Zero, one, two, three, four, five, six... seven. The glass elevator ascends to the top floor of Evolution Cascais-Estoril, gradually revealing what the top of the new hotel in Estoril has to offer. Up there, the 180º view stretches from the Bay of Cascais to Carcavelos beach, following the seaside line that continues all the way to Lisbon. The scenery impresses, especially the unique perspective over Praia da Poça and the Palacete of Conde da Azarujinha, as if seen through a drone's eyes. It can be enjoyed from the infinity pool, the sun loungers spread out on the huge rooftop balcony, or with a drink in hand at one of the tables of the future restaurant, The Upper Deck.
Speaking of drinks, let's head down to the ground floor, back to the beginning. Seven, six, five, four, three, two, one... zero. Entering the latest Sana group hotel in Portugal is anything but traditional. Beyond the revolving glass door, the first thing you see is the oval bar with high chairs around it, not the expected reception desk. That's located on the left side – and it's also not quite what you'd expect, with colorful lights and laid-back staff wearing t-shirts illustrated by local artist Tim Madeira.
On the opposite end is a DJ booth, lively every Friday and Saturday from 7pm, attracting both guests and outsiders. On Thursdays, there's live music; on Wednesdays, once a month, stand-up comedy. To accompany – the check-in, the stay, or the party – are classic and signature cocktails, like the Dolce Vita (€13), with gin, limoncello, apple and cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, egg white, and pistachio, and the Perfect Mule (€13), with vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, lemon foam, pistachio, and ginger.
Lucky are those who stay over and don't have to drive. Zero, one, two, three, four... five. The 133 rooms of Evolution (five are 70-square-meter suites and 24 are family rooms, interconnected and perfect for those with children) are spread over five floors, with the fifth floor having the best view from the large window to the balcony, of course. Functional, minimalist, comfortable, and with plenty of natural light, the rooms are marked by a structure in light wood that separates the sleeping area from the bathroom, while also serving as an open wardrobe (from €155).
A bonus for many: the hotel is pet-friendly. For €50 per night, you can bring your pet (up to 10 kilos) and enjoy special amenities like a bed, biscuits, a water bowl, a toy, and even clothing.
Evolution belongs to everyone
Five, four, three, two, one... back to zero. Next to the lobby and the bar, there's The Patio, a relaxation or work area, full of sofas, tables, and comfortable armchairs, where you can snack throughout the day or watch games of various sports on the giant screen. Right next door, the restaurant The Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and very soon executive menus and brunches), again for both guests and non-guests. With its huge open kitchen lined with black tiles, chefs Javier Mendez (formerly of Casa da Volta) and Diogo Filipe (former Hell’s Kitchen contestant) are at the helm, serving dishes like smoked salmon or ham croquettes (€8.50), burrata with beetroot and basil (€9.50), fried red mullet with yellow "aji" emulsion, pico de gallo, and Japanese rice (€26) and Korean Barbeque, a wagyu brisket on the grill with Korean sauce (€26). Finish with a cheesecake donut with mascarpone and raspberry (€8) or a dark chocolate brownie (€8), accompanied by wines, cocktails, or beer – the restaurant serves the local craft brand BAH!
Having (and supporting) local suppliers is, in fact, one of The Kitchen's flags – and this is very evident at breakfast, served between 07:00 and 10:30 (until 11:00 on weekends). The natural fermentation bread comes from Miguel's Bakery in Parede; the sweet and Instagrammable vegan donuts are from Scoop 'n Dough in Cascais; and in Garrett's corner – yes, the classic Estoril pastry shop –, there are always famous 'pratas' (very thin and crispy butter biscuits), among other cakes like pastéis de nata (custard tarts) or 'pães de deus'. In a buffet style, breakfast is spread out across the kitchen counters, with different eggs and pancakes available to order. It costs €17.50 for those not staying at Evolution.
Next and last stop: 6
Zero, one, two, three, four, five... six. The Wellness by Sayanna is the spa at Evolution and has a view over the ocean as stunning (or almost) as at the top. The four treatment rooms promise an encounter between East and West with the help of organic products from Irish brand Voya and all face the sea. The blinds of the large windows are only lowered when it's time to lie on the massage table, close your eyes, and relax.
Among the offerings (starting at €140) are relaxing, invigorating, muscle recovery, or mindful massages – and even a beyond-romantic session. The Atlantic experience for two (240 minutes) includes an aromatherapy massage for couples in the Wellness Suite, followed by exclusive use of the jacuzzi with sparkling wine, and a candlelit dinner on the balcony. It may be an extravagance inaccessible to many (costing €780), but it's just the thing for an unforgettable Valentine's Day.
On the same floor, the wet area, freely accessible to all guests (although with limited hours for the youngest), includes an indoor heated pool with massage chairs and beds, sauna, Turkish bath, ice fountain, and multisensory showers. There's also a gym, operating on the same hours as the spa (07:30-21:00), where working out is effortless, with the ocean right in front. The hard part will be going down.
Avenida Marginal 7034, Estoril. 21 902 3600. From €155