Vidago Palace Hotel

This Belle Époque-style palace is unashamedly grand. It dates back to 1910, when it was originally built for the king, and its striking symmetrical salmon-pink exterior makes an eye-catching first impression. You’ll really feel like you’re making an entrance as you glide up the steps here. Inside, the hotel oozes opulence; the attention to detail is incredible, with personalised motifs, hand-made fabrics and gilded triple-height ceilings everywhere you look.

The glittering Grand Ballroom is now the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, where a fine-dining spin transforms traditional dishes from northern Portugal. More low-key dining takes place at the Winter Ballroom (the hotel’s breakfast room) and the contemporary Club House. Guest rooms are super-luxurious and have a more calming décor, with a four-hued colour scheme, plush armchairs, rosewood writing desks and views of the parkland or hillside.

The hotel’s most modern addition is a large all-white-marble thermal spa wing. The local area is known for its underground hot springs and the spa uses its mineral-rich waters. As well as luxury treatment rooms, you’ll find indoor and outdoor pools, a steamroom and sauna. Other top facilities include an 18-hole par-72 golf course that’s set among ancient trees and has views over the hills to charming villages.