Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal.
Photo: Pedro Ferreira
Hotel of the Week: This 19th-Century Villa in Portugal Reimagined as a Breathtaking Boutique Retreat
Crafted by Lisbon design studio Joana Aranha, Solar de Vila Meã celebrates the country's artisans within its two exceptional buildings
Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
Nestled among orchards and vineyards in the bucolic landscape of Barcelos, Portugal, the late 19th-century former family home Solar de Vila Meã has been reborn as a boutique hotel. Offering bespoke accommodations, decadent dining, and a rejuvenating spa, the retreat honors the regal heritage of the site and celebrates local craftsmanship with impeccable examples of art and design at every turn.
Here, the property’s original owner farmed the land, but by the end of the 20th century, the estate fell into disrepair. A new family acquired the building and nearly 100 acres of land in 2012 with the dream of transforming the location into a hotel.
Today, masterfully reimagined by Lisbon design studio Joana Aranha, the property features work by regional artisans within its two breathtaking buildings. Throughout the destinations, noble materials are utilized to masterful effect, with works of wicker, clay, and embroidered textiles punctuating private and public areas. Sumptuous woods, wools, velvets, and linens infuse the rooms with a welcoming atmosphere.
Point sofas and chairs surround a table by Joana Aranha Signature on the terrace of Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
“Barcelos, renowned for its ceramic and wicker work, offers abundant inspiration,” says Aranha, who explored the area’s Thursday market looking for local costumes and culture while studio partner and head of architecture Marta Aranha visited ceramic artisans. “In the end, we blended these inspirations with a contemporary touch.”
The restored Manor House, which includes seven uniquely designed suites, exudes a poetic ambience with antiques, furnishings by Aranha, and scenic wallpapers that paint panoramic vistas as lush and romantic as those outside the window. The use of color take its cues from the surrounding landscape.
A scenic Ananbô wall covering envelops the reception area at Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal, where a Joana Aranha Signature table is set with antique chairs upholstered in a Pierre Frey fabric and a Crearte swivel chair dressed in a Romo fabric. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
“We wanted to celebrate the cultural elements found in the area with the palette, textures, and materials to honor the region’s heritage while infusing contemporary elements,” says Aranha. “Therefore, locally sourced materials like clay, wood, and textiles shaped the hotel’s distinctive character, connecting it deeply with local craftsmanship and traditions. Our use of color—from rich greens to warm terracotta tones, created a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.”
The Modern Building, housing 22 suites—including six duplex rooms—Restaurante Barro, and a holistic spa, evokes a tranquil vibe with its palette of earthy neutrals. At Barro, chestnut tables with iron feet conceived by Aranha, Pierre Frey fabrics, and Todobarro terracotta tiles establish the cozy atmosphere perfect for savoring gourmet regional cuisine, which is complemented by a curated cellar that naturally incorporates the area’s signature fizzy wine, Vinho Verde.
A painted antique piano fronts an expressive wallpaper by Ananbô in the bar area of Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
A Joana Aranha Signature sofa, cocktail table, armchairs, and shelves join antique and flea market finds in the bar at Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
Visitors to this area of the property also have access to an energizing wellness space that opens to indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Paying homage to the area’s legacy as the birthplace of Portugese pottery, the treatment rooms feature handcrafted ceramic lamps.
“Ultimately, our goal was to create a boutique hotel that felt like a second home, where guests could immerse themselves in Portugal’s rich heritage while enjoying contemporary comforts,” says Aranha. “Solar de Vila Meã is a welcoming retreat that celebrates the region’s culture and craftsmanship.”
See more images below:
A Joana Aranha designed guest suite at Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
A cheery guest suite customized by Joana Aranha at Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
A wallpaper by Mind the Gap enlivens the moody blue guest suite set with pieces by Joana Aranha Signature at Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
An antique headboard and bedside table painted Green Patina is surmounted by a whimsical light fixture by Po! Paris in one of the bedroom suites designed by Joana Aranha at Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
Restaurante Barro at Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
The lounge in the Modern Building at Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal features Joana Aranha Signature tables set with Eichholtz chairs. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
Point loungers and Kettal side tables are topped with cheery parasols customized by Joana Aranha Studio at Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Ferreira
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2024 Summer Issue under the headline “Swept Away.” Subscribe to the magazine.
Cover: Solar de Vila Meā in Barcelos, Portugal.
Photo: Pedro Ferreira
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