A sense of luxury: Alma Senses Concept Store brings to Lagos a new, distinctive and carefully curated vision of lifestyle
– July 20, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio
Opened in late 2023 and then relaunched earlier this year in a characterful, tiled townhouse in the city’s historic centre, this refined space is anything but ordinary.
Inside, the store’s mauve tones and a décor reflecting “discreet luxury”, welcomes visitors with an elegant mix of exclusive décor and furniture crafted from wood, stone and marble, as well as beauty products made with organic ingredients, books, fashion pieces, lifestyle accessories and sporting goods.
Named after the couple’s daughter and inspired by the Portuguese word for ‘soul’, the store also offers items that speak to different cultures and corners of the globe.
“We don’t follow trends; we follow emotions, and that creates a special connection with the people who visit us. We want them to feel inspired, curious and welcomed,” says founder and owner Gen Holban, who is originally from Moldova and has called the Algarve her home since 2007.
With Alma Senses, she set out to create a space that “goes beyond the conventional”. She wanted to offer the city something she felt was missing: “Distinctive products and experiences” not found elsewhere in the region or the country.
This idea was brought to life through a personal, authentic and diverse curation that approaches luxury in an accessible and understated way. “Lagos isn’t just the place where we live. There is such a vibrant energy here, and it’s growing all the time, and it deserved a space like this,” Gen reflects.
Together with her husband, Miguel Gata – a Tourism graduate with a passion for electric bikes and outdoor adventure – Gen put her background in communication and interior design, along with professional experience in branding and curating, to good work and brought both vision and structure to the project.
Combining their skills and perspectives to build an identity around products and services they both like, use and genuinely recommend, they invite customers to “explore new sensations and create memorable moments”.
Whilst the broader categories in the store reflect Gen’s personal taste, Miguel is responsible for the clothing lines and experiences.
“My choices are guided by what I find beautiful, useful, well-made and meaningful,” she explains. She adds that she believes “in the healing power of beauty and sensory experiences to uplift the soul”, which is why every item she selects needs to evoke that feeling.
“Within each category, I always recommend what awakens the senses and curiosity of each customer. It’s all very personal,” she notes.
Every product stands out, whether for its scent, texture, appearance or story. Everything they sell carries “a common thread of wellbeing, beauty and feeling”.
The store’s offerings are not only diverse in type but also in origin. Highlights include elegant pieces from French brands, Arabic perfumes, electric bicycles and surfboards from Sweden, and a range of décor pieces from across Europe.
Another standout is the collection of Korean cosmetics and sunscreens, which Gen discovered on their honeymoon around Asia about 10 years ago, and she was captivated by the quality of the ingredients and the affordable prices.
Portuguese craftmanship is not forgotten. Alma Senses is the region’s sole representative of the Sanjo footwear brand and also features one-of-a-kind handmade ceramics crafted by Miguel himself.
This careful selection offers each visitor a layered experience that feels anything but commercial. “I enjoy provoking different emotions through the combination of products and sensations,” Gen explains. “I want customers to embark on a journey where time slows down and the senses awaken,” she adds.
To help visitors experience the store fully, Gen and Miguel provide individual advice tailored to each client’s needs, tastes, and lifestyle with a personalised curation service, available to both private clients and commercial spaces.
Whether selecting a fragrance, choosing beauty products or designing an entire interior concept, the couple are involved at every stage of the process and, when necessary, collaborate with specialised professionals.
To help design harmonious spaces before any investment is made – and to prevent impulse purchases or unnecessary spending, whilst keeping sustainability in mind – they use 3D images and faithful renderings.
This approach makes decision-making easier and ensures the final result matches or even exceeds the original vision.
“Our aim is to create spaces that are beautiful, functional and soulful, always staying true to the client’s style and budget,” they note.
Having met in Lagos, they decided to bring together their passions and interests in a space that appeals to everyone.
Gen and Miguel feel that by sharing what makes them feel good, they are also revealing a part of themselves.
Their aim is to “continue creating beauty”, to grow the business organically, and become a staple in the Algarve, all whilst preserving the authenticity of their concept.
Looking ahead, they hope to explore new collaborations and experiences and even consider the possibility of turning the concept into a franchise.
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