Casa Mãe – A Modern Mediterranean Masterpiece in Lagos
Where Design, Craft, and Coastal Living Flourish in Harmony
A New Chapter in Algarve Hospitality
Once a crumbling 19th-century estate, Casa Mãe has been beautifully reborn as one of Portugal’s most inspired design hotels—a serene, sunlit ode to craftsmanship, sustainability, and slow living. Set just within the ancient city walls of Lagos, it captures the rhythm of southern Portugal with effortless grace: whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles, sea breezes, and the hum of local life drifting through the garden. Founded by Veronique Polaert, a French ex-investment banker turned visionary hotelier, Casa Mãe embodies her dream of fusing modern Mediterranean minimalism with the soul of the Algarve. Together with interior designer Martin Blanchard, she has crafted a property that feels simultaneously timeless and contemporary, rooted in heritage yet refreshingly new.
Design as a Dialogue Between Past and Present
Casa Mãe unfolds as a small village within the city—34 rooms spread across three distinct settings: a lovingly restored 19th-century house, a collection of sleek concrete cabanas, and pared-back garden suites surrounded by orchard paths and vegetable beds. Each space tells its own story, but all share a language of restraint, texture, and authenticity. Inside, the aesthetic is an elevated simplicity: crisp white walls, natural wood, woven baskets, and handmade ceramics sourced from Portuguese artisans. Terracotta Santa Catarina tiles, linen drapes, and handwoven textiles add warmth and tactility to the serene palette. High ceilings and generous windows flood the rooms with natural light, creating an atmosphere that’s both calming and profoundly human. This is not design for show—it’s design that breathes, that connects you to place and craft in every quiet detail.
Life at Casa Mãe: Slow, Sensual, and Rooted in Nature
The heart of Casa Mãe is its courtyard restaurant, which opens onto a sunlit terrace framed by olive trees and climbing vines. The menu follows a farm-to-table philosophy, with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own vegetable garden just steps away. Beyond the courtyard, a swimming pool glimmers under the Algarve sky, while a verdant orchard invites slow morning walks. The scent of citrus and the sound of church bells mingle in the air—a sensory reminder that you’re in the heart of Lagos, surrounded by its everyday beauty. Despite being tucked into the city’s narrow streets, the Atlantic glints in the distance, its salt air drifting through the property and linking the experience to the sea. From here, several of the Algarve’s most stunning beaches are only minutes away, completing the circle of Casa Mãe’s coastal charm.
Craftsmanship as Philosophy
Casa Mãe is more than a design hotel—it’s a manifesto for local creativity. Everything from the ceramics and rugs to the linens and lighting is made by regional artisans, preserving traditional techniques while giving them a modern stage. It’s a tactile world of terracotta, cotton, clay, and light—each material chosen for its honesty and sense of place. In every gesture, the hotel reflects the Portuguese concept of bem viver—living well, slowly, and in rhythm with nature.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Casa Mãe is a landmark in contemporary Algarve hospitality—a seamless fusion of architectural integrity, artisanal beauty, and coastal tranquility. It proves that luxury today lies not in excess, but in authenticity, space, and a deep connection to the land. For design purists, slow travelers, and lovers of craft, Casa Mãe is not simply a place to stay—it’s an immersive experience in modern Mediterranean living, where every sunrise, ceramic, and scent tells the story of the Algarve, beautifully retold.
