Serene Refuge Between the Sea and the Lagoon

Source: Evasões

At the new Amarello Hotel Praia Tapestry Collection by Hilton, overlooking the Santo André Lagoon in Santiago do Cacém, one can fully breathe in the pristine air of the Costa Alentejana. Nature, comfortable beds, and a table filled with local flavors bring comfort to both body and mind.

Peaceful days unfold along the banks of the Santo André and Sancha Lagoons Natural Reserve. This important ecosystem, which stretches for 16 kilometers between the municipalities of Sines and Santiago do Cacém, shelters in its reed beds, rushes, and willows more than 200 bird species that either nest or stop here during migration. This summer, on the edge of the lagoons and just 300 meters from Costa de Santo André Beach, the Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André opened its doors — a four-star hotel infused with the essence of the Alentejo.

In this privileged location, where trails and walking paths help guests escape routine and digital fatigue, time seems to slow down. The wind caresses the fields, and at sunset, flocks of birds glide gracefully across the sky. Embodying the philosophy of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton — applied to small-scale properties deeply connected with their destination through architecture, décor, and gastronomy — the project by NANO Design brought nature indoors through its tones and materials.

Wood, natural textures, sandy hues, ceramics, and books engage both the eye and touch. Among the geometric ceiling reliefs, stork sculptures in various corners, and indoor plants, one highlight stands out behind the reception: a mural by artist Jaqueline Arashida, inspired by the book The Girl and the Enchanted Bird by Rubem Alves. The 42 rooms and two suites — the latter featuring a living room with a sofa bed, a bathtub in the bedroom, double sinks, and a side view of the lagoon — follow the same visual identity in harmony with the landscape.

The attributes of the Costa Vicentina, and the Alentejo in general, are also expressed in the hotel’s name, owned by Mercan Properties and managed by AHM – Ace Hospitality Management. Written as A–MAR–ELLO, the word plays on “the yellow of the sun and sand, the ever-present sea,” and the sound of the English greeting “hello,” which the brand says reflects “the welcoming spirit” of the region. “Here, the service ends up being less formal than in other Hilton brands,” confirms guest relations manager Matilde Pereira, “yet no less attentive.”

Indeed, although it only opened in July, Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has already won the favor of many locals, not least because its restaurant and bars (on the ground floor and rooftop) are open to the public. The praise received for the monkfish rice stew, perfect for sharing, and for the veal slow-cooked for 36 hours with mashed potatoes has validated the focus on comforting, shareable cuisine. So says Pedro Lisboa, the resident chef, who designed the menu in collaboration with Chef Miguel Rocha Vieira, AHM’s “VP Culinary Arts.”

“It’s been incredible working with Chef Miguel,” says the 26-year-old from Porto, who has lived in the region for two and a half years. In addition to the fish — bought from the charismatic fishmonger Rosa Martins at the Santiago do Cacém Municipal Market — fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and wines are also sourced nearby. On the menu, which refines Portuguese and Alentejo recipes, there are also small plates such as tuna pica-pau and octopus salad, as well as desserts like pear poached in Setúbal muscatel.

Designed to operate year-round, the hotel keeps open access to its fourth-floor infinity pool, offering uninterrupted views over Costa de Santo André and the lagoon system. It also features a 24-hour gym and promotes activities with local partners, such as horseback riding and quad bike tours with birdwatching. Nearby attractions include the Badoca Safari Park and the Black Pig Mediterranean gin distillery. And soon, it is expected that the popular Santo André Eel Festival will also extend to the Amarello.