Sea Views and Slow Days at Portugal’s Immerso Hotel Ericeira
Just an hour from Lisbon, a hillside property with a next-level spa encourages guests to unwind
Just outside Ericeira—one of Portugal‘s most famous surf towns—Immerso sits in a quiet valley overlooking Praia de São Lourenço. While slowing down is integral to the hotel‘s philosophy, this isn’t a typical retreat that forces disconnection through its geographical isolation or packs daily schedules with wellness activities. Instead, it’s an expansive, luxurious property where unwinding happens organically—whether you’re taking a long hillside walk to the beach, visiting the resident goats or indulging at their next-level spa.
Whether you’re taking a long road trip up (or down) the coast of Portugal—from Lisbon to Cascais and on to Ericeira, Nazaré all the way to Porto—or just want to spend a quick couple of days at the beach, Immerso is an incredible option—located an hour’s drive from Lisbon. (Making a rideshare feasible, if you don’t have a car of your own.) After driving through the tiny town of Ribamar, guests arrive at Immerso where the reception opens directly into the spacious Emme restaurant, bar and lounge area, creating a casual, communal vibe that continues throughout the property—which is a member of Design Hotels.
Emme (open for an impressive buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner) extends to an outdoor restaurant located down the hill, Emme on Fire, which offers more casual meals including charcoal-grilled fish and meat, and wood-fired pizzas. Both restaurants have stunning views, providing a picturesque spot to sip a cocktail as the sun sets.
Just beyond the restaurant, the pool is split into deep and shallow sections by a wooden walkway, with loungers strategically placed so you can soak up valley views. The deck’s weathered timber and wildflowers are a refreshing change from many hotel pools with manicured gardens and pristine tiles.
The 37 rooms feature a king-sized bed or two single beds and offer a view of the gardens or sea. All the expected amenities are on hand, plus fluffy robes, slippers, flip-flops for the spa and pool, and more. While there’s air-conditioning throughout, the floor-to-ceiling glass doors open up for guests who want a little sea breeze.
Located on the lower level, the wellness area features a gym, steam room, vichy shower and bucket shower that are open to guests from 10AM every day. But the magic is at the spa—a minimal space where staff provide the ultimate unwinding treatments from facials using Azores-based Ignae products, to surf-specific massages, body scrubs and more. We recommend the “Mind and Body Total Digital Detox,” a 60-minute indulgence that incorporates elements of reflexology, massage and facial treatments focused on melting away stress and tension from constantly using tech devices.
It’s easy for a day to disappear here: morning sauna and steam, leisurely breakfast on the deck, a walk down to the beach, a visit to Ericeira, afternoon spa treatment, evening drinks overlooking the valley. It’s the kind of slowed-down daily routine guests get used to.
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