Image courtesy of Sublime Comporta
Portugal, a land of rich culture and captivating landscapes, offers travelers a plethora of choices when it comes to luxury accommodations. Below, I explore my 13 favorite hotels in Portugal, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience in their stunning locale, from the tranquil beaches of the Algarve to the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto.
Algarve: serene beach retreats
1. Octant Vila Monte
Image courtesy of Octant Vila Monte
Nestled within a nine-acre estate, Octant Vila Monte is a whitewashed property that offers yoga, Pilates, cinema sessions and immersive on-site activities and workshops. Guests stay in one of 55 airy rooms and suites. For larger groups, consider the three-suite Villa Indigo, with an open kitchen, a private pool and breezy common areas perfect for lingering, ideally with a bottle of wine. Octant Vila Monte exudes beachy vibes with thoughtful design. It's a gorgeous property that offers exceptional hospitality, cuisine and experiences.
Fora Perks:
Complimentary 50-minute massage for two.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
2. Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
Image courtesy of Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
This sprawling resort rests on 57 acres, with 203 rooms, including six butler-equipped villas. Vila Vita also has its own wine estate, which produces eight different types of wine and boasts a 15,000-bottle wine cellar. Although Vila Vita is a larger resort, it does a good job at making sure the property doesn’t feel too overcrowded. Plus, the food and the views are incredible.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Alentejo: cozy countrysides and natural beauty
3. Sublime Comporta
Image courtesy of Sublime Comporta
Near Comporta's idyllic beaches, Sublime Comporta offers sustainability (sustainable architectural materials, solar paneling, an onsite organic garden), serenity and a variety of outdoor activities, from catamaran to food tours. This property stands out for its eco-consciousness, sleek design and thoughtfully sourced and prepared culinary offerings.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Lisbon: cultural exploration and city living
4. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Situated in the heart of Lisbon, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon offers heated pools, a mix of leisure and corporate facilities and a Michelin-Starred restaurant. Several floors have recently been refurbished, and a multi-step lobby refresh is in the works. Plus, the beds are some of the comfiest I’ve slept in, and the hotel offers some pretty amazing views of the city.
Fora Perks:
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. I'll be pleased to give you more details.
5. Maison Albar Hotel Le Monumental Palace
Image courtesy of Maison Albar Hotel Le Monumental Palace
A vintage-style hotel in a premium Porto neighborhood, Le Monumental Palace strikes a balance between old-school elegance and modern luxury, creating a unique and comfortable atmosphere. The hotel is both sophisticated and delightfully laid-back, a combination I love.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
6. Valverde Hotel
Image courtesy of Valverde Hotel
Located just five minutes from the heart of Lisbon, Valverde Hotel offers a cozy and homey atmosphere accented by artwork, antiques and contemporary decor. Head here for a stylish boutique-hotel moment right on the famed Avenida da Liberdade.
Fora Perks:
Complimentary round-trip airport transfers.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
7. Bairro Alto Hotel
Image courtesy of Bairro Alto Hotel
Bairro Alto Hotel is a vibrant city-center hotel with an emphasis on local experiences. I love the hotel for its proximity to some of Lisbon’s top historical sites.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
8. Sublime Lisboa
Image courtesy of Sublime Lisboa
A boutique hotel in Lisbon, Sublime Lisboa has an intimate vibe with a unique design and a focus on art and interior decor. Plus, it's exceptionally detail-oriented, and is particularly well suited for the wellness-minded guest who also appreciates some meticulously sourced culinary indulgences.
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Porto: historic streets and modern luxury
9. The Rebello
Image courtesy of The Rebello
Located in a historic building in Porto, The Rebello preserves the integrity of its original structure while incorporating handmade artwork, sea-themed room names and a Roman-style spa. This property impresses with its thoughtful design touches and a well-planned overall experience. It's a beautiful property with a deep connection to its surroundings.
Fora Perks:
$50 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
10. The Yeatman
Image courtesy of The Yeatman
Perched on a hillside in Porto, The Yeatman immerses guests in the world of Portuguese wine with a two-Michelin-Starred restaurant and a wine-themed design (including a decanter-shaped pool). While the outdoor areas and views are beautiful, the wine theme might feel a bit overwhelming to some, but if you loooove wine, this is the place for you.
Fora Perks:
Complimentary wine tasting for two.
Welcome treats.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
11. Torel Palace Porto
Image courtesy of Torel Palace Porto
A boutique hotel in the heart of Porto, Torel Palace Porto offers a unique and colorful experience inspired by Portuguese literature. It's charming, intimate and delightfully boutique-y, especially ideal for the bookworms among us.
Fora Perks:
Welcome treats.
Complimentary bottle of wine.
Upgrade whenever possible.
Douro Valley: wine country retreat
12. Octant Douro
Image courtesy of Octant Douro
A modern property outside Porto, Octant Douro offers a stunning panoramic view, modern design and outdoor pools, making it an ideal choice for travelers who appreciate a tranquil setting. And I'm all for the hotel’s approachable price point. It's modern design and beautiful views make it a magical retreat, despite it being a bit out of the way from the rest of the valley.
Fora Perks:
Complimentary 50-minute massage for two.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
13. Six Senses Douro Valley
Image courtesy of Six Senses Douro Valley
Surrounded by vineyards and the Douro River, Six Senses Douro Valley offers a wellness-forward retreat with gorgeous surroundings, a focus on sustainability (the hotel actively supports environmental conservation as well as its surrounding community) and a variety of enriching activities, like tile painting, wine tastings, cooking workshops and more. Here is a bucket-list property, one that really immerses you into its surroundings. Foodies and wine lovers will be especially happy here.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.