A Luxury Trip to Spain and Portugal

Overview

One of Madrid’s newest boutique hotels, set among noble residences and grand embassies, the Hotel Urso has quickly become one of the hottest and trendiest places to lay your head.

Housed in an early 20th-century palace, its neoclassical style gives off an air of sophistication, while its well-appointed interiors are comfortable and stylish.

Its six categories of guest rooms and suites range in size, bed type and views, yet all feature contemporary Scandi-chic-style décor and calming tones.

Wake up to breakfast each morning in the light-filled conservatory, decorated in Oriental-inspired 18th century wallpaper and bamboo plants. When you’re ready to head out and explore, you’ll find sites such as the Madrid History Museum, the National Museum of Romanticism and the vast Retiro Park, located close by.

Wind down after your day in the plush wood-panelled spa, offering a variety of massages and specialised skincare treatments. And when you’re fully relaxed, head to the sleek Urso Bar for cocktails and gourmet Spanish tapas, made from ingredients sourced at the local Mercado de Barceló. The hotel restaurant, ½ Ración, which means ‘half portion’ offers cuisine based on the traditional Madridian food.

Overview

In the heart of Madrid, along the grand Paseo de la Castellana boulevard, is where you’ll find Rosewood Villa Magna. Long esteemed for hosting discerning travellers, Rosewood Villa Magna has been thoughtfully refurbished to an elevated level of contemporary style that features modern amenities.

Each of the 154 guestrooms and suites are a calm haven amidst the cosmopolitan surroundings of the vibrant Spanish capital. Rosewood Villa Magna’s 101 guestrooms offer a quietly elegant, modern aesthetic that is both soothing and inspiring, whilst the 53 suites offer privacy and vast spaces ideal for families or relaxed romantic escapes. Each suite features a sitting room and large windows to frame sunny vistas and the twinkling city lights. Suites also overlook Castellana Boulevard, the hotel gardens or the city with its pretty boutiques.

Dining options consist Amós Restaurant, where you can indulge on the exceptional produce of Spain’s northern lands, along with Las Brasas de la Castellana Restaurant. Here you can enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine on a terrace that overlooks the elegant gardens. There is also an all day cafe and a terrace bar where you can relax with a drink as the sun dips below the horizon.

Experiences include treating yourself to a massage or a treatment at the Sense spa, or exploring the local neighbourhoods of Madrid.

Overview

Granada is a city steeped in history, but this hasn’t stopped it embracing modern Spanish culture with aplomb. The blend of old and new is what makes a stay at the Hospes Palacio de los Patos so special.

The hotel is split across two buildings, one a renovated 19th century palace and the other a striking modern construction. The interior is bright and airy, and rooms in the older part of the hotel contain beautiful features such as plasterwork ceilings, Doric columns and friezes.

After a day of exploring, you’ll relish the opportunity to relax and unwind in the spa which features Turkish baths, a sauna and thermal pool. Sightseeing can build up quite the appetite so enjoy some traditional Spanish tapas or dishes inspired by the city’s Moorish past in the hotel’s restaurant.

No trip to Granada would be complete without visiting the majestic Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th century. Be sure to also stop by the Granada Cathedral and the Alcazaba, a wonderfully preserved Moorish fortress.

Overview

Granada is a city with more than its fair share of beautiful buildings and stunning architecture. The luxurious AC Palacio de Santa Paula occupies the former Santa Paula Convent which has been lovingly restored to offer guests a relaxing retreat bursting with character.

The hotel is centred around a beautiful courtyard with elegant stone arches and palm trees, the delicate tinkling of the fountain in the background. It also houses the tombs of the nuns from the convent. Admire it from the wraparound balcony on the first floor, complete with 16th century frescos, or sink into one of the chairs and enjoy it illuminated at night.

Fusing old and new, the hotel has managed to retain its charm and authenticity while allowing guests to enjoy all the comforts of a modern hotel. There are 75 rooms and suites, some with exposed brick walls and views over the courtyard.

The restaurant occupies the former convent library and the menu makes for good reading, fusing traditional Andalusian flavours with more modern culinary concepts. The courtyard is the perfect setting for a glass of wine and nibbles.

