Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique Hotel

Name:
Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique Hotel

Location:
Ponda Delgada, Portugal

Asset profile:
4-star hotel

Nr. of keys:
36

Service:
Sales, marketing and revenue management

Opened in 2024 in the historic center of Ponta Delgada, Nine Dots transforms two unique 17th-century buildings into a space where Azorean tradition meets contemporary design. Inspired by local art and culture, it offers ETC. Osteria Bar with rustic Italian cuisine made from local products, alongside inviting spaces that reflect history, heritage, and modern comfort in the heart of São Miguel.

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Av. Duque de Ávila, 28, 2º Dto
1000-141 Lisboa, Portugal

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“Outstanding HR expertise, contributing strategically to talent development and fostering a culture of excellence across the organization.”

Ricardo Martins – CEO, Cegoc

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“Very detail oriented and excelent in managing trainers and training programs. A real asset in any organization.”

Filipe Farelo – Portfolio investment Manager, ADP

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“A very dedicated professional. She brings contagious positivity and energy, along with deep expertise in her field. It was a real pleasure to work with her and learn from her.”

Bruna Ferreira – Storyteller and Content Manager, Quidgest

Esmeralda Correia

HR Director

With a long tenure in hospitality, Esmeralda has developed all her career in the human resources area, with a focus on the training and empowerment of hotel teams. With a degree in Sociology and post-graduations in management and data analytics, Esmeralda has held management positions for fourteen years in leading Portuguese hospitality group Pestana, overseeing more than 100 properties across the world. In this role, she was recognized twice as Best Stakeholder at the Hospitality Education Awards, organized by Forum Turismo. Esmeralda also created and led the hospitality practice at leading Portuguese training company Cegoc.

Achievements

Created from scratch the Hospitality by Cegoc training concept, aimed at bringing the best international training practices to the Portuguese hospitality market.

Led the human resources development area of the largest hospitality group in Portugal for over five years.

Was the mentor and creator of the pioneering program “Qualify to Grow”, which was recognized twice by Fórum Turismo with the Best Stakeholder award at the Hospitality Education Awards.

Was responsible for the design and implementation of over 40,000 hours of training per year, focused on skill development and career progression for hospitality professionals.

Managed partnerships with various national and international educational institutions, enabling over 1,500 annual on-the-job training experiences for young talents from around the world.

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“Great professional, with deep knowledge of F&B operations, as well as financial management. Proactive, organized, assertive, dedicated. A pleasure to work with.”

Ivo Gonçalves – F&B Manager, Marriot Praia D’El Rey Resort

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“A very meticulous and gracious leader with very high operating standards, as well as the skills to induce others. One of the most creative persons I know and an F&B lover.”

Francisca Abecassis – Sales Executive, Hotéis Real

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“Always extremely professional bringing to the table his high understanding of the business, passion for F&B and high levels of customer service expectation.”

Miguel Melo – Hotel Manager, Rixos Ras Al Khaimah

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“Human connection with the staff, dedication to the company and customers, high standards, operational knowledge, but above all, a spirit of commitment and sacrifice. Simply fantastic.”

Joaquim Fernandes – Manager Stewarding, Hyatt Regency Lisboa

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“An exceptional professional and an inspiring leader. Pedro genuinely cares about others and goes above and beyond to support his team members.”

Cátia Sá – Quality and Projet Director, Hotéis Real

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“His easy-going personality and knowledge about hospitality ease the daily hotel operations. Definitely a great professional always ready to help and teach the others.”

Diogo Neto – Mello House

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“Each new project is a new achievement for the team, and Pedro values every step, sharing his satisfaction with each member.”

Sandra Teixeira – Quality Manager, Sublime Hotels

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“A perfectionist and highly attentive to small service details. Very knowledgeable about hotel operations and always willing to help achieve the goal of customer satisfaction.”

Artur Rabasqueira – Director of Front Office, Sublime Hotels

Pedro Catapirra

Director of Operations

Started his career in F&B, in landmark properties such as Lapa Palace by Orient Express, Pestana Palace and Bairro Alto Hotel. Pedro was an F&B Manager for Grande Real Villa Itália, from where he evolved to General Manager within the Hotéis Real group. Pedro integrated the Blueshift team that re-opened Campo Real Resort following insolvency and loss of the Westin flag, and then moved to Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, as an Operations Director. He was also a GM for landmark hotel Quinta das Lágrimas and for Sublime Comporta. At Highgate, Pedro was a Cluster General Manager for the Lisbon Area and GM of NAU Palácio do Governador.

