Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, an IPBN member and the official partner and host of the IPBN's St. Patrick's Day Sustainability Conference is situated in Lisbon's contemporary Parque das Nações district, officially opened its doors in June 2023. This luxury riverside hotel and residences marked a significant expansion for the Martinhal brand, renowned for its family-friendly hotels and resorts across Portugal.

The development features 82 hotel luxury apartments range from studios to three-bedroom. Martinhal Residences comprises 70 branded residences including a collection of 7 penthouse apartments, all designed to cater to both short and long-term stays. Guests and residents enjoy unparalleled 5-star hotel services and facilities, with stunning views of the Serra de Arrabida mountains and panoramic vistas of the River Tagus and Vasco da Gama Bridge.

Designed by Eduardo Capinha Lopes, it emphasizes sustainability with solar panels and smart energy management and a key part of the commitment to sustainability of this new project was the landscaping, which has included over 170 olive trees and 100s of shrubs and plants on the building’s façade as well as the terraced gardens connecting the Residences to the public park. The interiors showcase local artists, including Graça Paz and Bordalo II. The hotel features a gym, indoor and outdoor pools, a well-equipped Work Space, a Kids Club, and Play Space, and of course, The Terrace restaurant. The café partners with prestigious brands like Eric Kayser for artisan bread and pastries and Portuguese Aroma for specialty coffee. This cozy setting is also ideal for indulging in high-quality teas. Don’t miss the Masala Chai—one of Chitra’s personal favorites and a delightful choice.

Martinhal Residences blends modern living with artistic influences and offers long-term investment opportunities with premium services. This has been the focus of the brand for over 15 years. In this interview with Mansion Global, Co-founder of Martinhal alongside her husband Roman Stern, Chitra Stern described the attraction of Martinhal Residences in Expo as being "...bound up in the concept of the 15-minute city that we have here in the Park of Nations. Within a super-close walking radius you have everything on your doorstep: the Vasco de Gama shopping mall, restaurants, cafes, doctors, dentists, a private hospital and an abundance of riverside walks and parks." 

Beyond her contributions to hospitality, Chitra is the founder and CEO of the United Lisbon International School, which opened in September 2020 and offers K-12 international education with an innovative approach and world-class facilities, aiming to provide education "inspired by and fit for the 21st century," according to the founders.

Chitra's entrepreneurial journey reflects her dedication to enhancing both tourism and educational landscapes in Portugal, and her generosity to the IPBN by way of hosting the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Sustainability Conference at the amazing Terrace restaurant, at Martinhal Lisbon Oriente/Martinhal Residences,.further solidifies her commitment to building a bright future for businesses, individuals, and students within the Portuguese community and beyond.