Ninho: A 19th-Century Manor Transformed into an Exclusive Private Club. Bask in poolside serenity, savor cocktails on the terrace, or set up your laptop for work amidst sun-drenched ambiance. Ninho Secret Garden is an urban oasis nestled in the heart of Lisbon, but it’s exclusively for its members.
Reportedly, this is Lisbon’s first-ever clubhouse, located just steps away from Torel Garden, on a street where non-hotel properties are a rarity, thanks to its discreet façade hidden behind lush vegetation and tall gates. This pale blue 19th-century residence remained under the radar until August, even though new tenants moved in late July.
It wasn’t until the first images began circulating on social media that its oval pool, terracotta tiles, and the phrase “secret garden” piqued curiosity. This self-proclaimed “downtown oasis” is a members-only space requiring a €50 monthly fee for access.The Ninho concept is the brainchild of its founders: Nik Ueker, a German living in Lisbon since 2020 after a decade in London, and Niall Davis, an Irishman who has called Lisbon home since late 2019. Their goal was to create “a space that combines the comfort and style of a true members’ club, where like-minded individuals can live, work, and thrive together,” as they describe in a statement.
Since its opening, memberships have filled up quickly, and there are currently no available slots – new applications are on a waiting list until spots open up for new members. Membership currently grants access to the garden, pool (towels included), bar, and restaurant.
The menu, designed by Chef Hugo Dias de Castro, features Portuguese classics like cod pastries (€4/unit) and refreshing offerings such as watermelon and cherry gazpacho (€10) or lemon-granita tomato tartare (€12). The menu covers breakfast (with pancakes, oatmeal, avocado toast, or eggs) starting at 9 AM, lunch from 12 PM, and dinner from 6 PM. On Sundays, there’s a brunch until 6 PM. Throughout the day, the drink menu offers wines, beers, kombucha, classic cocktails, signature cocktails, and a few mocktails like the Welcome State (€6), featuring a homemade infusion of ginger, lemongrass, honey, and lemon juice.
Networking among members is a key aspect of Ninho’s programming. Currently, they offer various activities, including occasional yoga sessions and regular DJ sets on Thursday and Friday evenings.
The Ninho project extends beyond the Secret Garden, with a second phase expected at the end of the year, which includes the opening of the palace itself.
More to Come in November
On the ground floor, there will be a wellness area with spa services, a small gym for personal training sessions, and locker rooms with showers...
Since the work isn’t yet completed, the ambiance and color palette will harmonize with the outdoor space, designed by Studio Astolfi, featuring pink walls and lush greenery. Helen Taylor, the head of communications and marketing, also reveals the first floor: spacious, with several rooms, high-detailed ceilings.
Many of these spaces will be used for coworking with work tables. The largest room will serve as a dining space, with a focus on dinners – pop-up dinners and supper clubs are on the horizon. There will also be an elegantly designed speakeasy-style room with large windows offering a privileged city view.
In the second phase, monthly fees will vary based on desired amenities, but the specifics are still being defined. Payments will be annual, and membership will be subject to an interview. Currently, members of Ninho Secret Garden can bring a guest per visit.
A Must-Know→
Consider this exclusive club in Lisbon as the city’s chic reply to Soho House, and it effortlessly rivals the finest in terms of its unmatched style and sophistication.