Sesimbra Hotel & Spa

The hotel is modern and stylish, with up-to-date decor inspired by its nearly beachfront location. Sea greens and sand colors abound throughout the common areas, accented by warm woods and neutral-tone tiling. However, the Restaurant-Bar Mosaico takes a different approach, featuring a psychedelic aquatic theme that's quite striking. Navigating the hotel can be a bit tricky at first -- the lobby level is below the parking lot -- but the construction is what seems to permit the sea views for each room. Granted, Sesimbra is a bit out of the way from Portugal's usual beach-vacation haunts, but it adds to the feel of stumbling upon a hidden gem: the gorgeous hotel is away from the party spots and across the street from the beach. Given that most guests come here to relax, the atmosphere is largely relaxed. 

The hotel is located next to a gorgeous white-sand beach, and it feels secluded. The beachfront bar and restaurant scene of Sesimbra is a five-minute stroll away (the town center itself is an eight-minute walk). Hiking and walking are popular activities in the surrounding region: the area of Serra da Arrábida and Cape Espichel, close to town, is famous for its trails, outdoor activities, and plant life. Golfers have four courses within a 90-minute drive to choose from: Vila Nova de Santo Estevão, Ribagolfe, Quinta do Perú, and Aroeira. There are also quite a few caves for exploring within a 40-minute drive -- Frade, Pedra da Mua, and Zambujal among them.  

Lisbon's airport, the closest to the hotel, is less than an hour by car, unless you hit rush hour. 

Rooms are spacious and designed with relaxation in mind: Standard Rooms are softly nautical, with sea-blue-and-white striped statement headboards and accents of sand and seafoam green against white linens. Suites are a bit more sophisticated, if not as colorful: warm neutrals from beige flooring to a statement wall in dark wood are modern and intimate. All rooms look out onto the ocean and have large, furnished private balconies, which, given the gorgeous seascape, is a huge point in the property's favor. Bathrooms are lovely, decorated with pebble and marble tiling, and equipped with shower/tub combos, bidets, toiletries, hairdryers, robes, and slippers. Amenities consist of plasma cable TVs, safes, AC, desks, and minibars. 

One of the best features of the hotel is its spa, which has an extensive menu of massages, as well as intriguing two-hour treatments combining a body scrub and mask with a massage known here as "rituals" (the chocolate one is particularly interesting). There are also a relaxation pool -- a swimming cap is required, and fairly pricey -- a sauna, and Turkish bath. The wellness center also has a small gym. For grownups hitting the wellness center, or just wanting some time alone, a children's play area is available. Another standout is the small but gorgeous outdoor infinity pool, which looks out over the beach and ocean from its fifth-floor vantage point. 

The property has three dining and drink options on-site: the Restaurant-Bar Mosaico has an artssy underwater motif. Aquarius Restaurant, which is a bit more staid in terms of decor, has a gorgeous panoramic balcony, as well as well-reviewed fresh fish on the menu, paired with local wines. The reasonably priced Horizonte Bar is cheerful and informal, and it serves a free morning breakfast buffet of fresh fruit, lots of hot dishes, and sparkling wine.