When We Woke Up Here: CASA MAE

When We Woke Up HereTravel Diary

Jun 19

Written By Nicole Toland

Accommodation: Casa Mãe

Location: Lagos, Portugal

Instagram: @casamae

Stayed: Nov 1 - Nov 3, 2019

Getting There:

To get to Casa Mae was quiet the trek from Lisbon. We took a bus from Lisbon to Lagos that took about 3.5/4 hrs. The closest international airport is in Lisbon, or else we would have flown. There is an option to take a fast-train, however we didn’t book early enough in advance to get a seat. The bus ride wasn’t too bad, we slept for most of the way since it was an early departure.

First Impressions:

Arriving to the town of Lagos, we instantly felt the slow down from Lisbon. From the bus station we took a very brief Uber ride to Casa Mae. Upon arrival the staff couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful to recommend things to do during our stay. After they wisped our bags up to our room we enjoyed our welcome drink of choice to wind down from the 4 hr bus ride in. Instantly we fell in love with the design and over vibe of the space. A playful, tropical aesthetic ran throughout the common area, the in-house restaurant, Orta, and the gift shop. Once we were ready to adventure to our rooms, the host showed us the way. As we entered they had the personal Casa Mae Rooms playlist playing, that I often still play at home. The patio terrace was open, fresh air filling the room and fresh fruit to welcome us - it was truly the best first impression i’ve had at a hotel stay. It was a full welcome experience.

The Design:

The first two nights we stayed in the Standard Suite, following design suit, the rooms were neutral toned with art feature playful colors to lighten the rooms. The room was extended with an outdoor terrace, perfect for lounging in hotter summer months. The room had an open concept layout with red brick floors, a jute rug, a seamless plaster shower - very Mediterranean. The last night of our stay we had to check into another room due to an unexpected extended trip, this room was even dreamier than the first. The Premium Suite was slightly larger, this time including a beautiful open concept soaking tub at the foot of the bed. Both of these rooms were located in the main building as you enter. On the campus they also have a vintage 19th century estate house full of beautifully renovated rooms with a more vintage vibe. To top it off they are fully fueled by the garden, for a full farm-to-table experience.

The Experience:

You can decide to pre-pay and add breakfast to your room when you book, or you can purchase as you like from the restaurant. We found you got well worth your value for the pre-fixed breakfast. Each morning we enjoyed the breakfast spread and oak-milk cappuccinos on the vast outside patio before exploring each day. On the last evening we ate at Orta, the in-house restaurant. The mood completely turns over at night. The ambience is set to perfection with different levels of lighting. It was truly a heartfelt setting for a dreamy date night or intimate dinner with friends. To our expectations the food was divine.