Achievements

Doubled the GOP on his first year as Head of Operations at the 5 star Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf and Beach Resort.

As an F&B Director at Dolce Hotels & Resorts he achieved a score of 96% in client satisfaction.

As an F&B Director at Campo Real Resort, he re-structured all outlets, increasing capture rates from the range of 20-30% to 60-70%.

As an F&B Director for Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, he slashed F&B departmental costs by 32%, while simultaneously increasing the internal guests’ capture rates by 21% and revenue by 53%.

Was listed, in three consecutive years, as one of the seven top F&B Directors in Portugal, by Publituris magazine and the Portuguese Hotel Directors Association.

As a Director of Operations at Sublime Comporta, increased the property’s EBITDA by 89% in the first year, and then by an additional 29% in the first COVID pandemic year.

Led the opening or reopening with upgraded category of three hotels in less than three years.

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“Demonstrates a unique competence to understand the client’s market position and translate this assessment into actionable strategic recommendations.”

Mahomed Vali – Capital Markets Origination Analyst, Citi

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“Always enthusiastic and dedicated in overcoming the challenges ahead.”

Beatriz Duarte – Teaching Assistant, Nova SBE

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“I was impressed by Marc’s ability to quickly understand projects’ goals, design effective solutions and lead the team to an excellent job.”

Wilson Ramos – Quantitative Analyst, Portland Hill

Marc Brander

Partner
Business Intelligence Director

With a bachelor and master degree in Management from the Nova School of Business and Economics, Marc began his career at Blueshift as an intern in the consulting area, quickly evolving to Consultant, Project Manager and then fast-tracking to a Partner position. Throughout his tenure with Blueshift, Marc has worked in a diverse number of consulting, business development and M&A assignments, gaining extensive experience in financial modelling for hospitality. He is also a Business Intelligence Director, in charge of market and business analytics and revenue management for properties operated by Blueshift. Marc is currently a member of the hospitality expert panel of government-owned private equity company Portugal Ventures.

Achievements

Completed with a 17/20 grade the Master’s degree in Management of Nova SBE, classified as the 30th best international master’s degree in management by the Financial Times, in what is the most reputable business school in the country.

Led the internal project of restructuring the proprietary model of BlueShift for operational, economic and financial modeling of hospitality and real estate projects, one of the pillars of BlueShift’s value proposition in tourism feasibility studies.

Developed dynamic models and tools that improved the efficiency of teams in the collection and processing of critical data for various analyses.

Led the underwriting of a vast portfolio of landmark properties in Portugal, making a decisive contribution to the successful acquisition by Blueshift’s client on a competitive bid.

Fast-tracked from consulting intern to partner in only seven years, achieving partnership at Blueshift at the age of 28.

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“An intelligent and creative strategist but also an inspiring perfectionist with great interpersonal skills. One of the most valuable hospitality professionals I have ever met.”

Jorge Catarino – CEO & Founder, JAC

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“A profound expert on the hospitality sector allied to high moral standards and great interpersonal skills that have allowed him to fully succeed in delivering in full his big challenges.”

Nuno Ferreira Pires – CEO, Sport TV

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“I was impressed by his commercially- minded and thoughtful approach to branding and strategic positioning, which clearly makes him stand out.”

Sérgio Leandro – SVP Operations, Highgate

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“His market up-to datenesss and analytical skillset combined with his expertise in project management make him an outstanding hospitality consultant.”

Mario Chessa – Hospitality and Luxury Real Estate Advisor

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“We were able, through his leadership, motivated team work, and a great belief and focus in the objectives, to implement this model effectively.”

João Catanho – Director of Revenue and Distribution Europe & LatAm, Minor Hotels

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“A true leader with an entrepreneurial spirit that adds tremendous value to all ventures he is involved with. A team leader, a great motivator, results oriented, pragmatic and extremely dynamic.”

José Reino da Costa – ExCom member, Millennium Ageas

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“I’ve been consistently impressed by his drive, his focus on getting things done – the right way – and his clarity of purpose.”

