Casa Holstein Quinta São Sebastiao

The continuing ascendance of Portuguese tourism is bringing some spectacular places to global attention — among them is Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, on the Atlantic coast just to the west of Lisbon. It’s here that you’ll find not just spectacular landscapes but spectacular Islamic architecture as well, including the medieval Castle of the Moors as well as Sintra Palace, a truly unique 500-year-old aristocratic residence. And not far from Sintra Palace is a lodging that’s only slightly less lavish: the stately, sedate, pistachio-hued guest house known as Casa Holstein Quinta de São Sebastião.

With only thirteen guest rooms, Casa Holstein ensures plenty of space and privacy for a manageable number of guests. Service is professional and highly personal, and the atmosphere is tranquil in the extreme. The rooms, with their terraces, are a picture of elegance, but you’re more likely to come away with fond memories of the gardens and the swimming pool. Sintra’s sights, including the palace, are within walking distance, and if you’re mobile the whole Natural Park, from Cascais on up the Atlantic coast, is within easy reach as well — and when it’s over, for better or worse, you’ll be back in Lisbon in a flash.