Best Design Hotels in Portugal

Part hotel, part apartment, Village by Boa is a self-styled ‘Aparthotel’ with a slick and tidy design inspired by nature. Expect each accommodation to house kitchens large enough to cook for the whole family and don’t forget to take advantage of the popcorn machine. It’s an impressively central location from which to explore Porto’s rich and varied history and the market shop sells design friendly souvenirs which veer towards a gastronomic and alcoholic bent.

Perched above the golden sands of Falesia Beach, EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel blends modern design, wellness, and coastal serenity across 162 rooms, 24 garden suites, and 43 resort apartments. The architecture embraces clean lines, glass façades, and natural materials that echo the Algarve’s landscapes, while interiors are styled in calming hues of sand and sea. Dining spans multiple venues including ABYAD Restaurant for contemporary Mediterranean dishes, AL QUIMIA for fine dining with tasting menus, and LIMA Restaurant for relaxed all-day dining beside the pool.

The hotel’s SAYANNA Wellness & Spa is a 1,500-square-metre sanctuary featuring nine treatment rooms, an indoor pool, Turkish bath, and private garden pavilion for yoga or meditation. Families benefit from dedicated children’s pools, the Little Stars Kids Club, and easy beach access via a scenic wooden walkway. With tennis courts, five outdoor pools, and a prime location near Vilamoura, EPIC SANA offers a sophisticated yet laid-back retreat along Portugal’s most picturesque coastline.

Vermelho Melides is a 13-room boutique retreat created by Christian Louboutin in the tranquil village of Melides on Portugal’s Alentejo coast. Surrounded by pine forests, rice fields and the soft Atlantic breeze, it captures the relaxed rhythm of rural life while reflecting the designer’s unmistakable style.

Each room and suite is individually styled with antique furnishings, hand-painted tiles and richly coloured textiles sourced from artisans across the world, creating an atmosphere that feels both personal and poetic.

Dining centres around Xtian, where Mediterranean flavours meet seasonal local produce in a space alive with colour and texture. Guests can unwind by the emerald-tiled outdoor pool or wander through the lush gardens filled with sculptures and mosaics.

Located between Avenida da Liberdade and Marquês de Pombal, ME Lisbon introduces ME by Meliá to Portugal with a striking purpose-built property designed to reflect the city’s artistic pulse. The hotel comprises 213 design-led rooms and suites, including the signature Ultimate ME+ Suite, a 107-square-metre top-floor retreat offering sweeping views over Lisbon and São Jorge Castle. Interiors showcase Portuguese creativity through curated artworks, jacaranda-inspired hues and sculptural accents, giving the property a bold, immersive personality.

The atmosphere is modern and expressive, attracting both international guests and the local creative scene. On the ground floor, Fismuler presents seasonal Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed, Nordic-influenced setting, while the rooftop Attiko serves bold pan-Asian cuisine from chef Moon, with cocktails and panoramic city views. KORPO Spa provides a tranquil escape with an indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna and signature Thalion and Scens therapies. The 24-hour gym ensures guests can stay active at any time. Throughout the hotel, cultural programming, local collaborations, and vibrant social spaces define the experience. With its city-centre location and artistic agenda, ME Lisbon offers a compelling base for travellers looking to connect with Lisbon’s contemporary rhythm.

Located on the island’s northern coast, this Shangri-La property offers six-star service. Its private white sand beach provides opportunities for watersports. Or you can get active by playing tennis and golf onsite. Babysitting services and a kids’ club take care of the children, while you spend time in the spa, or enjoy a romantic candlelit meal for two overlooking the ocean. There are six restaurants and bars in total, serving everything from international buffet food to tapas sharing plates and gourmet oven-baked pizza. Stay in a bedroom, a suite, a tree-house villa, or a garden villa.

