Portugal

Valverde is hidden behind a discreet door on Avenue da Liberdade, in one of the most exclusive areas of Lisbon. All the more charming for its hidden character, the hotel evokes the air of a stately town house with its perfectly polished design. The deep colours that shade the walls contrast with the bright tones of the fabrics and cushions. A clever mix of retro details and antiques, vintage furniture and art prints extends from the entrance to the rooms. With high ceilings and exposed plumbing, the quasi-industrial ambience of the restaurant, O Sítio, belies the intimate dining experience.

As one would expect from the name, many of the heritage room accommodations at Convento do Espinheiro Hotel were originally monks’ cells. Today, those rooms and the other refined guest rooms are adorned with fine linens and furnishings, and have windows facing the surrounding hillsides. The convent/hermitage dates back to the 15th century and is now a national monument in a World Heritage city. Of course, the amenities are thoroughly 21st century, from the full service spa and the swimming pools to the heli-pad and elegant Divinus restaurant with its vaulted ceiling.

At Torre de Palma Wine Hotel in Portugal’s Alentejo region, first-time hoteliers Ana and Paulo Rebelo pay homage to the adage “to live like Romans”. The former pharmacists have all the ingredients that make for good living: elegant interiors in perfect harmony with nature, wine tastings from the hotel’s own 14th century vineyard and winery, an indulgent spa, and a restaurant that serves Alentejo’s best delicacies as well as offering culinary workshops. Ride a Lusitano horse, have a picnic in the vineyards or surrounding nature, swim indoors or outdoors, or run through the property’s orchard or whatever you do, this is glorious isolation at its best and you couldn’t be in better hands.

For a unique five star boutique experience in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal, stay at The One Palácio da Anunciada. Housed in a 16th century palace in the city’s most exclusive neighborhood, this magnificent hotel blends exquisite original architecture with modern amenities and facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, Portuguese restaurant, wine and tapas bar, unique event spaces, and the Despacio Spa at The One with a 24 hour gym and personalized facial and body treatments. The hotel’s guest rooms offer elegant design in neutral tones and its beautiful gardens feature a 100 year old dragon tree.

The Pousada de Lisboa occupies one of the most prestigious location in Portugal, situated on the nation's most iconic plaza, the Praça do Comércio. The building is a masterful example of Pombaline architecture that formerly housed the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs. This provenance gives the hotel an unparalleled sense of place and historical gravitas. The interior design is a masterful dialogue between its preserved 18th-century architecture and a sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic. Guests move through the original stone arches and vaulted ceilings, now complemented by elegant modern furnishings and curated lighting. The hotel's most distinguishing feature is its function as a living gallery; through a unique partnership with the Lisbon Museum, the property is adorned with a curated collection of fine art and historical artifacts, transforming its hallways and lounges into an immersive cultural experience that is both intimate and grand. The 90 rooms and suites are designed as serene sanctuaries, offering a tranquil retreat from the vibrant energy of the square outside. Each is a study in understated luxury and comfort. While steeped in history, the Pousada provides all the requisite modern amenities, including the upscale steakhouse RIB Beef & Wine, and a discreet wellness center complete with an indoor swimming pool and fitness area.

Quinta da Comporta is the manifestation of the region's sought-after lifestyle, conceived by architect Miguel Câncio Martins as a tribute to its natural and cultural heritage. The resort’s design is a masterclass in modern architecture, reinterpreting the traditional fishermen's cabaña huts with a luxury and contemporary lens. To merge the hotel with the surrounding rice fields, designer use natural, reclaimed materials, whitewashed walls, and an earthy palette. The property’s 40-meter, solar-heated infinity pool overlooks the rice paddies and serves as a serene focal point for relaxation and contemplation. The main public spaces are housed within two impressive, barn-like structures that anchor the resort. One is dedicated to wellness, home to the Oryza Spa, which offers holistic treatments inspired by its namesake—rice. The other is home to the Inari restaurant, the resort's culinary heart. The 73 rooms, suites, and villas are designed as serene sanctuaries, continuing the rustic-chic aesthetic with natural textures and custom furnishings. Select villas offer the heightened luxury of a private pool and dedicated butler service.

