A Family Adventure in Portugal

Overview

Perched above the blue Atlantic and surrounded by evergreen gardens and fronted by a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, Vila Joya is striking family-run boutique resort.

There are just 22 rooms and expansive suites, each unique and with direct sea views, and casual, luxurious interiors of light, warm tones, natural materials and fine examples of Portuguese craftsmanship. Each room also includes a terrace or balcony, some with direct access to the garden.

At lunchtime and dinnertime, the terrace becomes a dining space under Dieter Koschina, patron at Vila Joya for over 25 years, winning two Michelin stars and becoming one of Portugal’s most highly decorated chefs. Fine dining is central to the Vila Joya experience and indeed the reason many people stay here again and again. There are also lighter bites at the Pool Restaurant. Indulgence continues at the fabulous spa which focuses on water, air and light.

Overview

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.

Overview

Vila Vita Parc sits in the centre of the Algarve, offering direct access to the beach. The stay is built in traditional Portuguese style with subtle nods to the region’s Moorish heritage. Inside, discover a collection of luxury rooms, suites and villas with private pools. Ranging from two-to-five bedrooms, each of their 5 villas benefits from the services of a personal butler who ensure your holiday goes seamlessly.

Combining the breathtaking beauty of its unspoiled setting with the vast array of amenities it has to offer, Vila Vita Parc is among Portugal’s best luxury hotels. On property, guests have access to seven pools including one heated and three for kids. There are tennis courts, mini-golf, a kid’s club, as well as personalised well-being programmes at their incredible wellness centre which is the only Sisley spa in Portugal.

When it comes to dining, Vila Vita Parc features a wide array of options with 11 restaurants, two of which are Michelin-starred. There are 6 bars and an incredible wine cellar. If you’re after a special evening, we suggest you try their Ocean’s Tasting Menu which features a superb gastronomic adventure, paired with Portuguese wines.

Overview

Rising from the cliffs of Praia das Gaivotas, VilaLara Thalassa Resort tops the list as one of the best luxury hotels in Portugal. And for good reason: set on 11 leafy acres of magnificent seaside gardens, this destination resort invites guests to enjoy the beauty of the region with direct access to the buttery sands of the Algarve. VilaLara Thalassa also benefits from a central location – it is an easy 30 minutes drive from Faro’s airport.

Facing the sea, the resort consists of 104 junior suites, 7 suites and 12 apartments, each of which is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. What’s extra special about this retreat is that it features 5 swimming pools (one heated), 3 tennis courts and 1 Padel court – making it the ideal base for families traveling to the Algarve region. 

There is also an immense focus on personalised wellness. Vila Thalassa resort has one of the best thalassotherapy centres in the world, in partnership with the acclaimed Longevity Medical Spa. Everything here is completely customised, with treatments ranging from anti-ageing, detox and slimming. Anti-ageing checkups are also available.

Much like its beautiful setting, the restaurants at the hotel are also known to be exceptional. Where possible, ingredients are locally sourced and of course seafood takes the centre stage at each of their 3 dining venues. Guests also get to enjoy a variety of local Portuguese wines. 

Overview

Located in the heart of the Lisbon, at the top of one of the city’s famous seven hills, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz offers spectacular views across the city and river.

282 rooms and suites are beautifully decorated with 18th-century style furnishings as well as tapestries, painting and sculptures by contemporary Portuguese artists. Most rooms come with a private balcony overlooking the hotel gardens, Eduardo VII Park or the River Tajo so you can enjoy bird’s-eye-views and wonderful sunsets over the city’s rooftops.

One of Lisbon‘s gastronomic gems, the Verandah restaurant serves fresher-than-fresh seafood caught from the nearby Atlantic Ocean and boasts an impressive wine cellar. For those with a keen interest in cooking, the hotel can arrange tastings, visits to the fish market and cooking classes. There is a also a sushi bar for fresh, healthy bites.

Named after the famous Portuguese artist, Jose Almada Negreiros, the hotel lounge is a favourite haunt for guests and locals alike. The centrepiece of the Ritz bar is Pedro Leitao’s piano, which has been signed by world-famous artists. Take a seat under one of the hand-made Centauros tapestries or head out onto the terrace to drink in the views.

There is a spa featuring an indoor pool and treatment rooms for when you want to completely unwind, as well as a rooftop fitness centre and running track for those who like an active start to their day.

There are 60 pieces of art throughout the hotel and privatley guided tours can be arranged for guests to learn more about them and their history.

Overview

Surrounded by a stunning 17-acre estate of umbrella pines, cork trees, wild sand dunes, wildflowers, rice fields and a stretch of pristine, white-sand beach, Sublime Comporta is a fabulous contemporary retreat a little over an hour from Lisbon.

There are 14 white, minimalist, rustic bedrooms spread between the main building and a nearby annex, as well as a selection of beautiful 2, 3 and 5 bedroom ‘cabana’ villas.

