Sesimbra Hotel & Spa ★★★★

Situated along the Portuguese coast, just south of Lisbon sits the small fishing town of Sesimbra. A natural enclave surrounded by hanging cliffs and rugged sandy beaches, it makes for the perfect escape.

Here, occupying a desirable position on lush cliff top, facing the idyllic California Beach and the vast Atlantic Ocean, sits the four-star Sesimbra Hotel & Spa. Framed by a rocky jade green headland and the Arrábida Mountain, this picturesque hotel is just what you’ve been looking for.

Modern, classy and stylish sums up the plush interiors – picture velvet rugs, beige sofas, satin soft furnishings and vanilla-cream walls. Every detail is thought of and everything meticulously placed from the vases of fresh flowers, to the mini trees in plant pots, and contemporary art hanging on the walls.

You’ll be delighted by the harmonious design of your bedroom, decorated in beiges and blues, mirroring the sand and sea right outside your window. Filled with natural woods, luxurious materials and all the latest mod cons, you’ll straight away feel relaxed and at ease, the perfect ambiance to begin your Portuguese beach break. Even the bathrooms are designed to mimic the ocean, adorned with wood and pebbles.

Days here are filled with relaxation and outdoor pursuits, being able to appreciate the natural world at its best. Perhaps begin the mornings with a stroll or cycle ride around the UNESCO World Heritage listed Serra Arrábida National Park, home to a number of nature trails and a wealth of flora and fauna, from wild boars, foxes, badgers, wild cats and eagles to pine forests, corkwoods and meadows.

And in the afternoons how about sunbathing on nearby beaches, relaxing by the pool, a dip in the ocean or even a scuba diving excursion to explore the natural world beneath the waves? Golf lovers will be in their element too, able to choose from an impressive six golf courses, located from 25 minutes to just over an hour away from the hotel. Ranging in difficulty level, each of these unique 18-hole courses will make for a challenging and enjoyable game.

Later for lunch, head to hotel’s Bar-Restaurant Mosaico, a fun and brightly coloured under-the-sea themed eatery, or one of the many of seafood restaurants found along the water’s edge in the main town. As well as being surrounded by nature, Sesimbra is full of culture and historic treasures, including the imposing Moorish Sesimbra Castle, looming over the town and the 17th-century San Teodósio Fortress, built to protect the town from pirates. Wander the steep narrow streets filled with cute chapels and historic buildings and meander along the beaches dotted with colourful fishing boats.

With plenty to keep you entertained, its only fitting that the Sesimbra Hotel also has somewhere for some downtime too. The deluxe spa area contains a sauna, Turkish bath, tropical and Swiss showers and a gym, and also offers innovative treatments.

Gastronomy is an all-important part of Portuguese culture as it is at your hotel too. The tasteful Aquarius Restaurant is one of the best in the town for traditional seafood and shellfish. For night time entertainment, enjoy a drink at the Bar Horizonte, overlooking the ocean or the sophisticated lounge area complete with plush sofas, modern chandeliers and a grand piano.

Sesimbra is a far cry from the touristy resorts along the Algarve. It’s what the real Portugal is all about!