TANIA Fonseca

CO-OWNER, THE LISBOANS & PRADO

LISBON, PORTUGAL

Tânia, Marta and Marisa Fonseca are three sisters who make up a super stylish set of triplets and share a love for architecture, art, design, food and the city of Lisbon. A few years ago they decided to take the leap to become business partners, combining their diverse backgrounds in art direction, architecture, and law. They now run one of hottest hotels and restaurants in the city of Lisbon.

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1.WHAT MADE YOU AND YOUR SISTERS DECIDE TO START THE LISBOANS AND PRADO? WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE?

Since an early age, because we grew up in a large family, hospitality has always been present in our home. Besides, when you’re a triplet and also have an older sister, sharing is part of the package. So, we were used to share our lives, friends and experiences with one another, as well as our clothes and space. When my sisters and I started working in completely different fields and in different parts of the city, we began to miss our daily exchange of thoughts and moments and, at the same time, to desire to pursue a more wholehearted living. This is when we gradually started to conceive the idea of creating a family project. However, it was in 2010, when Portugal was in the middle of a financial and economic collapse, that our idea became pretty serious: we found this old abandoned factory in the middle of Lisbon’s historic centre and, right there, we decided to choose happiness over security and to focus our lives on giving something unique and genuine back to our beloved city of birth and residence. This decision made me leave my 10-year steady job as an Art Director at a multinational advertising agency, with no second thoughts or regrets. Looking back, it all happened in a very natural and organic way. Despite our project’s growth and accomplishments, I still see us as very enthusiastic amateurs, but I consider our enthusiasm and learning ability as a strength.

2. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE AS A HOSTEL OWNER/RESTAURANTEUR SO FAR?

Every day, I feel rewarded knowing that our guests enjoyed their experience, leaving our place with a feeling that they have lived something memorable. And this is even more rewarding when I realize that this is the outcome of the collective work and commitment of our team, which initially was composed only by us and today involves dozens of talented people with different backgrounds and experiences that accepted to make part of this big and supportive family.

3. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE ABOUT LISBON?

I may seem biased answering this question, since I was born and raised in Lisbon and, for that reason, Lisbon has and will always have a special place in my heart. However, trying to give you a sincere answer, I shall say that Lisbon has everything you could want in a city: history, nature, vibrant culture, delicious food and cobblestone streets to get lost in. But what takes it over the top is the friendliness of “Lisboans”, “Lisboetas” or, as we say locally, “Alfacinhas” (literally translated as “little lettuces”, the nickname of someone from Lisbon). Basically, for me, the beauty of Lisbon reveals the beauty of its own people.

4. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD RECOMMEND TO A FIRST-TIME TRAVELER COMING TO STAY IN LISBON?

When traveling to Lisbon, less is more. Lisbon is super popular at the moment and I deeply recommend slowing down to form a stronger connection to the city. This experience will be more thoughtful, more fully lived, more respectful to the locals and easier on the environment. With a smaller plan, you’ll be able to admire Lisbon’s unique golden light, get to know your neighbors, shop in the local markets, pick a favorite coffeehouse and open up your schedule to the unsuspected surprises of travel. “Lisboetas” have so much to offer; please take your time to meet them.

5. WHAT IS A SUBJECT THAT FASCINATES YOU? WHY? WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IT?

Being a mother of 2 little boys, I see myself spending most of my free time searching about educational process. And, right now, I’m absolutely fascinated by how creative learning plays a role in education (in more ways than we might think!). It’s amazing to discover how literature, art, music, and dance use more than just the brain and “intelligence” and how using emotion, intrigue, movement, surprise, and specific “brain poking” learning tools encourage each person’s cognitive development. Being a creative being allows you to do so much and gives you so much power, teaching you to solve problems, crack jokes, invent stuff and make the world pretty, interesting and fun for yourself and others!

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE? WHAT MADE IT STICK WITH YOU?

I’ve always been a very curious traveller and love visiting interesting cities and getting to know different people. From all the travels I’ve experienced, there’s one in particular that impacted me immensely. While visiting Cuba for one month, I made a friend – he was 80 years old and was a security guard in a theatre. With pride, he invited my husband and myself to visit his humble beautiful home. He welcomed us warmly into his life and we spent 2 days having philosophical conversations and listening to his amazing stories. This genuine jubilant elderly man gave me so many insights. Between so many important things, he told me to never let the things I want make me forget the things I have and that happiness isn’t about getting what we want all the time, it’s about loving what we have and enjoying life one day at a time.