Idyllic Iberia: Rejuvenate in Portuguese paradise

Bordering Spain along the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal features rugged and dramatic coastlines, a lush and serene wine country, and active, vibrant cities with architecture dating back to the 1500’s. You’ll find this sunny destination’s gastronomic scene rich with regional wine and Atlantic Ocean influences — including a seemingly endless supply of bacalhau (salted codfish).

 

The Portuguese say, “Quem não arrisca não petisca,” which translates to, “Those who do not risk do not have a snack.” If you have an appetite for this Southern European country, please get in touch before availability becomes scarce! Our luxury travel advisors will help guide you to the best region for your travel style and top off your journey with exclusive VIP perks.

 

 

Uncover hidden island gems in Madeira

Stay at: Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, Madeira

 

Until Madeira Airport opened in the 60s, the island could only be accessed by sea—and would you believe us if we said guests of this clifftop haven were carried up the craggy rocks in hammocks? Nowadays, this intimate island off the west coast of Portugal offers plenty of modern comforts — but if you’d like, you can still arrange a traditional wicker sled ride down the mountain into the capital… and while you’re there, perhaps taste fruits you’ve never heard of at the tropical Art Deco Food Market. Seeking a lower-key activity? Sip Madeira’s world-class wine while admiring the striking scenery from Reid’s Palace.

 

Private Perks: $100 resort credit, complimentary daily breakfast, early check-in/late check-out, complimentary upgrade, and more.

 

 

Explore culture & cuisine in Porto

Stay at: The Yeatmean

 

A great classic hotel helps to define a destination with an authentic “sense of place.” That said, if you really want to feel like you’re in Northern Portugal, we suggest a stay at The Yeatman, a luxury retreat nestled on Porto’s hillside along the Douro River estuary. Start each day by enjoying gourmet breakfast (our compliments) with views of one of Europe’s oldest city centers from your private terrace. Head to the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district to traverse the narrowed cobbled streets as they wind past cafes and merchants’ houses. Travel tip: be sure to refer to this city as Porto (over Oporto) to fit in with the Portuguese locals.

 

Private Perks: $100 spa credit, Tour and Port wine tasting, complimentary daily breakfast, early check-in/late check-out, complimentary upgrade, and more.

 

 

Fill your wine glass in Douro Valley

Stay at: Six Senses Douro Valley

 

The Six Senses is brand is well-regarded for its focus on enrichment and wellness in coveted destinations around the world. With their thoughtful hospitality combined with Douro Valley’s already spectacular natural beauty (it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason), one can only imagine how many ways this luxurious hillside retreat feeds the soul — but we’ll offer a small glimpse: reconnect with nature with a gourmet picnic in a 100-year old forest garden, explore hidden trails to find boutique wineries or Quintas (wine estates) and taste small production wines, gently drift on the Douro River by paddleboard, gather souvenirs in the form of recipes during a Portuguese cooking class, or enjoy a dip in the spa’s heavenly indoor pool after what is likely to be your most memorable spa experience to date.

Private Perks: $100 dining credit, complimentary daily breakfast, early check-in/late check-out, complimentary upgrade, and more.

 

 

Get sand on your toes in the Algarve

Stay at: VILA VITA Parc

 

Portugal’s southernmost region is known for golden, powdery beaches and has no shortage of luxurious seaside resorts. Rising above the rest, the timeless and elegant VILA VITA Parc seems to celebrate the best of the Algarve, offering unparalleled ocean views and direct access to a secluded beach bordered by rocky cliffs. If you can manage to break away from your leisurely rotation of sunbathing and ocean dips, take a boat trip to visit the nearby sea caves or head to the rustic cave-like spa. If food is never an afterthought in your version of paradise, there are no less than ten restaurants and six bars serving up the most diverse selection of Portuguese creations. Saude!

 

Private Perks: 72 GBP dining credit, complimentary daily breakfast, early check-in/late check-out, complimentary upgrade, and more.