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From beautiful cities abuzz with art and music to historic towns, majestic mountains and unspoiled beaches, there are many reasons to visit Portugal. If you’re planning a trip to this magical country, you might want to stay in one of these stunning resorts to help you create an ideal, unforgettable escape.
Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa, Cascais
The five-star Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa offers the ultimate in luxury, sophistication and comfort along with spectacular Atlantic Ocean views. This magnificent property is absolutely gorgeous, boasting marble flooring in its spacious lobby, a large indoor spa and outdoor saltwater pools. Tastefully decorated rooms offer lovely sea or garden views along with bluish Cascais marble that provides a sense of calm while reflecting the peaceful sand of the region. The on-site spa, Real Spa Therapy, offers a relaxing atmosphere inspired by Roman bathhouses with a variety of treatments and massages available. Guests also enjoy outstanding cuisine in the Navegantes Restaurant and outdoor terrace at Belvedere Restaurante.
Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel, Lisbon
Originally built in 1870 as a private residence for the Count of Valencia, the Lapa Palace sits atop a hill overlooking the Tagus River, tucked among tranquil gardens for a chic resort feel in a city setting. Every aspect is superb, from the lush, manicured gardens with a pond, waterfall, streams, centuries-old trees, tropical flowers and a swimming pool to the amazing views and the delicious Mediterranean cuisine at Lapa Restaurant. Located near St. Jorge’s Castle, a five-minute walk from the docks, guests can enjoy a day of sightseeing before returning to a sun lounger and a refreshing cocktail by the pool.
After dark, enjoy live music at the Rio Tejo Bar, before returning to impressive accommodations, with the best including the Royal Suite and Tower Room, which is geared for honeymooners featuring a pop-up television at the end of the bed, a Jacuzzi for two, and a private turret for dining al fresco with a panorama of the city. Enjoy the ultimate in indulgence at the Lapa Palace Spa, with heated indoor and outdoor pools as well as a variety of therapies, massages and more, as well as a fully-equipped gym. This absolutely stunning property has even hosted the likes of European royalty, Sting, Cher and Paul McCartney.
Vila Vita Parc, Porches
This magnificent Moorish-style beach resort on the enchanting Algarve coast is surrounded by 40 acres of botanical gardens featuring lakes, palm trees, colorful shrubs and fountains, designed to blend in and harmonize with local nature. Guest rooms and suites have jaw-dropping sea or garden views, while the luxurious oceanfront suites offer supreme luxury with private pools and unspoiled ocean vistas. Renowned for its attention to detail, guests also enjoy elegantly served haute cuisine at the 2 Michelin-starred Ocean, as well as authentic Portuguese cooking at Adega Restaurant among its multiple seasonal restaurants and bars. As this property overlooks a safe, sandy beach and also hosts a number of swimming pools and family suites, it’s an especially good choice for families. The adults can enjoy golf, water sports or spa treatments while the children enjoy the kids park and teen programs
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel, Sagres
The stylish Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel is also ideal for families. Created to blend into its protected natural Sagres setting, the contemporary architecture and facilities combine resulting in total luxury. The first five-star property in the region, it’s nestled between the land and the sea, adjacent to the natural park, home to more than 100 different species of flora considered to be rare, endemic or highly localized, as well as an abundance of wildlife such as lynx, otter, hedgehog, fox and eagle. Accommodation includes beautifully decorated and positioned rooms in Hotel Martinhal as well as houses in Martinhal Village, each elegantly furnished with items made using natural materials to reflect the surroundings. All have private balconies or terraces that afford striking ocean views.
Vila Joya, Albufeira
Vila Joya, known as the Algarve’s most hedonistic retreat is set on the cliffs overlooking the sea and boasts a beautiful spa, luxurious suites and a 2 star Michelin restaurant – the only Portugal eatery to make the top 50 on the San Pellegrino list of the World’s Best Restaurant. It prepares incredible cuisine that combines the freshest seafood and uses produce purchased from local growers and fishermen, as well as the finest quality goose liver, caviar and truffles imported from Europe’s best markets. Here, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere of an Oriental palace, with each lavish room and suite featuring a terrace or balcony with stunning Atlantic views. Facilities including a Turkish bath, heated swimming pool, sauna, tennis court, gardens and beach access.
Belmond Reid's Palace - Funchal, Madeira
This quintessential European resort is set in the Madeira Islands, providing sweeping views of the Atlantic. Since opening in 1891 to accommodate passengers traveling on ocean liners, it epitomizes a romantic golden age of luxury and extravagance, along with the best of old-fashioned hospitality. The property has hosted numerous European dignitaries over the decades, including Winston Churchill who was said to have written his war memoirs here. Guests enjoy five-star accommodations along with its unsurpassed location on a coastline of volcanic rock. The opulent rooms embrace timeless elegance, with marble bathrooms and balconies that stretch towards the ocean. The resort is surrounded by 10 acres of landscaped subtropical gardens, and its restaurants support the local produce and agriculture industry by serving organic fruit and vegetables, as well as creating tasty summer cocktails and spa treatments that use native plants.
