One of Portugal’s oldest towns and home to early Portugese royalty, Sintra contains palaces and an 8th century Moorish castle ruins. Located in the lush mountains of northern Portugal, fifteen minutes from Lisbon.
Palacio dos Seteais
Rua Barbosa du Bocage 10, Sintra, Portugal
In English, it means the Palace of the Seven Sighs. There is an ancient love story behind the name, dating back to the 12th century Arab Princess Anasir. Some rooms in this romantic hotel have sea views while others overlook the town Lord Byron called, “maybe the most beautiful village in the world”.
This romantic small hotel’s architecture is typical of an early 20th petite bourgeoisie home. The guests rooms are all named after famous Libson cultural figures of that era. Renovated in 2012, it is centrally located within walking distance of museums and chic antique shops and restaurants.
Rua Marquês de Subserra 10 • 1070-170 Lisbon, Portugal
A colorful, hand-curated 9 room hotel mixes ornate period architecture with family heirlooms, modern art and playful designer treasures collected over the years. The owners, an architect and a children’s book author, live on the top floor with their four children. They opened it to the public in 2019. Located in the vibrant, upscale Amoreiras district.
Located in the Portugal’s southernmost region, Algarve includes 150 miles of beachfront, crowded urban areas, and quaint, charming and colorful towns filled with Moorish ruins and 18th century architecture. The hilly town of Lagos was Algarve’s provincial capital from the 16th to 18th century.
Casa Mae
Formerly an abandoned estate, this stylish boutique hotel features contemporary Portuguese craftsmanship. It is located in quiet northern side of Lagos’ old town, a five minute walk from a beautiful beach. Casa Mae contains three buildings, furnished in either boho-chic, minimalism or vintage style.
Quirky, eclectic farmhouse combines modern design with rustic charm. Created by London ex-pats, this boutique romantic hotel includes Iberian gardens featuring olive, carob, almond trees and an infinity pool.
Two hours south of Lisbon are beautiful cork forests, rolling hills, olive farms and vineyards. At road’s end if Vicentine Coast National Park, a wild protected coastline beloved by surfers.
Torre de Palma Wine Hotel
Monforte 7450-250 Monforte, Alentejo
Dating back to 1338, the remains of the ancient house were restored in 2014. Ride Lusitano horses past the ruins of a Roman villa.
Nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic filled with green forests, waterfalls and crater lakes. A few small stone-carved villages are inhabited by descendants of whalers, fishermen, winemakers and farmers. The Portuguese archipelago includes the misty, woody island of Sao Miguel.
White Exclusive Suites & Villas
Rua Rocha Quebrada 10, Ponta Delgado
Minimalist rooms with sweeping bay views set in a 17th century volcanic rock manor house.