In idyllic Comporta, just a stone's throw from Lisbon, lies Casa Mahala Essence. This masterpiece of architecture and interior design, conceived by actress Ambre Boukebza and lovingly brought to life by her friend and talented interior designer Isabelle Stanislas, invites guests on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, surrounded by the pristine splendour of Portugal's Alentejo region. Here, surrounded by rustic rice fields, dunes and azure waters, Casa Mahala Essence unfolds as a harmonious dialogue between modernity and nature. The aim was to create a place of purity and elegance where visitors can reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
The architecture is designed to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings: long glass corridors stretching to individual suites tucked away in secret gardens, enchanting combinations of earth tones, and natural materials such as wood, concrete and linen. Each space embodies an understated luxury, where simplicity and comfort come together in a universal understanding of beauty and balance. Isabelle Stanislas began her journey in the world of interior design with a calling to create spaces that are more than just physical environments - she wanted to create living worlds, sanctuaries where the soul feels at home. For Casa Mahala Essence, Stanislas drew inspiration from the surrounding landscapes and serene rhythms of Comporta, using only natural, locally found materials such as wood, concrete and mortex. Through lines and patterns that repeat and reinforce each other, she created a sense of rhythmic serenity, as if the spaces themselves were a breathing connection between man and nature. The whole is a profound example of her belief that minimalist designs need never feel cold. On the contrary, her work testifies that simplicity can lead to the warmest, most inviting and harmonious places. 
In each hut, surrounded by private gardens and saturated with the play of light and shade, time slows down and the soul finds space to breathe
Casa Mahala Essence offers a unique journey of recovery and growth. For women who gather here, the experience at this sanctuary becomes a profound realignment of body, mind and spirit. Here you will find more than just rest - you will experience moments of deep introspection, carried by the serenity of nature and the careful attention to wellbeing that this home offers. Retreats such as ‘Detox Lover’ and ‘Higher Together’ are designed to invite visitors to rediscover their inner strength, guided by passionate professionals in holistic health and spiritual growth. In each cabin, surrounded by private gardens and saturated with the play of light and shadow, time slows down and the soul finds space to breathe. The colours, textures, and carefully chosen materials bring to life a natural rhythm that invites reflection and a reconnection with the essence of existence. The house is not an end point, but a beginning - an invitation to know yourself more deeply, find the peace that lies in silence, and embrace the potential of inner balance and joy. 
The simplicity and elegance of Casa Mahala Essence tell a story that is timeless, a story that quietly resonates with the soul of anyone who enters it. This sanctuary, dedicated to the art of well-being and self-discovery, invites one to let go, to leave behind the daily noise and to live with full abandon in the here and now. It is an ode to the connection between tradition and modernity, a place where natural elements and timeless wisdom come alive in a beautiful symbiosis. The promise of Casa Mahala Essence is clear: a journey to inner peace, to the depths of self-discovery, and to a renewed understanding of life in all its purity and beauty.
Photography by Matthieu Salvaing
Text by Celien Hemelaer