June 19, 2009

Europe | Portugal | Lisbon

Primping up Portugal

By Nicole Cotroneo

Move over Madrid. Lisbon is lighting up the Iberian Peninsula.
Originally published on September 24, 2007.

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What’s old is new again in Portugal — namely, Lisbon, which is fast emerging among Europe’s hottest (and most inexpensive) capitals. Following a citywide overhaul for the 1998 World Expo — which produced Santiago Calatrava’s exquisite rail station — the renaissance continues in the culture-crazy Belem district. Across from the World Heritage site of Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon’s new design hotel, Jerónimos 8, has just opened within an elegant 1940s building. Beyond its traditional stone façade, you’ll find bold, carmine-colored walls, minimalist décor, and a Zen-inspired communal sundeck. Some of the 65 individually-designed guestrooms also have private terraces — where you can soak up the long, late afternoon rays of Europe’s most westerly sunsets.

Just north of Lisbon, you can prolong the lounging in style along central Portugal’s Silver Coast, famed for its picture-perfect beaches and vineyard-swathed countryside. Opening next month, the $395-million, 336-acre Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort includes a luxe condominium hotel, spa and Seve Ballesteros golf course. Nearby, the just-open Westin CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa features an equestrian center and soon-to-open spa specializing in vinotherapy — set to go up against Aquapura, Portugal’s other wine-and-pampering newcomer in the Douro Valley.