You’re ideally situated on the Gran Via de Colon, one of the main avenues in Granada’s old quarter. The cathedral and archeological museum are on your doorstep and the majestic Alhambra is within walking distance.

Overview

The Alhambra is one of the most iconic landmarks not just in Granada, but across Europe. The Parador de Granada is located within its grounds and is the perfect place to appreciate it in all its glory.

A former Franciscan convent, the Parador was built on the site of a Nasrin palace. The remains of the Turkish bathes are still visible today and other relics are housed in the hotel museum. Part of the building was the former chapel where the kings of Spain were buried before moving to the Royal Chapel.

Enjoy a stroll in the garden, from which you can look out at the city’s medieval walls and towards the Sacramonte and Albaicín neighbourhoods. The hotel blends classic and contemporary design with wooden floors, latticed shutters and pieces of antique furniture alongside more modern features in the 45 rooms and suites. The restaurant serves traditional Spanish cuisine and the terrace is the perfect place to while away balmy summer evenings.

The Alhambra is understandably one of Spain’s most popular attractions, but your prime location means you can enjoy its majestic palaces and beautiful gardens once the crowds have disappeared.

Overview

Steeped in history, the Hotel Alfonso XIII was constructed by order of the King as luxury lodging for the international VIPs attending the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

This grand structure quickly became an emblem of the city centre and has been continuously used as a hotel until the present day, although Franco’s regime necessitated a name change to the Andalusian Palace while under his rule. To this day, you’ll find that it is the city centre’s only true, luxury property.

Typically Andalusian in style, the hotel expresses the region’s mixed Moorish and Castilian founding influences with authentic and detailed features. Each of its 151 bedrooms including its 19 suites are unique in design, falling into three style categories: Andalusian, Moorish, and Castilian.

Alongside its exalted, majestic architecture, Hotel Alfonso XIII is also notable for its large pool, which sits amidst lush gardens. This makes it a rare urban sanctuary and one of the only locations where being in Seville during the heat of high summer will be thoroughly enjoyable.

By the pool you’ll find an al fresco restaurant that turns itself into a twinkling vision after dark and serves Spanish and international delicacies. You can also eat in the sumptuously-tiled gallery surrounding an arched interior courtyard where you can take your breakfast and coffee. If you fancy something truly epicurean, the atmospheric Ena tapas bar is manned by Michelin-starred chef Carles Abellán of Barcelona. Afterwards, discuss the highlights of your meal to the accompaniment of live piano music at Bar Americano.

In terms of location, you’ll find that you really couldn’t be better placed to discover Seville. Hotel Alfonso XIII sits right on the edge of the old – pedestrianised – quarter, meaning that you can benefit from arriving to the hotel by car and walking five minutes to outstanding historic sites such as the Cathedral de Seville, the Alcazar, Puente de S. Telmo, and Plaza de Espana.

Overview

This innovative luxury 12-roomed boutique hotel is located in the Casa Palacio Castelar in the heart of the historic centre of Seville near the Plaza Nueva and next to the emblematic Bullring La Maestranza. One of the main concerns of the Mercer group is the conservation of the heritage and culture of the buildings of all of their hotels. The integration of the old and the new is one of their hallmarks.

Mercer Sevilla boasts a minimalist and refined atmosphere in a typical Andalusian setting. Behind the elegant classic façade, you’ll find a patio and a beautiful courtyard with a marble floor, which is covered by a spectacular dome bathing the space with natural light. There’s also the majestic original staircase from the Casa Palacio Castelar. María Luisa gastronomic restaurant and FIZZ cocktail bar can be found around the Andalusian-style patio.

Head to the rooftop and you’ll find a charming terrace, with a pool and a solarium. This oasis of peace is the perfect place from which to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the picturesque Arenal District.

Overview

The 18th-century Hacienda de San Rafael lies within a former olive estate in the beautiful Andalusian countryside, halfway between Seville and Jerez de la Frontera, famous for its sherry bodegas and dancing horses.

Rooms are centred around a pretty bougainvillea-filled courtyard and open out onto a veranda where guests can enjoy breakfast. There are also three suites set within the peaceful gardens. High ceilings ensure plenty of space and light, and each room is individually designed with carefully selected antiques, fabrics and artefacts.

