Pousada Palácio de Estoi

Head a few kilometers inland from the nonstop beach party that is Portugal’s Algarve coast, and you’ve entered lush countryside that feels almost Tuscan — the perfect remedy for any lingering tourist-crowd jitters. It’s only fitting, then, that one of the area’s more eye-catching hotels was formerly a grand Rococo palace. But don’t let the Pousada Palácio de Estoi's stately exterior fool you into thinking it’s entirely given over to old-world glitz — architect Goncalo Byrne’s restoration makes the place feel thoroughly of-the-moment.

The juxtaposition of design eras isn’t exactly subtle — in the public spaces, for example, chandeliers dangling from frescoed ceilings come to rest above squat utilitarian sofas and chairs. But it’s just this kind of go-for-broke dream-logic that sets the Palácio apart. The sixty guest rooms mostly jettison 18th-century trappings in favor of wall-to-wall modernism: crisp, clean and straight to the point. If you’re in the mood to be transported, just step out onto the room’s private balcony (standard throughout) and take in the heavily Versailles-influenced grounds. Or better yet, step outside and stroll through the gardens to the nearby Roman ruins.

You might not be able to walk to the beach from here, but you’re only a few steps from the sleek outdoor pool (there’s also an indoor option if you happen to visit Algarve during the winter months). Breakfast is complimentary, and the dinner menu is packed with hearty regional favorites and dainty sweets. You don’t have to stay in a palace to live like a king, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.

How to get there: Pousada Palácio de Estoi is 12 km from Faro Airport.