It is no exaggeration to describe the seaside road that connects Cascais and the Sintra hills as one of the most picturesque in the land. To the left, as you head west, the wild waves of the Atlantic crash down onto the craggy shores. To the right, the Sintra hills come majestically into view, and you can just about make out the fairytale palaces and manor house nestling on the top. Within this privileged environment you will find the Cascais boutique hotel of Estalagem Senhora da Guia. Made up of three elegant and renovated outbuildings, and set within stylish pine gardens, the charming Senhora da Guia is a classic case of how to do things right.

With 41 rooms, it is large enough to provide those luxurious little services and goodies sophisticated travelers expect, including spa treatments and first rate restaurant, but it is also small enough to offer that intimate feeling of seclusion, buffeted as it is from the outside world by those ample pine gardens we mentioned earlier.

To be sure, the pervading atmosphere is one of total relaxation, helped not only but the discreet service on offer but also by the tasteful decoration throughout, which can be best described as somewhat reminiscent of the old English era. That means one thing – elegance.

So, we get well decorated ample rooms, most of which come with a sea view balcony, stylish public areas, lounge with bar, fireplace furnished with mementos and a terrace that looks beyond the excellent saltwater swimming pools (yes, pools – there are two) to the fabulous Atlantic Ocean.

Making the most of what the Estalagem Senhora da Guia has to offer is easy. Read a book by the pool, wander amongst the gardens, and recharge the batteries. It is also just as easy to go out and discover this beautiful region of Portugal, visit historic towns, play some golf, perhaps, or simply wander by the water’s edge. Better still, do both, using the Estalagem Senhora da Guia Cascais boutique hotel as the ideal base.