Convento do Seixo Boutique Hotel & Spa ★★★★

On your first day, savour an egg white omelette, made to order, with sautéed vegetables and crispy bacon at the daily included breakfast. On the second day, a warming cup of mazagran - a delicious combination of coffee, lemon, sugar and mint - and a slice of thick toast, will kickstart your day. On the third day, fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup will give you the sugar rush necessary for an action-packed day; don’t forget to top the stack with goji berries, chia seeds and walnuts. On the fourth day and beyond…the list of possibilities is endless!

Deeply exhale and unwind with a ‘floating’ experience at the relaxing on-site Spa. This session stimulates blood circulation, detoxifies the body, and reduces the symptoms of arthritis by improving nerve reactions, reducing inflammation and facilitating joint movement. After soaking in this Epsom salt bath, dive into the indoor heated pool and lie down on a hydro-massage bed. Utilise a 10% discount, courtesy of VeryChic, at this stunning spa.

The PECADO fine dining restaurant offers a contemporary menu and seeks to harmonise traditional Portuguese cuisine with innovative gastronomic techniques. From tempura green beans and foie gras with cashews, to stewed goat and roasted chestnuts, the expansive a la carte menu offers unique flavours that cater to varying tastes. The dining experience aims to convey stories and traditions through raw ingredients and locally sourced produce.

In the evening, for a brief respite, slip under silky soft sheets in your room. The windows in your spacious, yet cosy suite, provide breath – taking views of the verdant Gardunha mountains. In a past life, these rooms were enclosed and bare; used by monks who consecrated themselves to God in prayer. Original elements have been preserved in the rooms, however the spaces have been transformed into exquisite rooms that feature an intriguing symbiosis of architectural styles.