Penha Longa Resort

Hidden away in Sintra-Cascais National Park, Penha Longa Resort, previously home to some of the country’s crowned royals, is a pampering retreat for a variety of travelers, from golfers to spa-goers. ****

• The comprehensive pampering services from the 16,000-square-foot spa with Natura Bissé products
• The fabulous food right across their multitude of restaurants from Michelin-starred LAB with Sergi Arola at the helm to Italian favorites at Mercatto
• The 27-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
• The outstanding Kid’s Club

A visit to the Lisbon area isn’t complete without seeing the fairy tale castles and palaces in nearby Sintra. To really experience this area’s charm, an overnight stay in Sintra is the bare minimum, and accommodations don’t get more luxurious than at Penha Longa Resort, a member of the Ritz-Carlton portfolio. The 194-room property is like a world of its own, tucked away in the Southern Sintra mountains in a 545-acre national park along the Estoril Coast. The resort has collaborated with marquee names across several industries to create a retreat unlike any other.

A 20-minute drive from Lisbon Portela Airport and just 10 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra, the Penha Longa Resort has done a fantastic job of setting itself apart from the busier, buzzier parts of the region. Three of the best golf courses in Europe surround the grounds, adding to the resort’s countryside feel, and with all the luxury amenities within its walls, it’s easy to feel like you may never want to leave. The expansive spa is especially tempting, offering everything from customized facials and outdoor massages to Tai Chi classes. For a thorough wellness experience, you can book a three-, five- or seven-day program.

The interior décor in the spacious, comfortable rooms and suites is subtle but luxurious, if corporate in feel. All accommodations have private balconies. Outdoor spaces are striking, especially the pool areas landscaped with local trees and shrubs and the intricately tiled grounds that surround the buildings.

Seven tennis courts, two squash courts, three paddle courts, a jogging track, a meditation path and an equestrian center attract the fitness-minded. The Portuguese love of children is very much felt here from the popcorn which is offered at tea-time to the regular treasure hunts held. The choice of restaurants could allow the guests to remain here all holiday, with the pool a definite draw in the summer.

Penha Longa Resort is especially fitting for families and those who prefer hotel with round-the-clock amenities.