- Insiders Profile -

Teresa Barros

◆ What do you think makes Lisbon’s hotel and hospitality scene so unique?

Lisbon’s hospitality scene is brimming with a new confidence that’s working alongside very established traditions.

I lived abroad for 30 years. When I returned to Portugal over a decade ago, I was struck by the country’s richness — its stunning architecture, its wide variety of arts and crafts, and, of course, an abundance of national produce like wines, olive oil, and cheeses. I was also struck by how the Portuguese were so understated about what was unique to them. Too often, it seemed to me, the country looked for inspiration abroad instead of building on its strengths. Today, something has shifted—there’s a confidence that’s exciting. You can see this in hospitality; hotels and restaurants now tell our story through architecture, design, food, and wine. The best part is that these projects are earning international acclaim, and many now look here for inspiration. It’s been amazing to be a part of this and watch it all unfold.

◆ Describe Xpose, your agency, in 3 words.

CREATIVITY | INSIGHTS | IMPACT
Our expertise is in strategic communication—we create concepts for hospitality, position destinations, and hotels, and communicate them on a global scale (PR). We prefer to work with projects that contribute to the communities they are part of.

◆ What’s your favorite hotel in Portugal at the moment?

Wow! Difficult question. There are so many wonderful places in Portugal at the moment. I’d say Sublime Comporta is still one of my favorites. Perhaps I’m biased, as I worked on the concept, alongside the owners, positioning, and communicating both the hotel and the destination on a global scale.

Sublime tells the story of Comporta and pays homage to the area through its architecture and product offer. It has an understated luxury where nature is key, which I really identify with. I have several secret spots as well, which I’m always happy to share with anyone who asks me in person.

Photo credits: Isabel Saldanha

Photo credits: Sublime Comporta

◆ Which hotelier or hospitality leader is inspiring you the most right now?

I’d say, Oliver Ripley, CEO and co-founder of “Our Habitas”. Their projects are outstanding and also have a purpose, which is to create immersive spaces that deepen our understanding of each other and thus unite us. There is a great responsibility associated with hospitality, and Our Habitas knows and honors this. They’re focused on empowering cultures and creating economic and educational opportunities while addressing social and environmental issues.

In Portugal, I am inspired by someone I am confident you will hear about soon—Nuno Avillez Oliveira. He not only knows the value of showcasing what is uniquely Portuguese but also understands the value of involving local communities.

◆ Which region of Portugal do you think offers the best combination of luxury and local culture for travelers?

The Alentejo and the Douro are definitely ahead in combining luxury and local culture. Having said this, there is another destination that is gaining status on this front, and Xpose is communicating it—Arrábida. Just 30 minutes away from Lisbon, Arrábida is a unique mix of nature—a 10K-hectare natural park with cove beaches, chalky cliffs, lush Mediterranean vegetation, endemic species, and rich cultural heritage. There is so much to explore in the area, from convents, castles, and manor houses to wineries and tile factories. Arrábida has just submitted a candidacy for a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

◆ What do you love most about your neighborhood’s food scene?

I live in Príncipe Real, I’d say it's one of the neighborhoods that are most representative of the “new Lisbon”. It still has the authenticity of the “old world” which is what brings Lisbon its charm but it’s now energized by the “fire” and creativity of the “new” Lisbon. Both foreigners and locals are presenting exciting new concepts and places that add diversity to the local offer.

New to the neighborhood is Calma restaurant. It's just opened and I've already been twice. It's in one of my favorite places, “Praça das Flores”. It's seasonal food cooked mainly with fire, some raw food options, a good deal of fermentation, and all-natural wines. There are also many old-school "Tascas" (typical Portuguese restaurants). They are usually family-owned, have terrible lighting – part of being a "tasca" I suppose – and paper tablecloths. There are many to be discovered in the area, it's a matter of strolling the streets and discovering. I love Das Flores for instance.

For coffee I love Dramático. It's a tiny place that has specialty coffees - slightly more to my taste as they are smoother. I’d head up the street from my place, grab my coffee, say hello to Ricardo (the owner), and start my day. I also love going to some of the old school pastelaria / cafés which I make a point of supporting.