The Olissippo Lapa Palace is a resort within a city, an urban oasis tucked away on a hilltop in one of Lisbon’s most exclusive neighborhoods. The hotel was built as the private residence of the count of Valenças and is just moments from the city’s most famous sites and shopping streets. The luxurious furnishings come from the north of Portugal, recreating the styles of King D. João V and Queen D. Maria I, with Art Deco, colonial, Algarvian and neocassic flourishes. Of the three distinct sections, the Palace Wing offers the most traditionally Portuguese interiors, while the Garden Wing and Villas have a more contemporary feel. The Tower Room is a lavishly luxurious suite, with two private balconies (one of which is the turret of the original palace) and arguably the best view in Lisbon.

Highlighting the marble for which Vila Viçosa is renowned, Alentejo Marmoris Hotel & Spa is a shining example of a beautiful renovation. Integral to the build of the hotel, marble features throughout the property; from intricately decorated floors to the walls of the spa. With an indoor and outdoor pool and a restaurant serving superb regional cuisine, this is the ideal setting from which to discover the beauty of the Alentejo region of Portugal. The ambience at Alentejo Marmoris Hotel & Spa is both tranquil and comfortable. The rooms and suites are contemporary in style with streamlined furniture and the use of crisp, modern colours in the fabrics. Each one of the stunning marble bathrooms is individually designed and many of the rooms have an outdoor terrace. Head to the marble lined spa and try an indulgent treatment using products from the Bruno Vassari range.

The Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa is a sublime 5 star hotel in Cascais that results from the recovery of the former houses of the last King of Italy, Humberto II. It is the perfect escape for a stay that will make you travel in time. With a wonderful location, by the beaches of Cascais and Estoril, overlooking the sea, and 2 minutes from the Marina of Cascais. With an atmosphere between the classic and the contemporary that merge in one scenario, the Grande Real Villa Itália has a total of 124 rooms, including sophisticated suites and luxurious and spacious penthouses. For meals, the hotel has restaurants and bars, all with an imposing sea view, much natural light, and terraces.

Tucked away in a privileged location, through a narrow street and a small tunnel, sits Memmo Principe Real, home to a secret sightseeing spot with breathtaking view over the city and a gateway to explore one of the most charming neighborhoods in Lisbon. Amid the charming heritage of the ancient royalty that once lived here, one finds at Memmo Principe Real the same limestone flooring used in historical buildings, royal palaces and famous squares throughout the city. Here, too, is an embracing mix of contemporary and classic styles in a cosmopolitan ambiance of tranquility and impeccable service that provides the visitor with a Lisbon experience that feels both timeless and authentically local.

A testament to understated 1930s’ elegance, Palácio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Spa is located in the heart of Estoril, increasingly known as the Portuguese Riviera. Surrounded by manicured gardens with magnificent sea views, this sophisticated retreat offers elegant rooms and suites, an holistic spa, refined dining and an 18 hole golf course. Expect a warm and friendly welcome and attentive but unobtrusive service from the minute you enter Palácio Estoril. From its impressive façade to its traditionally styled interiors, this grown up establishment reflects an era renowned for style, sophistication and courteous hospitality.

A 19th-century palace where Portuguese royalty once summered is now part of Penha Longa Resort. So too are monastic ruins dating from 1355, and guests are offered a tour of both during their stay in this historic locale. The 196 earthy rooms are surprisingly modern, with every expected convenience and private balconies overlooking the lush Sintra region. Take a mountain hike or bike ride; then follow the spa’s meditation labyrinth. Michelin-starred plates are served in the intimate gastronomic restaurants Lab, Midori and Eneko Lisboa. Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed the gorgeous 27-hole golf course, ranked among Europe’s best.

Bairro Alto Hotel opened its doors for the first time in 2005, in the building where until 1980 was the Grand Hôtel de L'Europe, a landmark in the national hotel business history. The set of buildings where the Bairro Alto Hotel is located dates back to the XVIII century and it is an area of municipal interest in Lisbon more precisely between Bairro Alto and Chiado, two of the most emblematic neighborhoods of the city. Bairro Alto Hotel, a renowned member of "The Leading Hotels of the World”, is a pioneer in Portugal in the concept of 5 star boutique hotels. A milestone in the history of this hotel, which represents the best of Lisbon in an experience where charm, bohemia and sophistication guide visitors through the history of a breathtaking and enthralling city.