A historic residence at the heart of a hybrid hospitality project
Aethos announced on 5 November 2026 that it will open a new property in Lisbon’s Estefânia district, in the centre of the Portuguese capital.
The project centres on Villa Helena, a historic residence whose restoration will preserve its classical architectural features and Beaux-Arts influences. Two new buildings will be constructed on either side of the villa, while the existing garden will be retained.
The development will bring together a five-star boutique hotel and a private members’ club, following a hybrid model combining accommodation, dining, wellness and cultural programming.
The project builds on Aethos’ initial venture in Lisbon in summer 2025, when it opened its first members’ club in the Anjos district.
60 rooms and suites, each with private outdoor space
Architectural design and interiors have been entrusted to Astet Studio, the Barcelona-based practice founded by Ala Zreigat and Óscar Engroba.
The studio will combine the villa’s historic features with contemporary architecture, emphasising wood, steel, stone and textured materials. The colour palette will draw inspiration from the surrounding vegetation and Brecha da Arrábida, a Portuguese limestone.
The property will offer 60 rooms and suites across the two new buildings, ranging from 28 sqm for Deluxe rooms to 70 sqm for the Master Suite.
Every room and suite will feature private outdoor space, whether a patio, balcony or terrace.
Facilities will also include a spa with sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool, a fitness studio and an outdoor swimming pool.
Villa Helena will accommodate the reception areas and several lounges across two floors, including one level reserved for members. The ground floor will house the restaurant, overlooking a winter garden, as well as two bars.
A private members’ club at the centre of the concept
Beyond accommodation, Aethos aims to develop a membership community built around four pillars: wellness, culture, human connections and experiences.
The planned programme will include running clubs, sauna rituals, music evenings, private dinners, talks and exhibitions organised in collaboration with local artists, producers and galleries.
For Benjamin Habbel, co-founder of Aethos, the ambition is to offer an experience that is less conventional than a traditional hotel, favouring a residential atmosphere and interaction between members and travellers.
Access to the club’s spaces and activities will be restricted to members and hotel guests, subject to the arrangements applicable to each area.
The expansion of its membership business has also been accompanied by a strengthening of the group’s leadership structure. In April 2026, Aethos announced the appointments of Andrew Insch and Eleni Koussoroplis as CFO and Group Director of Membership, respectively.
A development strategy connecting Lisbon and Ericeira
The opening of Aethos Lisbon will strengthen the group’s presence in Portugal, where it already operates Aethos Ericeira on the Atlantic coast, less than an hour’s drive from the capital.
Aethos intends to create synergies between its two properties, enabling members to enjoy both urban and coastal experiences through a shared membership concept.
This approach is consistent with the group’s wider strategy, with its development backed by Limestone Capital. In April 2025, La Tribune de l’Hôtellerie reported on the transformation of Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch into an Aethos-branded property.
For the group, Lisbon therefore represents another step in the expansion of its model combining upscale hospitality, private membership and locally rooted experiences.
At a Glance
Project: Aethos Lisbon, a five-star boutique hotel and private members’ clubLocation: Villa Helena, Estefânia district, Lisbon, PortugalOpening: June 2027Accommodation: 60 rooms and suites, ranging from 28 to 70 sqmFacilities: Restaurant, two bars, spa, fitness studio and outdoor swimming pool
Development strategy: Integration with Aethos Ericeira through a shared membership concept
