Best Luxury Hotels in Portugal

The Farol Hotel flawlessly combines contemporary luxury with the historical allure of a coastal setting with its cliff-top setting. This boutique hotel integrates a 19th-century mansion, previously owned by the Count of Cabral, with striking modern architecture. Just a short walk from the cobblestone paths of Cascais and the picturesque Estoril Coast, the hotel captivates guests with breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views from its outdoor saltwater pool and the On the Rocks bar. Its 33 rooms and suites, some boasting 180-degree ocean vistas, enhance the guest experience. Other features include two dining venues and bars that serve a delicious selection of Mediterranean fusion dishes, inventive sushi, and signature cocktails.

While many resorts here border the beach, this 19th-century casa feels more like a mansion home, both in terms of its location (within the city’s winding streets) and ambience. It has just 34 bedrooms all set around a kitchen garden, a triangle-shaped pool and a courtyard, flanked by Lagos’ ancient fortifications. Its amenities include a restaurant Orta, a yoga room, a spa (with a rooftop lap pool, a hammam and a relaxation room), an outdoor cinema and a chic boutique. Casa Mãe’s owner has infused much of the style of his homeland (France) into the decor, in collaboration with interior designer Martin Blanchard.

It is clear why Dunas Douradas Beach Club, Quinta do Lago, has been hailed as Europe’s Leading  Resort. Located in Algarves Golden Triangle it has sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and its pristine beaches. Its luxurious apartments are elegant with a Scandinavian-inspired interior which is both welcoming and relaxing. The apartments are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and all apartments have a private terrace and BBQ so guests can enjoy the Portuguese sunset whilst enjoying some alfresco dining. The resort has two outdoor swimming pools and one indoor pool, it also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness centre, sauna and kids club. The resort also runs along the golden sand beaches of the Algarve and guests can indulge in water-based activities or venture slightly further afield to one of the famous Vale do Lobo golf courses. The resort’s restaurant, the Saudade Restaurant and Bar, serves exquisite local and international cuisine which can be paired with exceptional local wines.

Occupying a former 17th-century convent the Locke de Santa Joana seamlessly blends Lisbon’s rich past with the present. The hotel’s interior is light and historical, with intricate mosaics and preserved features from the original building giving the hotel a unique flair. The Locke’s 370 serviced apartments pay homage to traditional Portuguese design aspects and are bathed in natural light which makes them the perfect place for guests who wish to relax in the stunning Portuguese capital. The Locke is home to an outdoor swimming pool, private courtyard, meeting space and gym. The Locke boasts its own Café which serves exceptional coffees and pastries in a stunning and relaxing space. The hotel’s restaurant, Santa Maria, serves delicious Mediterranean dishes in its open and relaxed environment.

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.

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.

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.

Just outside of Porto, on the coast, is Vila Foz Hotel & Spa. Designed by Nina Andrade da Silva, it’s housed in a 19th-century villa with rooms in the main building and a newer wing. Those preferring a more modern feel should opt for the latter, while the original spaces offer stucco ceilings and hardwood floors – both have Maison Codage bath products. Airport transfers are by the hotel’s vintage Rolls-Royce, personal trainers take guests on runs, bikes are available for use and there’s a complimentary shuttle bus into the city. This was the neighbourhood’s first five-star residence, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and ornate interiors with the prolific use of onyx.

Where the Atlantic breeze whispers through towering pines, Sublime Comporta emerges as a sanctuary of understated luxury. This 17-acre haven blends seamlessly with its wild surroundings with guest accommodation ranging from intimate rooms to expansive cabana villas with private pools. Wellness unfolds with nurturing treatments at Sublime Spa, inspirational beachside horse treks along deserted shores to exhilarating games of tennis. Signature dining is at Sem Porta restaurant, and the captivating Food Circle experience is a summer treat, while moments away, the resort’s Beach Club provides Atlantic fish and seafood on sun-splashed terraces.

Sublime Lisboa delivers a residential-style boutique experience in the Portuguese capital’s leafy Amoreiras neighbourhood. This early 20th-century townhouse offers 15 individually designed rooms and suites decorated by Rita Andringa, whose chic style creates spaces with genuine character. The property feels more like a private residence than a hotel, with a library salon filled with art books and storied objects. At Davvero restaurant, contemporary Italian cuisine draws both savvy travellers and discerning locals, while guests enjoy access to nearby Club 7 with its gym, spa, and tennis courts. Understated, elegant, and refreshingly genuine – it’s simply sublime.

Standing on the historic grounds where the governor of Belém Tower once resided, Palácio do Governador offers a rare combination of historical significance and contemporary comfort in one of Lisbon’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods. The brilliant Atlantic blues frame this boutique retreat, placing guests at the heart of Portugal’s maritime legacy.

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Verride Palacio Santa Catarina offers a blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury complete with a rooftop pool. Experience the allure of Lisbon’s history paired with contemporary comforts, award-winning dining featuring Portuguese cuisine from the restaurant, and sweeping views from the rooftop haven.