Senhora da Guia Cascais Boutique Hotel, Sintra

Located halfway between the wild beach of Guincho and Cascais' Old Town, Senhora da Guia Cascais Boutique Hotel is a luxury property ideal for those who want to be away from the crowds. The hotel's location off the busy coastal road means a car or taxi is ideal. Both Guincho and the center of Cascais are a 10-minute drive away, and the colorful castles and mysterious inverted towers of Sintra are 25 minutes away by car. Lisbon is a quick 30-minute drive, and its airport is even closer, just 15 minutes away.

Rooms are spread out across three bright and colorful buildings and combine a "beach chic" style with a more traditional Portuguese one of deep, bold colors. Sea-view options are available, and rooms in the more secluded and quiet Villa Guia building overlook a courtyard. All rooms have a balcony or patio to enjoy the sight of the ocean or greenery of the property. Rooms are doubles, so this may be better suited for couples and friends, although the hotel does have some family-friendly features like a shallow kids' pool.

Take a dip in either the outdoor pool or the heated indoor one. The spa offers a sauna and hammam, as well as treatment rooms for massages and facials. Relax at the bar or restaurant, but note that currently, both close by 7:00 pm, so you'll have to have dinner or a drink elsewhere. However, the hotel's parking facility makes it convenient for those with cars to head out on the town after the facilities close.