If Paris has the Hôtel Amour, Olhão now has the Casa Amor, the heart project of two Parisians, Jack Chaniol and Walter Dellazoppa. Firstly, the attraction to Portugal and the southern tip of the Algarve. Then, the excitement of the fishing village with white houses like in Tangier, and its natural park. Finally, in 2021, love at first sight for a residence dating back to 1870 in the historic center, which was once a boarding house. One thousand square meters of ruins.
Lime walls, exposed stones, wrought iron balconies, the house has recovered its splendor and Casa Amor opened its typical red doors in March. A ten-room boutique hotel with a cafe on the street, a restaurant for chefs’ residences and a versatile space: gallery, meeting room, yoga room… Paying attention to the smallest detail of the decoration, the founders mixed contemporary furniture, finds found in the region and restored furniture from the old pension. “We wanted art to be present and there are books everywhere” they specify.
The arches mark the place. The winter room, with a fireplace and vaults, would be the old private chapel. The kitchen-laboratory, with its black zellige wall, opens to the breakfast room and paved patio. Under the direction of Walter Dellazoppa, delicious pastries, salads, tarts and shortbread cookies are offered in the rooms.
These bright rooms are located on the first floor, with the exception of number 10. This suite is accessed hidden in the large roofa garden with intimate spaces and a swimming pool. A magnificent terrace with views of the old town runs next to the room. Blonde parquet floors, Picasso lithographs, antique chests of drawers, mineral bathroom covered in chalk zelliges… You sleep divinely, between white washed cotton satin sheets.
Love HouseRua Dr. Pádua, 24 A, Olhão (Portugal). From €120 per night.
At 190 meters: admire the cream of the craftsmanship
Local kid, former magazine journalist. She, author of Portugal, art of living and creations (La Martinière, 2020)Sergio Da Silva opened his store in June 2023. Casa Sergio highlights Portuguese craftsmanship: woven wicker lanterns, white ceramic lace tableware, small natural pine shelves… A selection with a minimalist spirit that the master associates with vintage pieces , ceramics, shepherd’s chairs or old tiles converted into sconces.
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