Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Today (January 8, 2020): Review of Six Senses Douro Valley (Portugal).

• Location: Google maps
• Hotel website: Six Senses Douro Valley
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Add canoeing, river cruises and tree climbing to your wine country vacation at Six Senses Douro Valley. The 50-room hotel – which occupies a 19th-century manor house overlooking the UNESCO-designated region – takes a total approach to well-being, including yogic detox programs, citrus-based spa treatments and an alchemy bar for blending body products. The grape is sovereign here, with a wine library for tastings and an extensive cellar. The Vale de Abraão Restaurant with its open kitchen uses produce from the organic garden.

Six Senses Douro Valley features in my top 10 list of the best hotels & resorts in Portugal.

Have you ever stayed at Six Senses Douro Valley? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my Youtube clip & slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• The property is located in the beautiful Portuguese UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Douro Valley. The river Douro and its principal tributaries, the Varosa, Corgo, Távora, Torto, and Pinhão, form the backbone of this magnificent mountain landscape. Protected from the harsh Atlantic Ocean winds by the Marão and Montemuro mountains, the valley’s gentle slopes have been transformed into terraced vineyards that cover some 24,600 ha. Wine has been produced by traditional landholders in the Douro Valley for some 2,000 years. A world commodity, Port wine – a wine of a quality defined and regulated since 1756 – is produced here.

• Six Senses Douro Valley is housed in a magnificent quinta or wine estate, set on a hillside where the Douro River gently bends in an S-shaped curve. The pink colored mansion, with its striking clock tower, is surrounded by 8 hectares (19 acres) of rolling vineyards and private gardens, with forest paths, secret tunnel, staircases, fountains, and niches with viewpoints. This allows a wide range of outdoor activities in and around the estate and on the river, from walking, tree climbing, to mountain biking, kayaking and water sports. The garden’s highlight is a beautiful 25 m (82 ft) long pool, which directly overlooks the resort grounds and Douro River.

• The estate has an interesting history. In a document from 1464, João Lourenço de Seara (a valet to King Afonso V) leased this vineyard to a Jewish man named Abraão Farah, after which the place became known as Vale de Abraão. In the 19th century, Alfredo Passanha and his wife settled at Vale de Abraão, extended the property, and made it the Douro Valley’s most beautiful quinta. The Passanhas had no children, and so their nephews, Serpa Pimentel, inherited the estate. The descendants of the Serpa Pimentel family lived in Vale de Abraão until the early 1990’s. Following a fire and a decade of neglect, the estate was sold, renovated, and converted into a luxury hotel.

• The hotel’s entry driveway winds down through working vineyards leading to a surprisingly modern arrival pavilion. The latter is accessed by two massive wood doors set in a glass façade banded with slatted metal. The entrance lobby with its half-vaulted ceiling features a massive reception desk in front of a textured art wall, that is bisected by a horizontal niche filled with flickering candles. Above the desk hangs a sweeping chandelier reminiscent of bundles of curling grape vines spatters. The pavilion also features a small glass balcony with panoramic views of the Douro Valley. Upon arrival, all guests are treated to a welcome glass of Port wine.

• The hotel features 60 guest accommodations. During my visit, I stayed in a beautifully appointed Quinta Deluxe Room on the property’s first floor. The room featured a kingsize bed, cozy seating area, and floor-to-ceiling windows leading to a small stone terrace overlooking the woodland. The room’s open plan bathroom was lined with a dove gray Portuguese limestone and was equipped with two sinks, and separate toilet and shower cubicles. The room’s decor blended traditional Portuguese design elements with Six Senses natural style and earthy tones. Room service is ordered via an in-room tablet, which also operates the lighting, blinds and television.

• From the entrance pavilion, a glass elevator takes guest to the heart of the resort, the Wine Library. Flanked by art work and walls lined with wine bottles, this room features an oversized wine tasting table. Leather upholstered sofas arranged around recycled wine crates and shelves filled with books about the region and its wines beckon guests to slow down and unwind. The Wine Library also features a deli counter, a wine shop, and a self-serve wine tasting machine that allows guests to taste wines by the glass simply by waving their room card in front of the machine. The library extends onto a covered terrace with fire pit and an open-air cinema.

