Bask in Luxury on Portugal’s Sea-Swept Coast

Less than an hour from Lisbon, Portugal, the Areias Do Seixo is an eco-friendly escape: a small hotel and residence with 14 rooms and self-catering 3-bedroom villas and townhouses.

Original and just a bit quirky, this property has an unerring style that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings of sea and shore. 

The lifestyle here is all about appreciating the bounties of Mother Nature from room decors with furniture sourced from natural materials to the restaurant’s Portugese-inspired dishes featuring fresh organic produce from the hotel’s own gardens. And the views of the Atlantic and the beach are easily accessible via a decked path to the dunes.

Just months after opening, Areias Do Seixo made Conde Nast Traveler’s 2011 Hot List and it’s easy to see why. This 5-star hotel has a unique personality, discovered as guests arrive and are greeted with fresh lemongrass tea and homemade cake. The rooms are exceptional, and the townhouses and villas are designed for those who want more privacy or for groups traveling together.

Each townhouse has its own private outdoor pool and barbeque area, a spacious living room with fireplace, and three bedrooms with their own bathrooms. The villas are equally large, luxurious and airy, with fully-equipped kitchens and even an office space.

The Lugar de Horta restaurant has plenty of choices from seafood to vegetarian dishes with a menu that changes daily according to what is freshest. Much of the food comes from the hotel garden. Keen foodies can participate in the “plot to plate” experience, working with gardeners and chefs to make their own lunch while getting some expert advice about regional fishing, gardening and cooking.

There’s also an on-site cafe/bar where you can enjoy appetizers and snacks, and a grocery store selling vegetables from the garden, teas, olive oils, wines and artisan products. Guests in the villas and townhouses have the option of the restaurant, room service, or they can take advantage of their full kitchens by booking a chef.

The spa offers a variety of indulgent treatments to rejuvenate both body and soul: dry sauna, Turkish baths, and the special Indian Ayurvedic massage with heated natural essential oils. Follow with a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool. Many rooms even have their own private Jacuzzis.

For most, a hike along the dunes and a dip in the ocean is the ultimate relaxation, but you can also hop on a hotel bike to explore on your own, or play golf at a nearby course: Praia D’El Ray, Bom Sucesso, or Campo Real. You can book a special hotel experience like the “Hands in the Sea” fishing/mussel harvesting morning, catch a film at the cinema, or unwind as the sky darkens sipping a glass of wine at the outdoor fire circle.

Lisbon’s vibrant city nightlife of great clubs, bars and dining is just a half-hour away by car, as is the walled medieval town of Obidos with its intriguing winding streets and whitewashed houses. Of course, the ocean-side location also means lots of water activities are nearby: sailing, swimming, paddle boarding and surfing, snorkeling and jet skiing.

Depending on your choice of accommodations rates start at around $295 per night for this laid-back escape to the stunning Portugese coast.

To book your next trip visit Worth Every Moment.

Photos courtesy Worth Every Moment