Epic Sana Lisboa Hotel ★★★★★

Lisbon is trendy. It just can't help itself. It is trendy in a more casual way than Paris, but it still thumps along in its own elusive world, one that the visitor can taste and enjoy, but not really understand. I love cities like this, cities that feel alive and passionate, even if I’m not quite sure what makes them that way. Lisbon has all the grandeur of other European capitals, with less pomp. Its barrio back streets buzz with that Latino spirit that colours everything with a little more spice. Lisbon is innovative. Co-existing with layers of history are cutting-edge projects, new museums and art cafés. One hotel that seems to have sprung forth from Lisbon's avant-garde is the Epic Sana Lisboa. Its location certainly puts it in the midst of the city's restless heart. With nearly 311 rooms, this is a large hotel. Yet it somehow remains personal, warm and vibrant. Welcome to the paradox of Lisbon.

I checked in and saw some colleagues in the lobby. We arranged to meet in the Upscale Bar after dinner. Feeling pretty tired from my early morning I wondered weather a nap, a coffee or a swim would serve me better. In the end I went for all three. Thinking I'd just have a quick swim, I was so intrigued by the array of facilities and treatments on offer I ended up immersed in heavenly scents and healing sounds, overlooking a botanical garden. That certainly lifted my mood. Getting back to my room, the bed with its white linens acted like a magnet. The pillows were super soft, just as I'd requested from the menu, and I must have drifted off for twenty minutes. The Nespresso coffee machine in my room had its trial run, and with a quick change of clothes I felt like a new woman.

The restaurant is where the hotel's design is crystallised. With soft earthy tones it plays with texture and patterns in a way that creates a tranquil ambience imbued with creativity. It serves main meals throughout the day, and takes pride in sourcing its produce from seasonal local ingredients. There are two bars in the hotel, and despite one being next to the lobby and the other being on the ninth floor, both have fantastic views. The Upscale Bar, however, slightly trumps it with its panoramic views over the city. It's also where the outdoor pool is located. In the evening the bar feels like one of the places to be in Lisbon, with a vibrant and cosmopolitan ambience.

Not all hotels are created equal. The Epic Sana Lisboa Hotel has a privileged position in a fabulous city. The rooms are generous and designed with the contemporary traveller in mind. Getting work done there was no problem, but fun was never too far away!