Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon: the luxury of history

Paying homage to the vibrancy of Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisboa exudes an elegant juxtaposition of historic and contemporary charm. Located right in the heart of the city, this distinguished institution captures the essence of Portugal’s cultural heritage through its curated collection of local art and masterpieces from the mid-20th century.

Dating back to its birth in 1952, Hotel António de Oliveira Salazar envisioned a magnificent hotel that would show the world the cultural wealth of Portugal. Collaborating with Ricardo Espirito Santo Silva, an advocate of Portuguese heritage, Salazar laid the foundation for what would become the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. Despite the untimely death of Silva and the original architect, Porfirio Pardal Montero, a group of entrepreneurs, led by Queiroz Pereira, made Salazar’s vision a reality.

Built with the aim of leaving a modern legacy, the hotel’s interior design was entrusted to the famous French designer Henri Samuel, who decorated the space with more than 40,000 square meters of luxurious marble. The hotel has become a living museum of contemporary art, with an eclectic mix of sculptures, paintings and furnishings reflecting national values ​​and the spirit of Portuguese independence.

In particular, local artists have contributed to the vibrant legacy of the decorative arts, ensuring a cosmopolitan and diverse aesthetic. The hotel has been managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts since 1997, and has been renovated while maintaining its original spirit.

Upon entering the hotel, guests are greeted with a wonderful blend of Art Deco aesthetics and modern Louis XVI style. The atmosphere is enriched by this collection of contemporary local artwork, transforming the rooms into a living gallery that tells the story of Portugal’s cultural development. The hotel’s commitment to preserving and displaying national art dating back to the mid-20th century makes it a true museum, with one of the largest private art collections in Portugal.

Lisbon, the city of seven hills, sprawls out at the hotel’s doorstep, inviting guests to explore its vibrant neighbourhoods. From the bustling city center to the tranquil coastline, sprawling vineyards and picturesque rural villages, Four Seasons Hotel Lisbon is the perfect starting point for both cultural excursions and leisure experiences.

But art goes beyond cooking, and the hotel’s culinary offerings include the Michelin-starred CURA restaurant, run by visionary chef Pedro Pena Bastos. Derived from the Portuguese term “curadoria,” CURA embodies the careful selection of seasonal ingredients that define each dish. An ode to Lisbon’s rich regional color palette, the menu features artisanal creations that capture the essence of each season.

Emblematic dishes such as squid with hazelnuts and osetra caviar embody Chef Bastos’ culinary philosophy: keeping the essential flavors of each ingredient prominent. Working closely with local suppliers, the culinary team ensures that each dish is a harmonious symphony of flavor and texture.

Upon entering the complex, we will find the Almada Negreiros Lounge, a meeting space that continues the sophistication and artistic charm of the Four Seasons Hotel. This room is more than just a space: it is a tribute to the famous Portuguese artist José de Almada Negreiros. Decorated with bold furnishings, the lounge is a gallery in itself, inviting guests to enjoy an environment where art and relaxation blend seamlessly.

A favorite meeting place for locals and guests alike, the lounge offers a tranquil setting for afternoon tea with classic seasonal jacaranda tea to delight the palate, while you relax or enjoy a good book.

Meanwhile, the Ritz Bar, with its extensive list of wines and signature drinks, provides an intimate space for guests to savor the spirit of Lisbon. From the floral-themed 18 3838 cocktail, inspired by jacaranda trees, to THE 19 SPRITZ, which pays homage to traditional Portuguese spirits, each drink is an artisanal masterpiece. Led by the creative Sandro Pimenta, the bar team serves seasonal drinks inspired by the city and offers a unique exploration of local ingredients, seasons, heritage and culture.

From the fusion of Japanese and Portuguese influences in June to the delicious citrus flavors that pay tribute to Poncha in July, each drink is a carefully crafted ode to Lisbon’s diverse cultural influences. August features a tea drink inspired by Portuguese history, while September celebrates the wines of Moscatel de Setubal. October is inspired by the furnishings of modern artist Almada Negreros, while November celebrates the hotel’s anniversary with a sparkling cocktail. The year concludes in December with a delicious Christmas cocktail paired with the Portuguese Polo Re, which offers an interesting combination of candied and dried fruits.

In addition to delicious cuisine, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon expands its offer with a series of services designed for relaxation and entertainment. The rooftop invites you to exercise outdoors, with a running track and a gym with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the city. The indoor and outdoor pools provide an oasis of calm, and the Ritz Spa provides guests with an immersive experience focused on relaxation, with delicate scents and harmonious music.

The hotel offers different accommodations for its guests to choose from depending on their needs and stay. The Premier Park-View room pays homage to the hotel’s 1950s-style rooms, with private balconies and plush chairs in shades of blue. City lovers will find modern amenities in the Premier City View Room, while the Deluxe Park View and City View Rooms offer convenient locations and stunning views.

For discerning travelers, the resort offers spacious suites, including the Four Seasons Guest Favorite One-Bedroom Suite and a private one-bedroom Grand Suite, which provide space for relaxation and entertainment. Special Premium Suites, such as Almada Negreiros and Presidential Suites, offer the ultimate luxuries ideal for extended stays or meetings. Each of these spaces highlights the timeless elegance and meticulous attention to detail that defines the Four Seasons experience.

The Ritz Lisboa celebrates its enduring legacy as a testament to the visionary minds that conceived it more than six decades ago. Today, as Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon continues to honor the city and honor the nation, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon stands not only as a destination, but as a living account of Portugal’s rich history on a journey beyond the ordinary.