As well as its coast of gorgeous beaches and its delicious food, Portugal has a rich history that draws in holidaymakers. Its role as a colonial power through history brought riches that are reflected in the stunning towns and properties that were left behind. Many of those have been transformed into hotels.
1. The Castle
Pousada de Palmela, Lisbon
This 17th-century fortress is set dramatically on the top of a hill with breathtaking views over the countryside to the Arrábida Natural Park. Isolated on a hilltop, Pousada de Palmela is luxurious and welcoming but pleasingly austere, with lots of period features, huge rooms and wide corridors. The restaurant is excellent, serving local wines and delicious specialities.
From €95 ($130), pousadas.pt
2. The Country House
Monte do Casal, Algarve
A far cry from the busy resorts of the Algarve coast, this pretty privately owned hotel is set in a traditional 18th-century country house 20 kilometres from the beach, in the old village of Estoi. The hotel has just 18 rooms, and it’s a haven of peace and quiet, set on a hill with panoramic views over an elegant luxuriant garden with waterfalls and ponds, two heated swimming pools and a separate spa with a special deck for outdoor treatments. There’s also al fresco dining; gastronomy is a focus here so you can enjoy a full tasting-menu under the stars, or enjoy a delicious breakfast served on your private terrace.
From €95 ($130), montedocasal.com
3. The Vineyard
Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo, Douro Valley
The Quinta Nova claims the prize of being the first hotel in a vineyard in Portugal. This 18th-century manor house is the ideal base for exploring Portugal’s UNESCO World Heritage Douro valley. There are vineyard tours, wine and port-tasting, as well as olive oil-tasting and bread-making courses. From €126 ($174), quintanova.com
4. The Convent
Pousada de Arraiolos, Nossa Senora da Assuncao, Arraiolos
Set in the stunning Alentejo countryside, this former convent dating back to the 16th century has been tastefully transformed into a contemporary hotel. The cloisters have been given a clean, minimalist look, peppered with antiques, although the hotel’s charming little chapel is lined with stunning original blue and white tiles. Many of the simply decorated rooms with their rich, wooden features are in a stylish new wing, with balconies overlooking a chic outdoor pool. From €95 ($130), pousadas.pt
5. The Palace
Palacio de Estoi, Algarve
This exotic pastel-pink palace dating back to 1909 has been tastefully restored, with elegant gardens and rococo-style interior with antiques and ornate frescoes. Its transformation into a boutique hotel has been stylishly executed, the perfect example of how new and old can co-habit harmoniously. Rooms are in a glamorous new block, with an outside pool and canopied cabanas that wouldn’t look out of place in Miami. Dining al fresco on the terrace here is a real holiday treat. From €95 ($130), pousadas.pt
