Just north of Lisbon, in the Oeste region, lies Torres Vedras. The small city lies in the shadow of a 13th-century castle, a partly rebuilt ruin, with an old whitewashed church and blue and white bell tower. From here, a warren of cobbled streets meander around the Old Town, Further points of interest for tourists include the Linhas de Torres (fortifications planned by the Duke of Wellington, to protect the area from Napoleon’s advancing French forces), a medieval aqueduct and the Museu Leonel Trindade. As Torres Vedras is an hour from the capital, it’s doable by day trip – or stay over in one of these appealing hotels.
Areias do Seixo Hotel
An uber-modern retreat, Areias do Seixo boasts striking concrete and glass architecture. The eco-friendly establishment was built on the site of an ex-chicken farm, with many of the materials re-used – single plastics are a no-no and ingredients come from its organic veg patch. 15 rooms are categorised in themes of Gold, Land, Tree or Love; two are designed in a tent-style and many have features such as outdoor showers, suspended fireplaces, jacuzzi baths and sea-front terraces. It has a trendy restaurant, high-class arty bar, a cinema room and a solar-powered heated pool with plush four-poster day beds. The hotel is also a short stroll to Praia da Mexilhoeira beach.
Noah Surf House
This is all about barefoot luxury, with a boho vibe. The bar (with a hot tub to the side) and solar-heated infinity pool overlooks the sands, where the hotel’s surf school can be found. Noah also has its own on-site skatepark, yoga classes and an organic veg and herb garden. Its produce is served in the relaxed, all-day dining venue and lantern-lit restaurant right on the beach, with fire pits to keep guests toasty late into the evening. There are 21 rooms decorated in an eclectic coastal chic style, some of which have kitchenettes.
Dolce CampoReal Lisboa
CampoReal Resort has 151 rooms, including family suites, all with terraces. And it provides the option of self-catering apartments or townhouses accommodated separately to the hotel. There is an 18-hole par 72 Donald Steel designed golf course and a golf academy on-site, as well as footgolf and tennis courts, a games room, a wellness centre and water circuit – Amai Spa – and four restaurants for casual through to fine dining. Kids have their own Sunset Pool and Adventure Club, plus there are a further two pools, one of which is indoors.