Famed Dentist Miguel Stanley, son of British mother and Portuguese father, was born in Durban, South Africa, where he lived until he was 9 years old. At that age and over the course of a year, he and his family embarked on a small yacht and sailed from South Africa to Portugal. Today he calls Lisbon home.
Nowadays Miguel is not only one of the most recognized dentists in Portugal, but is also lecturing all over the world on his work, specializing in cosmetic dentistry and implant surgery.
Recently Miguel starred in his own TV show; Dr. White, and is often a guest on CBS'S; The Doctors in Los Angeles.
Hence we wanted to know what grabs a smile from the man behind some of the most country's most beautiful smiles.
- Secret location?
My favorite secret location is the Monsanto natural park. It is a great place to go for walks and clear the city energy. You can cycle there and it has amazing views of Lisbon. It's literally 10 minutes from the center of town and is a great place to recharge your batteries. Plus it's free.
- Best view?
I love the view of Casais from the Penina monastery in the Sintra mountains. It's absolutely stunning. You have to climb a bit to get there but totally worth it.
- A guilty pleasure?
A Santini ice cream in the middle of the afternoon, but with a pre paid card so you get to jump the line.
- Where can we find you on Sunday?
Sundays I could be anywhere. I travel a lot for my lectures. I usually attend conferences over the weekend so it could be anywhere on the globe. If I'm in town, depending on the weather could be a walk on Guincho beach, Monsanto park or the quiet of Alentejo. I always like to have a nice fish lunch by the sea if I can. But mostly I would like to stay at home and chill with my wife.
- A trend for Lisbon’s future?
Dogs allowed in restaurants. We have a very well trained dog and if pet owners know their pet is well trained they should be allowed to go to restaurants and museums and beaches. If the animal leaves a mess, as responsible citizens we should clean up behind us and be fined if things go wrong. I understand some owners are messy, but many are not. We see this in France, Switzerland and the U.K., would like to see it here in Lisbon.
- Favourite drink in the city? Coolest place to have a drink? Whats your favourite summer drink?
Not just saying this but I have been enjoying my end of the day drinks and teas on the terrace at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon for almost 15 years now. It's a second home, where service is incredible and not too many people. My favorite drink is water, but my favorite alcoholic drink has to be good wine. We have amazing wines in Portugal. My favorite summer drink is rosé with ice in it.
- Where do you like to unwind?
I like to unwind in the comfort of my own home. It's where I feel the best energy. If necessary we have a masseuse come to the house and then I can just pass out in my own bed.
- Something you cannot resist?
We love the mercado biologico in Cascais on the weekends. It's where we go and get our fruits and veggies for the week. Also the flowers are amazing. After that a great meal at a sea side restaurant is a must. My usual order is, bruxas, perceves, ameijoas a Bulhao Pato and a grilled fish. I've started ordering the Turbot (Pregado) and it must always be sea fished and not farmed.
- What's your favourite beach?
Guincho when it's not windy or Praia Grande.
- You have hectic schedules - where do you find yourself having lunch during the week when in town?
Close to my clinic in Miraflores there are a few places to grab a quick bite. Unfortunately not the healthiest options as I prefer. Usually I cannot afford the time to have long lunches. If I have a little extra time I love Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon for its amazing service and its octopus lagareiro or Tomo Japanese in Algés for its sushi.
Sometimes will I even bring food to work if my wife has cooked. She is super healthy and really is a talent.
- A favourite daytrip from Lisbon (cascais? Sintra? Comporta...) And why?
Love to go to Azenhas do Mar for lunch after a drive around Sintra and a walk with our dog in the forest.. Not far and it's like another dimension. It is a pleasure to do this.
- Whilst you travel all over the world, you call Lisbon home. What is it about the city that draws you?
My family, my friends and my work. In that order. In Lisbon, the colors, smells and the food just make this place home for me. Everyone knows me in my local hangouts and I love great service.
- Where do you like to walk your dog, Iris?
When we are pressed for time, Jardim de Santos, is good but it seriously needs to be cleaned up. Monsanto is great as I said and of course Sintra.
- Someone NOT to be stuck in an elevator with?
Haha! Great question. I really get on with everyone and I solve problems for a living, so I would turn that into an adventure no matter with who I was.
I guess drunk football fans singing .That would kind of freak me out.
- Your favourite smile? (we know what you're going to say!!!)
My favorite smile ....Well for character I have to say my wife's she has a beautiful natural smile. I did nothing to it.
In professional terms I have some epic transformations that are seen all over the world on some of my celebrity patients, but unfortunately I cannot tell you who they are.