These days, Portugal is hot, hot, hot (and we’re not just talking about the national soccer team, headed for the finals of the Euro 2016). As a tourist destination, Portugal is increasingly on the American traveler’s radar, and a number of upscale resorts-- like the Six Senses Douro Valley-- are adding to its allure.
The latest buzzy property is Pine Cliffs, A Luxury Collection Resort, which just unveiled the fruits of an 18-month, $57 million renovation on the beautiful Algarve coast. No detail was left untouched; the top-to-bottom revamp included all public areas, facilities, and the 217 guestrooms and suites, which were decorated with traditional Portuguese touches (like terracotta-tiled floors and hand-painted tiles) by designer Lynne Hunt.
Situated on an 170-acre estate, the resort has extensive facilities, including six swimming pools, the region’s biggest children’s club, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, a nine-hole golf course, and 11 different restaurants and bars. Amongst these is a new, health-conscious addition called Zest. Another talked-about resort addition is the destination spa, Serenity- The Art of Well Being, which sprawls across 10,000 square feet.
The resort has also added the Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites, which include luxury apartments with personalized butler service and access to resort facilities.