Areias do Seixo

Areias do Seixo is one of those rare exceptions to the rule that luxury can strip a place of its soul. Here, everything radiates warmth and character. Most striking is the décor: an aesthetic adventure where nothing seems to match, yet together it all comes together like a symphony. What truly stands out is the interior scheme: an aesthetic journey where each piece seems unlikely to fit, yet together it becomes a perfectly tuned symphony.

The hotel lies around a 15 minute walk from the beach, a straight line through pines and sand. It leads to a broad sweep of shoreline where you will often feel almost alone with the Atlantic. The property divides into two areas: the adults only hotel with a large pool and ten rooms, all with a terrace, fireplace and sea view except one. Behind it are contemporary villas, ideal for families with children or groups of friends. Some have a private pool, and all guests may use the second shared pool and the communal jacuzzi, available to both villas and hotel.

Each day brings small, well considered experiences: visits to the kitchen garden, guided walks to learn about local flora and fauna, yoga sessions, surfing for all ages and levels, and more. By contrast, Santa Cruz, five minutes by car, is not especially pretty. Nearby, however, Mafra and Ericeira are very appealing, and Lisbon and Sintra are only a 45 minute drive away.

Breakfast is served in the greenhouse, a plant filled space with a gentle warmth. Expect freshly squeezed juices, bread, pastries, jams, eggs from their own hens, yoghurt with granola and mixed nuts, plus outstanding bread baked in house. Breakfast is available from 8:30 to 11:00.

The spa is for adults only. In the hotel restaurant, produce from the garden and ultra-fresh local ingredients take centre stage.

The hotel embraces a clear sustainability ethos that is tangible throughout and genuinely moving in its consistency.