Best Luxury Hotels in Centro

A former noblewoman’s residence, this palace in the Serra Lousã hills contains three centuries of stories inside, with mountain views outside. 46 rooms are available in the original house (with period features and a Juliet balcony), or in the newer wing — all are glamorous with on-trend meets vintage decor. Guests can swim indoors within the spa area, or in the garden’s outdoor pool. Portuguese plates are served in the fashionable top-floor À Terra, either in the main dining room or at the chef’s table in a glass-ceilinged annexe. And A Viscondessa is Palácio da Lousã’s for fine food.

A grand home that once welcomed emperors and royalty (including providing the backdrop for Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro’s illicit love affair), Quinta das Lágrimas is now a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Indeed, you can read about the local history in ancient books contained within the hotel’s exotic wood-panelled library. Set among 12 acres of gardens, the estate includes a pool surrounded by Balinese-style daybeds, a golf course, a golf academy, a driving range, a putting green, sweeping stone staircases and a dining terrace. Inside is the Bamboo Garden Spa and pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and several excellent eateries.

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.

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.