From the moment you walk into Nobu Hotel Portman Square, you feel like you’ve stepped into a quiet sanctuary in the middle of all the city’s hustle. It’s not just a hotel, it’s that rare place where sophisticated design meets a real sense of calm and focus on wellness, making it easy to switch off and simply be. The hotel manages to strike a perfect balance between style, comfort, and wellbeing. Whether you’re in town for work, a luxury get-away, or just a moment to breathe, Nobu is that soulful choice that you’ll want to return to again and again.

The aesthetic immediately feels welcoming and soothing – think clean, soft Scandinavian-Japanese lines with warm natural materials and muted tones that soothe the eyes and calm the mind. It’s a subtle luxury that doesn’t shout, but whispers: “You deserve this moment.” The rooms are another highlight;  thoughtful, uncluttered, and designed for rest. Crisp white linens, spa-inspired bathrooms with monsoon showers, and those little details like artisanal toiletries and a Nespresso machine that feel like tiny luxuries made just for you. The stunning interiors make each room feel like a calm cocoon where you can truly switch off.

Dining at its Best

And of course, Nobu’s legendary restaurant is the heartbeat of the whole experience. The menu reads like a love letter to Japan and South America – delicate, bright, and full of surprising twists. Their black cod miso (which is a must-order) melts on your tongue, while the delectable nigiri and sushi selection add a refreshing touch to the meal. Every dish feels meticulously crafted, a perfect balance of elegance and ease, and it’s impossible not to get very excited about the food here. Since it’s almost too hard to choose between the sushi, meat, and delectable fish dishes, a suggestion is to get the set menu with all the Nobu favourites. It also includes one of the best desserts in town – the Chocolate Bento Box, with a heavenly chocolate fondant and matcha ice cream.

Nobu’s Wellness Offerings

And then there’s the amazing Pilates studio; a bright, serene space, where the light wood floors and expansive mirrors create an inviting vibe. The studio beckons you to reconnect with your body, and whether you’re a Pilates pro or a curious beginner, the classes developed by renowned Pilates guru Marsha Lindsay are incredible. Enjoy fun and dynamic group classes and private sessions. Try the Power classes for a high-energy class with the jumpboard for choreography, endurance, and strength, the Precision class to target specific muscle groups, and Pure to combine all equipments, such as the chair, reformer and tower, inspired by the classical Joseph Pilates method. For private group- or one-on-one sessions, book the Prescribe class. Moreover, don’t miss the gorgeous 140 m2 gym downstairs where you find Technogym equipment including free weights, treadmills, rowing machines, and cycle bikes.

If you’re in need of some pampering after your workout, the spa offers rejuvenating facials and massages – we love the Portman Signature Fusion, where you get to experience a glow-inducing facial, relaxing sculpt massage,  and a body treatment with Ayurvedic influences. Another treatment worth trying is the Maharani Full-Body Wrap & Scrub Treatment where dry brushing, a herbal scrub, body wrap, sculpt massage, acupressure face massage, and yogic twists help release toxins from the colon, as well as bring vitality to the skin. Boosting the body from the inside and out is also possible thanks to their IV Drips – browse their extensive menu they offer together with REVIV, and choose drips boosting  everything from recovery and pro-aging, to detox and energy, with possible add-ons like NAD, Vitamin C, B12, and CoQ10. Last but not least, don’t forget to grab a juice or branded tote on your way out.

words by Mathilde Wergeland