DAP 360* - Graca Viterbo - Hotel Bela Vista Part 4

Playful stripes and happy polka dots played an important role in Graca Viterbo's redesign of the Hotel Bela Vista, as they fill the corridors and leap across the rooms.

Is it really any wonder why the New York Times and Trip Advisor among others have nominated it as one of 2012 best hotels?

So why stripes?

STRIPES














The use of stripes in design and architecture is evident throughout history and as part of many buildings in Europe. Perhaps most iconically are the black and white stripes of the Gothic facade and interior of the Siena Duomo in Italy.

Black and white stripes - is there possibly anything more contemporary in design? And so when looking through the images of all the rooms throughout the hotel, it struck me that this was one of the elements that was a constant. A common thread that repeats itself throughout the Viterbo reinterpretation of this turn of the century palace.
From yesterday's post on the bedrooms, where they are part of the drapery, or as painted stripes on the walls..

or in the Resaturant above with black and white striped arm chairs only accented by a red fringe..

The infusion of color repeats once again as the red stripes return once again upstairs in one of the rooms..

and stripes, both vertical tiled accents on the headboard, or painted bold stripes on the armoire..

on carpeting, pillows or in a combination of polka dots upon stripes playfully juxtaposed against each other.

they line the walls, furniture and balconies of this hotel.









In case you missed the other posts on this hotel, the first post covered the steep historical use of the tiles throughout this palacete here, or the very revealing before & after shots of the Bar, or all about color from yesterday's post.




Tomorrow: The final look ending with the Mediterranean glam outdoors and Spa! You won't want to miss it!


*all images courtesy of Graca Viterbo.

DAP 360* - Graca Viterbo - Hotel Bela Vista Part 3

It is all about the color today.

From the entrance of the Hotel Bela Vista as I shared on my first post, through the lobby and onto the winter warm Bar , the project spearheaded by Graca Viterbo on the southern coast of Portugal has to be considered, the go - to destination hot spot for your next holiday.


The walls of the corridors through to the Suites are richly covered in textured venetian plaster, and highlighted with Tiffany blue colored doors and striped carpeting over oak floors.

Let the mirrors guide you with decorative library sconces and black and white artistic photographs reminding you of your surroundings.

Part of the experience of staying in a Boutique hotel, such as this one, is being able to return time after time and with each new visit enjoy a completely new experience.
Every one of the 38 rooms in this hotel are unique.



Whether hinting at the Moorish roots that are still so evident throughout Portugal...

and contemporary accents with a fresh new perspective...

Each of the rooms provide the comfort of your home, but with one step closer to the dream home we all wish we had.
Comfortable soft furnishings with fabulous decorative pillows and revamped antique furniture that having been given a new lease of life with a splash of paint!



For every occasion and every design aesthetic, such as the romantic & classically steeped design of the suite below.

A sumptuous canopy bed, and rich drapery, and bold stripes are inviting and warm.

Yellows, and blues.. bold patterns both old and new, welcome you with the Mediterranean hospitality that is so much part of the Portuguese experience.

Stay tuned for more on this redesign as the coverage continues all this week and to learn more about Graca Viterbo, her daughter Gracinha and their projects, make sure to visit their site.

*all images courtesy of Graca Viterbo

DAP 360* - Graca Viterbo - Hotel Bela Vista Part 2

My coverage of the newly redesigned Hotel Bela Vista & Spa continues on from yesterday's look of how tiles played an important role in the consideration taken by the team lead by Graca Viterbo.

Layer upon layer of detail are part of the visual and tactile experience throughout every room.



Traditional architectural details, the existing tiles and mill work, were all elements that needed to be considered and enhanced while still bringing the design, feet first into the 21st century.


Coconut shell tiled walls enhanced with modern decorative accents.






The bar area, rich in warm wooden tones, and
Brazilian wood ceilings and panelling, was no small overhaul.

BEFORE - Bar

These before shots show are pretty powerful in showing the amount of work that went into this space alone.

AFTER:

and the use of the mosaic glass tiles on the checkerboard floor in lieu of the black stone from the lobby, as well as on incorporated with great lighting on the Bar & counter areas are once again used as accents and sparkle in this otherwise warm toned environment, befitting of a cozy winter evening by the fire.

These rooms provide a cozy atmosphere for even the coolest winter months which many do not think of when they imagine the Algarve as a destination spot, but I can say that my husband & I would make it a yearly holiday every winter to enjoy the beaches, the great food and off peak season experience for a few romantic days away.

Stay tuned for much more on this redesign throughout this week - next up: A close look at some of the bright and sun filled Suites in all shades of blue!

*all images courtesy of Graca Viterbo