Best Luxury Hotels in Portugal

Boasting more than a hundred years of history and a décor that is reminiscent of the British colonial style, guests who appreciate classic elegance are sure to love staying at this luxurious hotel. Rooms and suites feature huge balconies where guests can stand and gaze out at the ocean, while the beautiful gardens are the perfect place to unwind after taking a dip in one of the swimming pools. Guests who want to try something a bit different can sign up for traditional tango or foxtrot dancing classes or lessons with a professional tennis coach – both of these activities are perfect ways to work up an appetite for the award winning dishes that are served in one of the hotels many excellent restaurants.

Set high on a hill and providing spectacular sweeping views down to the Bay of Funchal, this five-star hotel treats guests to private access to their very own stretch of golden sand that is lapped by crystal clear waters. Guests are welcomed with a glass of champagne as soon as they check-in, which helps set the tone for a luxurious and relaxing stay. With three different swimming pools to choose from there will be plenty of opportunities for guests to make waves, while the hotel comes complete with a Turkish bath and sauna, allowing guests to fully unwind before dining on freshly caught seafood on the restaurant terrace while soaking up stunning ocean views.

Located just an eight-minute stroll from a gorgeous sandy beach, this luxurious hotel also offers guests plenty of onsite activities in which to partake. The little ones can join in the fun at the Aquatica Kids World play group under the watchful eye of staff while parents indulge in a little pampering at the Thalasso Sea Spa or take part in one of the twenty different special classes that are offered each week, ranging from sports to cooking. People of all ages are sure to love splashing around in one of the hotel’s infinity pools, while each elegantly decorated guest room and suite comes with its own spacious balcony providing a choice of garden or sea views, air-conditioning, en suite bathrooms and a wide range of other modern conveniences.

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.

Blending in with its Neo-classical surroundings, the Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais was an 18th-century palace, the grand retreat of Portuguese royalty. Come the mid 20th century it was transformed into a 30 bedroom hotel, making use of the frescoes, heavy silk drapes, chandeliers, tapestries and antiques, as opulent decor. Wander outside to the manicured grounds and you’ll find resident peacocks, tennis courts, a pool and the Anantara Spa. The Palácio’s dining room serves local delicacies with an aristocratic approach to the menu options that’ll suit more sophisticated palates.

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.

Also on São Miguel, but further afield in the Furnas Valley, an area known for its hot springs, is the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. It features a natural outdoor thermal pool within the grounds and is a part of the same group as the Grand Hotel — Bensaude Hotels Collection. Dating back to the 1930s, the building itself has become an icon. TN Restaurant serves local specialities, while bartenders at The Gardener Bar & Terrace mix delicious cocktails with a charming view. 86 guest rooms and a spa have received an art deco-meets garden-themed makeover, reflecting its elegant heritage and leafy setting.

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.

The One Palácio da Anunciada is an exclusive 5-star hotel set in the Baixa district in the heart of Lisbon. Its elegant design showcases the history of the original 16th-century building in which it is set, and award-winning designer Jaime Beriestain intertwines a contemporary style to create a unique ambience Comprising 83 tasteful rooms (of which 11 are junior suites and two are suites) guests have their own sanctuary of neutral tones and high-quality material and traditional Portuguese finishing touches. The hotel is home to Despacio Spa at The One – a tranquil spa (with treatments available|) that overlooks the hotel’s extensive gardens and a 24-hour fitness centre is onsite for the more energetic guests. The noble rooms of the original palace have been beautifully transformed into a selection of refined dining spaces for guests to use at their leisure. Traditional Portuguese market cuisine with a Mediterranean influence can be enjoyed in the more formal restaurant whilst cocktails, wine and light bites are served at the chic wine bar which has direct access to the extensive palace gardens. The One Palácio da Anunciada is the ideal place to relax and recharge after a day discovering Lisbon.

Palacete Chafariz d’el Rei is a historic, luxurious and exclusive hotel set in the heart of Lisbon. Its design is eclectic “Art Nouveau’ with strong elements of Neo-Baroque and Neoclassical throughout and original 18th and 19th century features well preserved. The 5-star boutique hotel comprises six charming suites that present views across the city or over the Tejo river and all are elegant and individual spaces. Dining is a refined affair with traditional Portuguese flavours served in a grand setting, and the popular Royal Brunch presents an array of distinct and diverse delicacies. Guests can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a truly memorable experience.

Known as the Grande Dame of hotels in Lisbon, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, is the place to be and the place to be seen. The landmark hotel comprises 285 rooms and suites – which vary in sizes and views – all are stylish and modern. The stunning Presidential Suite has been exclusively designed with pieces from the Ricardo Espírito Santo Foundation and Mily Posoz Collection, has a balcony with views of the Avenida and is the real jewel in the hotel’s crown! Guests can unwind at the Anantara Spa which is a sanctuary for the senses and offers treatments that combine Thai and Portuguese traditions whilst the all-day fitness centre is the place to work out. The unique swimming pool amidst the fronds of its semi-tropical garden guests will find the pool which hosts live DJ sets on a weekend in high season. When it comes to drinks and dining the offering here is a gastronomic delight. From fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese to cuisine to creative cocktails and sweeping city views aplenty at the rooftop Sky Bar by Seen (and everything in between!) every occasion is catered for. Guests will not be disappointed!