The hotel lies within five acres of gardens and features three outdoor swimming pools and a tennis court. Whenever possible, dining is al fresco and there are two outdoor bars where you can enjoy a drink and appreciate the colourful flowers and the warmth of the Andalusian sun. The focus is on honest Mediterranean food with fresh fish brought in from the Atlantic, meat from locally reared Iberian pigs and vegetable from their own organic garden.

With its wealth of history and culture, Seville is less than an hour’s drive away, as is Jerez de la Frontera with its palm-lined squares and Moorish architecture. To the east is the Sierra de Cadiz and its cluster of hilltop settlements known as ‘los pueblos blancos’ which translates as ‘the white villages’ due to the annual whitewashing of the houses. You’re also within easy each of the Costa de la Luz and Doñana National Park, a wetland reserve perfect for bird watching.

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

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

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

A short drive from the centre of Evora, Convento do Espinheiro is a historic hotel located within a 15th-century convent.

The chapel, cloisters, and extensive grounds create a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere and 92 rooms can be found in both the old building and modern annex.

Divinus Restaurant is located within the ancient wine cellar, and the high vaulted ceilings and flagstone floors really give the feeling of stepping back in times. In the summer, the courtyard, surrounded by Moorish arches, becomes another dining space provides the perfect place to dine while enjoying the sunshine. The bar is located in the former convent kitchen and the water deposit is now a wine bar where expert sommeliers will introduce you to the wines of the region.

The Diana Spa is named after the Roman temple of Diana in Evora, and features an indoor pool, treatment rooms, Turkish baths and sauna. There is also an outdoor pool, gym and tennis courts for those who like to keep active.

Overview

This exclusive retreat, set in the heart of Alentejo, effortlessly integrates modern architecture into nature. The interiors are designed by Marcio Kogan and feature artworks by Michael Biberstein.

The 22 suites offer you a place to relax surrounded by luxury and the tranquillity and beauty of nature. For a truly stellar romantic experience, choose to sleep beneath the stars in one of the sky suites.

Dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant and go on a gastronomic journey with Miguel Laffan. The menu features Portuguese flavours and ingredients.

Enjoy the outdoors and take a leisurely stroll through the estate’s vineyards, do a wine tasting, or take a tour of the other wine farms in the region.

Find renewal at the Caudalie spa where the treatments carry through the vineyard theme with grape-based products. There are also yoga and meditation sessions on offer, as well as individually designed detox programmes.

Overview

Perfectly integrated into the landscape, Herdade da Malhadinha Nova has five guest accommodations, with 26 rooms in total. They portray the various chapters in the history of this family-style project built around wine. Choose from peaceful villas, a country house or spectacular guest suites, many of which feature private balconies and exterior areas with singular views over the Alentejo plains and the outdoor pool.

For dining head to Herdade da Malhadinha Nova’s restaurant which draws inspiration from the local regional cuisine. Here all of the food is created with the organic produce grown on the estate, from the fields, vineyard, olive grove and pastures.

To indulge yourself further, make your way to the M Wellness spa. The treatments here are provided by Azores-born brand IGNAE and focus on specific facial products and body treatments. These use wine, honey and rosemary: three primary ingredients of Herdade da Malhadinha Nova.

The M Wellness Spa also offers experiences combining yoga classes, sensory showers and a sauna along with nutritional lunches made up of organic ingredients produced on the estate. These lunches are paired with wine, olive oil and honey. You can also take part in relaxation therapies or chakra alignment. Outside of the property you can enjoy activities such as an exhilarating balloon ride or skydive, or take it slow with a day spent baking bread and learning artisanal techniques.

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

Blending in its surroundings, this modern farmhouse sits minutes to some of Alentejo’s best beaches. Craveiral Farmhouse plays host to 38 self-contained cottages, three swimming pools, one indoor, one restaurant with garden products and organic food, a nature interpretation center, an orchard, a farm with animals, and all the space of the world, between countryside and sea.

The game-changing accommodation operates with sustainability at its very core – from the restaurants’ offerings to the array of activities and experiences made available to guests. There are daily bike excursions, farm animals to entertain small ones all day long, or head out for a surf lesson before coming back to pick your very own vegetables from the on-site garden. The possibilities are endless…

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

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

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.

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.