João Soares – Senior Partner, Bain & Company

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“A calculated risk taker, pragmatic leader and realist who seems to grasp ideas holistically whilst still taking note to the more acute details. Filipe is a value creator in the truest sense. ”

Alexandre Matos – Consultant and Board Advisor

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“All opinions were important, no matter where you are on the organization chart, making it a pleasure to work under his management.”

Luís Carvalho – Regional Director of E-Commerce and Distribution, Minor Hotels

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“Filipe played a key role in developing a strategy to get buy-in from both the sales team and senior management, as well as in mobilizing everyone for implementation.”

Nelson Fontainhas – Partner, Deloitte

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“Deeply impressed by his thoroughness, strong analytical skills and drive to shape the organization into a new paradigm.”

Gonçalo Cadete – Managing Partner, Estoril Capital Partners

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“He stands out for his professionalism, expertise and leadership. I find him inspiring and motivating.”

Louise Lijmbach – Manager Portugal, Booking.com

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“A highly driven person, focused on results and very pragmatic, with a deep concern on fundamental structural improvements across all functional areas and the competence to deliver.”

João Rodrigues Pena – Executive Director, Consultant and Entrepreneur

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“He has been able to perform in various roles in different industries, sometimes in quite difficult environments, always focused in creating value and developing strong teams and businesses.”

Joaquim Souza – Senior Executive and Investor

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“Extremely well connected professionally with an incredible background not only in hospitality but also in other areas.”

Oriol Juvé de Yebra – Resort Manager, Six Senses Ibiza

Filipe Santiago

Senior Partner
Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Head of Consulting Services

Graduated in economics by Nova School of Business and Economics and an MBA by INSEAD, Filipe started his career at Roland Berger and BCG. He was in banking, in Strategic Marketing and as Head of Direct Banking, and was the COO for pmelink.pt, the biggest e-commerce platform in Portugal at the time. Filipe joined leading Portuguese group Tivoli Hotels & Resorts in 2007, as Head of Development and was assigned to the Board of Directors as CS&MO, and, later, as an interim COO, leading to the successful acquisition by Minor Hotels. He co-created, at ISCTE/ INDEG, the first post-graduation in Portugal directed at top management in hospitality and was an advisor of Nova SBE for the subject of management applied to hospitality.

Achievements

Was a member of the Executive Board that executed the € 300 million deal to sell 14-property Tivoli group to Minor Hotels, under deep financial distress, while assuring a 2.3x increase in EBITDA in only two years.

Led a deep commercial re-structuring that resulted in a 37% growth in Room Revenue in 3 years, with a mature portfolio.

Increased direct Revenue by 80% in only two years.

Co-ordinated a comprehensive operational efficiency program, that untapped yearly cost savings amounting to 8% of Total Revenue.

Led critical negotiations with key operational business partners, that resulted in 50-80% cost savings, for the same universe, with equivalent or superior service levels.

Reached 1st place in student satisfaction on the first year of his post-graduation program at ISCTE/ INDEG.

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“He is innovative and has some great leadership skills, keeping the cohesion and
motivation of a workgroup. His positive attitude is one of his best attributes.”

Sérgio Leandro – SVP Operations, Highgate

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“A role model of leadership, an example to all his followers. Francisco can handle all challenges like no other, improving the motivation of all subordinates.”

Miguel Inácio – Director of F&B, Dolce Campo Real Lisbon

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“We recognize the remarkable talent of Francisco Nogueira de Sousa in delivering significant management returns. He played a crucial role with his expertise and knowledge of hotel management.”

Pedro Seabra – President and Partner, Discovery Investments

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“An outstanding hotelier with profound knowledge of hotel business. Always looks back for the teams he leads with absolute commitment.”

Pedro Catapirra – Cluster General Manager, Highgate

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“The true hotelier from head to toe. His skill to motivate and keep the team focused in achieving results, and specially is unique way to deal with guests was indeed special.”

Paulo Figueiredo – COO, Onyria Group

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“A solid talent manager, with substantial knowledge of the hospitality business. A professional with track record on transforming a number of individual professionals into a strong team.”

José Pedro Almeida – CEO & Founder, XLR Revenue Management System

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“A natural Leader. He leads with passion and get his team passionate for the company mission and their role in the organization.”

