About: Opened in 2010 as a dream project by Marta Fonseca and Gonçalo Alves, Areias do Seixo is an enchanting coastal haven that celebrates nature and sustainability. Set amid wild dunes, pine trees, and sea cliffs one hour north of Lisbon, this boutique hotel was lovingly built with recycled materials from an old aviary and designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape. Each of its 14 themed rooms and glamping “shelters” is uniquely styled – think driftwood furniture, suspended fireplaces, and huge windows in lieu of TVs – inviting guests to slow down and reconnect with nature. At the heart of the experience is a strong environmental ethos: geothermal heating and cork insulation warm the rooms, solar panels heat the pool, and there’s no air conditioning – ocean breezes do the job. The hotel’s organic permaculture garden supplies a farm-to-table restaurant with fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits, while guests are welcome to join in harvesting and enjoy seasonal menus that cater to vegetarian and vegan tastes. Areias do Seixo upcycles vintage objects (old bikes, sifters, fishing nets) as decor, and eliminates single-use plastics entirely. Every evening, guests gather for the famed “Circle of Fire”: a campfire sing-along with the owners on the dune cliffs, sipping wine under the stars – a ritual that embodies the hotel’s community spirit and sense of magic. By day, one can join yoga classes, bike along the coast on complimentary bicycles, surf the Silver Coast waves, or forage for shellfish on guided walks. The spa offers pebble massages and Turkish baths, while a natural swimming pool invites relaxation. Areias do Seixo operates with deep respect for the local community and ecosystem: local staff and suppliers are prioritized, waste is rigorously composted and recycled, and each action is measured against its environmental and social impact. Impact: As a result, Areias do Seixo is recognized with Green Key certification and has become a beacon of sustainable luxury, proving that a hotel can touch the heart while “building a sustainable future”.