Vila Bicuda Resort

This family-friendly resort is tucked away in a green corner of the Cascais-Sintra Natural Park, just outside the former sleepy fishing village of Cascais. While the neatly manicured Vila Bicuda is just three miles from the quaint town, it feels like arriving at a private suburb hidden away in the woods, thanks to the many owner-occupied units and the hushed atmosphere throughout the property. The scene is pleasantly ordinary: Toddlers might splash in the shallow edges of the large zero-entry pool while parents supervise from their comfort of their sunbeds, as older children clamber up the jungle gym at the modest playground nearby. Style-wise, everything is simple, but pleasantly modern -- it's certainly more low-key than many of the hotel's luxury neighbors. For the mostly independent couples and families who stay here, this is exactly the kind of peace and quiet they seek, making for an ideal backdrop to a low-key, self-catered vacation.  

The resort is located in a quiet residential neighborhood at the southern tip of the Cascais-Sintra Natural Park, making this a popular place for geology buffs and nature lovers, as the park boasts notable rock formations dating back to the dinosaur age. The park extends all the way to the coast, so a thorough exploration of the area requires a rental car. While there are local buses, service is infrequent and unreliable. The resort itself is about a seven minute drive from two 18-hole golf courses.

Considering the resort’s location, there are a surprising amount of dining options within a short walk or drive: Five Pines Restaurant is just a seven-minute walk and Mister Pizza is about 15 minutes away on foot, near a cluster of other casual dining options. Those who prefer home-cooked meals can get all they need at the discount supermarket Lidi’s -- just a three-minute drive from the resort (or a 17-minute walk). 

It’s a solid 25-minute drive to the lighthouse at Cabo da Roca, while Oitavos Fort takes about eight minutes in a car. It's a 10-minute drive to the waves at Guincho Beach or Praia da Crisimina. Cascais is just about a 10-minute drive away, Sintra is between 20 and 35 minutes, and getting to Lisbon and the Portela International Airport takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. 

The resort offers 80 sunny studios, villas, and multi-bedroom apartments spread over two floors. Amenities and decor vary, though all are spacious, fully equipped for long-term stays, and feature balconies or terraces that face the pool and garden. 

The decor is contemporary-cool, but entirely simple. Shades of gray and cream color the walls, complemented by slightly worn IKEA-style furniture in light and dark veneers set about wood-laminate floors. Funky, chrysanthemum-inspired light fixtures add a bit of personality in some rooms, and wall art is limited to large abstract canvases. While the sparse furnishings and bare walls are a perfectly neutral choice, the overall effect might be a little underwhelming to those used to swank higher-end digs in the Cascais area. Regardless, the extra space is welcome, granting plenty of room for the comfy, soft beds. Details like black-out curtains, gas fireplaces (in some rooms), and full kitchens help make a self-catered stay here easy. Otherwise all rooms feature tube-style or flat-screen TVs, safes and direct-dial phones. Housekeeping is provided daily. 

Bathrooms show signs of age -- some of the grout is a bit discolored and we saw permanent water stains -- but they are reasonably spacious and clean. All have shower/tub combos, some of which are jetted. There's a good amount of counter space, though toiletries are utterly basic.

With its condo-in-the-park layout and vibe, it's perhaps not surprising that features are a bit limited here, though what's on offer is enough to keep most guests happy. There are two large outdoor pools to accommodate the size of the resort, both surrounded by plenty of deck chairs and umbrellas that are usually available all day. Only one has a small kiddie pool attached, but both are zero-entry pools making them safe enough for young children. One surprising con? A daily fee for pool towels.

The multi-sport center nearby is unaffiliated with the hotel, though they do offer discounts for resort guests, as well as a range of activities (like tennis and squash) to sweat off the treats served up at Sacolinha, the property's bakery and pastry shop. This place is effortlessly European, with a shady outdoor terrace. The restaurant serves typical Portuguese fare and while there’s a bar attached. The atmosphere isn't anything special -- those looking for a nightcap might find a cooler vibe at the bars downtown.

Travelers with kids are in luck, as aside from the pools, the property has a humble, well-kept playground. Babysitting services can also be arranged. A small market on-site also sells all the basics for stocking the apartments. There's also an ATM, hair salon, and laundry services. Bikes are available for rent, convenient for cycling the track that runs along the coast. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort and parking is also free.