Portugal’s charm lies in its serenity.
In a way of life shaped by sea breezes, warm light, historic cities, and modern design. In recent years, the country has evolved from an insider tip to a must-visit destination for mindful travelers – and for good reason.
Category Archive: Portugal
In the heart of Faro’s historic old town, The Ashana is set to become an extraordinary retreat for discerning travelers. Carefully restored from a 16th-century building, this boutique hotel seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary luxury, offering an exclusive experience for guests who appreciate individuality, design, and exceptional service. With only 29 rooms, a hidden garden, and tailor-made experiences, The Ashana is redefining boutique hospitality on the Algarve.
No, the Douro Boys are not a boy band, but the spirit is the same: they work together to touch the hearts of the whole world. Not with pop songs, of course, but with wine – from the Douro Valley. Not only does the river of the same name flow here, but above all port wine. One of the four Douro Boys members also runs the marvellous Hotel Casa do Rio. Door number 9 takes us to Portugal for today’s prize: a night in a hotel including wine tasting for two people.
The Alentejo region, one of Portugal’s most untouched areas, has been gaining more and more attention in recent years. In particular, the small coastal village of Comporta has become a magnet for travelers seeking the antithesis of mass tourism. Nestled amidst rice fields, pine forests, and endless sandy beaches, a new form of tourism is emerging here—one centered on mindfulness, sustainability, and slow living.
It flickers, radiates heat, draws you closer, calms and connects – fire has a magical effect. It takes
centre stage in the Food Circle at the Sublime Comporta hotel, where the gastronomic experience
allows the chef’s table and Ofyr cooking unit to merge into one.
If you’re looking for tranquillity yet with a hint of liveliness, if you want a holiday with no compromises yet with value placed on sustainability, if you want to see attention to detail yet still appreciate the overall picture, then Vila Valverde is the place for you. The best of the best from all over the world is here. It’s as if it were made for me…
Since the 1920s, the Champalimaud family’s history has been linked to a beautiful spot. Right on the Atlantic coast, just 25 minutes away from Lisbon, they have developed a design hotel boasting contemporary architecture. Miguel M. Champalimaud, Hotel Director, told us all about its history, the best places and the architecture…
Perched on a 40-meter cliff in the middle of a nature reserve, Lifestyle Hotel Aethos Ericeira with unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean is surrounded by some of Europe’s best and most beautiful beaches …
The last representative of the group was inspired by the history of Porto which also provided the inspiration for the fourth Torel Boutiques hotel: the Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments …
The second Porto representative of the group, the Torel Avantgarde, celebrates the art and design of the early 20th century.
If you want to get away from the capital or if you already know the area from previous visits, there is another distinctive palace hotel from Torel Boutiques in the coastal town of Porto, around 300 km north of Lisbon – Torel Palace Porto …
This is where it all started for the Torel Boutiques hotels, and it’s a tale filled with history and sophisticated luxury. Torel Palace Lisbon, the first of their four establishments occupies a picturesque setting on Sant’Ana, one of the seven hills in the historic centre of the Portuguese capital …
With breath-taking vistas as far as the eye can see and simple design that capitalises on the abundance of natural light, The Oitavos is the ideal location to find sanctuary as we all work towards establishing a new normal …
The history of the Champalimaud family has been tied to this beautiful corner of the world since the 1920s. Here on the Atlantic coast, just a short boat ride from Lisbon, they have created a design hotel that boasts contemporary architectural flair …
Overlooking the protected sand dunes, the Atlantic Ocean and its surrounding beaches the five-star design hotel The Oitavos is located at the westernmost point of the Portuguese coastline …
Listen to the sea, breathe in the salty air and feel the breeze in your hair. On a small jetty located on an estuary, feel the wood under your feet, watch the waves dancing and listen to the fisherman at work…
Dieter Koschina has been working at Vila Joya for more than 28 years and secured his first Michelin star in 1995 and his second in 1999. Chef Koschina is an essential part of the gem which is Vila Joya – and he is also one of Portugal’s highly decorated chefs…
This former 19th-century estate is located away from the everyday hustle and bustle, overlooking the bay of Praia da Luz. It has been completely restored, expanded and transformed into a small 5-star design hotel with great attention to detail […]