Aldeia dos Capuchos Golf & Spa

Aldeia dos Capuchos rises up amongst the grassy hills of quiet Caparica like an amateur take on a Bond movie. White marble, lightly green-tinted glass, stainless steel accents, and the whoosh of automatic revolving main doors make a contemporary first impression. Luckily, the hotel largely capitalizes on that, with a vibe that's tranquil and laid-back. Beautiful views of the pool and nine-hole golf course are visible from the velvet or linen armchairs in sober shades like gray and blue in the classy lobby bar. Tables match the silver-and-glass walkways connecting the wings of upper floors and between buildings, giving the bright and airy hotel the semi-futuristic atmosphere. Apartment-style options make the Aldeia dos Capuchos especially popular with families and couples staying longer than a few days, while its many conference rooms and golf course are attractive to business travelers, as well.

Aldeia dos Capuchos is situated on a grassy above the touristy haunts of Costa do Caparica. While the hotel acts as its own beautiful belvedere over the Atlantic, the surrounding area is quiet and residential, making for a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Despite common claims, it is not walkable to Costa da Caparica and the beaches, as there are no pedestrian-friendly routes there from the hotel. A free beach shuttle is provided by the hotel -- but it's only available during the peak summer season. There's a nearby bus stop for the village/beaches, but the best option is a 10-minute trip by cab or car. It takes eight minutes by car to reach the Almada Forum shopping center and the Ponte 25 de Abril, which connects Almada to Lisbon's city center and Belem. The drive into Lisbon can take 25 minutes depending on traffic, and travelers should budget up to 40 minutes to reach the airport by car.

All 180 spacious rooms have private balconies or terraces that brighten the room with varying views, including the ocean, swimming pool, and golf course. Modern sueded couches, lacquered wood furniture, and white marble tiles or wooden floors (or a combination of both) give the rooms a clean and bright feel. Bright pops of color like purple and chartreuse appear in the soft furnishings, complementing the abstract art on the walls. However, some of the lower-category rooms -- like the Twin With Sea View that we visited -- can feel drab in comparison to more ornately decorated suites and higher-category rooms. Standard features include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and safes. Classy bathrooms are done in white and dark marble and come furnished with a bidet, a hairdryer, and contemporary shower-tub combos. Some suites come with an additional bathroom that has a shower. One- and two-bedroom apartment-style suites and studio options kitchens with a microwave, oven and stovetop, cookware/flatware, and dining and living areas. 

Given it's large footprint, it's perhaps no surprise that the hotel has plenty of features. There are three temperature-regulated pools: two outdoors, including one for children; and one indoor pool with waterfall spouts that's child-free during later hours. Panoramic views of the ocean are stunning from the terrace of the Terraco Al-Madan Restaurant, which serves Portuguese and Mediterranean fares local to the Costa da Caparica region. Specially themed buffets prepared during peak summer season are also served there, as is the continental breakfast buffet that's included with some reservations. Drinks can be ordered poolside and in the lobby bar. The full-service Sea SPA Wellness Center has five massage rooms and offers special treatments like balneotherapy and chromotherapy; there is also a Scottish shower, Turkish bath, sauna, ice fountain, and jacuzzi. There's also a nine-hole golf course with a putting green and driving range, a well-equipped gym, and several attractive meeting and events rooms. Free outdoor parking is available, and a shuttle runs to the beach during peak season (advanced reservations required). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.