We’re at the height of summer, but if you haven’t managed to get away for a holiday or staycation yet, you may be eying destinations further afield.
Some countries have received the green light for international travel while others, including Portugal, are on the amber list, meaning that while they’re open to travellers, visitors will have to quarantine upon arriving home. For many, this is a deal-breaker. For others – those of us who have the option of remote working and flexible hours – a break in the sun might be well worth 10 days in solitude, regardless.
Here are seven design-led boutique Portuguese hotels for a last-minute summer vacation or early autumn break.
Quinta de Lemos, Silgueiros
Quinta de Lemos is spread over 50 hectares of rolling vineyard and olive groves in the heart of the Dão valley, one of Portugal’s oldest wine regions. The winery, fine-dining restaurant and boutique hotel sprung from the imagination of Celso de Lemos who commissioned architecture practice, Carvalho Araújo, to design this elegant destination with its three luxury suites, indoor and outdoor pools, a tennis court and a helipad.
Photography: Quinta De Lemos
Quinta de Lemos, Silgueiros
Quinta de Lemos is spread over 50 hectares of rolling vineyard and olive groves in the heart of the Dão valley, one of Portugal’s oldest wine regions. The winery, fine-dining restaurant and boutique hotel sprung from the imagination of Celso de Lemos who commissioned architecture practice, Carvalho Araújo, to design this elegant destination with its three luxury suites, indoor and outdoor pools, a tennis court and a helipad.
Photography: Quinta De Lemos
theAddresses: Casa Dois, Olhão
This former fish warehouse in the heart of the fishing village of Olhão offers a modernist destination for avid travellers, paying close attention to the rich Portuguese heritage. The converted townhouse, with its southern charm, ample light, and relaxed atmosphere, make it the perfect place for retreat and contemplation in the heart of Algarve’s biggest fishing port; salty and soulful Olhão.
Casa Três, theAddresses’ third guest house, also opened this summer. See more on the trio of homes.
Photography: The Addresses
theAddresses: Casa Dois, Olhão
This former fish warehouse in the heart of the fishing village of Olhão offers a modernist destination for avid travellers, paying close attention to the rich Portuguese heritage. The converted townhouse, with its southern charm, ample light, and relaxed atmosphere, make it the perfect place for retreat and contemplation in the heart of Algarve’s biggest fishing port; salty and soulful Olhão.
Casa Três, theAddresses’ third guest house, also opened this summer. See more on the trio of homes.
Photography: The Addresses
Casa de São Lourenço, Manteigas
Sky-high mountain views of a natural park complement heritage artisanal wools, local gastronomy, and iconic and contemporary Portuguese design at Burel Mountain Hotels’ Casa de São Lourenço. It’s the only 5-star hotel in the Serra da Estrela mountain range, and the only one with panoramic views over the Zêzere Glacier Valley. Designed by architects Paulo Costa and Patrícia Marques, it is a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Photography: Casa De Sao
Photography: Casa De Sao
Casa de São Lourenço, Manteigas
Sky-high mountain views of a natural park complement heritage artisanal wools, local gastronomy, and iconic and contemporary Portuguese design at Burel Mountain Hotels’ Casa de São Lourenço. It’s the only 5-star hotel in the Serra da Estrela mountain range, and the only one with panoramic views over the Zêzere Glacier Valley. Designed by architects Paulo Costa and Patrícia Marques, it is a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Photography: Casa De Sao
Photography: Casa De Sao
The Lisboans, Lisbon
For some, a holiday isn’t a holiday without the beach. For others, a new city to explore is what appeals to them. Lisbon is a hilly and coastal city that can offer both. Perfectly situated with prime city views, Portuguese flair and an enviable location is The Lisboans – 15 self-catering apartments with their sleek yet simple design. Housed in a former canned goods factory and renovated by owners/art directors Isaac and Tânia Almeida and architect Marta Fonseca, this destination is ideal for the modern traveller.
Photography: The Lisboans
The Lisboans, Lisbon
For some, a holiday isn’t a holiday without the beach. For others, a new city to explore is what appeals to them. Lisbon is a hilly and coastal city that can offer both. Perfectly situated with prime city views, Portuguese flair and an enviable location is The Lisboans – 15 self-catering apartments with their sleek yet simple design. Housed in a former canned goods factory and renovated by owners/art directors Isaac and Tânia Almeida and architect Marta Fonseca, this destination is ideal for the modern traveller.
Photography: The Lisboans
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, Madeira
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol offers a taste of pure escapism. Simple and relaxed, yet undeniably sophisticated, this Portuguese cliff-top retreat is where minimalist design gives way to the raw magnificence of mother nature – architect Tiago Oliveira set out to renovate this old ‘Quinta and integrate it with the original buildings in a distinct, contemporary style that speaks to travellers the world over.
Photography: Ponta Do Sol
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, Madeira
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol offers a taste of pure escapism. Simple and relaxed, yet undeniably sophisticated, this Portuguese cliff-top retreat is where minimalist design gives way to the raw magnificence of mother nature – architect Tiago Oliveira set out to renovate this old ‘Quinta and integrate it with the original buildings in a distinct, contemporary style that speaks to travellers the world over.
Photography: Ponta Do Sol
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, Madeira
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol offers a taste of pure escapism. Simple and relaxed, yet undeniably sophisticated, this Portuguese cliff-top retreat is where minimalist design gives way to the raw magnificence of mother nature – architect Tiago Oliveira set out to renovate this old ‘Quinta and integrate it with the original buildings in a distinct, contemporary style that speaks to travellers the world over.
Photography: Ponta Do Sol
Casas Portugal Casa Luum, Algarve
If minimalism is key to your decision-making process, then Casas Portugal Casa Luum is the place for you. The elegant four-room villa designed by Pedro Domingos Arquitectos was once an old ruin at the end of a dirt road. Now, in its place, a stunning villa, completely encompassed by nature and anchored by starkly white walls and concrete, through various open spaces – such as the rooftop terraces and an enclosed pool.
Photography: Casa Luum
Casas Portugal Casa Luum, Algarve
If minimalism is key to your decision-making process, then Casas Portugal Casa Luum is the place for you. The elegant four-room villa designed by Pedro Domingos Arquitectos was once an old ruin at the end of a dirt road. Now, in its place, a stunning villa, completely encompassed by nature and anchored by starkly white walls and concrete, through various open spaces – such as the rooftop terraces and an enclosed pool.
Photography: Casa Luum
Douro41 Hotel & Spa, Castelo de Paiva
Set on the banks of the Douro River, this stone-crafted hotel – designed by Serôdio, Furtado & Associados offers incomparable views in the most tranquil of settings. It features modern, minimalist lines in neutral tones as well as uses traditional schist and glass transparencies throughout for a particularly Portuguese twist.
Photography: Douro
Douro41 Hotel & Spa, Castelo de Paiva
Set on the banks of the Douro River, this stone-crafted hotel – designed by Serôdio, Furtado & Associados offers incomparable views in the most tranquil of settings. It features modern, minimalist lines in neutral tones as well as uses traditional schist and glass transparencies throughout for a particularly Portuguese twist.
Photography: Douro
