Key Takeaways
- Portugal has become a popular travel destination for Americans for its accessibility, affordability, charm, and beauty.
- For travelers who want to experience the “in-the-know” exclusivity Portugal offered in years past, these three Luxe by ALG Vacations® resorts and hotels can help deliver that feeling.
- Consider Hyatt Regency Lisboa in Lisbon, Sheraton Cascais Resort in Cascais on the Atlantic shore, and Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort in the Algarve for a well-rounded, luxurious multi-stop trip to Portugal.
Portugal is no longer off the beaten path. In the past several years, it’s become one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in Europe as experiential travelers have spread the word that this country is one travelers shouldn’t be sleeping on. The word has gotten out about stunning Atlantic coastlines, historic cities, world-class fresh cuisine (particularly the seafood!) and wine, and its incredible cost value has had many people asking, “Why not now?”
But while its popularity has increased tourism there, it hasn’t changed it. You’ll still find vibrant culture and locals-first nightlife, authentic eats enjoyed by residents, and fado music played simply for the love of it. And best of all, it’s still one of the more accessibly priced destinations in Europe, which leaves creates space in the budget to spring for an upscale experience.
Here are the three Luxe by ALG Vacations® our in-house Europe experts highly recommend to make it an unforgettable foray into Portugal.
Hyatt Regency Lisboa
If planning a stop in the country’s capital of Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, ask your travel advisor to book you in what’s been named the best luxury riverside hotel in all of Portugal (Luxury Lifestyle Awards) and in general (Luxe Global Awards). This upscale, contemporary hotel in the heart of the Belém district has 204 modern, spacious rooms and suites, some even with a balcony overlooking the Tagus River so that guests can enjoy a private perspective of this privileged view. For all, there’s the ICON Rooftop Bar for a bird’s eye panorama.
ALGVPro Tip: The on-site spa is managed by Serenity – The Art of Well Being, which is Europe’s top brand for wellness, and the Active by Serenity gym reinforces another element of this mission, along with the specialty Wellness Suite that is available for booking.
ALGV Luxe Amenities: Travelers whose advisors book this hotel with an ALG Vacations® brand are automatically eligible for a room upgrade and early check-in upon arrival if available; all receive a VIP welcome amenity of local pastries and juices.
STAY: Corner Premium Suite. We love this category for its roughly 1,000 square feet of living space, directly fronting the river from both indoors and out. The balcony wraps around the unit, and a separate living room with a dining area and fully equipped kitchenette make this one-bedroom suite perfect for families with a max occupancy of 2 adults and 2 kids or 3 adults.
Sheraton Cascais Resort
Just a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon, closer still to the palaces of Sintra, and practically right on top of the Atlantic coast, this relaxed, upscale resort destination is a must-visit for an illuminating contrast of Portugal splendor. Winner of Best Luxury Resort in Portugal by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, this seaside property looks like a country escape, its vibrant, ochre-hued buildings gorgeous against the lush green landscaping of the property. Just beyond is the well-connected center of Cascais, where quaint cobblestoned streets, historic old town, seaside promenades, and marina lace out in a flat, easily walkable layout that invite leisurely exploration.
ALGVPro Tip: Make sure to make dining reservations at the on-site Yakuza Cascais restaurant, which is a partner concept to Olivier de Costa, one of the country’s most famous and elite venues. Widely considered one of the finest East-meets-West dining concepts in the region, a broad choice of Japanese- and Mediterranean-inspired dining offers plenty of ways to be wowed.
ALGV Luxe Amenities: Guests booked through ALG Vacations® brands with their travel advisor get a special welcome here, with the amenity of local pastries and juices for in-room snacking immediately upon arrival. Room upgrades and early check-ins are also provided if available.
STAY: Panoramic Suite. Like the 3- to 4-bedroom Premium Residences, the Panoramic Suites function like private, high-end gated villas, without having to bring a crowd to fill it. However, up to 5 adults or 4 adults and 2 children can stay, thanks to the inclusion of a sofa bed. A private in-ground jetted tub on the fully furnished rooftop space creates a special refuge, while a fully equipped kitchen offers a sense of home.
Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort
Located on one of the best beaches in the Algarve, Praia da Falésia, this is the place to stay for those looking for the famous ochre-red cliffs, blue waters, and cinematic charm of the region. It’s all about decompression here, from a wide collection of varying accommodations that let guests choose their level of remove (rooms and suites, apartments, and standalone villas) to an award-winning holistic spa that features bespoke treatments meant to nurture the spirit as well as the body. In fact, it’s been named the best wellness retreat in Portugal by the World Spa Awards and by the Haute Awards and the best luxury destination spa in all of Southern Europe by the World Luxury Awards … among others.ALGVPro Tip: Book a round of golf here. The 9-hole executive course is set against the cliffs that overlook the Atlantic for oceanside views that will stay with you long after your game is done. It’s one of the few in the Algarve that can offer this vista.
STAY: Neptuno Presidential Suite. Located in the Pine Cliffs Hotel itself, which opened in 1992, this spectacular category has 936 square feet to spread out in. Its prime location goes beyond being in the center of the property – it’s also only a five-minute stroll to Falesia Beach and Lemon Square’s lively atmosphere and dining. But within, a dining area, separate living room, and a balcony make it a fully imagined home base.
Bonus ALVPro Tip: If the Pine Cliffs Hotel isn’t quite what your clients imagine, there is actually a total of six different properties available within the Pine Cliffs resort that can be booked via ALG Vacations®. In the Luxury Collection with Pine Cliffs Hotel, there’s Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites and Pine Cliffs Residence. Pine Cliffs Village is an Algarvian-style community that charms with its intimate setting; Pine Cliffs Suites overlooks the golf course and offers modern comforts; and Pine Cliffs Gardens provides families with 87 sleek, contemporary apartments near the entrance of the property.
The Bottom Line
Portugal may no longer be a hidden gem, but it hasn't lost the authenticity, charm, and exceptional value that made travelers fall in love with it. Make the most of that value as a luxury traveler by upgrading to Luxe by ALG Vacations® hotels. Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort, Sheraton Cascais Resort, and Hyatt Regency Lisboa elevate that experience, pairing the country's vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes with exclusive amenities and unforgettable stays.
