors and one outdoors — that create relaxed, water-centered retreats. A spa offers natural therapies, massages and treatments designed to promote deep relaxation and well-being.
The hotel’s sunny central courtyard provides a quiet spot to unwind, read or socialize, while on-site dining showcases fresh Portuguese produce and local culinary traditions. Facilities also include meeting space suitable for conferences, workshops and corporate retreats; the setting makes it easy to combine meetings with outdoor activities in the surrounding landscape for team-building and incentive programs.
Located near Serra da Estrela Natural Park, the hotel provides access to a wide range of outdoor pursuits: hiking, nature observation and scenic drives through a landscape of mountains, valleys and traditional villages. Its combination of historic ambiance, contemporary design and regional gastronomy makes Convento do Seixo Design Hotel a compelling option for travelers seeking a tranquil, design-focused retreat in the heart of central Portugal.