• The Wine Library flows into a series of informal lounge spaces with an aged, hand-stenciled plaster ceiling reflecting the history of the building. On the walls, wooden pieces recovered from an old scaffolding structure are covered in a beautiful patina. These scaffolding planks were used while building the Schist rock walls found throughout the Douro Valley and to this day sustain the earth in the vineyard terraces. In one of the lounges, a corrugated concrete fireplace burns logs on cool evenings and in another lounge, a bar offers liquors, craft beers, creative cocktails made from port wine,  as well as afternoon tea. The bar also has a pool table and table games scattered around, which are popular among families.

• Six Senses Douro Valley has several restaurants on site, which all serve exquisite farm-to-table cuisine, crafted from the resort’s organic gardens and seasonal local produce. Local wines are at the center of the culinary experience with a team of sommeliers on hands to advise on wine pairing.
  • Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the ‘Open Kitchen’ is located next to the Wine Library. The lavish breakfast buffet is particularly impressive and displayed around an open cooking station complete with wood-fired oven and Josper grill where you can watch the chefs in action.
  • Next to Open Kitchen is the ‘Dining Room’, which has a huge fireplace at its center, flanked by walls of 18th century blue and white tiles. With an la carte offering, this fine dining venue showcases Portuguese dishes and flavors, such as salted cod, sardines, braised meat and classic Mediterranean salads.
  • Located between the hotel’s informal bar and Open Kitchen, the ‘Terrace’ is a beautiful stone paved courtyard, with tables surrounding a granite water fountain, which makes for an idyllic spot for a romantic al fresco dinner by candle light.
  • The Wine Library also doubles as a restaurant, serving delicious traditional Portuguese sharing dishes and “Petiscos” to accompany the wonderful wine selection.
  • The ‘Pickles’ pool terrace restaurant is only open in the summer season (May to October), when the outdoor pool bar is transformed into a candle lit restaurant on select evenings. It serves local delicacies such as grilled peach and burrata with flatbread or grouper in a court bouillon with lemongrass. In summer, barbecues are also offered on a terrace overlooking the organic garden.

• One floor below the Wine Library is the luxurious Six Senses Spa, which comprises 10 treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool with water jets, a Vitality suite, plus a gym with the latest exercise equipment complemented by professional guidance. The spa offers a selection of locally inspired specialty treatments, some of which are grape based, others using local herbs and fruits, together with an extensive menu of Six Senses signature therapies. There is something for everyone, from multi-day wellness programs to rejuvenation therapies and a selection of activities such as yoga, aerial yoga, Pilates and forest circuit training.

• Six Senses Douro Valley is committed to sustainability, demonstrated by a focus on minimizing its footprint on the environment in the Douro Valley while creating a positive impact on the community. All drinking water served at the resort is filtered, purified and bottled on site. Half of the profits from water sales are donated to a local charity dedicated to youth education. The northern Portugal donkey, a sweet and stubborn animal, is the resort’s mascot. In support of this social responsibility, the estate sells a miniature toy donkey made of pure wool and Portuguese clay, with half of the sales profits donated to a local association which rescues animal.

