Hi Friends! It’s been awhile. Who knew having a baby, running a business and household leaves little time for blogs… Anyway, I was very, very lucky and grateful to spend a few months in Europe this year with my family. Please enjoy my favorites from a trip to Portugal and Ettthhhhpaña (Spain).
Moor Please.
The Alhambra was magical, what a mix of culture and architecture. It is Islamic in origin and was started by Muhammad Ibn al-Ahmar in 1238. After the Christian reconquista in 1492, it became the royal court of Ferdinand and Isabella. It is a designers dream, full of impeccable detailed tiles, carvings and materials. It is one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world, in addition to containing notable examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture. This is also the site where Columbus received his endorsement to “discover” new land.
Raw Cool.
My favorite hotel by far was Raw Culture Art & Lofts. Architect wife + entrepreneur husband = Cool AF hotel. It was in the middle of Lisbon, you can walk everywhere. Our room was bigger than most NYC apartments with a full kitchen, living area and 2 baths. The lobby was super chic with cool surf art and motor bikes on display - this got me extra wife points from the hubs. We found the Botanical Den, a swanky bar nearby with great music. A favorite restaurant in the hood was A Nossa Casa.
Pena Palacio
Just breathtaking. Views, detail, color, architecture - a must see in Portugal - and, as you can see below, my kid liked it too! Best tip we received from a local was to drive the coast up to Sintra and stop in Cascais for lunch on the way. Other notable mentions of this trip - Alma Restaurant - The Bar - The Oceanarium.
