Vivenda Miranda, Lagos

Perched on a cliff overlooking Porto de Mós beach, Vivenda Miranda offers a comfortable stay just 10 minutes from lively Lagos. This former 17th-century private home was turned into a boutique hotel in 1990, and it has retained the colorful style and details of an old historic house. Drive to Ponte da Piedade, voted the most beautiful beach in the world by the Huffington Post in 2015, in less than 10 minutes. Reach Lagos' Old Town in the same amount of time, where you'll find vibrant nightlife, an array of shops and restaurants, and sites like the Baroque and historic Saint Antonio Church.

The hotel has around 20 spacious rooms, which are brightly decorated with bold color schemes and plush furniture. Rooms have either sea or garden views, while suites have sea views, and all options have outdoor space of either a terrace or patio. The Boutique Grand Suite is the most exclusive option, offering a panoramic vista, two bathrooms, and a skylight in the bedroom. Bathrooms are sleek, and some have bathtubs as well as showers.

The Vivienda Miranda particularly shines in its outdoor areas, as it offers a pool surrounded by a lush garden of palm trees and colorful bougainvillea. Whatever room you pick, rest assured you'll have a great view either of the sea or this garden oasis. The on-site restaurant Mirandus has a menu of local and vegan dishes, while the Monkey Bar is a cozy spot to enjoy a drink, and the Panorama Game Room has as many board games as it does views of the ocean. Wellness is a focus of the hotel, too, so check out the spa, which has a sauna, steam room, and heated ceramic beds.