Bairro Alto Hotel

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. 

Set on a wide bend of the Douro river amid wonderful woodland, the Six Sense Douro Valley occupies a thoroughly renovated 19th-century manor house with fabulous views out to the vineyards that surround it. The interior blends original features such as monumental beams with contemporary artwork. Many of the rooms feature vast floor to ceiling windows and wonderful views. Suites overlook the Douro, and there are 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 itself or picked from the estate’s organic gardens. Sample some of the Wine Library’s hundreds of vintages with nightly tastings, or watch the sun set 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 focussed, such as vineyard tours, port tasting and unique harvesting experiences, and there’s also dozens of historic towns and villages to explore in this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The more adventurous can head out on hiking, mountain biking and canyoning, while river cruises are a more relaxed way to spend an afternoon.

Held in the same family for over 200 years, Sao Lourenço do Barrocal is situated in the monte, an ancient farming village which has been reimagined as a hotel of simple and understated luxury, surrounded by ancient oak trees, olive groves and vineyards. White washed walls, wood and simple yet sumptuous fabrics are punctuated with pretty furniture and fresh cut flowers. There’s nine room categories here, starting with double rooms and leading all the way up to self contained cottages. All rooms are well equipped and come with a sofa or desk in the living area – the larger cottages have terraces, kitchens and lounge areas. The hotel is set within huge grounds with many activities to try; enjoy wine tastings and tours of the vineyards, there’s horseback riding, birding and even hot air balloon rides – plus much more. There is a large swimming pool complete with sun loungers and a bar for snacks and drinks. You can also find a bar in the hotel and two sumptuous restaurants serving some of the most delicious cuisine. Sourcing local ingredients, sometimes even from their own gardens, to create delicious local dishes.

Enjoy the elegance and atmosphere of the XVIII century at Tivoli Palacio de Seteais, a romantic palace that sits in Sintra. The hotel features 30 luxury rooms of various categories, each offering a stunning view of the Sintra Mountains, the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. Inside, the rooms are decorated with ornate furnishings while the ballrooms are adorned with stunning tapestries and frescos of rare beauty, making this boutique hotel in Sintra – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a unique setting to turn any event or stay into an unforgettable experience. Discover its multiple dining venues, in particular Seteais Colares Doc where you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience. Sip local vintages renowned for complex flavours achieved in a unique ageing process. There is also the bar, where you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views in Sintra. After a hard day’s exploring, make time for yourself and enjoy some pampering treatments fit for royalty at the in-house spa. Here, lush indulgences are combined with restorative holistic awakenings, from innovative Vichy shower therapy to all-natural Biologique Recherche products.