Cascade Wellness Resort, Lagos
Overlooking the mysterious, alluring cliffs of Ponta da Piedade with uninterrupted sea views, the Cascade Wellness Resort is just a few minutes from the historic town of Lagos as well as the golden beaches and natural parks of western Algarve, for an unforgettable vacation experience. The property pays homage to the area’s heritage in every detail, including the flowing lines and curves characteristic to Moorish opulence. The rooms, apartments and luxe villas each represent continents visited by Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator on his trade route: Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. Each grand living space in this five-star resort features plush towels and bathrobes, L’Occitane toiletries, plasma TVs and top-of-the-line bed linens, with the pillows and bedding made in Switzerland, specifically for this resort.
The Cliff Bay - Funchal, Madeira
Perched on a cliff overlooking the bay of Funchal, The Cliff Bay is surrounded by tropical gardens that provide an especially peaceful atmosphere, along with outstanding recreational and leisure facilities. The resort has its own sea access and spacious rooms and suites, each sophisticatedly furnished and featuring the modern conveniences you’d expect in an upscale five-star property, along with balconies boasting a sea view, side sea view or mountain view. Enjoy dining on the terrace of the Blue Lagoon, inspired by the ocean and its gentle sea breeze as well as the diverse flavors of the Rose Garden restaurant and sublime dinners at the two Michelin-starred Il Gallo d’Oro. Daily live entertainment can be found at the main bar, while activities available include swimming in indoor and outdoor pools, indulging in health and beauty treatments at the spa, playing a match on the tennis court, diving and kayaking.
Penha Longa Resort, Sintra
Just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, this Ritz-Carlton managed resort offers world-class accommodations and the pleasures of a spa as well as two stunning golf courses and a variety of other recreational facilities. Located within a 545-acre national park on the southern Sintra Mountains, this 19th-century palace originally founded as a monastery in the 14th-century, offers an especially breathtaking location set among rolling hills, lush gardens and tranquil lakes. Restaurants serve a variety of fare, from the Michelin-starred Lab by Sergi Arola to Mediterranean cuisine at Arola. The stylish rooms are all equipped with balconies for enjoying those picturesque views.
Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa, Evora
Convento do Espinheiro Hotel and Spa is set within the building of a 15th-century convent in the historic town of Evora, surrounded by beautiful gardens and impeccably restored to a level fitting of this UNESCO World Heritage destination. The property features chic rooms, including spacious suites and an especially stunning Room Suite Real, with comfort and luxury throughout. The eclectic styles date anywhere from the 15th-century origins of the convent to quirky 1950s’ interior décor. Olive serves authentic Italian cuisine, while Cisterna Wine Bar is ideal for wine lovers and the Pool Bar serves refreshing cocktails.
Pestana Viking Resort, Porches
Located near one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal, Armacao de Pera, this is an ideal resort for those who are looking for calm and tranquility. It boasts saltwater pools, an abundance of exotic palm trees and an indoor pool. It’s also great for families, offering a Kids Club and a luxurious spa and health center. Set on a cliff with golden sands below, guests have direct access to the beach with a number of sunbeds and sunshades, pedal boats and other watercraft for exploring the nearby caves and crystal clear azure waters. Choose from an extensive list of other activities too, including tennis, horseback riding, basketball and soccer.
The Lake Resort, Vilamoura
This elegant five-star spa resort is surrounded by extensive gardens and is just steps away from Falesia Beach, the marina and world-class golf courses. It includes cozy rooms, spacious suites and luxury apartments along with a private seawater lake, a unique natural sand bottom pool, a number of bars and restaurants, a library and, the Blue & Green Spa which features multiple treatment rooms, including a Vichy, jet shower and signature treatments. Located in the center of Vilamoura, it offers a taste of luxury in perfect harmony with the magnificent surroundings. A wide variety of dining options includes a Mediterranean restaurant floating on a private lake.
Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa, Albufeira
Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean in a picturesque beachfront location, the Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa has all the ingredients for an unforgettable getaway. The property’s incredibly lush, green gardens contrast with the brilliant blue of the water, offering an especially luxurious setting in which to relax and unwind. You’ll find multiple outdoor swimming pools, one saltwater and heated, as well as a spa, sun terrace, parasols, sunbeds and a shower area. All rooms feature a balcony or terrace for taking in those amazing views. A number of eateries can be found onsite including the Pergula Restaurant, an ala carte restaurant serving Mediterranean-style cuisine for dinner and the Santa Eulalia Restaurant, featuring Portuguese and International specialties.
SANA Sesimbra, Sesimbra
SANA Sesimbra, set in the heart of the charming fisherman’s town of Sesimbra, overlooks the sea and features attractive, modern rooms with large windows and balconies offering beautiful ocean or town views. Nestled between Arrabida Natural Park and the Atlantic, it’s also just a short drive from several renowned golf courses, while the seafront promenade is lined with a number of quaint shops and cafes. Espadarte Restaurant has a terrace facing the beach, while the rooftop pool adds to its allure – enjoy sipping a drink while taking in the panoramic vista over the bay as the sun goes down.
