Discover The One: A Palatial Retreat in the Heart of Lisbon

Palatial grandeur meets contemporary luxury at The One Palácio da Anunciada, where a 16th-century masterpiece has been meticulously transformed into Lisbon's newest five-star retreat. Located in the city's prestigious centre, this 83-room boutique luxury hotel offers an exceptional blend of Portuguese heritage and modern refinement
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Aleks Bond

Luxury Travel Editor at The Executive Magazine

Nestled within Lisbon’s most prestigious quarter stands The One Palácio da Anunciada, a masterfully restored 16th-century palace that seamlessly blends historical gravitas with modern luxury. This five-star establishment, which opened its doors in 2019, presents an exemplary model of architectural preservation while delivering world-class hospitality to discerning travellers seeking authentic Portuguese elegance.

The Hotel

Originally constructed in 1533, the palace survived Lisbon’s devastating 1755 earthquake and has since been meticulously renovated to preserve its architectural heritage. Award-winning designer Jaime Beriestain has orchestrated an impressive balance between historical authenticity and contemporary comfort. The property showcases original features including 18th-century flooring, hand-painted frescoes, and a magnificent spiral staircase. The 2,500-square-metre gardens, featuring a protected century-old dragon tree, provide an unexpected oasis in the city centre. Throughout the corridors, carefully framed historical maps discovered during renovation work offer glimpses into Lisbon’s past, creating an engaging narrative of the city’s evolution.

The Spa

The Despacio Spa stands as a sanctuary of wellbeing, overlooking the palace gardens. The facility houses a heated experience pool bathed in natural light, a Finnish sauna, and a sensory shower with chromotherapy. Treatment rooms offer bespoke services utilising locally sourced oils alongside premium Natura Bissé products. The spa’s design incorporates the building’s historical elements, with cave-like hallways reminiscent of the original palace architecture. The 24-hour gymnasium provides state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance equipment for maintaining fitness routines while travelling. A dedicated relaxation area with sun loungers allows guests to extend their wellness journey in tranquil surroundings.

The Rooms

Across 83 rooms, including 11 Junior Suites and two Suites, guests experience refined luxury with practical considerations. Each space features hand-painted Portuguese ceramic pieces created exclusively for the hotel, alongside historical images that chronicle the palace’s legacy. Rooms are appointed with sumptuous beds, marble bathrooms with double vanities, Casa Bassols 1790 linens, and modern amenities including British-standard electrical outlets. The sophisticated interior design employs neutral colours and fine materials, creating an atmosphere of contemporary luxury. Thoughtful touches include local ginjinha liqueur and evening treats, while some rooms feature window-box seating areas offering views across the city.

Crowning The One Palácio da Anunciada’s accommodation offerings is the newly renovated Suites, which epitomises refined Portuguese luxury while catering to the needs of discerning guests requiring additional space and privacy. The expansive presidential-like suite features a sophisticated living area complemented by a fully-equipped kitchen and bar space. This thoughtfully designed entertainment area provides an ideal setting for intimate gatherings or private dining experiences, with the kitchen perfectly appointed for personal chefs to prepare bespoke meals.

The master bedroom presents a haven of tranquility. Adjacent to this lies a generously proportioned bathroom suite finished in premium marble, offering dual vanities and a walk-in rainfall shower. A notable feature is the suite’s walk-in wardrobe, meticulously designed to provide ample storage while maintaining the property’s elegant aesthetic. The addition of a separate guest washroom ensures privacy and convenience when entertaining.

The suite’s interior design maintains Jaime Beriestain’s vision of marrying historical elements with contemporary luxury, incorporating restored original features alongside modern amenities. Large windows flood the space with natural light while offering views across Lisbon’s historic centre. This premium accommodation option elevates the hotel’s luxury offerings, providing an exceptional space for extended stays, business travellers requiring additional workspace, or those seeking a superior hospitality experience in the heart of Lisbon.

The Dining Experience

Culinary excellence manifests across three distinct venues. The Condes de Ericeira restaurant occupies one of the palace’s noble rooms, where traditional Portuguese market cuisine meets Mediterranean influences beneath hand-painted frescoes. The restaurant’s grand dining room features high ceilings and historical architectural details, creating an atmospheric setting for refined dining. O Jardim Wine Bar, distinguished by its circular bar and restored coffered ceiling, serves artisanal cocktails and Portuguese wines alongside tapas. The venue extends onto a terrace featuring traditional Portuguese cobblestone, perfect for alfresco dining and the hotel’s renowned breakfast service. The Boémio Lounge, situated in the lobby, offers an elegant setting for private events, highlighted by original wrought iron columns and expansive windows.

The Service

Professional service begins at arrival with valet parking and extends to the expertise of Clef d’Or concierge staff. The property maintains a pet-friendly policy for dogs up to 30 kg and provides limousine services for guests. Staff demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the property’s history and local area, ensuring guests receive informed recommendations and assistance. Particular attention has been paid to personalisation, from customised spa treatments to bespoke dining experiences. The hotel’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident through its on-site garden, elimination of single-use plastics, and use of eco-friendly cleaning products.

The Facilities

Beyond the spa and dining venues, the hotel features an outdoor pool with a dedicated solarium accessible from May through October, representing one of Lisbon’s longest swimming pools. Meeting facilities benefit from natural light, while complimentary Wi-Fi ensures connectivity throughout. The gardens serve as an exceptional venue for events and provide a tranquil retreat from urban pursuits. The hotel showcases a curated collection of Portuguese artwork available for purchase, allowing guests to take home a piece of their experience.

The Location

Positioned minutes from Avenida da Liberdade and Praça dos Restauradores, the hotel benefits from a remarkably flat approach – unusual in hillside-dominated Lisbon. This strategic location places guests within walking distance of premium shopping, historical attractions, and cultural venues, while maintaining an atmosphere of refined seclusion. A theatre and numerous restaurants in the immediate vicinity create a vibrant neighbourhood atmosphere, though the hotel’s design ensures peaceful internal spaces. The central position allows guests to explore many of Lisbon’s highlights without confronting the city’s characteristic steep inclines.

Part of the respected H10 Hotels group, which manages 67 hotels across 23 destinations, The One Palácio da Anunciada represents a thoughtful addition to Lisbon’s luxury hospitality landscape, offering an authentic Portuguese experience enhanced by contemporary comforts and impeccable service. The hotel stands as a testament to successful historical preservation while meeting the sophisticated requirements of modern luxury travel.

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