Portugal, as well as being one of the most affordable and safest international destinations, has the perfect combination of white sand beaches, historic cities with rich architecture and a growing food scene. Oh! And we mustn’t forget the wine… Plenty of wine! Over the last decade there’s been a rise in boutique hotels in the country which, whatever you’re looking for when you travel, ought to be on your wish list. You can thank us later!
1. SUBLIME COMPORTA (COMPORTA)
It has more than eighty rooms, a good many of them dreamlike suites and bungalows, on a 17-hectare property surrounded by pines and cork oaks, wild dunes, rice fields and more than 60 kilometres of untouched white sand beach. This setting makes the hotel a magical, unspoilt place, still waiting to be discovered. Its architecture is inspired by the old buildings of the area’s rice factories and, in keeping with the essence of Comporta, it has a sophisticated, relaxed decor. The rooms and bungalows, spread across several buildings, are generous spaces, full of light and good taste. The decoration is bohemian and casual in whites and greys, with very little furniture and glass walls so you can enjoy the landscape and merge into it.
2. SENSI AZORES NATURA & SPA, (SÃO MIGUEL, AZORES)
This is a modern tourism project born in an old holiday house, where stone and wood fit perfectly with the landscape of this wild, volcanic island. The renovation kept the original lines and textures in order to preserve the “soul” of the old house, and natural materials such as long-board timber are mixed with iron, basalt and hydraulic tiles, creating delightful spaces. Here we can enjoy around 20 rooms, some with a private pool and outdoor fireplace, facing the sea and surrounded by nature: it’s a balm of tranquillity.
3. HERDADE DA MALHADINHA NOVA (BEJA)
Located a few kilometres from Beja, this farm is a place of leisure and pleasure. Various design objects, chairs and lighting by Philipe Starck, Charles & Ray Eames or Mariano Fortues appear throughout, yet are perfectly integrated into a rural setting. The decoration of the rooms and bungalows also reflects the crossing of past and present, preserving the tradition of local craftspeople. With architecture that respects the whole Alentejo character, the “Malhadinha” blends design, rural space, comfort and elegance, appealing to the senses and the emotions.
4. L’AND VINEYARDS (ÉVORA)
Built from slate and wood on the shore of the great Alqueva lake and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, L’and Vineyards spreads across the landscape in small clusters inspired by the typology of the area’s mountain houses: a reinterpretation of Roman and Arab courtyard houses. The elegance of the Scandinavian design on show stands out through the simplicity of the details in wood and natural stone, giving rise to interiors that are minimalist yet understated and luxurious, and that convey peace and comfort.
5. QUINTA DE SÃO BERNARDO, MESÃO FRIO
Majestically moored between the railway line and the river, and with a history rich in family tradition, this charming country house is an intimate refuge of serenity. It has a total of seven suites and two brilliant bungalows inspired by Farm-chic style. In the communal areas and porches you breathe relaxation and discreet luxury, but it’s the views over the vineyards and the river that really dazzle. We hope you manage to enjoy this summer and take the chance to discover magical places like these. But there’s still a little while until the holidays, so …
!! Lets work !!