Portugal: Sintra & Rota Vicentina

Located just a short walk from Sintra village center sits Lawrence’s Hotel, providing travelers with a romantic, relaxing atmosphere since the 18th century. The oldest hotel on the Iberian Peninsula, the Lawrence Hotel’s reputation for tranquility is widely known. Towering ivy-covered trees shelter the hotel’s 16 guest rooms, each offering a mix of old-world style and contemporary comfort. Modern amenities include wireless high-speed internet, individual climate control, and in-room safes. Brass room keys, polished oak floors, and inward-opening, screen-free windows with sprawling countryside views highlight the hotel’s classic European charm.

Dramatically set on the Atlantic waterfront, the Farol Hotel in Cascais enjoys a splendid location, just a 10-minute walk from the city center. This remodeled 19th-century mansion was once owned by the Count of Cabral. Air-conditioned rooms are tastefully decorated, each large and airy and offering views of palms and lush gardens. Take a dip in the saltwater pool. Browse the collection of artistic touches throughout the property. Enjoy dinner al fresco or indoors with ocean views at The Mix or at Sushi Design. Mostly, just relax amid the upscale atmosphere of one of the finest hotels in Cascais.

The five whitewashed farm buildings of the Herdade do Touril are set on a tranquil 900 acres within view of the Atlantic Ocean. This working cattle-breeding estate has been run by the same family since 1826. Its thoughtful design keeps you connected to the Alentejo’s rural beauty, with outdoor terraces, open spaces that afford breathtaking views, brightly colored, air-conditioned guest rooms, and a pool that is ideal for a post-walk swim. Enjoy three-course meals prepared with fresh ingredients during your stay.

The airy and spacious Herdad da Mathina features 35 independent guest rooms spread out across four houses on an immaculately maintained estate in Cercal. Located within the South West Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, the property is a quiet enclave for adventurers to unwind and recuperate. Whether you stay in one of the guest rooms that open up to a patio garden or one directly overlooking the Cercal mountain range, relaxing comfort abounds. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Mesa, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily utilizing fresh herbs and produce grown on self-sustaining farms located on its grounds.

The newly constructed Pestana Arco da Rua Augusta is a sprawling, elegant hotel that provides road-weary travelers with all the comforts and amenities they need to relax and recuperate. The hotel’s central location provides guests with easy access to Lisbon’s many great sites. Guest rooms feature a variety of architectural details that are native to this region of Portugal, including broad tile-lined walls, expansive wood paneling, vaulted ceilings, and wide stone floors. Catch up with friends back home on complimentary WiFi while you dine on seasonal vegetables, freshly caught fish, and regional favorites at the hotel restaurant.