Villa Cascais Boutique Hotel

A half-hour’s drive to the west from Lisbon brings one to the Bay of Cascais, and the town of the same name, playground and inspiration to the likes of Ian Fleming and multiple generations of European royalty. The Villa Cascais Boutique Hotel is a repurposed 19th-century dwelling standing at shoreside, whose tasteful accommodations celebrate the luxury of years past while urging guests to indulge in the present. Old-world details have been thoughtfully preserved, from the traditional blue and white tiles framing the reception to an ornate baroque-style mural in one of the dining areas. But the new look is decidedly modern, especially in common spaces where bold cobalt-blue walls, ceilings, and furnishings contrast with gold accents and polished parquet floors.

Comfortable, bright rooms are each decorated with a single unique color. Standard quarters offer partial views of the bay and spacious bathrooms with vanity mirrors and wood-lined walk-in showers, while the best room in the house is more than double the size with three private terraces and a freestanding cedar tub. Personalized tours by boat or of local museums can be arranged, as well as golfing or wine tastings. Meanwhile, two restaurants keep visitors well-fed: Corleone, known for its Italian cuisine, and the more casual Panorama Guincho, located off-site on Guincho Road and accessible only by car, offers traditional Portuguese seafood with expansive views of the coastline.