Vila Foz Hotel And Spa

Located in the smart seaside suburb of Foz, far from the city hustle and bustle, this impressive mansion house has been painstakingly restored and the attention to detail is impeccable – it really does feel like you’ve stepped gloriously back in time.

Dining here is elegant and authentic. At the grand Vila Foz Restaurant, expect gold chandeliers, picture-perfect dishes and a focus on ‘contemporary gastronomy’. For a special dinner, book the exclusive ‘kitchen seat’ experience for two, where the chef will talk you through each dish as he conjures up his creations for you. Or, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll love the 5 o’clock tea at Vila Foz Bar – it’s taken very seriously here and is something of a ritual. Rooms in the manor house are sumptuous and atmospheric, while the newer rooms are light and bright. Book an Onice Sea View Rooms for a breezy sea-view balcony.

The hotel team encourages its guests to get out and explore the city like a local; they can arrange picnics in the park, put you in touch with local artists and take you to 100-year-old traditional shops. There are also bikes for hire, private yacht trips and wine tours, so itineraries can be designed around your interests, and a shuttle can whisk you into the city centre.