The area is also rich in options for those who stay in and cook at home. For instance, if I want cheeses I go to Queijaria it's a small neighborhood Cheese Shop that specializes in quality Portuguese and International artisanal cheeses. For meat I love Talho Machado. It has existed for over 50 years since the 70s (it’s family-owned, they have quality Portuguese meat including free range chicken and they deliver) and of course, there is Comida Independente which works with the best small Portuguese producers. The quality of the products is incredible (from olive oil, charcuterie, butter from the Azores, local cheeses, and natural wines). They are all highly curated. You really can't go wrong here and it's right next to the Market.

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◆ Can you walk us through your ideal day in Lisbon, from the perfect breakfast spot to the best place to unwind in the evening?

I am not one for routine. I love wandering and discovering new places. I love strolling the city and peeking into different places in various neighborhoods—all are packed with interesting things to discover, from markets to bookshops, and ateliers. On Saturdays, I love going to the farmers market in Principe Real. Here I inevitably bump into friends and usually, the day just takes me where it wants. We often end up grabbing a coffee at one of the kiosks. One of my favorite “guilty pleasures” is stopping at Bettina Corallo, which, to me, has by far the best chocolate in the city.

I love drinks before dinner rather than after. A place I recommend is Pinot located by Estrela Garden. It has a chilled neighborhood vibe and a wide variety of interesting international wines and simple yet perfect “petiscos”. Another fun place to go is Foxtrot. It has existed for over 40 years and is an exquisite tribute to Art Deco. Dinner at Gambrinus is a classic that I always adore and a great way to soak in the old-world Lisbon vibes. Senhor Uva is another of my favorites, as is Canalha, by João Rodrigues (UGH! Lisbon has so many great places). Music is, of course, part of the Lisbon scene, but it's hidden. My thing is live music but you have to know where to go. Casa Independente has some funky acts as does B.leza and even Mesa de Frades.

Gambrinus | Photo credits: Joana Freitas

◆ A few books for the coffee table?

I look around my living room to answer this question and see a representation of what I love. For art—a coffee table book about Egon Schiele, another about Basquiat, and for photography, I love Africa, by Herb Ritts. Then, of course, there are travel and food—publications like Inside Asia, Comporta Bliss, Marrakech Flair, Yotam Ottolenghi’s Plenty, Chiltern Firehouse by André Balazs & Nuno Mendes, and Mediterranean Algarve, by a Portuguese chef I adore at the moment (although he doesn’t like to be called a chef), Bertílio Gomes.

◆ What aspects of Portuguese hospitality do you think are most appealing to international guests?

The friendliness of the people—always willing to share what makes them unique.

◆ What’s your favorite place in Lisbon to recommend for an authentic overnight experience, and why?

If you are visiting the city for the first time, there are 2 hotels I love depending on the person. Santa Clara 1728 is stunning. It's an 18th-century building in one of the most emblematic areas of Lisbon. It´s only 6 rooms (which I love as it´s like being at home) and was restored by award-winning Portuguese Architects Aires Mateus. Every detail is perfect.

Palácio Ludovice is another place I would recommend. It’s located between the Chiado and Príncipe Real neighborhoods directly in front of the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara, one of my favorite views of Lisbon. The history of the building is surreal. It's like going back in time. The former private residence of João Frederico Ludovice, architect to King João V, the property dates back to the 18th century and was one of the only buildings in the area that did not fall during the earthquake due to the innovative construction techniques used. The restoration of the building was led by renowned Architect Miguel Câncio Martins (Buddha Bar and Man Ray). Over 3,000 tiles were painstakingly restored, each room is different and all the furniture is custom-made in Portugal. It even has its own chapel.

◆ Can you share a hidden gem in the city, whether it’s a restaurant, bar, or a unique local spot?

I’d say Tapada das Necessidades. One of the charms of Lisbon is that it’s a place you must discover on your own—not everything is in the guidebooks. This allows you to create a more intimate relationship with the city. Tapada das Necessidades is one of these hidden gems. When you walk into this park for the first time, it feels completely unexpected. I’m always struck by its richness—the variety of rare and exotic plant species, sweeping views of Lisbon, hidden statues, and the stunning circular greenhouse designed by Pierre-Joseph Pezerat.