• The resort is operated by Six Senses, one of my favorite hotel brands in the world. After its launch in 1995 by Soneva CEO Sonu Shivdasani, Six Senses quickly became recognized as the hospitality industry’s pioneer of sustainable practices, demonstrating that eco-responsibility can be successfully wedded to uncompromised luxury. Six Senses resorts & spas are always located in some of the world’s most unique and beautiful places. Whether it be a Six Senses resort on a remote private island or a Six Senses Spa in an exciting urban setting, the touch-points are always decidedly the same. I have previously reviewed the following Six Senses properties:
  • Six Senses Zighy Bay (Oman)
  • Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (Vietnam)
  • Six Senses Con Dao (Vietnam)
  • Six Senses Zil Pasyon (Seychelles)
  • Six Senses Thimpu, Six Senses Punakha, and Six Senses Paro (Bhutan)

• Six Senses Douro Valley offers a wide range of (outdoor) activities, from river cruises and stomping the port wine grapes to canyoning, mountain biking and helicopter tours. A must visit is the nearest town, Lamego, which is home to the beautiful 18th-century Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies. The shrine is a painful 686 steps up from the Baroque old town but worth the climb for its stunning tiles alone. Wine buffs should also visit the fascinating Wine Museum in Regua to learn about the region’s history. Above all, be prepared to taste top quality reds, whites and Ports and pay prices that are far below the quality level of what you taste.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Six Senses’ European debut, in Portugal’s Douro Valley, is a stunning property, featuring great rooms, terrific service, an impressive wine cellar, superb restaurants, and a magnificent spa. There is little to say against the resort, but you still need to know the following when considering a stay here:

• The resort – which is set in the heart of Portugal’s UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley – focuses on wine activities, wellness, and gastronomy. If this is not your thing (but then you wouldn’t be reading this blog), then this resort is probably not for you.

• Not all rooms at Six Senses Douro Valley come with a view (which is one of the prime reasons for staying here) or a balcony. For example, my room (a quinta deluxe) had a balcony, but no view at all (it looked straight into the surrounding tall trees & greenery). Make sure to book the right room category if you want to enjoy the Douro Valley panoramas right from your bed.

• The hotel is very popular and mostly operates at full occupancy, even in low season (as I experienced myself). The numerous activities on site (some on a complimentary basis, some requiring a fee) and the spa appointments are booked up unusually fast. Therefore, I strongly recommend to book your activities and spa treatments prior to arrival.

• Although the resort grounds are exquisite, the property is built on a hillside, so getting to and from the outdoor pool requires at least two flights of stairs, which may be a challenge for those that have problems with walking.

• Remarkably, the resort is very popular with families, which somewhat surprized me during my visit (as I did not expect that to be the case for a property that revolves around wine tasting and Portuguese culture). While this is a good thing of course, it also means that guests looking for relaxation might have to share the pool areas (both indoor & outdoor) with noisy children as the property doesn’t have an adults only corner or tranquility zone.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 9/10
• Design: 9/10
• Pool: 9/10
• Rooms: 8/10
• Food: 9/10
• Breakfast: 9/10
• Spa: 9/10
• Service: 9/10
• Value for money: 9/10
• Overall experience: very good – 8,8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at Six Senses Douro Valley when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, WiFi, and $100 USD resort credit).

• Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Six Senses Douro Valley (and/or receive many free perks).

• Room tip: I recommend to book a higher category room or suite (e.g. Quinta panorama suite) to be sure that your accommodation comes with a view.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

In general, the Douro Valley enjoys hot dry summers and mild but unpredictable winters. The weather is suitable for outdoor activities between May through to late September with the true summer months of July and August being very hot. The harvest time is an exciting time for a visit as the autumn colors change the vineyards from crispy green to reds and yellows. The winter months can be unpredictable with an equal amount of bright clear days as gray wet days.

HOW TO GET THERE

Six Senses Douro Valley is a 75-minute scenic drive from International Airport Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO) in porto and a 4-hour drive from the capital Lisbon. Private airport transfers can be arranged at EUR 200 per car or EUR 250 for a Tesla, for up to three guests, one way; or EUR 275 for a minivan for a maximum of six guests, one way from the nearest airport – Francisco Sá Carneiro in Oporto.

PHOTOS

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The post Review: Six Senses Douro Valley (Portugal) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Today (January 1, 2020): Review of InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas (Portugal).

