PORTUGAL WITH ASHTON ERAMYA

NAME: Ashton Eramya

SOCIALS: @ashtoneramya WHAT YOU DO: Creative Director and Digital Designer STAR SIGN: Gemini LIVING: South West Sydney LOCATION: Portugal

SLEEP

If you’re like me and want to experience the streets of Lisbon like a local, I recommend staying in Bairro Alto. There are so many beautiful AirBnB’s around and you’re guaranteed to be in walking distance of so many perks the neighbourhoods have to offer.

Barrio Alto has been dubbed the bohemian quarter of Lisbon and is the place to be for the best nightlife. The rooftop terrace bar at the Bairro Alto Hotel was a standout nearby.

When visiting Lagos, you must stay at Villas D. Dinis – Each home within its residency features many unique quirks and colours that make each suite individually their own. The city centre is ten minutes within walking distance and the beaches of the Algarve region are right at your door.

EAT

There is so much to get through in Portugal and it felt as though each city in the daytime was a completely different place at night. Lisbon is big on brunch, my favourites were Heim Café, Fauna & Flora and Royale Café.

A must stop in Lisbon is the Time Out Market; here you will find all of the best food the city has to offer under one roof. Avoid going too early in the afternoon because there is a huge rush of guests during the day. Some of the restaurants are open until midnight so if you’re looking to grab a glass of local Portuguese wine in the evening, this is the place to check out. 

You can’t leave Portugal without trying the countries signature ‘Pastéis de Nata’ from the iconic, Manteigaria in Porto and Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon. Another must try on your food list is Portugal’s O Melhor Bolo de Chocolate do Mundo which literally translates to the world’s best chocolate cake.

When in Lagos, make a reservation at the Michelin awarded Don Sebastião.

DO

LISBON

Grab a cup of coffee from one of the many kiosk’s along Avenida da Liberdade and spend those moments soaking in the air under the trees along the busy strip.

Catch a football game at Estádio da Luz, it is quite an experience. In the evening, press the buzzer and have a cocktail at Red Frog followed by a trip to Park; a carpark that has been transformed into a rooftop terrace bar. If you’re looking to escape the city, road trip over the bridge and spend the day on the beach at Costa da Caparica. For those looking to find the best art in the city, the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do Chiado is the place to be – The Chiado Museum for short was one of the first contemporary art museums in the world founded in 1911.

PORTO

Dance with the eccentric energy at Zoom, a former warehouse space right in the city centre of Porto. Visit the breathtaking Sao Bento Train Station; a historical landmark built in the 20th century that features beautiful tile work that tells the story of Portugal.

Walk the Ribeira Rio Douro double decker bridge and take the cable car down to the wharf to discover the many cafes along the water. If you’re in need of some time to soak in the sun visit the Marés Swimming Pool designed by Portuguese architect Àlvaro Siza, located right on the Leça da Palmeira beach.

LAGOS

Pack your bag and spend the day in the picturesque blue waters at Praia do Camilo.

SHOP

Luxury shopping along Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon is crucial. Contrary to this, there is a flea market held each weekend along the same street. If you still enjoy reading print, a personal favourite of mine is Under the Cover. For those who love interior, YOYO Objects should be at the top of your list.

PACK

Personally, packing is the hardest part of travelling. The more and more I travel, the easier it becomes. My favourite thing to do is coordinate every piece in my suitcase and find how many looks can be created with the same piece. Packing smart is not that difficult. For the summer, a good amount of necessities include printed shirts by Double Rainbouu and Jacquemus, linen lounge shorts by Venroy, a bumbag by Eastpak, sneakers by Adidas, slides by Bassike, sunglasses by Ray-Ban and tiny swim briefs by Charlie.

On the other hand, my beauty supplies take up the majority of my luggage space. I swear by a simple, yet quite effective summer beauty routine. My essentials include Milky Jelly Cleanser, Moisturising Primer Rich, Invisible Shield, Balm Dot Com and Boy Brow by Glossier. My holiday hair hacks include Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner by Mr. Smith followed with Leave in Conditioner by Sachajuan finished off with Wave Spray and Matte Pomade by Ouai.

I complete each look with either Ylang 49 by Le Labo, Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford or Jazz Club by Maison Margiela and have been voted most likely to have No.04 Bois De Balincourt by Maison Louise Marie in my bag at all times. Notable mentions to other standouts in my bag; my AirPods, ArmaForce and hand cream by Chanel.