Sometimes, that place where you want to be has been hiding in plain sight. Case in point: Portugal. This is a country that has always had scenery that stuns. Portugal has Moorish castles that impress and food and wine that makes you wonder why you didn’t think of Portugal earlier. Now though, Portugal has hotels that make the country a destination in itself. It becomes a bonus that these hotels are in one of the few countries in Western Europe that is still culturally authentic. Whatever angle you look from, Portugal is the place that should be on your favorites list this summer.

Hotels That Make Portugal a Destination

There are good hotels in Portugal. Like in Lisbon, a plethora of new boutique abodes have opened in recent years. Sublime Lisbon, The Ivens, and The Memmo Alfama are all cool spots to base in the capital city. However, as cool as they are, they aren’t destination hotels. These are hotels that are themselves a reason to travel to Portugal, the land of some of the best beaches, wine, and countryside in all of Europe.

Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

Location: The Island of Madeira

Reid’s Palace sits atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and is a prime location for relaxing in the sunshine. Inside, you’ll find 126 rooms and suites, four restaurants, a terrace for afternoon tea, and seven celebration venues. You’ll especially love the hotel’s spa, where treatments like mud masks and aromatherapy massages are available.

Address: Estrada Monumental 139, 9000-098 Funchal, Portugal

Vila Joya

Location: The Algarve

Vila Joya may not be over-the-top luxurious, but it is one of the most special places in Portugal and in the world. Vila Joya defines boutique hotels; it’s intimate, family-owned, and elegant luxury. The hotel includes 4 rooms and 9 suites and is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, giving it a calm and peaceful atmosphere. What makes Vila Joya especially unique is the culinary program. Thanks to Chef Dieter Koschina, the hotel’s restaurant was the first in Portugal to earn two Michelin stars.

Address: Estrada da Galé, 8200-416 Albufeira, Portugal

Sublime Comporta

Location: Comporta

Sublime Comporta’s superpower is its unspoiled beaches and stunning views. Comporta is known as the Hamptons of Portugal. Where the Algarve is more tourists than it is locals, Comporta is the insider destination for beaches. Yes, you’ll find tourists, but they may be Christian Louboutin or David and Victoria Beckham in these parts.

Outside the hotel, there are pristine beaches and beautiful rice fields as far as the eye can see. Inside, you’ll find 23 rooms and suites. There are also 22 villas, each with two to five bedrooms. Every villa also includes a private pool and a fireplace. The main restaurant, Sem Porta, serves classic Portuguese cuisine with produce from the hotel’s organic vegetable garden. Several restorative treatments are available in the Sublime Spa.

Address: EN 261-1, MUDA, CCI 3954, 7570-337 Grândola, Portugal

Six Senses Douro Valley

Location: Douro Valley

Six Senses Douro Valley is a revitalized 19th-century estate, set right in the heart of wine country. All accommodations include breathtaking views of the surrounding gardens and vineyards. The restaurant, Vale de Abraão, includes classic Portuguese elements including a walk-in fireplace. Tasting menus and an a la carte menu are both available, and meals are cooked with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Six Senses is renowned for its wellness center and spas at its properties around the world. At the Douro Valley property,  you can partake in unique treatments like color therapy and cryotherapy. As you are in the heart of wine country, you’ll want to partake in vinotherapy too.

Address: Quinta Vale de Abraão, 5100-758 Samodães, Portugal

São Lourenço do Barrocal

Location: Alentejo

São Lourenço do Barrocal was once an ancient farming village. It has been restored and brought back as an estate, with vineyards and olive groves surrounding the property. The hotel includes an organic garden and a winery, giving you the chance to taste delicious food and wine that was made right outside your room. During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to ride horses, take a hot air balloon ride, or try your hand at beekeeping. Playing farmhouse may just be a new pastime to add to your list of activities.

Address: 7200-177 Monsaraz, Portugal

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