Lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke has this summer expanded into Portugal with the opening of its sixteenth property, Locke de Santa Joana in Lisbon. A new urban destination, the hotel is located in the city’s vibrant centre, a stone’s throw from Lisbon’s iconic boulevard, Avenida da Liberdade. Locke de Santa Joana is the group’s biggest hotel to date, comprising 370 apartments, hotel rooms, suites, and penthouses across nine floors, alongside social spaces including a co-working space, event & meeting spaces, a museum, and a stunning courtyard pool with sun terrace, as well as a whole host of exciting new food & beverage outlets in partnership with White Rabbit Projects and Spiritland.
True to Locke’s design ethos, which is rooted in locality, acclaimed design studios Lázaro Rosa-Violán and Post Company collaborated to lead the transformation of Locke de Santa Joana, which comprises the restoration of a 17th century convent with a contemporary, purpose-built design-led hotel, approaching it with sensitivity and carefully integrating old and new to reimagine this important historical site. The design concept within the public areas, overseen by Lázaro Rosa-Violán, takes inspiration from its history, drawing upon the convent and auxiliary spaces to retell the story of the site’s layered history to a modern audience, with each vibrant social space retaining its own distinct character.
ROOMS
A celebration of culture and art, the rooms have been thoughtfully designed by Post Company. The playful interiors of each unit combine historic architectural fragments with contemporary comforts in natural tones and tactile materials: the use of local fabrics, ceramics, and stone finishes, all quintessentially Portuguese materials, is offset against contemporary lighting, bespoke furniture design, and fully equipped kitchens. Every aspect of the design offers a subtle nod to the building’s heritage while retaining a strong connection to the modern, evolving city in which it is situated.
RESTAURANTS & PUBLIC SPACES
A new cultural hotspot in the city for tourists, business travellers and locals alike, Locke de Santa Joana’s impressive food and beverage offering features multiple on-site venues, including bars and restaurants serving fresh local produce, bustling with music and culture, alongside co-working spaces that accommodate the perfect balance of work and play. A standout feature of the hotel is its striking and verdant courtyard pool and alfresco lounge spaces, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy the warm climate of the city in comfort and style.
July 2024 sees the first phase of restaurants and bars from White Rabbit Projects and Spiritland at Locke de Santa Joana:
Santa Marta is the hotel’s contemporary all-day dining restaurant, inspired by the diverse flavours of the southern Mediterranean. Santa Marta comprises a 60-cover restaurant including counter seating, together with a large outdoor terrace and bar overlooking the hotel’s pool. Dishes will include antipasti-Presunto de Campo Iberian charcuterie, charcoal grilled clams and pastel de massa tenra – Portuguese fried pastries; hand crafted pastas include tagliolini with yellow courgette and pappardelle with beef ragu, St Jorge cheese and gremolata; and Neapolitan pizzas with Alentejo cured ham, parmesan and rocket and chargrilled onions with peppers and anchovies. Dishes from the grill include chargrilled beef Alcatraz steak, charred red prawns and whole sea bream acqua pazza. A full beverage menu of local beers, Mediterranean-focused wines and classic cocktails will also be available. Open from 11am for lunch and dinner.
Café Castro’s is the hotel’s relaxed cafe and co-working space, conveniently located at the entrance of the hotel with seating that spills out onto the street. Café Castro’s will be open daily from 7am to 4pm, with dine in or take-away options, serving a menu of sweet and savoury pastries, cookies and cakes, fresh fruit, grain bowls, and a selection of sandwiches including grilled courgette, mozzarella, spinach and almond romanesco and chicken with spring cabbage, honey and mustard slaw on local ciabatta bread. Freshly pressed juices and daily smoothies accompany a wide range of organic teas and local partner coffee from Olisipo.
The second phase, set for autumn 2024, will see the introduction of several new bars, including Spiritland, a subterranean music-led space, The Kissaten, a bar boasting Lisbon’s largest whisky collection, and O Pequeno, an intimate Champagne and martini bar, all designed and curated by London-based music and culture operator, Spiritland. Completing the food and beverage offering in this unique property, White Rabbit Projects will open Santa Joana, a Portuguese brasserie in the main convent space, in partnership with an internationally renowned chef.
Opening rates from 200 EUR per night for a Locke Room with a balcony. More information on Locke de Santa Joana can be found at lockeliving.com/en/lisbon/locke-de-santa-joana
