English Version | Portugal With Love: Roteiro

Books

In the language of Camões

The Portuguese literary market is good and recommended. Renowned authors are joined by new promises that show that as long as there are dreams and blank pages, there will always be books to write - in the language of Camões, Eça, Pessoa, and all those names that occupy the Olympus of Letters.

1. A Cicatriz, by Maria Francisca Gama, Suma de Letras (2024), € 14,36.
2. A Corrente, by Filipa Amorim, Suma de Letras (2024), € 17,96.
3. Revolução, by Hugo Gonçalves, Companhia das Letras (2023), € 17,95.
4. Os Crimes do Verão de 1985, by Miguel d’Alte, Suma de Letras (2023), € 16,61.
5. Quando os Rios se Cruzam, by Rita da Nova, Manuscrito (2024) € 15,21.
6. Deus na Escuridão, by Valter Hugo Mãe, Porto Editora (2024), € 16,97.
7. Misericórdia, de Lídia Jorge, Dom Quixote (2022), € 19,71.
8. Vertigens, by Valentina Silva Ferreira, Aurora Editora (2022), € 15,75.
9. A Desobediente, by Patrícia Reis, Contraponto (2024), € 18,81.
10. O Dever de Deslumbrar, by Filipa Martins, Contraponto (2023), € 22,41.
11. Leme, by Madalena Sá Fernandes, Companhia das Letras (2023), € 15,45.
12. Enquanto o Fim não Vem, by Mafalda Santos, Suma de Letras (2023), € 16,95.
13. A Identidade Nacional, by José Mattoso, Gradiva (1998), € 8,08.
14. Cravo, by Maria Velho da Costa, Assírio & Alvim (2024), € 14,99.
15. A Devastação, by Helena Magalhães, Suma de Letras (2023), € 15,71.
16. A História de Roma, by Joana Bértholo, Caminho (2023), € 19,71.
17. O Nome que a Cidade Esqueceu, by João Tordo, Companhia das Letras (2023), € 18,85.
18. Máquina de Escrever Sentimentos, by Inês Meneses, Contraponto Editores (2023), 13,30.
19. No Tempo das Cerejas, by Célia Correia Loureiro, Aurora Editora (2023), 16,65.
20. Teoria das Catástrofes Elementares, by Rita Canas Mendes, Elsinore (2024), € 14,99.

Hotels

Go outside, inside

The iconic phrase [in the original, “Vá para fora cá dentro”] made known in a promotional campaign for domestic tourism in the 1995/1996 season, is the motto for presenting some hotels, from north to south, and on the islands, where it is possible to feel that we are outside... even though we are still inside, in our wonderful Portugal.

Aethos Ericeira, Ericeira

From a cliff on Portugal's west coast, Aethos Ericeira overlooks the Atlantic horizon. It's not just the sea breeze or the salty wind, a visit to the hotel is enough to feel connected with nature. With architecture that blends perfectly into the landscape, Aethos Ericeira brings out the best the region has to offer. More information at https://www.aethos.com/ericeira/.

Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, Praia da Rocha

Legend has it that the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa was the first hotel in the Algarve. Nowadays, it's curious to think of the region without its effervescent tourism, but when it was founded in 1934, it stood out for its recognition of the region's wealth. Since then, it has remained at the top of the list of hotels to visit when the temptation of the Algarve's sun and sea becomes too strong to ignore. With an award-winning restaurant and a L'Occitane spa, the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is undeniably irresistible. More information at https://www.hotelbelavista.net/.

Belmond Reid's Palace, Madeira

There are hotels about which writing is almost redundant. Belmond Reid's Palace is certainly one of them. With a history of over 125 years, it is part of Portugal's heritage, helping to define what luxury means in Portuguese lands. From its historically elegant space to its breathtaking Atlantic views, a visit to Belmond Reid's Palace is something you should do (at least) once in your lifetime. More information at https://www.belmond.com/pt-br/.

Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, São Miguel

Thermal baths were the luxury destinations of yesteryear. The Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, then known as Sociedade Terra Nostra, became a mecca for those who, in addition to the magical atmosphere of the Azores, needed the healing of Furnas. Although it retains its Art Deco architecture, the hotel is equipped with all the comforts of the modern age. Between the interior decoration, the landscape and its services, the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is a must-visit. More information at https://www.bensaudehotels.com/terranostragardenhotel.

Quinta da Comporta - Wellness Boutique Resort, Carvalhal

Situated in the oasis of the Alto Alentejo, Comporta has become a destination for Europe's elite in recent years. Understanding why this is so is not difficult. Just a few minutes from white sandy beaches and surrounded by hectares of regional flora, Quinta da Comporta - Wellness Boutique Resort sums up the best the region has to offer. The luxury resort is inspired by the beauty that surrounds it, integrating perfectly into the landscape. More information at https://pt.quintadacomporta.com/.

