Best Luxury Hotels in Portugal

Somewhat of a celebrity magnet, this boutique hotel in a period townhouse offers enhanced privacy in a central location. The bedrooms and suites have stellar designer credentials, Zenology bath products, heavy fabrics and Portuguese flair, creating an inviting and cosy feel. Guests can make use of a first-floor terrace, a film-room snug, a mini gym, a treatment room where you can book massages and Sítio Valverde, the restaurant by chef Carla Sousa. Outside, you can hang out on the Pateo (where you’ll find a heated marble outdoor pool) and at a lushly planted courtyard bar.

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.

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.

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.

On the old street of the goldsmiths, behind an 18th-century Pombaline façade, Mythic SANA Downtown Suites is a 48-suite boutique hotel where white-gloved butlers know your name before you arrive, gold leaf lines the walls in homage to the artisans who built this neighbourhood, and a 32-seat gastrobar turns dinner into a sense of occasion. Expect ultra-personalised service that starts with a sophisticated Golden Prelude pre-arrival approach.

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.

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.