curriculum to further meet the demands of those looking to put down roots in the destination .
While Portugal ’ s Golden Visa program is now under scrutiny by government leadership , the Sterns are trying to capitalize on the ongoing plan that allows residency and eventual citizenship in the Schengen Area through the purchase of real estate for € 500,000 in Lisbon . In fact , the Martinhal team has been going as far as to help organize meetings for legal residency and admissions for the school .
Further broadening their scope , the Sterns ’ hotels already accommodate extended-stays and they also sell villas and adjacent houses that are returned to the rental pool . For example , Martinhal Chiado in Lisbon has 36 apartments with full kitchens and washer / dryers , and naturally includes a Kids Club .
Long-term rentals there start at € 37 per night , based on a six month stay .
COMPLIMENTARY COUPLE Being a couple that works together can be treacherous for a relationship , but Chitra said with complementary skill sets , they manage very well . “ We love the fact that we are building something together ,” she added . “ And this way , we ’ re both completely aware of each other ’ s priorities , and therefore , there ’ s no argument when it comes to one person having to bear more responsibility at home or playing tag – we ’ re very good at that . It all has a lot of benefits , and we ’ re still married 22 years later – so we love it .”
For the record , the children range from age 20 to 11 . “ It ’ s physically exhausting with young children and mentally exhausting as they grow older ,” Chitra joked . But in the next breath , she mentioned how much she and Roman have learned from her kids , and better understand the requirements and stress points of traveling with a big family .
Both Chitra and Roman are in the big strategic decisions about new development projects and whether they fit the portfolio . “ We ’ re both MBAs . So , we don ’ t have to explain much to each other . We both have finance backgrounds , as well ,” Chitra added . “ By and large , he ’ s the CEO of the Martinhal companies and I ’ m CEO of the operating companies . In other words , my husband is in the future and I am in the present .”
Chitra also has to act as CFO and CMO . “ I am the face of the companies and Roman is the one who absolutely pushes me forward .”
Being the one who runs the dayto-day business , Chitra said that the past two years were “ very tough .” But she quickly added that 2022
Luxury villa at Martinhal Sagres .
Jan / Feb 2023 hotelsmag . com 37