Favourite bits.
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The story of the estate. São Lourenço do Barrocal has been in the same family for more than 200 years, and it was José António Uva (who is eight generation of the same family) who had a vision to turn the family property into a farm retreat he could share with others. The passion and dedication behind José António’s dream, and what he has created, is incredibly inspiring.
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The interiors. Perfectly simple and calming. The interior design was led by José António’s wife Ana’s design studio, AnahoryAlmeida (also responsible for the interiors of many of Lisbon’s finest restaurants) and it is a dream.
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Hortelão, their outdoor restaurant. The most beautiful place to dine between Spring through Autumn, this slow-food, farm to fork restaurant is located next to the pool, right by the organic kitchen garden, and is the perfect place to enjoy a dinner under the stars.
Finding Beauty in Brooklyn's Isolation.
Ben Pundole shares with us what life is like in New York City right now.
(As part of our #ItsBeautifulHereinIsolation series)
Introducing Ben Pundole.
Ben understands the world of hospitality better than most. As founder of A Hotel Life, a digital travel platform full of travel and lifestyle culture, and hotel reviews from creatives around the world, the Brit, who has called New York home for more than 20 years, is also Vice President of Brand Experience at EDITION Hotels (with 10 locations already, and more to come). His fiancé Tansy and he are currently bunkered down in their Brooklyn apartment. It is an honour to chat with Ben here today...
Name: Ben Pundole
Star Sign: Taurus
Hometown: London
Where do you live now? Bushwick, Brooklyn
Describe yourself in 3 words or less… Adventurous, curious, ambitious
Describe New York City in 3 words or less…Defiant, Independent engaging
Tell us a bit about your work… I’m the VP of Brand Experience for EDITION hotels, creating the brand voice for the most exciting hotel brand in the world! I’m also the founder of A Hotel Life, A travel platform dedicated to Future travel, Hotel reviews and Global Travel and Lifestyle culture.
How long have you been isolating for now? Day 21
Who are you isolating with? With my fiancé Tansy, who is also the Latin America/Sustainability editor for A Hotel Life.
What is the vibe like in Brooklyn? Dystopian.
Do you have any tips you can share for sticking to, or starting a new kind of daily routine? Might sound crazy, but get up as you would on a work day. Don’t be lazy and meditate. So important!
Do you have any daily rituals? Exercise. Yoga or jump rope.
Are you finding more creative inspiration in this time? A different type of creative inspiration, mainly web based, but also a great opportunity to delve into the many unread books in the apartment and to provoke compelling conversation about humanity with Tansy.
When not travelling, what other creative outlets do you turn to? Ah the streets of NY, the restaurants, bars, clubs, galleries and parties
Do you cook? Do you have any recipes you can share? Lentil Curry.. I’m vegan so it’s a go-to.. I make it up each time.
Any podcasts you are loving at the moment? A playlist I made called Domestic Disco.. everything from the Specials to Peggy Gou.
Have you still been getting out and about for movement/exercise? What does that look like for you? No, haven’t been leaving at all. It’s pretty grim out there. We have a rooftop space, so jump rope and push ups
What about mindfulness/meditation? Is there anyone you turn to in this time? Yes, definitely Inscape guided meditations.
When this blooming virus goes away, where will you be travelling to next? To London to see my family.
Are you a window or aisle seat kinda guy? Aisle.
What 3 things are always in your suitcase? Headphones, sneakers, laptop.
What are your 3 favourite hotels in the world? The Bodrum EDITION, Petit Ermitage (LA), Hotel Nord Pinus – Arles, France (Originally owned by a Clown and a cabaret dancer).
Words you live by… Always be a gentleman, and never play by the rules.
And lastly, who are you most looking forward to hugging when all of this is over?!! My work Colleagues at EDITION!
