Altis Belem Hotel & Spa

Perched on the riverside neighborhood of Belem some four miles from the center of Lisbon, Altis Belem is a relaxing sanctuary with luxuries and conveniences that attract stylish jetsetters.

• The array of culinary treats, from Michelin-starred opulence to the casual oyster bar
• The pools: A glamorous rooftop hotspot overlooking the river and a more intimate indoor option at the spa
• The building’s strikingly modern design by Portuguese architects Risco

Staying a handful of miles from a European capital’s geographical nucleus has its drawbacks, but in Lisbon’s Altis Belem Hotel & Spa, on-site amenities of the highest order will make you forget about the four miles that separate you from more happening neighborhoods like Bairro Alto and Chiado.

To start, a more reclusive location means quieter nights and more fabulous views of waterside towns across the Tagus River. But while your surroundings might be relaxing and subdued, Altis Belem makes quite a head-turning impression, starting with its gorgeous architecture. The long, mostly white, two-floor structure complements its waterside setting at Belem’s Bom Sucesso Dock. There’s something luxuriously relaxing about the whole thing, but the property is actually well situated for sightseeing. Belem is home to a few of Lisbon’s cultural highlights such as the Belem Tower and the Monument of Discoveries, which pays homage to Portugal’s past as a leader in colonialism. These are all within walking distance of the hotel.

Inside, Altis Belem delivers a thoroughly contemporary experience. White walls, sharp angles and lots of glass telegraph an architectural aesthetic. All of this might look severe, but the designers took care of balancing the stark foundation with warm, dark wood and colorful accent walls. Much is the same with the 50 rooms, some of which come with deep, shuttered balconies. Think: a clean white background cleverly accented with an electric blue chaise, a graphic mural on one of the walls or a bright area rug.

Where Altis Belem succeeds is in its public spaces, which are all frequented by well-heeled locals. Spa enthusiasts love the massive and award-winning BSpa by Karin Herzog. A holistic approach to wellness can be experienced in a variety of facials and massages, but the fan-favorite is the Therma Garden, which has a sauna, hammam, Turkish bath and a pool.

The hotel also houses one of Portugal’s iconic restaurants with the Michelin-starred Feitoria Restaurant & Wine Bar. Here, the chef serves four versions of a Tasting Menu, with vegetarians particularly well catered as two of the menus are dedicated to them. The cellar is packed with nearly 700 types of Portuguese and international wines.

Sophisticated travelers who prefer a more off-the-beaten-path home base. The hotel is about a 15-20–minute taxi ride from Lisbon city center. This hotel is suited best to visitors who have been to Lisbon before.