The Saccharum Hotel, part of the Savoy Signature collection, is a luxurious 5-star resort situated in Arco da Calheta, Madeira, Portugal. The hotel is inspired by the island’s sugar cane heritage, featuring contemporary design with natural elements. Accommodations range from stylish rooms to opulent suites, many with panoramic ocean views. The resort offers diverse dining options, including a buffet restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, and multiple bars. Guests can indulge in the premium spa with a range of treatments, multiple swimming pools, a fitness centre, and a variety of activities such as yoga and Tai Chi. The hotel also features state-of-the-art conference facilities, making it suitable for both leisure and business travellers. Additionally, Saccharum provides unique experiences like local food workshops and mixology classes, enhancing the cultural and culinary experience.

The Reserve is a distinguished hotel set within the grounds of its sister hotel the, Savoy Palace, in Madeira, Portugal. This exclusive establishment boasts 40 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each facing the sea and located on the highest floors of Savoy Palace, designed to offer the utmost in comfort and luxury. The Reserve offers its guests exclusive access and the attentive services of dedicated Guest Experience Personal Assistants (GEPAs) to ensure a flawless visit. Ideally located close to Madeira’s prime attractions, The Reserve enriches guests’ stays with wellness activities, city exploration, and high-end dining at the Jacarandá Club, alongside bespoke experiences ranging from yacht excursions to wine sampling sessions. Guests at The Reserve enjoy access to all amenities and services provided by the impressive Savoy Palace, including the Laurea Spa, four swimming pools, verdant gardens, beach fronts, and a variety of restaurants including sun-deck and poolside dining and the Galáxia Skyfood restaurant serving Madeiran and international flavours.

Les Suites at The Cliff Bay in Madeira is an exclusive five-star hotel with 23 luxury suites, offering comfort, tranquillity, and historical elegance. Located near Funchal Bay, the hotel features lush gardens, an infinity pool, and stunning sea views. Guests have access to amenities including multiple pools, a spa, a gym, a cinema room, and a variety of dining options, such as the innovative Avista restaurant. The suites are spacious with modern comforts, ensuring a serene and luxurious stay.

Venture a little further out of town, to Torre de Gomariz Wine & Spa Hotel, deep in the northern vineyards of Portuguese wine country. The nearby forestry and acres of greenery make this a peaceful escape, in five-star style. The boutique property is found in the parish of Cervães, Minho and dates to the 15th and 16th centuries, with a romantic medieval tower at its heart. Guests can sample the local produce at the Wine Bar, or dine in slightly more formal surroundings at the Gomariz Restaurant. Popular daytime activities include hiking, hopping on a bike, playing tennis, or chilling out in the Camellia Spa.

This hotel is located in Porto old town in a beautiful 16th-century building that has the charm and feel of a classic Parisian hotel. The whole hotel has an old-world luxurious feel to it and its rooms are decorated with one-off furnishings, stucco detailing, high ceilings and paintings hung on the walls. Facilities in the hotel include WiFi and a library to relax and soak up the atmosphere. A hearty breakfast is served in the morning to begin a day of exploring Porto where many sights are just a short walk away.

This centrally located hotel faces the S. Joao National Theatre, Batalha Square and is a stone’s throw from many other Portos attractions. Its charming rooms come with either twin beds or doubles, and private bathrooms with free toiletries. The rooms also have WiFi access, modern electronics, a minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can start their day off with a delightful breakfast from the buffet in the morning or a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant in the evening. For those about to head out and enjoy Porto’s nightlife be sure to begin the night with a cocktail or two from the bar. For those preferring to relax and unwind guests can make use of the indoor pool, the fitness centre, sauna, or indulge in a massage.

The recently opened Torel Palace occupies a prime city-centre location in Porto with a fascinating history dating back to 1861.  The original palace, which is now home to the stunning hotel underwent significant restoration in 2020 and the grandeur of the building has been masterfully restored; from its grand winding staircase, ornate cornicing and beautiful library – every corner is filled with charm and character – which extends to the outdoor pool and restaurant too. Foodies will revel in the dining experience presented at the hotel’s restaurant, Blind, a tribute to Portuguese writer José Saramago. The 10-course tasting-menu is inspired by chef Vítor Matos’ childhood memories and will stimulate your taste-buds and your senses. With attentive service and the perfect level of privacy, the Torel Palace Porto truly is a haven of luxury in the heart of Porto.