Rui Ventura – Regional Communications & Content Manager, Monster Energy

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“The talent, pragmatism, and joy of working with Francisco Nogueira de Sousa became the key to success in elevating Campo Real to a high standard in the Portuguese tourism landscape.”

António Carneiro – President, Regional Tourism Board of the West Region

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“Adding his own cheery brand of mentorship, his ideas, suggestions, and thought process has helped Tripwix move into new directions.”

Lisa Bruno – Co-Founder, Tripwix

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“The combination of his resilience, trustworthiness, leadership skills and profound knowledge of the hospitality industry makes him the best person to advise and run any business in this field.”

Miguel Figueiredo – Coach, Mentor and Keynote Speaker

Francisco Nogueira de Sousa

Managing Partner
CEO

Dedicated 15 years of his career to Starwood Hotels & Resorts, fast-tracking through different operations and commercial assignments in Portugal and Europe. Francisco was a Managing Director for Portuguese group Hotéis Real, where he led a deep re-structuring. Graduated in Hotel Management, Francisco complemented his education with several programs in Leadership, Strategy, Finance, Marketing, Branding, Sales, Six Sigma, and Blue Ocean Strategy, in schools such as INSEAD and MCE. He started Blueshift in 2012, and was awarded as the best General Manager for the Marriott group in Europe. Francisco was also a member of the Marriott Business Council in Portugal, and currently leads merytu, a tech start-up incubated by Blueshift.

Achievements

Was awarded as the best General Manager for the Marriott group, among 650 properties in Europe.

Led the team behind a 7,4x EBITDA increase for an international brand 5-star hotel under insolvency procedure.

Led the reopening of former Westin Campo Real in only 45 days and the handover do Dolce Hotels & Resorts.

Co-ordinated the turnaround of Portuguese group ‘Hotéis Real’, increasing EBITDA by 162% in 3 years.

Led the turnaround of 5 star ‘Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa’, increasing the EBITDA tenfold in only one year.

As a Regional Head of Communication and Marketing of Starwood, increased 8x the Advertising Value Equivalent (AVE).

Was the youngest ever Director of Sales and Marketing at Starwood, distinguished as ‘best performance sales person’ in Europe.

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“A professional of excellence, both in accounting matters and in the matters related to audit and duties and obligations of statutory auditors. I highlight her integrity, the quality of her work and the sense of ethics and professionalism.”

João Ramos – Partner, PwC

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“Excellent financial knowledge and professional ethics. Always with a positive attitude, easy communication, great ability to lead teams.”

Carlos Ramalho da Silva – CFO & Board Member, Yilport Iberia Group

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“Affordable and available, responsible and fulfilling and, not least, a reference to the newest ones that follow her in the teams.”

Luís Ferreira – Partner, PWC

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“In addition to her personal characteristics that make her a leader, such as responsibility, ethics and fairness, she has excellent knowledge of accounting principles, namely IFRS, and internal control.”

Maria João Faia – Director, PwC

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“A professional of excellence, always attentive to the details, and loyal to her colleagues.”

João Martins – Financial and Administrative Manager, Águas do Tejo Atlântico

Carla Andrade

Partner
CFO

Graduated in Business Economics by ISEG, Carla has post-graduations in Management and Leadership, by Catholic University, and in Top Management in Hospitality and Tourism, by INDEG-ISCTE. She is also certified in auditing and internal control according to the Sarbanes-Oxley law. Carla worked twenty years in auditing and consulting, at Coopers & Lybrand and PWC, where she developed strong skills in financial consolidation and reporting, public offerings and M&A. As a CFO at Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, Carla was a key element on the turnaround process led by Blueshift.

Achievements

Integrated, as CFO, the team of a hotel, managed under an international brand, that achieved a six-fold EBITDA increase in the two years after taking over.

Was, for 20 years, a consultant at PWC, achieving a Manager position.

Solid experience in financial consolidation and reporting in several corporations quoted on the Portuguese stock exchange Euronext Lisboa.

Experience in IPOs, including a capital increase of € 1,2 billion by Portuguese utility EDP.

Experience and certification in auditing and internal control, according to Sarbanes-Oxley law.

Experience in M&A, as a consultant in several transactions.

Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique Hotel

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Esmeralda Correia

Pedro Catapirra

Marc Brander

Filipe Santiago

Francisco Nogueira de Sousa

Carla Andrade