Aethos Ericeira — Hotel in Mafra

Upon entering the Aethos Ericeira Hotel, located on a former cliff farm on the west coast of Portugal, we were immediately greeted by an ambiance of understated luxury and comfort. This gem, nestled in the charming coastal town of Ericeira, embodies a refined escape from the hustle and bustle, with the gentle lapping of the Atlantic Ocean in the background as a constant melody.

The architecture and interior, designed by Lisbon-based Pedra Silva Arquitectos together with Spanish design studio Astet, celebrate a harmonious fusion of traditional Portuguese design with modern, minimalist aesthetics. Every detail, from the striking arched windows to the carefully chosen earth tones, contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere that embraces every guest.

The rooms are spacious and offer a range of modern conveniences, while the subtle earthy color palette, high-quality materials, and comfortable bed ensure a restful sleep and a sense of total relaxation.

The breakfast was well cared for with plenty of choice of freshly prepared dishes. However, the dining area can feel a bit cramped at full occupancy of the hotel, especially in the off-season when it's less pleasant to sit outside. Nevertheless, the start of the day was always pleasant with a delicious breakfast in a charming setting.

We recommend renting a car, as the nearest beaches are not easily reached on foot. Both Ericeira and the nearby Santa Cruz are nice villages to visit. For a day trip, it is worth driving to Praia Carvalhal in Comporta (about 2 hours drive) and enjoying the beautiful nature and a delightful lunch at the Sublime Comporta Beach Club.

Another thrilling day trip is to Nazaré, known for its massive waves where die-hard surfers set world records. With waves that can reach up to 25 meters high, it's a breathtaking spectacle that attracts surfers and spectators from all over the world.

What we particularly appreciated was the flexibility and understanding the staff showed when our daughter fell ill a day before our departure. Without hesitation, we were allowed to stay a bit longer in our room on the day of checkout, which made a world of difference in our situation.

A downside was the lack of price lists for items in the minibar and spa treatments. It would have been helpful to have a clear overview of the costs for these extras.

An extra word of appreciation is in place for Verónica, André, and Bruno, each of whom contributed to our great experience with a smile and a personal touch. And of course, our thanks to everyone we may have forgotten to mention, you all made our stay special.

Under the inspiring leadership of the General Manager, Floris, the staff of the Aethos Ericeira Hotel go above and beyond to provide sincere and personal service. Their attentiveness and willingness to help enhance the charm of this boutique hotel, making every interaction pleasant.

The Aethos Ericeira Hotel is not merely a place to stay, but a destination in itself, offering a unique and personal experience. The serene beauty and warm hospitality of this place have left an indelible impression, and we are eagerly looking forward to our next visit to this...

We had an incredible 3-night stay at Aethos Ericeira over New Year's, and it was truly a memorable experience. The hotel is absolutely stunning – both inside and out. Its chic, minimalist Scandinavian design blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, creating a peaceful and luxurious atmosphere. The views are simply breathtaking.

We stayed in a Junior Suite with Ocean View, and waking up to the ocean every morning was an absolute pleasure. The terrace and restaurant provide perfect spots to soak in the scenery. Even in December, the weather was lovely – 15 degrees and sunshine, making the experience even better.

The staff are exceptional – kind, caring, and always happy to chat, which made us feel welcome and at home. One of the highlights was taking the complimentary e-bikes out to explore the area – such a fun and unique activity. The heated pool was perfect for winter use, and I thoroughly enjoyed the signature massage at the spa. We also booked a guided hike through the surf reserve, which was a fantastic experience.

The hotel hosted a New Year's party that included cocktails, a delightful 6-course dinner, fireworks, and an afterparty – everything was perfectly organized and made for an unforgettable celebration.

There were just a few minor areas for improvement. The Chromecast in our room wasn’t working, and despite calling for help, the issue couldn’t be resolved during our stay. Some restaurant items, like clams and oysters, were unavailable – understandable around New Year's, but better planning could help avoid this. Only tap water was provided in the room, and at this price point, I would expect at least one bottle of mineral water. The spa experience, while great, felt a bit rushed. Most hotels extend the experience by offering a form to fill out before the massage and a cup of tea afterward to relax, which would have been a nice touch. Finally, while the restaurant staff were lovely, we often felt pressured to order more, such as dessert, coffee, or additional drinks. It would be better to respect a guest’s decision the first time they decline.

Overall, these are just small things that didn’t overshadow our wonderful stay. Aethos Ericeira is a beautiful escape, and we’re already looking forward...

Everyday we asked for the fire place in the main area to be on. Everyday they answered to would lit and never did. Outside if was winter, rainy and cold. The one thing that I thought was vital was to have that fire place on from the moment sunset came, all night. It would have made it much more cozier. The sitting areas close to fire place should have both better lighting for reading and more confortável seating. A fire place needs cozy seating around and good lighting.

The room temperatures were so hot, all night. Air con did not cool them down. We had to sleep with windows open all night.

The breakfast buffet was poor. It’s wether you have a full buffet going on, whether you don’t. Fresh Portuguese cheese (queijo fresco, requeijão), different types of jam, honey should be there. The pancakes were not there - a la Carte only and we’re not good. The service was slow, overall. The first thing on the table should be coffee / tea and always pouring more when empty. It took so long to get an orange juice on the first day. It arrived after we were done eating.

The parking area had not lights - we know it’s coming but because it gets dark so early in winter, this should have been done already.

One of our rooms had an ant invasion. This was fixed but should not happen. We also had to kill a fly that was not leaving the room and when we came back to room the fly was still there.

We asked for a massage in the morning and were told mid afternoon only that this was not available. They should have said so earlier and the feeling we got was that the massage service was not really on, yet. Maybe we are wrong and this is is fine, but we could have been told upfront. Or told that if we want massage we need to book at least 1 day in advance. The dog fee is also a little expensive. The most expensive we paid in Portugal. They did not have food or water bowls for pets in the room when we arrived.

The location, the deco, the warm temperature inside, in the main areas. Service was young, friendly and warm. It has space, silence, good ambiance. Everyone is dog friendly and made our dogs feel completely at home. The meals...