If Paris has the Hôtel Amour, Olhão now has Casa Amor, the heart project of two Parisians, Jack Chaniol and Walter Dellazoppa. First there was the attraction for Portugal and the far south of the Algarve. Then, the excitement for the fishing town with white houses like in Tangier, and its natural park. Finally, in 2021, love at first sight for a residence dating from 1870 in the historic center, once a boarding house. A thousand square meters of ruins.
Lime walls, exposed stones, wrought iron balconies, the house has regained its splendor and Casa Amor opened its typical red doors in March. A ten-room boutique hotel with a coffee shop opening onto the street, a restaurant for chef residencies and a versatile space: gallery, meeting room, yoga room… Paying attention to the smallest detail of the decor, the founders mixed contemporary furniture, finds found in the region and restored furniture from the old pension. “We wanted art to be present, and there are books everywhere,” they specify.
Arches punctuate the place. The winter room, with fireplace and vaults, would be the old private chapel. The kitchen-laboratory, with its black zellige wall, opens onto the breakfast room and the paved patio. Under the leadership of Walter Dellazoppa, delicious cakes, salads, tarts and shortbread are offered in the rooms.
These bright rooms are located on the first floor, with the exception of No. 10. You access this suite hidden on the large rooftopa garden with intimate spaces and a swimming pool. A superb terrace overlooking the old town runs alongside the room. Blonde parquet floors, Picasso lithographs, old chest of drawers, mineral bathroom lined with chalk zelliges… you sleep divinely well, in white sheets in washed cotton satin.
Love HouseRua Dr. Pádua, 24 A, Olhão (Portugal). From €120 per night.
At 190 meters: admire the cream of craftsmanship
Local child, former magazine journalist Elle, author of Portugal, art of living and creations (La Martinière, 2020)Sergio Da Silva opened his shop in June 2023. Casa Sergio highlights Portuguese craftsmanship: woven wicker lanterns, white ceramic lace tableware, small shelves in natural pine… A selection with a minimalist spirit that the master places associated with vintage pieces, pottery, shepherd’s chairs or old tiles converted into wall lights.
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