Currently, women represent 64% of global travelers and 52% of business travelers, so it is natural that platforms emerge exclusively aimed at this important segment of the world of hospitality. This is how the SHe Travel Club was born – Safe, Happy, Everywhere – a promise for all women and that’s why we went to discover the SHe experience in the three certified hotels in Lisbon: Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade, InterContinental Lisbon and InterContinental Cascais-Estoril.
SHe is an independent, global brand, founded by Valerie Hoffenberg, that certifies hotels that meet the expectations of female guests. This guarantee seal provides several benefits at check-in and targets criteria that are important for women, including those traveling solo, where requirements such as safety are of utmost importance, but also combined with comfort, with a good offer of services and meals.
Currently, the SHe Travel Club has more than 300 hotels around the world, from Europe to the Maldives or Africa. A collection adapted to all women: whether traveling with family, friends, alone, for business or leisure, and for all budgets.
SOFITEL LISBON LIBERDADE
Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade is a luxurious hotel located on the famous Avenida da Liberdade, one of the city’s premium areas, ideal for showcasing all the French sophistication that is part of the brand. The golden tones present in the lobby decoration give the elegance of a hotel that strives for hospitality. Our suite is a retreat of comfort and tasteful design with exclusive amenities such as the Sofitel MyBed and a patio with a privileged view of the Lisbon hills. Waiting for us was a beautiful welcome kit – something that is part of the culture of hotel and the SHe club – with a perfume, hand and body cream, hair clip, among other very useful objects that are an added value during our stay and our constant travels. At the end of the afternoon, we go to the Matiz Restaurant where Executive Chef Daniel Schlaipfer spreads his creativity, in a universe where the art of modern contemporary Portuguese cuisine shines with fresh and local ingredients. It is in the same restaurant room that in the morning we have a good buffet-style breakfast with live cooking stations and a mini pastry display, a very pleasant way to start the day. The Sofitel is an excellent starting point for discovering local culture and the main attractions in the city, without losing sight of the blue waters of the Tagus where tradition and modernity come together to offer us a great experience.
INTERCONTINENTAL LISBON
The InterContinental Lisbon is a luxury hotel with one of the best views over the city of Lisbon, where the Tagus River is sovereign. In the tranquility of Parque Eduardo VII, right next to Avenida da Liberdade, this imposing building opens its doors to the grand lobby, elegantly decorated and you can immediately imagine a relaxed and very comfortable stay. The Portuguese identity and our traditions are evident in several details and when we arrive at our large suite, we feel the symbiosis of elegance and luxury, transmitted through a minimalist design in neutral and blue tones, a modern touch and sober lines, in contrast with the hustle and bustle of the capital. Outside, the view from the room takes in the entire Park, now occupied by a giant Christmas market, which gives it extra magic. On the counter, SHe’s welcome kit, which once again surprised us with the wise choice of products that were a real treat during our stay. Mediterranean flavors awaited us at the beautiful Akla Restaurant. The decoration of the space is wonderful and reflects Portuguese traditions through the use of tiles and Lisbon motifs. At our table, tempting proposals arrive in a gastronomic combination between local flavors and Chef Eddy Melo’s international experiences, in a concept of sharing flavors and moments, a very pleasant moment and with excellent service.
INTERCONTINENTAL ESTORIL-CASCAIS
The InterContinental Cascais-Estoril Hotel is an authentic window onto the Atlantic, a five-star hotel with a privileged view over the sea, in a region full of beauty, history and light. A unique destination where tranquility and good taste reign in the decoration and selection of each piece of art. From our room, the view reaches an endless sea and we let nature invade us, to experience the tranquility of our coast and be able to relax after an intense day of work. A modern design with contemporary decor and all the necessary maintenance – including the SHe kit – for a comfortable and elegant stay. In the morning, a superb à la carte breakfast awaits us with a view of the sea so beautiful that it awakens our senses and makes us feel good. Little pleasures in life that make all the difference. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, pastries, fresh bread and fruit, everything here has its place and makes sense, served with elegance and pleasure. It was good that every day started like this.
By Carla Branco