Farol Hotel, located in the most famous bay of Portugal and just a few minutes from Lisbon and Sintra, is a stunning waterside hotel with a beautiful pool set on this rocky Portugese coastline.
This five-star resort dominates the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, when the mansion belonged to the Count of Cabral Costa, Farol Hotel has been meticulously remodeled and extended to become a boutique hotel that promises a refined, discreet, and romantic escape.
Location
Situated barely 30 kilometers from Lisbon, Farol Hotel enjoys a prime location in the charming fishing village of Cascais. This area, known for its stunning coastal beauty and vibrant cultural heritage, is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The proximity to major attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra and the lively capital city of Lisbon makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Style & Character
Farol Hotel combines Portuguese 19th-century architecture with contemporary design. The hotel’s classic white facade, mansard roof, and blue-grey tiles pay homage to its glorious past, while the modern interiors reflect a whimsical and luxurious aesthetic. The playful yet sophisticated decor, featuring oversized chandeliers by Marcel Wanders and portraits of golden-age celebrities, adds a unique character to the hotel.
Outside, the pool area is something to behold. Pearly white loungers and parasols crowd around a slick azure blue pool that gazes out to sea. Below the pool veranda are more secluded cabanas with those same sea views, hidden between palms and rocky outcrops.
The whole hotel is right on the edge of the ocean, so its glittering horizon overwhelms the pool deck and every terrace, balcony and window. Staying here feels almost as if you’re staying in a luxury liner. The sea spray reaches every orifice of this luxury hotel.
Service & Facilities
One of the standout features of Farol Hotel is its beautiful sea-water swimming pool, open from May to October. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the pool area is an oasis of tranquility where guests can relax on comfortable daybeds, soak up the sun, or take a refreshing dip.
The adjacent bar, “On the Rocks,” offers a variety of cocktails, drinks, and light snacks, making it an ideal spot to unwind during the summer months.
For relaxation, the hotel provides a range of massages, including anti-stress Thai, Ayurvedic treatments, candle massages, and personalized yoga classes. These services, available in-room or by the pool deck, offer a holistic wellness experience.
Active guests can explore the beautiful surroundings through bike tours of Cascais and Sintra, dolphin-watching excursions, or Segway nature tours. The hotel’s concierge can assist with arrangements, ensuring a unique and memorable experience. Sports enthusiasts have access to nearby tennis and padel courts, and the coastal path from Farol Hotel to Guincho Beach is perfect for jogging, running, or biking.
Horseback riding is available at local stables, offering lessons and rentals for all skill levels. Golfers will appreciate the proximity to several world-class courses, including Quinta da Marinha, Oitavos Dunes, Estoril, Penha Longa, Quinta da Beloura, and Belas Club de Campo. These courses provide a variety of challenges amidst stunning landscapes.
For something a little different, walking tours in Cascais and the Sintra hills allow guests to explore the region’s rich history and natural beauty. The old town of Cascais, with its medieval fortresses and charming streets, and the lush Sintra hills offer diverse hiking experiences. While boat and fishing trips offer a unique way to enjoy Portugal’s seafaring tradition, providing both novice and experienced anglers with exciting ocean adventures.
Rooms
Farol Hotel offers 33 sophisticated rooms, each uniquely designed to blend comfort with contemporary elegance. The rooms are categorized into garden view, sea view, superior rooms, and four exclusive Junior Suites. Garden view rooms provide a cozy retreat with picturesque views of Cascais’s Mediterranean villas. Sea view rooms present stunning vistas of the Atlantic, with some featuring private terraces. Superior rooms, with their breathtaking ocean views, offer a perfect spot to relax and soak in the sea breeze.
The Junior Suites are intimate havens with unique personalities, boasting private balconies or panoramic glass fronts for sensational ocean views. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, combining classic 19th-century architecture with modern touches. Notable features include fully glazed walls in some suites, whimsical decor elements, and luxurious amenities that ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.
Food & Drink
Farol Hotel offers an exquisite culinary experience with two standout restaurants: The Mix and Sushi Design. The Mix Restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and traditional Portuguese flavors, using seasonal ingredients to create fresh, mouthwatering dishes. Guests can enjoy their meals while marveling at the ever-changing Atlantic spectacle from the dining terrace or indoor seating.
Sushi Design offers an authentic Japanese dining experience with a modern twist. The menu features a variety of sushi and sashimi, including specialty dragon and tiger rolls, all crafted with the freshest local fish. The restaurant’s elegant, transparent design allows diners to watch the culinary team at work, adding to the immersive experience.
Complementing the dining options, Bar Farol provides a cozy atmosphere for afternoon drinks or pre-dinner cocktails, while the poolside bar, “On the Rocks,” serves refreshing beverages and light snacks, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
Conclusion
Farol Hotel stands out as one of Portugal’s most romantic and refined boutique hotels. Its unique blend of historical charm and contemporary luxury, combined with outstanding service and facilities, makes it the perfect destination for a memorable escape on the beautiful Atlantic coast.
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Image(s) courtesy of Hotel Farol.
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