Furadouro Boutique Hotel & Spa ★★★★

It may look somewhat like an American motel from the outside, but first impressions can be deceiving. Inside you’ll find that it’s nothing like that – light white spaces, mahogany and leather furniture, and glass chandeliers greet you as you enter.

With just 24 double rooms, the hotel also offers an intimate and romantic atmosphere, where you can enjoy the highest level of service by friendly and dedicated staff.

You’ll feel at ease in your light and contemporary room as soon as you enter. Airy and minimalist – it’s everything you’d expect from a boutique beachside property. The light colours of whites, blues and teals mimic the colours of the sky and seas, giving the room a real seaside feel. You’ll feel even more at home here when you look out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, past your private balcony and out towards the immense stretch of blue ocean beyond. There’s even a pillow menu to choose from, ensuring that you enjoy the best night’s sleep possible.

Lying just steps from the shore, the Furadouro Boutique Hotel is the perfect place for a tranquil beach break, to simply get away from it all. With strong winds and waves coming in from the Atlantic Ocean though, this is a different type of beach altogether – not one for paddling and floating around on a lilo, this one’s for getting out and active on.

When the first rays of sun hit the shore, begin the morning with a brisk beach walk to get you ready for the day ahead, or perhaps a cycle ride along the 3km of trails through the nearby pine forest. Relax and refuel mid morning at the hotel’s Bar Saal with its idyllic ocean views and range of teas, coffees, sandwiches and baked goods.

In the afternoon it’s time to explore the ocean in close proximity, with a range of activities from surfing and body boarding, to windsurfing, sailing and fishing, the conditions here are ideal for lovers of all water-based sports. Of course you can always choose to lie in the sun on the shore too.

If the sea is a little rough for your liking and you’re not up to many adrenaline-inducing activities, then you’ll find that the Furadouro Boutique Hotel also has its own indoor pool and spa, if you want something a little more relaxing. Unwind in the Turkish bath, sweat it out in the sauna or enjoy a soothing massage in one of the spa’s relaxation rooms, with heated beds and colour therapy.

Later on, spend time visiting the nearby town of Ovar with its charming architecture and relaxed feel. Of notable interest is the Igreja Matriz church, built in the 17th century; the Ovar Museum, exhibiting old photos, tapestries, embroidery and ceramics; the beautiful Garden of the Fields; and the Julio Dinis Museum, dedicated to the famous Portuguese writer and doctor.

Head back for dinner at the hotel’s Restaurant Cardo, cooking up Mediterranean flavours and typical Portuguese cuisine, using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Think salt cod, roast octopus or confit-style pork. Pair this with dramatic sunset views over the ocean and you’ll see why this is one of the best places to eat in town. The restaurant also serves lunches too.

Your stay at the Furdouro Boutique Hotel will leave you feeling both refreshed and invigorated, readying you for your return home or your onward journey.