Photography: RR
Winter officially began yesterday as a season, and Christmas is just around the corner. Before these landmark moments in the calendar, Quinta dos Chãos (in Santo Isidoro) hosted what organizers called a “Winter Gathering”, which became something even more meaningful.
From mid‑afternoon into the night of 13 December, neighbours, producers, travellers and dreamers gathered for live music, crafts, a food market, the lighting of a Christmas tree and much more. Together, they imagined what comes next, following the official launch of ORO Collective, an ambitious hospitality project planned for the historic property that promises to redefine what luxury means in the Ericeira region.
a glimpse of how luxury hospitality in the region is being shaped by the community rather than by corporations
The site, steeped in history – including traces of Roman occupation –, became a canvas for what the project describes as “grounded luxury”, a hospitality concept that prioritizes connection to the land, the community and local craft over traditional markers of luxury.
As the December Sun moved across the Quinta’s gardens, the atmosphere shifted from a sunny afternoon (truly a blessing!) to a dramatic sunset.
«this is the energy we want ORO Collective to embody», said Project Director Rami Moughabghab
What impressed the organizers the most was the makeup of the audience. Neighbours from Santo Isidoro, Ericeira and the surrounding areas mingled with visitors from Lisbon, tourists staying in local hotels, and professionals who chose the Ericeira region for what ORO represents.
“We were pleasantly surprised to see so many people come together around this vision”, said Georges Abou Jaoude of Leap Assets, the investment and advisory company behind the project.
people who chose Ericeira and its surroundings because they want closeness to nature and the beach, easy access to Lisbon and the airport, but also want community and to feel rooted while staying connected
Guests at the event got a first look at the rendered images of the ORO Collective project: a development with three components that will include a 120+ room hotel operated by a yet‑to‑be‑announced internationally recognised brand, branded residences, farm and lake hotels, restaurants, working farmland and dedicated event spaces.
The Quinta’s wild olive tree, standing for centuries, serves as both literal and symbolic centre of the project. In Portuguese, “oro” echoes “ouro” (gold), whilst as a verb it means “I pray” – a layering of meanings that the brand (so named after the golden leaves found on this quinta in Santo IsidORO) identity fully embraces.
Over 300 attendees registered their email addresses during the event, requesting updates on the project’s development.
“The most important aspect of the project became very clear to us that day”, Abou Jaoude reflects. “It is the community. ORO Collective isn’t about offering luxury accommodation – it is about fostering a community that can support and help each other. We’re providing the space for that community to flourish.” For this very reason, the event featured an open‑door policy, with project representatives available to answer questions from neighbours and locals about development plans, timelines, and community impact.
WHAT COMES NEXT
The Winter Gathering marks the first in a series of community events at Quinta dos Chãos as development progresses. The team behind the project plans to host craft markets, seasonal celebrations and cultural programming that will continue to engage both the existing community and those interested in the project’s evolution.
ORO Collective is not being built for a community that might one day arrive; it’s being built by and with a community that is already here, gathered around a centuries‑old olive tree in Santo Isidoro, ready to turn land into legacy.
For more information about ORO Collective or to join the mailing list, visit the project website. Media enquiries should be addressed to Leap Assets.
Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
