Portugal is that unique spot in Europe that expertly threads the needle of authentic and unspoiled with the luxurious and chic. This is a country lively enough to keep your attention but chillaxed enough to let you decompress. Portugal is having its moment right now, with a new level of luxury hotels and a food scene that’s worth traveling for.
When it comes to Europe you know all the usual stops, but here’s one more to add to the list. Portugal has boomed in tourism over the last five years and yet has managed to retain its unique vintage charm. Its cities are filled with cobblestone alleys, inventive restaurants, and of course, the hauntingly beautiful Fado music. Outside the cities, you get rolling green hills populated by wine vineyards making a unique local blend. You can even find some of the most pristine beaches in Europe, sought after around the world for surfing. When it comes to Portugal, it isn’t a question, it’s the answer. Take a look at these three properties by Querido that are off the beaten path in Portugal.
Querido Collection
Querido is a selection of breathtaking family-owned hotels. In fact, the word “querido” means “cherished” and that is the core of their mission. They help existing family-run hotels to grow and reach new audiences by spending months on the road establishing connections with hoteliers, scouting out new properties, and showcasing hotels to new audiences. Their three properties in Portugal include one in Lisbon and two off the beaten path in Comporta and Alentejo.
Sublime Lisboa
Situated near the Amoreiras in Lisbon, Sublime Lisboa is surrounded by historic buildings and monuments that tell stories of Portugal’s past. It is one of Europe’s oldest cities, but the streets still buzz with activity. A thriving scene and culture runs through this city and makes it come alive. The Amoreiras neighborhood has been a center point for culture, attracting artists and journalists but also politicians.
Sublime Lisboa is set in a 20th-century townhouse that has been transformed into a boutique hotel. Although it only has fifteen rooms and suites this is what makes the hotel special. Each room is set up differently thereby giving guests individualized experiences. The rooms are split up into four categories, ranging in size, price, and amenities. Sublime Lisboa’s restaurant and bar, Davvero, focuses on teasing out a Mediterranean flavor from fresh artisanal ingredients. Guests also get access to Club VII, which includes a gym, pool, sauna, and Turkish bath. In addition, Sublime Lisboa has partnered with Sisu for an “in-room” selection of facials, massages, and treatments.
Sublime Comporta
Sublime Comporta is fondly compared to the Hamptons, but a Hamptons that’s more reminiscent of the 1970s. Comporta itself is a beach town located an hour and a half away from the heart of Lisbon. The property is a luxury hotel nestled on a seventeen-hectare estate that is surrounded by trees, rice fields, sand dunes, and pristine beaches. It has become a destination for artists, designers, and celebrities alike to reset and relax at this creative hub on the beach.
The twenty-three rooms, suites, and villas are spread out along the estate, creating a sense of intimacy. Their cabana-style villas include their own private pool, terrace, fireplace, and outdoor lounges. The hotel has five restaurants and bars that showcase the best of Portuguese cuisine in a variety of styles with locally sourced ingredients from the landscape and sea. Sublime Comporta has also recently opened its own Beach Club which features a restaurant, bar, and private area with sunbeds and umbrellas. There is also the Sublime Spa, which uses ingredients from the surrounding area to create its own set of botanicals for treatments.
São Lourenço do Barrocal
São Lourenço do Barrocal is located in the Alentejo region, just before you hit the country’s border with Spain. The estate, a small farming village, has been in the same family for over 200 years. It is surrounded by a landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and ancient oak trees that spreads across in all directions. This is truly off the beaten path in Portugal. But, that’s what makes São Lourenço do Barrocal an intimate experience that makes you feel at home.
The rooms and cottages have a rustic feel but that doesn’t mean they aren’t luxurious. There are a variety of options to choose from in different sizes with different views. Whether you’re a group of two or a group of six, there will be a place for you here. Dine at their signature restaurant for an authentic farm-to-table experience with produce straight from their garden. Or, have a meal at Hortelão which specializes in slow-cooked authentic Portuguese food. São Lourenço do Barrocal also has a pool, spa, and even its own winery.
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