Reportage from Portugal: Art, Design, and Wellbeing Weekend at Martinhal Sagres

The breathtaking view of the Algarve ocean from Martinhal Sagres. Photo by Mariana Mota. 

From Kuala Lumpur to Algarve, this was my first experience attending the Martinhal Sagres Art, Design, and Wellbeing Weekend—a journey as rewarding as it was inspiring. The nearly twenty-four-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur to the Algarve was long but filled with anticipation. Returning to Lisbon last winter, I felt an undeniable sense of familiarity. The city, once foreign, now feels like a temporary home—a comforting thought that brings its own warmth.

Martinhal, synonymous with luxury and thoughtful hospitality, has several stunning locations across Portugal. Earlier this year, I stayed at Martinhal Residence near Oriente, in the heart of Lisbon's business district. However, Martinhal Sagres offered a completely different atmosphere. Perched along the Algarve coastline, overlooking the serene Atlantic and Mediterranean waters, it was the perfect setting for the 12th edition of this much-anticipated event.

The Art, Design, and Wellbeing Weekend brought together a vibrant mix of artisans, entrepreneurs, tastemakers, and creatives from across Portugal and beyond. As someone travelling from Southeast Asia, it felt both exciting and humbling to connect with familiar faces and forge new friendships in such an inspiring setting. From November 15 to 17, 2024, we were treated to Martinhal’s exceptional hospitality and immersed in a beautifully curated boutique exhibition, thanks to the meticulous work of O Apartamento.

The weekend wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration of creativity and connection that left a lasting impression.

The weekend was thoughtfully designed to allow everyone to immerse themselves in the incredible work and stories behind these creations. Set in the inviting lobby atrium of Martinhal, the atmosphere felt intimate and unhurried—a perfect setting to appreciate the passion and skill poured into every piece. From furniture and textiles to clothing, skincare, and publications, the event was a treasure trove of artistry, with contributions from photographers, ceramicists, and sculptors adding a unique charm.

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A Curated Exhibition of Artistry

Two Brazilian exhibitors left a lasting impression on me: Miguel Saboya, a masterful furniture maker and designer, and Márcio Vilela, a photographer whose work felt like poetry in visual form. Their artistry couldn’t have been more distinct, yet both radiated a deep connection to their roots and personal journeys.

Miguel Saboya approaches furniture-making with an intuitive blend of practicality and craftsmanship that feels both timeless and modern. His pieces tell a story of skill honed over years and generations, with each curve and joint exuding purpose and thoughtfulness. Now based in Lisbon, he shared how the move has profoundly shaped his perspective, allowing his work to evolve with a maturity that speaks to his growth as both an artist and an individual.

Portrait of Miguel Saboya by Jody Daunton.

Portrait of Márcio Vilela.

Márcio Vilela’s photography is a testament to patience and precision. His exhibition captured the fleeting beauty of twilight, where the light dances between two horizons, shifting in subtle yet breathtaking ways. It’s the kind of work that invites you to pause, to feel the stillness of those moments he carefully preserved. Seeing his pieces displayed in the lobby and main restaurant felt like stepping into a quiet meditation, where each photograph whispered a story of effort, spontaneity, and artistic courage.

For those drawn to scent, the Czech brand Pigmentarium brought an unexpected delight. Founded by Tomáš Ric, the brand captures memories and places in fragrances that feel personal and evocative. I was especially drawn to Genesis and Paradiso—one with its soft herbal undertones, the other with vibrant citrusy brightness. Each felt like a bottled experience, lingering long after the initial spritz.

Portrait of Tomáš Ric, founder of Pigmentarium.

Skincare lovers would have marvelled at the Parisian brand Sisley, known for its luxurious approach to self-care. Their extensive selection of face, hair, and body products felt like an indulgence in every sense of the word. Though it was my first encounter with the brand, I found myself captivated by the promise of quality and elegance, despite the premium pricing.

Maria Palma Dias, a ceramicist, showcased works that felt like a bridge between the tangible and the transcendent. Using clay as her medium, she explores themes of connection—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Her pieces, often shaped into simple geometric forms like circles or fluid, amorphous designs, resonated deeply, inviting viewers to see the beauty in simplicity and the profound in the ordinary.

Portrait of Maria Palma Dias.

Then there was Burel Factory, an incredible wool textile brand that honestly felt like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. Their vibrant yarns, woven into everything from cosy sweaters to snug snow hats, exuded quality and heart. Each piece felt like a little celebration of tradition, craft, and comfort—like a perfect example of why handmade textiles are so timeless. Burel is a brand with a passed-down legacy, where preserving, regenerating, and innovating has been at the core of their story since 1947. Even today, they stick to their roots, using the same traditional machines and techniques to create their high-quality products.

Meanwhile, Cura by the Sea redefined sustainability in fashion with its ingenious approach. The founders, Arjan and Joana, had the genius idea of upcycling old hotel bedsheets into shirts. It’s like they’re giving a second life to linens collected from all over Portugal in small batches. Since launching in 2023, the brand has gone from selling online to creating uniforms for hospitality staff—hotels, restaurants, you name it. Talk about growth!

Portrait of Arjan & Joana, founders of Cura by the Sea.

Another brand I absolutely loved was Wolf & Rita. They bring such a fresh, modern twist to kids’ clothing. The way they play with colours, textures, and materials is next level. Their designs have totally won over so many parents, especially younger ones, thanks to their gorgeous aesthetic. Whether it's colour-blocking or cute illustrations, Wolf & Rita, founded by two sisters—Sónia and Cláudia Rocha—brings that family vibe into their business, which is now booming with 90 stores worldwide.

The Art, Design, and Wellbeing Weekend wasn’t just about fashion, though. There was also Bora Design, founded by independent designers Eneida Tavares, João Xará, Jorge Careira, and Samuel Reis. They work with many different materials—wood, glass, ceramics, metal, plant fibres, textiles—showcasing craftsmanship at its best.

The work of Bora Design at a glance.

Then there’s Monade, a Lisbon-based publication house that compiles architectural works with amazing photography and designs that make you stop and think. It’s all about design that tells a story. There’s also Atelier East, a brand born in Lisbon from Anita Parilova, which takes inspiration from nature—particularly flowers. It’s as if they bring the beauty of the outdoors into everything they do.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the weekend, though, was the dinner hosted by Chef Nirmal Save, the executive chef of Gunpowder Restaurant. He created a modernist Indian menu, blending incredible Portuguese ingredients from the region in an explosion of flavours. It was honestly a one-of-a-kind experience. The meal was paired with wines from Herdade do Peso, one of the best wineries in Portugal.

Gunpowder by Luis Ferraz.

Nirmal Save, Executive Chef at Gunpowder. Photo by Luis Ferraz.

The weekend was absolutely full of inspiration and experiences I’ll never forget. Coming from Kuala Lumpur, it was one of the best opportunities I’ve had to learn about Portuguese brands and the design scene here. And the road trip from Lisbon to Algarve? It was one of the most scenic routes I’ve ever experienced. Big thanks to Cupra, the Spanish car brand, for sponsoring the ride and giving us an awesome first-hand experience with their cars. Too bad they’re not available in Malaysia, but as a car enthusiast (yes, I am!), I had the best time with Cupra.

Cupra, a new generation of of e-hybrid and electric cars.

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Watch unboxing video at Martinhal Sagres here.