Sao Lourenço do Barrocal

This hotel was the family home of the Yeatmans, the British owners of a large port business. A hillside position on the banks of the River Douro in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia and next to ancient port houses puts the hotel in a prime position for epic views and interesting activities. The decor is classic and elegant, in keeping with the family’s heritage. The 109 rooms and suites feature antique artefacts and pictures from different Portuguese wine producers, opening out onto private balconies overlooking the river and the city’s historic centre. Be immersed in the city’s culture in the ADF Suite, where the bed head is an original barrel top and the domed oak ceiling mimics the enormous oak barrels used in wine production. A highlight of a stay at The Yeatman is dining at the two gourmet restaurants. Enjoy imaginative cuisine where the traditional flavours are reinterpreted and presented immaculately. The restaurant is bright and airy and offers spectacular views over the river. There’s a comprehensive list of Portuguese wines and food and wine pairing menus take you on a journey through Portugal’s diverse and varied wine regions. Relax and unwind at the hotel spa which offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, using natural ingredients from the surrounding vineyards. There is also an indoor and outdoor rooftop pool – take a dip in the evening and admire the twinkling lights of the city laid out before you.

Set on a wide bend of the Douro river amid wonderful woodland, Six Senses Douro Valley occupies a thoroughly renovated 19th-century manor house with fabulous views out over the surrounding vineyards. The interior blends original features and monumental beams with contemporary artwork. Many of the rooms feature vast floor-to-ceiling windows and wonderful views. Suites overlook the Douro, and there is a selection of multi-roomed apartments and a villa with its own pool for the utmost privacy. Three restaurants and a range of dining areas celebrate the region, with seasonal produce from the fertile valley and the estate’s organic gardens. Sample some of the Wine Library’s hundreds of vintages with nightly tastings, or watch the sunset with a cocktail on the terrace. An expansive spa has ten treatment rooms and there is both a heated indoor and scenic outdoor pool. Many of the experiences here are, naturally, wine-focused. Vineyard tours, port tasting and unique harvesting experiences are complemented by trips to explore the historic towns and villages that dot this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The adventurous can head out hiking, mountain biking and canyoning, while river cruises are a more relaxed way to spend an afternoon.

Surrounded by the forests of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, you’d never guess this sprawling resort was just 30 minutes from the centre of Lisbon. Encompassing a 19th-century palace originally founded as a monastery in the 14th century, 27 Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf holes amid within historic ruins and a modern spa and wellness center, the Penha Longa Resort is a fine base out of the city. There are 194 stylish rooms, all with balconies, six restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and acres of grounds to explore. During your time here, venture into the capital city, discover the national park or head to nearby Estoril and Cascais beaches for a surfing lesson. Families are also well catered for here with a kid’s club.

In the heart of the Algarve and looking out over the Praia da Rocha beach is Hotel Bela Vista, a beautiful historic property with plenty of Portuguese charm. The building dates from 1918 but the interiors are thoroughly contemporary, creating an exciting blend of old and new. There are just 38 rooms and suites, each designed by one of Portugal’s leading interior designers. Expect bright colours, bold geometric patterns and beautiful ceramic and tile detailing. Rooms come with views of either the ocean, garden or the main street of Praia da Rocha, and some have their own private balconies. Experience the flavours of Portugal at the Vista Restaurant, where guests can dine inside or on the terrace overlooking the Atlantic. There is also a L’Occitane spa with a sauna, hammam and treatments rooms, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. The beautiful Praia da Rocha beach is on your doorstep and there is direct, private access from the hotel.