Only an hour from Lisbon, the futuristic Areias do Seixo is a
haven for architecture fanatics. On a hush-hush stretch of
Portugal’s Silver Coast, evenings at Areias do Seixo are fuelled by
wine, music and bonfires. Bedrooms lean towards the romantic with
suspended fireplaces and sea-facing terraces.

Consider this your contemporary beach house. Exteriors are minimalist and Colgate white; inside wood-panelling warms things up a bit. If you’re a fan of high ceilings (and extra space) reserve a room in the hotel’s original building. Dine at The Mix restaurant where floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the rocky coast.

Rolling countryside. Salt pans. Fishing ports. The eastern
Algarve is a place to be enjoyed slowly. For your base? This
rioja-red boutique hideaway with just 15 suites and a 15-minute
drive time to the beach. On days when even a short journey feels
like too much effort, pull up a lounger by the chic saltwater pool
and nab a copy of The Face magazine (founded by hotel-owner
Hallie’s dad in the 80s) from the library or jam through its 1,500+
vinyl collection. A must on the agenda: spotting flamingoes in
nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Beachside locations don’t come much better than this hotel,
based on Herdade da Comporta – a swoop of coast between the Sado
Estuary and the sea. Depart from your Lisbon city break early and
head for this 70km stretch of sand. Sublime Comporta harbours 34
rooms in all, but it’s the Scandi-cool cabanas (set apart from the
main building) which privacy-seeking guests should reserve.

For those in search of some bohemian beach vibes, Noah Surf
House delivers. Right by the sands of Santa Cruz, this
surfers-retreat-meets-beachside-hotel is best suited to early
risers. Start your day with morning yoga on the terrace followed by
a buffet breakfast of just-baked pastries and a medley of
vegetables grown on site. Then hit the waves for the afternoon
before retreating to your pad (kitted out with upcycled
furnishings) for a pre-dinner nap.

Re-imagining the Algarve experience as a tranquil adult-only
sanctuary, this farmhouse is all timeless simplicity and bohemian
chic. Rooms are light and breezy with white linen. Outside: hidden
hammocks, sun-drenched bougainvillea climbing whitewashed stone and
two pools – all you have to do is decide where you’re spending the
afternoon. There are two restaurants, plus another that pops up in
the kitchen garden throughout summer. Feel like exploring? Take a
water taxi to nearby islands such as Ilha da Fuseta and Ilha de
Tavira for miles of white-sand beaches.

In the true sense of Epicurean practices, this stunning hotel is about so much more than delicious food (though it has that in abundance) – the Greek philosopher believed that a happy balance of life’s pleasures is what leads to happiness. Ayurvedic massages? Sparkling wine at sunset? Cooking classes, surf lessons and live concerts? They all sound like pretty good reasons to get out of bed in the morning. The hotel’s eco credentials will also help you feel spiritually smug, as you sip a vegan smoothie from the natural pool and ponder existence.

The first five-star hotel in Ericeira, a seaside village less
than an hour from Lisbon and the surfing capital of Europe. The
area has epic waves, but Immerso is anything but a surf shack. The
boutique hotel has a Michelin-starred chef, organic vegetable
gardens, cool white interiors and a stunning pool. As the name
suggests, the idea is to immerse yourself in the location. Start
the day with a sunrise yoga session; gather around a campfire under
the stars for a wood-fired pizza in the evening. During the day,
you can ride, surf, fish, kayak or just unwind on the beach. Oh,
and it makes is own beer and surfboards on site.

Pinewood beach cabanas and large windows are metres from the ocean, where surfers and paddleboarders flock to Viana do Castelo in northern Portugal. The eco hotel specialises in sports: there are two swimming pools – not that you need them with the Atlantic this close – and you can get involved in kitesurfing, trail running, mountain biking, windsurfing and a whole range of wholesome pursuits. When you’re not being active outdoors, the Scandi-chic decor makes for a peaceful space to unwind with a good book. The spa is pretty enticing too.