The Rebello, Porto

Named in honor of the “rabelos”, the boats responsible for transporting barrels of Port wine from the Alto Douro to Vila Nova de Gaia, The Rebello is a true ode to the region's history. With a privileged view over the River Douro, the hotel combines the comfort of its five stars with the culture of Porto. Within the walls of the old warehouse you'll find unforgettable restaurants and a must-visit spa. More information at https://www.therebello.com/.

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort, Vilamoura

Next to the iconic Vilamoura marina and overlooking the Algarve sea, the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort sums up the best the Algarve coast has to offer. With the guarantee of quality that only the Tivoli brand can provide, the hotel is a treat of comfort and relaxation, with idyllic views and an unbelievable spa. A visit to its steakhouse and cocktail bar is highly recommended. More information at https://www.tivolihotels.com/pt/tivoli-marina-vilamoura.

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel, Lisbon

We might be suspicious, given its location (perfect for a staycation near the office), but the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel is one of the most emblematic hotels in the Portuguese capital. It's not just its luxury rooms and incredible spa, we also recommend its beer garden, ideal for escaping the urban heat and eating some of Lisbon's best seafood. More information at https://www.tivolihotels.com/pt/tivoli-avenida-liberdade-lisboa.

Solar de Vila Meã, Barcelos

Solar de Vila Meã is exactly what its name promises. Hidden among the Minho forest, it is located in a real palace. Conceived as a way of rewarding the community that houses the manor, the boutique hotel is immersed in Portuguese culture. From the vineyards that are lost on the horizon to the local handicrafts scattered throughout the space, Solar de Vila Meã is a gem. We recommend the vinho verde tastings and the Barro restaurant, both reflections of the best the region has to offer. More information at https://www.solardevilamea.pt/.

The Lodge Hotel, Porto

The Lodge perfectly captures the essence of the city of Porto. Overlooking the Douro River, this luxury hotel is located in the centuries-old Port wine cellars. From an impressive swimming pool (especially given the urban setting) to rooms decorated by Nini Andrade Silva, The Lodge is a symbol of Porto's modernity. More information at https://thelodgeportohotel.com/.

São Lourenço do Barrocal, Barrocal

São Lourenço do Barrocal is the symbol of what tourism can and should mean for Portugal. Hearing stories of Barrocal's golden age, José António Uva, a member of one of the village's most ancestral families, decided to return it to its former glory. Now, through this stunning (but uncomplicated) hotel, guests from all over the world learn the magic of the Alentejo. Hidden among vineyards and olive trees, São Lourenço do Barrocal is a gem, a jewel that fortunately has already been discovered and deserves to continue to be visited. More information at https://barrocal.pt/.

The Ivens, Lisbon

Who says a safari can only be done on the savannah? The Ivens, in the heart of Lisbon, proves that a trip to an oasis of exotic flora and fauna is only a subway ride away. Based on the designs sketched in the adventures of Roberto Ivens and Hermenegildo Capelo, The Ivens' 87 rooms are the perfect antidote to the urban landscape. And what about its restaurant, Rocco, probably the most Instagrammable in the country? Seeing is believing. More information at https://www.theivenshotel.com/pt.

Six Senses Douro Valley, Lamego

When it comes to hotels in Portugal, it's always good to know that they don't just sell the best of what we have, but that they actually contribute to the preservation of our national heritage. Six Senses Douro Valley stands out in this respect, with an impressive forest renovation project. This luxury hotel, housed in a 19th century manor house, is a paradise for those looking to relax. With views of the Douro River and a spa to die for, a visit is a must if you want to recharge your batteries. More information at https://www.sixsenses.com/pt/resorts/douro-valley/.

Hotel Vidago Palace, Vidago

Housed in a century-old palace designed by King Carlos, the Hotel Vidago Palace is a symbol of the luxury of the past. But even though it has an old soul, the hotel has the perks of the present, such as a magnificent spa and a challenging golf course. Located in the heart of the Vidago Thermal Park, amidst the idyllic landscape of the surrounding forest, the Vidago Palace Hotel is straight out of a fairy tale. More information at https://vidagopalace.com/.

Montimerso Skyscape Countryhouse, Monsaraz

This boutique hotel, set in the privileged surroundings of Monsaraz, opened its doors in June 2020, which could have been a bad sign, had it not been for the founding couple, passionate about travel, who were smart enough to realize the project's potential. Greater than any pandemic restrictions, they teamed up with local partners with knowledge of the region to design a project that respected nature, its inherent idiosyncrasies and enhanced the cork oak forest. The taste for nature that has always guided them is still evident in every nook and cranny, in a building that combines minimalist décor and local elements in its 15 suites (after all, with the Alentejo landscape, you don't need a lot of artifice either) with a series of details with history, such as the artifacts they have collected on their travels. An appeal for communing with the natural world, fauna included - the hotel is pet-friendly - as well as recharging: whether in the private pools or infinity pool, with a massage in the Wellness Dome, or simply inhaling the fresh air and surrounding landscape, which includes the Alqueva right next door, the experience seems to be explained in the name itself - Montimerso. More information at www.montimerso.pt.