Best Design Hotels in Portugal

Discover an unparalleled experience at Casa da Companhia, a 5-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Porto. Just 5 minutes away from São Bento Station and within walking distance of the city’s main attractions, the property offers 40 rooms & suites, a spa, a fitness suite, heated indoor & outdoor pools, and an outdoor terrace. Embodying timeless design and modern facilities, it provides guests with a high-end boutique feel and an opportunity to enjoy the city’s tranquil atmosphere and historical roots. Immerse yourself in the picturesque Clérigos district and experience true luxury at Casa da Companhia.

A 16th-century manor house, set in expansive manicured gardens with riverside views, is the home to this five-star boutique hotel. Its en vogue and eye-catching interior design flows throughout the public spaces of the hotel and extends to its 38 rooms. With various room categories available, guests can choose from the fashionista-inspired signature to the classic petit or the grand and sophisticated master suites – to name a few. A State-of-the-art Sisley Paris SPA is the place to be pampered whilst the lush grounds and river views create a natural sense of calm. The dining experience is headed by Portuguese Two-Michelin starred Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa who presents a fine-dining experience with an international influence at the Vinha Restaurant whilst the bar and brassiere offer a more informal affair. Benefiting from a private pier hotel guests can take a complimentary boat ride to the nearby UNESCO–recognised neighbourhood of Ribeira. Guests who stay at the Vinha Boutique Hotel will enjoy a welcomed and distinguished experience.

Torel Avantgarde is a beautiful hotel which is nestled on a hillside, away from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant Porto city centre (which is only 10-minutes’ walk away). Stunning views of the Douro River and the city can be enjoyed from almost every angle; from the outdoor pool and hot tub to the terrace restaurant ‘Tenro by Digby’, and not to forget the stylish front-facing rooms. But it’s not just the natural beauty that is a sight to behold here, the 49-room boutique hotel is known as the “artists’ hotel” with its design and concept inspired by the Avante-Garde era of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Each room and suite is dedicated to important historical-artistic global figures reflecting their individuality and creativity. The Frida Kahlo room, one of the most famous in the hotel, offers an incredible twin bathtub with views out to the city – check-in here and you won’t be disappointed! The hotel’s dining experience offers a contemporary twist on traditional Portuguese cuisine and presents guests with a relaxed yet stylish vibe. Unwind or rejuvenate with a treatment at the hotel’s Calla Wellness & Spa, where natural and organic products from Phyt’s and Oliófora are the order of the day.

The five star hotel, PortoBay Flores is conveniently located in the historic centre of the city of Porto and within easy access of the city’s main attarctions. The hotel is steeped in history and fuses its 500 years heritage with a contemporary style. Comprising 66 rooms and suites – with 55 modern rooms in the new building and 11 in the stately home with decor to reflect the building’s classic character. Guests can also enjoy use of the relaxing spa with with three treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam bath, a gym and an indoor pool. The landscaped garden and patio is a serene outdoor and an ideal spot to enjoy pre-dinner drinks before dining at the hotel’s restaurant in the former noble halls of the palace. This is an ideal base for a charming and relaxed break in Porto.

Located near many of the city’s main attractions including Plaza da Batalha, São Vento Station and the Clerics Tower, the five-star Hotel G.A. Palace offers guests a unique and luxurious atmosphere in what was once a neoclassical palace. The hotel presents 65 rooms stylishly appointed rooms, across a range of categories – catering for couples, families and suite options for the ultimate in luxury stays. The garden and spa area is the place to relax the body and mind and indulge in a treatment, or sip on a cocktail and freshly prepared snacks. Guests can work up a sweat in the fitness centre before enjoying dinner at the Acqua restaurant which serves dishes that perfectly pair Italian flair with local traditions. This is a truly elegant addition to ​​Porto’s premier hospitality scene.

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.

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.

Conveniently located in the heart of Funchal, this elegant hotel offers gusts the chance to unwind in style beside the rooftop pool while taking in enchanting bay views. Wine lovers will really be in their element here, as not only is there an excellent selection of wines to sample in the onsite bar and restaurant, but the décor throughout the hotel was also inspired by the local fortified wine. The warm tones of the décor follow through into the spacious guest rooms and suites, where large picture windows treat guests to yet more stunning views, while guests are treated to en suite bathrooms and sumptuously decorated bedrooms with king sized beds that ensure a dreamy night’s sleep.

With just 81 spacious rooms and suites for guests to choose from, the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel combines traditional style with modern convenience and finesse. Set right next to the Palace of the Jesuits and just a short stroll along winding cobbled streets to dozens of attractions and entertainment options, the hotel also features plenty of onsite amenities for guests to enjoy such as the Til Spa with its hydrotherapy circuit, Turkish bath, sauna and indoor swimming pool. Guests can also make their way up to the rooftop to enjoy stunning panoramic views while splashing around in the heated outdoor swimming pool.

Angra do Heroísmo is the location for this four-star establishment, an area especially popular with cyclists. This is one for those who like creative decor — many of the public areas’ flooring and lift interiors depict vintage maps of the Azores, polished concrete is used throughout the venue to create an earthy, urban vibe, while mid-century furnishings, statement gilt lighting and mosaic tiling add to the decorative artistry. Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a bar, a shared lounge and a garden. And it’s just a few minutes walk to the port, sea and UNESCO centre.

Expansive private villas, part of the White collection of upscale contemporary self-catering accommodations. It provides an exclusive space for a family or group to retreat, furnished with a private pool, four bedrooms and open living areas bathed in light, opening out onto the outdoor terrace. Guests staying at La Maison have access to the resort’s amenities. These include the Cardume restaurant, where locally caught fish and pasture-raised meats are served alongside fruits, veg and herbs from the venue’s own farm, the Japanese Santa Bárbara Restaurant and a bar serving lighter meals. There’s also The Hut, for wellness treatments.

Ponta Delgada is the capital of the Azores and is found on São Miguel Island. It’s here that the five star Grand Hotel is located, designed to reflect the maritime history of its environs. It faces out to the marina, is close to the historic centre and provides expansive ocean views. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve set foot on board a classic luxury liner. 140 guest rooms have been inspired by the Empresa Insulana de Navegação shipping company, with suites named after its vessels. The Grand Hotel has an indoor heated pool, a gym, Balcony à la carte restaurant and the Vapore Bar & Lounge.