On Lisbon’s grandest avenue, the historic Tivoli Avenida Liberdade oozes old grandeur and éclat. It’s easy to imagine a glamorous actress, her head wrapped in a silk turban, living here. And as it turns out, that vision isn’t farfetched. Indeed, the bewitching beauty, acclaimed Beatriz Costa, queen of Portugal’s golden age of cinema, chose this hotel as her residence and preferred domicile. Here she studied her lines and delved into her beauty routine: an effusion of jasmine and sweet orange perfume and rice-powder exfoliations.
Refurbished and reimagined today under the Asian-based, Minor Hotel Group’s banner, the hotel remains posh, and though urbane, a haven of wellness awareness. It flaunts an Anantara Spa, a Minor Hotel Group trademark amenity, known to bring Asian gracefulness and Eastern philosophies and modalities to the table, as well as to embrace a sense of place. Its Spa Director, Claudia Rebelo Pinto, proudly Portuguese, deftly mirrors the spa’s raison d’etre with two decades of experience in luxury wellbeing and hospitality in Portugal (and beyond) and a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine. At the spa’s helm, she describes herself as “a wellness warrior,” devoted to inspiring balance, serenity, and meaningful experiences. Her holistic approach is informed by cultural sensitivity and a deep, genuine love of nurturing others. We stepped away from the massage table to chat with her recently.
Insider’s Guide to Spas: What is hospitality to you?
Claudia Rebelo Pinto: It’s more than service. It’s a way of touching lives with presence, empathy, and intention. Becoming part of Anantara Spa feels like a dream fulfilled. After many years dedicated to Traditional Chinese Medicine studies, this exceptional concept where East meets West, is very dear to me as it gives the perfect foundation to bring meaningful, fulfilling and beautifully crafted projects to life.
IGTS: We’ve experienced your “drop-the-mic” Beatriz Costa The Song of Lisbon treatment. Why is it important to evoke the soul of the hotel within a spa ritual, and how does this treatment accomplish that?
CRP: This ritual is a heartfelt tribute to the life and work of Beatriz Costa, infused with passion, expertise, and a deep commitment to wellness. Beatriz Costa was one of Portugal’s most iconic and beloved actresses, known for her joyful spirit and zest for life. She spent many years living in our hotel, making it her home and becoming a cherished part of its story. This treatment is an ode to her life and work and is inspired by her vibrant personality. It begins with a gentle back exfoliation using rice powder, her absolute favorite—and followed by a soothing massage scented with jasmine and sweet orange, the signature notes of her preferred perfume. This ritual is a beautifully crafted journey that invites our guests into a delightful sensory experience, enriched by a charming story from Portugal. It evokes the spirit of her era, an essence which still drives the Portuguese people. We end with a comforting and calming tea ceremony.
IGTS: Why was it important to showcase a treatment that celebrates the history of this hotel and its spa?
CRP: It is essential to create spa treatments that celebrate both the local culture and the hotel´s history. Authenticity and a sense of identity are among the most meaningful qualities that a spa or wellness ritual can offer. These spa experiences connect treatments and spa experiences to cultural narratives, turning a massage into a meaningful and memorable journey. Through a heartfelt relaxing experience, we tell a story and elevate local heritage.
The combination of the warmth of Portuguese heritage and the precision and dedication of Asian service ensures that every guest enjoys a spa journey that is meaningful, immersive, and unforgettable..
IGTS: As the Anantara Spa, you also embrace some Eastern modalities and philosophies. How do you meld this with elements and moods that also reflect Lisbon and its vibrancy?
CRP: At Anantara Spa, we offer a truly holistic experience by blending the storytelling of Portuguese culture with the warm, attentive and respectful service inspired by Asian traditions. Our treatments integrate ancient Eastern techniques such as acupressure, traditional Thai massage techniques, reflexology, and mindful rituals with locally sourced ingredients, including local sea salt from our coast, organic, cold-infused essential oils to enhance the experience. This approach creates a unique harmony between results-oriented treatments and meaningful, sensory experiences. We also combine the most luxurious and exclusive spa products with Asian techniques to improve their results and benefits. Each journey is carefully curated, beginning with a welcoming foot ritual, guided by advanced techniques delivered with sincere care, and comes to an end with the soothing sound of a Tibetan bell, leaving the guests relaxed, restored, and inspired. This unique fusion—the warmth of Portuguese heritage and the precision and dedication of Asian service—ensures that every guest enjoys a spa journey that is not only relaxing and result-oriented, but also meaningful, immersive, and unforgettable.
