The 121-room Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection has opened in the heart of the vibrant Portuguese capital.
Harmonising heritage and hospitality, Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection sees a 13th century Dominican convent rewritten to offer unexpected serenity in Lisbon’s lively Baixa neighbourhood. Cobblestone streets lead guests from the Portuguese capital to the spiritual setting of the convent’s open-air cloister, a tranquil setting in which to socialise under open skies, warmed by vibrant fire pits.
Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection is born from the restoration of Convento de. S. Domingos, dating from 1242, and is a historic building commissioned by King Sancho II. Today, worship is replaced by wellness with a sauna, fitness suite and indoor plunge pool now overlooking the rooftop’s unrivalled views of the city’s ancient architecture including the São Domingos church.
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Built around the Convent’s original open-air cloister, contemporary seating set amongst magnificent trees invites guests to enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of coffee in sheltered tranquillity. Art pieces exhibited throughout the hotel are by the most renowned Portuguese artists, including work by Pedro Calapez and a sculptural piece specially developed by Pedro Cabrita Reis for the hotel’s Cloister, who is one of the leading artists of his generation.
The hotel offers a range of dining settings to match the mood. A former noble room for assembly and decision making now houses the hotel’s all-day dining experience, Capitulo (translated ‘chapter’), serving Chef Victor Sobral’s contemporary interpretations of traditional Portuguese classics. Light bites and beverages are served in the emblematic open-air cloister or a choice of tapas with live music can be enjoyed in the lounge.
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Fusing the past and the present, Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection brings the ancient healing practice of Dominican monks to modern day, inviting guests to infuse their own daily blend from a selection of herbs and leaves in the tranquillity of the hotel’s emblematic cloister. First introduced by Portuguese priests and merchants during the 1600s, the ritual pays homage to Portugal’s heritage as the nation to bring tea to Europe, as pioneered by Portuguese Princess and wife of Charles II, Catherine of Braganza in 1662.
In addition, as part of Vignette Collections’ Means For Good initiatives, the new hotel has joined forces with Corações Com Coroa to support its campaign for the empowerment of women by funding housing and school materials for young girls and sponsoring women through a hospitality internship programme