• Location: Google maps
• Hotel website: InterContinental Porto
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas offers a privileged location right in the heart of the city of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Only steps away from the city’s main attractions, the hotel inherits the elegance and history of an iconic 18th-century palace. Inside the hotel, guests can relax in the wellness center, have a drink in the intimate library bar, or enjoy a culinary journey at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. The hotel features 105 spacious rooms, including 16 executive suites, characterized by high ceilings and a classic style of great warmth.

InterContinental Porto features in my top 10 list of the best hotels & resorts in Portugal.

Have you ever stayed at InterContinenta Porto? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube clip & slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• InterContinental Porto enjoys a superb location in Porto’s historic center, sitting on one side of the Praça da Liberdade, the main city square. The hotel overlooks the imposing Avenida dos Aliados and is within walking distance from all major cultural highlights of Porto such as the Bolhão Market, Ribeira District or the Clérigos Church the Palacio das Cardosas. The São Bento train station is just next to the hotel and the iconic double-deck Luís I Bridge over the River Douro is a ten minute walk. The lively square on which the hotel is located is a social hub for locals and tourists alike well into the night, but soundproofed windows block out most noise.

• The hotel is housed in a newly renovated palace. The building was originally a monastery early in the 15th century until 1834 when all monasteries were closed down in Portugal and clergymen expelled. It was then converted into a private palace by a wealthy businessman Manuel Cardoso dos Santos, who made his fortune in the then Portuguese colony of Brazil. Unfortunately Cardoso died soon after he purchased the property, and his wife and three daughters inherited the building. After an extensive restoration, the property opened as the InterContinental Porto two hundred years later in 2011, and became an emblem of rehabilitation of downtown Porto.

• The former monastery and palace was renovated to its former glory by Alex Kravetz, the renowned Russian architect and interior designer behind London’s Dorchester Hotel. Kravetz preserved the monumental neoclassical facade of the building, remaining true to the monks’ original construction plans. On the inside, behind the revolving entrance door, the hotel is characterized by a beautiful Portuguese interior. This is particularly true for the hotel’s grand foyer, which has been designed to impress, with ornately patterned marble floors, Swarovski chandeliers, impressive flower decorations, and decorative plaster moldings on the high ceiling.

• The hotel features 105 elegant rooms and suites, which all convey a refined and welcoming atmosphere. During my visit, I was triple upgraded to a beautiful junior suite, which featured a kingsize bed next to a cozy sitting area. The suite’s elegant and sophisticated decor gave way to large windows and a green wrought iron balcony overlooking the main city square. The suite was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a Nespresso coffee machine. The ensuite bathroom was equipped with one sink, a bathtub, and separate toilet and shower cubicles. Toiletries from the prestigious Anne Semonin brand were provided.

• The hotel’s leisure, health & wellness facilities are located in the basement and include a decently sized fitness center (open 24/7), which features several treadmills, recumbent bikes, and stair-steppers. The small and intimate spa has a sauna room and offers a range of massages, facial treatments, body rituals, and waxing, as well as manicure and pedicure services. Body treatment are moderately prices, for example 80 euros for a Swedish massage. There’s even a romantic love package on offer for 185 euros, in which couples get a 45 minute massage or private sauna session, accompanied by tea and Belgian truffles.

• The InterContinental Porto has two restaurants and one bar:
  • The hotel’s fine dining venue is called Astoria and serves Portuguese contemporary cuisine with Mediterranean flavors. On summer days, guests can dine al fresco on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace.
  • The Cardosas Bar is located in a side room of the lobby and decorated in the grand style of a traditional British library. The bar offers afternoon tea, fabulous Porto wines, and cocktails, accompanied by live music.
  • There’s also an unnamed third restaurant behind the check-in area, where  an excellent breakfast buffet is displayed each morning, comprising smoked salmon, cold cuts, cheeses, breads, pastries, cereal, fruit, coffee, tea, juices and more. There’s also a eggs menu (included in the breakfast rate).

