Best Luxury Hotels in Portugal

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.

A comfortable stroll from the delights of Funchal’s Old Town, this striking hotel occupies the site that was once the Savoy Hotel. Guests are met by the unusual curved exterior and welcomed with modern interiors by designer Nini Andrade Silva. Bedroom balconies proffer ocean views, as does the rooftop lounge and the terraced gardens. There are several swimming pools, including one, especially for younger families and a stunning infinity pool. The Laurea Spa includes a glitzy champagne nail bar and a hydrotherapy suite. Dining takes place poolside at the alfresco Alameda, in one of two chic buffet restaurants, in the Jacaranda Lounge, or with a view at Galáxia Skyfood & Skybar. And entertainment is offered alongside drinks at Vimes bar.

The Bela Vista Hotel in Portimao is located in three buildings, including the historic and imposing Palacete, on top of the cliffs overlooking the beach at Praia da Rocha. It is an adults-only hotel with a broad range of activities on offer, including tennis and various watersports. There is a fitness centre and a swimming pool, and many spa treatments are available. Several fine golf courses are in the vicinity. Guests speak highly of the fine location, the service offered by the hotel staff, and the excellent food in the beautifully located Vista restaurant.

This hotel is situated in 11 hectares of truly stunning grounds, with its own, private, sandy beach situated amongst sandstone rocks. It is located in Armacao de Pera, west of Albufeira, and offers a fine range of facilities including tennis, a fitness centre, and six outdoor swimming pools. There is also a spa where guests can enjoy thalassotherapy treatments and hot stone massages. The spaciousness of the resort means that it never feels too crowded, and there is a pleasantly casual atmosphere which helps guests to relax.

Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve, is situated in Albufeira, Portugal, atop the scenic cliffs overlooking Praia da Falésia and the Atlantic Ocean. The resort is approximately a 30-minute drive from Faro International Airport. Established in 1992, it features 217 rooms and suites, presenting Moorish-influenced décor. All accommodations include private balconies with views of either the ocean or the resort’s manicured gardens. Guests can enjoy a wealth of amenities, including a 9-hole golf course, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy with five floodlit courts, and the Serenity Spa, an incredible spa complex, offering a range of wellness treatments. The resort boasts eight swimming pools (indoors and outdoors), a fitness centre, and multiple dining options such as O Pescador for fresh seafood and Piri Piri Steakhouse for prime meats. Families are catered to with Porto Pirata, one of the largest children’s villages in Europe, featuring life-sized pirate ships and a mini-golf course. The resort’s location provides easy access to local attractions, including the Fisherman Village in Albufeira, the Moorish Castle of Silves, and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Its blend of traditional Portuguese architecture and modern amenities offers guests a varied and exceptionally comfortable retreat.

The Conrad is situated in Quinta do Lago, an area renowned for its golf courses. Some of the Algarve’s famous beaches are also readily accessible. There is a fitness centre and a tennis court, along with several swimming pools, including a heated infinity pool, plus a spa offering a range of treatments. Every room features a balcony, and foodies can enjoy meals prepared by well known chef Heinz Beck in the ‘Gusto’ restaurant. Guests are usually impressed by the service and the breakfast spread, whilst golfers have several excellent nearby courses to choose from.

Anantara is a luxury brand which started in Asia (read about the Anatara Layan Phuket), and has now expanded into Europe with this stylish resort situated alongside the Victoria golf course, the venue for the Portugal Masters. Anantara Vilamoura offers a wide variety of spa treatments, along with indoor and outdoor pools. For active guests, there are tennis facilities and a fitness centre. What really sets this hotel apart, however, is the way it deals with the ‘basics’. Guests often wax lyrical about the quality of service, cleanliness, the excellent beds, and the superb range of food included in the breakfast. Golfers will also appreciate the high quality course on site.

You can rest or play at W, although it’s advisable to leave the work behind and make the most of the vibe here. Opening its doors in the summer of 2022, this new W provides sea-view bedrooms to a backdrop of golden cliffs and has a stunning feature pool set across two levels, with a waterfall. If you’d rather swim in the ocean, it’s just a 15-minute walk away, or yards to the nearest bus stop to explore further afield. Dine on Portuguese or Italian cuisine (there are two serving the former and one serving the latter), relax in a hanging chair or on a day bed and book a range of treatments in the spa.

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.

La Maison is an expansive private villa, 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.