IGTS: What is your personal view of what a spa should offer today in our frenetic world?
The spa reception at Anantara Spa at Tivoli Avenida Liberade
CRP: In my view, the spa should offer personalized, detail-oriented experiences, a slow-paced moment of calm in a world that never stops. It should provide a comprehensive menu of treatments for all types of guests, along with a thoughtfully crafted sleep enhancing experience. Wellness and wellbeing are no longer luxuries—they are essential to the frenetic world we live in. For this reason, personalization becomes the core principle of every guest interaction. Each treatment should be adapted to individual needs and preferences. Flexibility is the key word when wellness is no longer just an experience, it is a mission and a mindset. A spa should not only be a place of relaxation, but also a place for learning, inspiration, and transformation. We want to guide guests towards new perspectives and healthier life habits. Our spa menu reflects this philosophy, offering tailored options for everyone’s needs: pregnant ladies, postpartum mothers, gentlemen, slimming or detox programs, as well as osteopathy or acupuncture sessions, yoga, and mindfulness.
IGTS: What about children?
CRP: They represent the future and deserve early encouragement towards a healthy living from an early age. Children deeply benefit from these moments, and a parent-child massage becomes an opportunity to strengthen emotional bonds and enjoy slow, meaningful time together, something truly precious in today’s fast paced world.
IGTS: You’ve said that wellness and wellbeing are a language that should be felt throughout the entire hotel. Tell us more.
CRP. Yes. I think they should be naturally integrated into both the guest journey and the in- room experience. I strongly believe in sleep-enhancement programs, recognizing that restorative sleep is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.
IGTS: The spa is a sanctum from the bustling boulevard and popular hotel with its buzzy rooftop bar. Why is this tranquility important for guests?
The Spa Serenity Room at Anantara Spa at Tivoli Avenida Liberade
CRP: The hotel offers a wide range of experiences to suit every guest, from the vibrant energy of our rooftop bar to the serene, restorative environment of the spa. While the rooftop is perfect for socializing and enjoying the city’s lively atmosphere, the spa provides a dedicated space for inner silence, reflection, and restoration. This balance is essential as wellness is not just about treatments, it is also about giving guests the opportunity to pause, reconnect with themselves, and restore their energy. This tranquillity is essential because it allows guests to slow down, recharge, and fully immerse in wellness experiences. In addition to spa treatments, we also offer relaxing in-room spa experiences, ensuring that every guest can enjoy personalized moments of calm and self-care in the comfort of their own space. Providing this balance between vibrant social experiences and quiet, restorative retreats is key to creating a complete and meaningful stay for every guest.
IGTS: What do you hope that each guest takes home from their spa experience, and what do you do to ensure that happens?
CRP: I hope that every guest leaves the spa with a deep sense of inner calm, renewed energy, and the feeling that they have been genuinely cared for. Beyond relaxation, I want them to take home a sense of clarity, inspiration, and practical tools they can integrate into their daily lives, whether it’s a breathing technique, a mindful ritual, or a renewed commitment to self-care. To ensure this happens, we focus on personalization from the first moment. We take time to understand each guest’s needs, preferences, and expectations. We share simple, realistic wellness practices they can incorporate at home, like small habits that can improve sleep, reduce stress, or enhance daily balance, but are also empowered with tools and motivation to continue their own wellness journey. Life is all about experiences. So I hope that our guests take home an unforgettable memory.
Becca Hensley
Becca Hensley is Editor at Large for Insider's Guide to Spas. Based in Austin, she writes regularly about travel and spas. She believes a good story draws you in like laughter in a crowded room, and challenges you to do it justice. She has written for scores of magazines and newspapers, including Houston Chronicle, Esquire, Harpers Bazaar, and Texas Monthly.