Many of my pre-teen dreams started with the glossy pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Fantasizing about what life as a supermodel traveling all over the world for photoshoots would eventually lead to the teenage me pounding the NYC pavement to attend “go-sees” and modeling agency open calls. Seeing Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks on those pages changed the game for me. While the “supermodel” thing never quite panned out for me, I was elated to be able to spend my 20’s working “Front of House” at Bryant Park during NYFW shows for Diane von Furstenberg, Phillip Lim, Anna Sui, Tracy Reese, Catherine Malandrino and more with one of the top fashion PR agencies in NYC.
Those same glossy pages also fueled the colossal palaces, intricate ceilings and majestic gardens that frequented my adolescent daydreams. Since castles were already on my childhood “it” list (read more here), I felt like I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to actually stay at European palace located 6 miles from Portugal’s Faro city center. Centrally located with that region, Faro is the largest city in the Algarve where much of the old town is pedestrianized and adorned with marble mosaic.
The Pousada of Faro is famous for its neo-Baroque and neo-Rococo features, including the its ornate plaster ceilings, two tea pavilions and wonderful French-inspired gardens adorned with statues. Waking up at the picturesque Estoi Palace felt like I had been swept away to a mini Versailles. I loved the romantic-style architecture that influenced its beautiful pink rococo façade and gardens. My walk to breakfast each morning was filled with gorgeous frescoes, ornate stucco ceilings and gilded furniture. Most mornings I took my breakfast outside near the gardens that take up 3 different levels on the property and are all connected by grand staircases with hidden grottos below.
Construction on the 19th century home turned hotel started in the 1840’s, but was not competed until 1909 when a local business man, Jose Francisco, purchased the property. The luxurious neo classical details were so impressive to Portugal’s King Carlos at the time, that he made Silva the Viscount of the historic village of Estoi in the country’s Algarve region.
Now a part of the exclusive state owned historic “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” Group, I stayed in 1 of the 63 bedrooms (there are also 15 superior rooms and 3 suites) with a balcony that overlooks one of the gardens. The main part of the hotel has a fabulous series of sitting areas with high ceilings, French windows, impressive mirrors and chandeliers. A part of the renovations were completed in 2009 by award-winning architect Gonçalo Byrne, the outdoor pool overlooking the lovely landscape is the perfect place to soak up the sun.
“Let there be peace within my walls and prosperity within my palaces.” - Catherine Ponder