Curia Palace Hotel Spa ★★★★

The 1920s has always been an era that has fascinated me. Imagine the splendour of this decade, this post-war period when anything went; hedonistic days combining luxury and unprecedented elegance. Think large lounges, men in smart hats, women in slinky, sophisticated dresses. Now you can get a feel for the exceptional surroundings of the Curia Palace Hotel & Spa, a time machine that takes you back to a well-loved era full of fun.

Ideally located on the wine route between Lisbon and Porto, the city of Curia is the perfect refuge for those looking to recharge and unwind. There’s the exciting opportunity to relax and enjoy the benefits of the local thermal springs as well as uncover the hidden treasures of this magical part of central Portugal. In the 20s champagne flowed freely, but here it is the local wine that provides the sweet flavour of the countryside and Portuguese culture. Produced in the many vineyards that can be seen from the gardens of the hotel, it is a region rich in colour and delicious scents.

Around the hotel there is a patchwork tapestry of landscaped gardens, the vibrant flowers and serene backdrop ideal for afternoon strolls and picnics. Then there’s the building itself, nestled amidst the greenery, and rising up in a flowery show of Art Deco and Belle Epoque design. The latter, just like the interior of the hotel, has been renovated with care so as not to lose a single drop of its original charm. I spent hours lounging by the Olympic pool in the garden, diving into the clear blue waters, and then diving back into the 20s when I stepped back inside the palace.

Great tinkling chandeliers hung from the ceiling and the gilded period furniture provided the perfect props for exploring this bygone era. The hotel itself prides itself on combining the charm of the 20s and the modern day, which it executes effortlessly with a mix of classic décor and contemporary, top-notch amenities. My room is a seamless concoction of old and new, with antique furniture rubbing shoulders with a flat-screen TV and bright pops of colour. My eyes were drawn to the unique ornaments and curiosities that harked back to the glorious 20s, and this was echoed in the communal areas of the hotel, too, played along to the soundtrack of swinging 20s music.

I particularly loved this touch – the tinkle of the Charleston offering an authentic experience in this grand old palace. And then there were the traditional black and white photos showing lively scenes from the 20s, transporting me back to a carefree era in the middle of Portugal. After exploring all of these intricate surprises and classic details, I headed straight to the spa, where I relaxed and unwound in the heated pool, sauna, and hot tub, washing away all my worries as if I were a part of the 20s myself.

Then, when I was fully convinced that I was born in the wrong decade, I grabbed a table at the in-house restaurant and sampled the delicious flavours of Portugal paired with, of course, a glass of local wine.

The Curia Palace has it all. Set amongst some of the most beautiful surroundings in the country, the typical 20s décor adds a backdrop that plunges visitors into another time entirely. Then there’s the cultural component of Portuguese speciality dishes and a sampling of the local, home-produced wine before an evening spent in the swinging 20s bar, sipping authentic cocktails and playing the part of an old-fashioned story.

I went to Curia to relax and unwind, to find myself in a different place, and the palace certainly pulled through. Not only did I feel invigorated and fresh when I left, but I felt like I’d got to explore a whole other world entirely.