The chic restaurant, Sem Porta, celebrates seasonal local produce and producers in a relaxed, modern setting. Think fresh oysters and sea bass with herbs and vegetables from the organic twinned with wonderful regional wine. There’s also a cocktail bar as well as another drinks venue by the swimming pool.

Activities in the surrounding areas include horse-back riding on the dunes, fields and deserted beaches of Comporta, picnics on private lakes, excursions out with a local fisherman, wine tasting and excursions to discover Portugal’s only resident dolphin community, though sitting back and relaxing is the order of the day here. Sublime Comporta’s spa offers a wide variety of treatments in indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a sauna, steam bath and a heated indoor pool with all organic products.

Overview

Bairro Alto, a beautiful boutique hotel, is nestled in the historic downtown heart of Lisbon and combines style, bohemia and sophistication all with the classic charm of a different time. You’ll find it sandwiched between the bohemian Bairro Alto and the chic Chiado district, within easy reach of all the city’s sights.

With just 87 rooms and suites, the hotel has an intimate feel. There are 3 types of room to choose from, ranging from single to prestige Chiado. All rooms include main square or city views, and combine classic materials with the contemporary touch. The 5 suites are bright and spacious, with rooms looking out over the city of Lisbon and the Tagus River – some featuring private balconies from which to admire the views.

After showcasing the best that Portuguese food has to offer around the world, Chef Nuno Mendes has returned to his hometown to oversee the restaurant BAHR and terrace. Here you will enjoy modern and creative cuisine with a focus on Portuguese flavours. For sublime views, head to the top-floor terrace and enjoy a drink as the sun goes down and the city twinkles in the evening light. Or, for a re-invigoration of the senses, relax with a massage or head to the hotel’s steam room to let your skin breathe.

Overview

Located in the heart of Lisbon in the captivating Chiado, Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real neighbourhoods, facing the breathtaking panoramic views of the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint and the emblematic Glória Tram, you’ll find the stunning Palácio Ludovice hotel.

The property is a former private residence of João Federico Ludovice, architect to King João V in the 18th century and the restoration has been sympathetic to original features and character. The decor is classic, sophisticated and with depth and warmth in the choice of colour and soft furnishings that gives an eclectic and intriguing feel.

The hotel has 61 rooms and suites. There are 4 room categories, some offering multiple windows and balconies with unparalleled city views while others have gorgeous interior courtyard sights. There are 3 categories of elegant suites with spacious marble bathrooms and large windows featuring walk-in rain showers and tubs.

Dining at the hotel is a wonderful experience with food and wine given much thought and appreciation. The courtyard at Palácio Ludovice is the rendezvous place for food lovers and wine connoisseurs. The hotel’s facilities also include a spa and wellness area that exudes peace and serenity with signature wellness treatments and a carefully curated boutique shop with a selection of the most exclusive products and a fully equipped gym.

Overview

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.

Overview

Indulge in sophisticated luxury amid elegant surroundings at InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas in the centre of Porto. The exquisitely restored interiors speak of the palace’s grand past.

The 105 charming and spacious rooms and suites offer views out over peaceful enclosed gardens, Liberdade Square and the Clerigos Tower. The design is contemporary, making for comfortable inner-city havens.  Chic suites boast living rooms, and balconies with views out over the Porto skyline.

Dine in style at Astoria Restaurant, where the menu features traditional Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine with modern flourishes. Local, seasonal ingredients ensure the richness of the traditional flavours is preserved. As the sun goes down sip on cocktails and port wines in the elegantly stylish Cardosas Bar. Styled on a British library, this is also where you’ll find an indulgent afternoon tea.

When you are not out exploring the fascinating city, relax with a spa treatment or two, or fit in a work out in the fitness centre.

Overview

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant city of Porto, Portugal, Infante Sagres has been a symbol of sophistication and refinement since its establishment in 1951.

As you step through the grand entrance, you’ll immediately be captivated by the hotel’s magnificent architecture, which blends classic design elements with contemporary touches. The meticulously restored interior showcases a seamless fusion of opulence and comfort, creating an ambiance that exudes both grandeur and intimacy.

There are 85 rooms and suites in total – all of which have been refurbished to bring the Infante Sagres back to its former glory as Porto’s premier historic luxury hotel. Guests can choose from 8 different rooms types, some with spectacular views over the historic city of Porto.

Infante Sagres also plays host to the elegant and stylish Vogue Café – a space which invites you to step inside the Vogue world – a world of excitement, luxury and timeless elegance. Discover their all-day menu featuring the best in contemporary European cuisine as you take in the décor that feels like it has been lifted directly from the pages of the magazine.

With its prime location, the hotel serves as the perfect base for exploring the charms of Porto. When it’s time to step outside, bask in the beauty of Neoclassical structures and statues as you stroll down Avenida dos Aliados. Or go back to the Ribeira neighborhood, where the city first began, stopping to admire the views from the hilltop cathedral. In the evening, head back to the hotel to experiment with one of their fabulous, freshly prepared cocktails or choose from an extensive list of fine wines and champagnes.