In 2011, the charming coastal town of Ericeira, near Lisbon, was designated a World Surfing Reserve — only the second in the world and the first in Europe — thanks to its diverse waves, from gentle beach breaks to powerful reefs. Since then, it has evolved from a traditional fishing village into a global surf mecca that still retains its historic charm.
Just over a decade later, Immerso, the first five-star hotel in Ericeira, opened its doors. Described as a sensory experience in communion with nature, Immerso is a true destination hotel that brings something entirely new to the region.
Described as a sensory experience in communion with nature, Immerso is a true destination hotel that brings something entirely new to the region.
The five-star experience begins with the hotel’s prime location, set within a quiet valley and framed by spectacular ocean views. The landscape of the Atlantic coast permeates every aspect of Immerso — from design details that echo the curves of nearby waves to accommodations thoughtfully integrated into their natural surroundings.
At Immerso, luxury is defined by closeness to nature. From the play of wind and light, the scent of the sea, and the quiet rhythm of the valley, it’s a place where simple moments become the essence of the experience, fostering connection, retreat, and mindful discovery. With its relaxed elegance, eco-conscious ethos, and deep respect for the landscape, Immerso offers one of Portugal’s most thoughtful expressions of slow living.
The vision behind Immerso began with a family who cherishes the good things in life like travelling, hosting friends, celebrating small moments, and finding peace in nature. Their deep connection to Ericeira, especially its surf culture, shaped the project from the start. With world-renowned beaches, a distinctive local culture, and a cuisine rooted in the coast, Ericeira felt ready for a place that was both laidback and sophisticated.
Portuguese architect Tiago Silva Dias designed the property according to the spirit of the place, shaping the buildings around the valley’s contours and light. Working with founder Alexandra Almeida d’Eça and designer Bárbara Neto of LemonVariance, he created interiors that blend organic forms, natural materials, and the work of Portuguese artisans into a contemporary and deeply local aesthetic.
The hotel unfolds gently across the hillside with 37 rooms, including two suites, a serene spa, pool, organic vegetable garden, and two dining concepts, Emme and Emme on Fire, guided by Michelin-starred chef Alexandre Silva. Thoughtfully composed and rooted in its surroundings, Immerso reflects the family’s belief in embracing slower, more intentional living, inviting guests to step into a world where nature, comfort, and life’s simple pleasures take centre stage.
Staying at Immerso
The rooms at Immerso continue this dialogue between comfort, refinement, and the natural world. Each of the 37 rooms and suites was designed to frame the essence of Ericeira, from its light, textures, and quiet expansiveness, while offering a sense of intimacy and calm. The palette remains soft and elemental: sandy tones, terracotta accents, and organic materials shaped into gentle curves that echo the ocean’s movement. Whether in a suite or a more compact room, the sensation is the same: nature sits just beyond the threshold.
The Suites are the most spacious at 50 square meters, with sweeping sea and beach views, a private balcony with a swing, and room for up to three adults.
The Ocean category offers similarly breathtaking views in a more streamlined layout, ideal for couples or young families, with space for a cot.
On ground level, the Inspire rooms feel even closer to the landscape, opening onto balconies that bring the valley almost into the room itself; several can be connected for families or small groups.
The Nature rooms face tranquil gardens, offering a quiet alternative for those seeking seclusion. Across all categories, king-size or twin bedding ensures personalized comfort.
Thoughtful touches elevate the experience, including wraparound terraces that catch the sea air, handcrafted textiles and lighting made by Portuguese artisans, and the subtle signature scent created by perfumer Lourenço Lucena. Paired with the ambient soundscape developed by Elvis Veiguinha, each room becomes its own softly orchestrated retreat, designed for rest, contemplation, and an unhurried rhythm of living.
Wellness, Dining, and the Immerso Way of Life
The wellness philosophy at Immerso is rooted in the belief that time, space, and nature are restorative forces. The Immerso Spa centers this idea with a sauna, Turkish bath, sensory bath, and three treatment rooms with one featuring a Jacuzzi. The treatments draw on both regional ingredients and global techniques, from therapeutic massages tailored to surfers to mineral-rich exfoliations and clay wraps inspired by the Portuguese coast. For deeper reset, guests can join short- and medium-term wellness retreats focused on rest, movement, and mindful reconnection.
Daily yoga and Pilates sessions, held at sunrise or sunset, reflect the hotel’s commitment to slow living and intentional wellbeing. A compact but well-equipped gym and access to outdoor activities, ocean trails, e-bikes, and surfing lessons in partnership with Tiago Pires Surf Schoolm offer further ways to immerse in the landscape.
Dining is an essential part of the Immerso experience. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Alexandre Silva, Emme brings an Atlantic casual-dining sensibility to the main restaurant, where dishes draw on the ocean’s bounty and the richness of Portugal’s western region.
Emme on Fire, more spontaneous in spirit, celebrates ancestral cooking over flames, creating a communal dining atmosphere where textures and aromas take center stage. The organic vegetable garden supplies the kitchen with seasonal produce, while a thoughtful beverage program highlights Portuguese wines, coastal-inspired cocktails, and craft beers made in collaboration with Cerveja Vadia.
From the poolside bar to evenings around the fire pit, the hotel’s spaces encourage lingering, a reminder that Immerso is not simply a hotel but a way of life shaped by nature, community, and the pleasure of slowing down.