• The property is managed by the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG). The IHG story started in 1946, when Pan American World Airways opened its first InterContinental hotel in 1949 in Belem, Brazil. Since then, IHG has grown worldwide to become one of the largest hotel brands on the globe. Today, the company manages over 5000 hotels globally, which are grouped under 13 brands, including the top brands InterContinental and Six Senses. IHG has a loyalty program which I reviewed here and which allows you to stay for free at properties, such as InterContinental Porto.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas is the best hotel in town. Yet, you need to know the following when considering a stay here:

• The property does not have a swimming pool, which is a slight disappointment, given the luxurious character of the hotel.

• Although food at the onsite fine dining restaurant Astoria is delicious, it’s an expensive option when compared to other dining options available in the city.

• Some lower-level rooms may get some street noise, although soundproofed windows block out most noise.

• The spa is a bit small and its decor slightly underwhelming, although it does have a sauna and offers terrific treatment. On a side note, the spa is not operated by the hotel but by a third party.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 9/10
• Design: 9/10
• Pool: N/A
• Rooms: 9/10
• Food: 9/10
• Breakfast: 8/10
• Spa: 8/10
• Service: 9/10
• Value for money: 8/10
• Overall experience: very good – 8,8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at InterContinental Porto when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, WiFi, and a complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people).

• Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like InterContinental Porto (and/or receive many free perks).

• Save money: IHG has a loyalty program which I reviewed here and which allows you to collect points and exchange them stay for free stays at IHG properties, such as InterContinental Porto.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

In general, Porto enjoys hot dry summers and mild but unpredictable winters. The weather is suitable for lounging outdoors and on the beach between May through to late September with the true summer months of July and August being very hot. The winter months can be unpredictable with an equal amount of bright clear days as gray wet days.

HOW TO GET THERE

InterContinental Porto Hotel is located a 20 to 30 minute drive from Porto Airport. The latter is served by most European full-service and low-cost airlines, as well as by many non-European airlines. Check the Wikipedia page of Porto Airport for an updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Porto.

PHOTOS

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The post Review: InterContinental Porto Hotel – Palacio das Cardosas (Portugal) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Today (August 6, 2014): Areias Do Seixo, Portugal’s best kept secret.

• Location: Google Maps
• Hotel website: Areias Do Seixo Charm Hotel & Residences

Located less than an hour away from Lisbon, Areias Do Seixo Charm Hotel & Residences is the realisation of the dream of owners Marta and Gonçalo. They had a compelling desire to create a unique place where they could welcome people from the four corners of the globe in a magical yet familiar setting. And the result? A place of enchantment crafted from a range of resources that have been thoughtfully and painstakingly assembled to equal so much more than a simple sum of their parts. Awe-inspiring originality combined with sublime comfort. A place where time stands still. A place to pause and savour every moment, cradled by sea, dunes, and pine trees and washed by natural marine light. This is Portugal’s best kept secret, and without a doubt one of Europe’s most romantic getaways.

Areias Do Seixo features in my top 10 lists of the most spectacular cliffside hotels in the world and the most spectacular hotel bathrooms in the world.

Have you ever stayed at Areias Do Seixo? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• The resort, a place of immense beauty and tranquility, enjoys an excellent location, only an hour drive north from Lisbon Airport.

• Without a doubt, the architecture and overall decor is the strongest point of the hotel. The mix of industrial concrete and steel, with touches of wooden elements and glass structures, offers an exceptional aesthetically pleasing decor. In the evening, the bar/restaurant is lit up wonderfully, becoming a trendy and intimate place to relax and enjoy a cocktail, wine and/or the food.

• There are just 14 rooms and 5 villas here, and all but one have a view over the gardens and the distant sea. Out on the south-facing deck of each room there are a couple of large cushions to sunbathe, another more formal sunbed, plus a small table. The room’s interiors are exquisite and they all come with fireplaces. The beds are heavenly soft (en pair with Four Seasons and other luxury hotels) with amazing pillows and quilts. The bathroom decors are brilliant. Each night they lit tens of candles, place cookies and local crackers in jars, creating a very romantic and pleasant atmosphere. Wow!

