‘The best of Palm Springs in the Algarve with a spin on the iconic 1950s motor-hotel aesthetic’.
Interior design firm Bryan O’Sullivan Studio has lifted the lid on its inspirations for The Magnolia Hotel, which recently opened in the Algarve resort of Quinta Do Lago in Portugal.
The idea was to play on the heritage of the resort as a holiday destination and a place for relaxation and enjoyment – The company says its choice of Palm Springs opened design possibilities with the freedom of using as much as colour, texture and items of visual interest that would work well naturally in a warm environment.
The hotel itself attracts a younger demographic looking for a relaxed, affordable and fun new way to experience the Algarve. As alternative accommodation option, The Magnolia Hotel objective is to bring a new energy and character to the well-established Quinta Do Lago resort, appealing to fitness fanatic and gourmet enthusiast alike.
Fresh & Unseen
Bryan O’Sullivan, the design lead for the project, said: “The design brief for the Magnolia Hotel was to bring something completely fresh and unseen to the Algarve. The design is light, playful and inviting for lazy days spent sipping cocktails by the pool or grazing fresh local dishes in the restaurant. First-hand experience during our recent trip to Palm Springs helped shape the design, taking the glory days of the 1950’s American Motel with the pastel art deco hues of Miami’s downtown to create a bright, glamorous travel spot to this beautiful corner of Portugal.”
The existing architecture of The Magnolia Hotel already lent itself to a classic mid-century motel format. The bedroom blocks are separated from the main reception with an outdoor pool and dining area. The theme of Palm Springs starts with a two-tone pastel hued façade on the drive-way entrance, intended as a direct link to classic 20th Century American architecture.
Above the façade is a neon feature of a diving girl, once again connecting the theme with the surrounding environment of the Algarve.
Updated Decor & Amenities
The Magnolia Hotel offers 74 guest rooms each with a private veranda, 3 suites and 7 exclusive cottages. Each room offers twin or king beds, steam showers and modern appliances, including 300 thread count cotton sheets and high-speed Wi-Fi. All suites and cottages can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children.
The guest rooms are pink and white in colour scheme, with the signature Magnolia red acting as accent colours on the bedroom furniture and amenities. Each of the individual rooms feature new integrated fabric upholstered headboards and retro industrial-style furniture bringing together comfort and contemporary pieces.
The interior of the Lobby and Bar Area sports a graphic striped ceiling and a custom-made botanical tile mural on the main bar by Surface Design Studio. The dusty pink scheme reigns strong amongst an eclectic mix of retro-style furniture, lighting and brightly coloured kilim rugs.
At the heart of the hotel is the outdoor heated swimming pool area which is punctuated by yellow and white pinstripe parasols and bespoke outdoor furniture. At night the space is complemented with an array of strung festoon lights and a live DJ.