• The beach, below the impressive cliffs, is located about a 10 minute walk from the hotel (through the dunes) and is stunningly beautiful. The waves of the Atlantic are pretty amazing and you have the rough coastline almost entirely to yourself. Hats, parasols and beach bags are provided by the hotel.

• Each night, the hotel owners offer complimentary wine tasting at a special location: a highly appreciated gesture.

• One of the highlights of your stay will be the impeccable service provided by the staff. Put simply, the hotel staff is wonderful, genuinely friendly and laid-back, yet willing to do everything to ensure your stay is memorable.

• The spa is lovely. While the facilities are modest with simply a steam room, a sauna and a relaxing area to drink wonderfully prepared tea, the treatments from Marta (the head masseuse) and her staff are exceptional and moderately priced. The Areias do Seixo special (“The pebbles”) with warm stones is highly recommended.

• The food is good, from the excellent breakfast buffet, with its fresh plate of Portuguese meats and cheeses, fresh fruits and yoghurt, and fresh fruit juices, to the evening diner and its extensive list of local Portuguese wines.  The only drawback was the limited choice on the menu, but the cod for two and the beef ribs for two are highly recommended staples of the Areias do Seixo diner menu.

• Rooms rates are very modest in relation to the luxurious and exclusive experience that you receive.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

This hotel comes close to being perfect, especially when you realize it is privately managed (and not part of a luxury hotel chain). There are no real cons, just some suggestions for the owners and a few things you need to know:

• While very attractive, the swimming pool is very cold. Heating of the pool to a more comfortable temperature would enhance the customer experience.

• I somewhat missed the presence a hot tub on the terrace near the pool. That would have been a brilliant addition to this superb hotel, especially on those chilly nights in autumn and spring.

• Service at the pool was limited and too laid-back. There are no staff members around to take orders for drinks (would be nice for the clients and the hotel could increase its revenues) or to offer little snacks (as is the case in most high-end resorts these days).

• The menu lacks a bit of creativity and inspiration (also in relation to the price charged, about 45 euros per person). The focus is on garden fresh ingredients and sometimes it simply misses seasoning, resulting in rather plain tastes and dull presentations. Foodies might be a little disappointed.

• Internet connection is good in the rooms, but there is no WiFi in the pool area. This may not bother some, but I did miss it to surf the internet on my tablet while lounging near the pool.

• While probably not possible, a private club at the beach (with loungers for the hotel guests) would be a great feature! I believe the hotel should give this idea a thought. But maybe I am just nitpicking now ;).

MY VERDICT

• Location: 9/10
• Design: 10/10
• Rooms: 10/10
• Food: 7/10
• Service: 9/10
• Overall experience: exceptional: 9/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Room tip: every room is different but all are equally beautiful. My advice (since there are only 14 of them): if you can get one, book it.

• Room tip: if privacy is a must, book one of the 3 more expensive rooms located on the first floor.

• Save money: read my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Areias Do Seixo (and/or receive many free perks). If you book the hotel via Kiwicollection, you are entitled to a best available rate guarantee, 3pm late check out (if available), automatic room upgrade at check in (subject to availability), a farewell gift, and welcome drinks and snacks.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

In general, the Portuguese coast north of Lisbon has hot dry summers and mild but unpredictable winters. The weather is suitable for lounging outdoors and on the beach between May through to late September with the true summer months of July and August being very hot. The winter months can be unpredictable with an equal amount of bright clear days as gray wet days.

HOW TO GET THERE

Areias Do Seixo Charm Hotel & Residences is located a 45 to 60 minute drive from Lisbon Portela Airport. The latter is served by most European full-service and low-cost airlines (click here for a direct link to their websites),  as well as by many non-European airlines. Check the Wikipedia page of Lisbon Portela Airport for an updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Lisbon.

PHOTOS

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The post Hotel review: Areias Do Seixo Charm Hotel (Portugal) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.