Located just 25 km west of Lisbon and near Cascais lies Portuguese Riviera town Estoril.
Notably remembered as a popular retreat for Kings and Queens, Estoril today still offers a slice of prestige, style and of course glorious beaches to those who visit.
The town itself has a long history of attracting royalty, celebrities, and wealthy travellers with a stay making you feel like you're part of an elite group.
The infamous Casino in Estoril is whispered to have influenced Ian Fleming's 007 novel Casino Royale and is Europe's biggest to date. But beyond this and amongst the scenic landscape is a treasure of the town, a word-of-mouth hotel, fit for an unforgettable stay.
Managed by Amazing Evolution, Estoril Vintage is a luxurious family-owned hotel located in this charming Portuguese town.
Staying here is an experience that will leave you feeling like a prince or princess.
Housed in a beautiful building, dating back to the 19th century, Estoril Vintage Hotel has been carefully restored by its current owners, preserving its original charm, detail and character, with elegant antique furnishings and decor throughout.
The baroque-style property was acquired by the Libano Monteiro family many years ago and they today have opened up their former home to guests who are seeking a slice of privacy and an experience to enjoy the curiosities they have enjoyed here as a family.
Maintaining the classical details of the palatial building, guests will experience a taste of European aristocracy in the exclusive 15-room property.
From arrival to its swish driveway to enjoying a garden terrace afternoon tea amongst priceless sea views, Estoril Vintage is something straight out of a fairy tale.
Attention to detail lies at the heart of the property and is observed by the behaviour of their highly skilled staff including a team of smart butlers and maids. Each guest receives a personalised service where every detail of your stay is taken care of by staff who know who you are and your wants and desires before you even step foot into the foyer.
From the grand lobby filled with antiquities, lush marble and Qinghua Portuguese ceramics it is difficult to not be enamoured by the surrounding treasures of the hotel.
A grand entrance needs a grand central staircase and the iconic structure seen at Estoril Vintage is a showstopper. Intricately carved and surrounded by iconic yet ambient baroque-style lampshades the feature is something from the history books.
The communal lounge continues the themes seen in the lobby yet is complemented by classical elements from the opulent King João V period.
Suspended coffered wood ceilings often observed in churches add a little drama and blend effortlessly with the chessboard marble floor, Etowah marble mouldings, King Louis chairs and arresting 18th-century crystal chandeliers.
A touch of modernity is also observed where neutral contemporary sofas, statement botanicals and luxury books add a little vitality to the historic room.
French doors lead to a vast marble and stone terrace where guests can take in the soothing aromas of rosemary, thyme and other herbaceous delights in the garden of Estoril Vintage. A greco-roman pool adds a little luxury and is the perfect spot to sip on a vintage wine and soak up the astounding views.
Stretching from the main common room is a bar like no other with a striking painted mural on the ceiling. The area is a little reminiscent of Fleming's 007 novels, so sip on a classic Old Fashioned whilst your butler looks after your every need. Do not fear for calling your waiter though, as although the property is architecturally historic they are ahead of the curve when it comes to stellar service. Each table has a butler remote, so when you are ready to settle your bill or desire another thirst-quenching beverage, you can do this discreetly at just the touch of a button wherever you are on the property.
Rooms
Each of the fifteen rooms here differ in style and are generous in size, but they all have one commonality - Luxury.
Each tells a different story with hidden eccentricities. Our favourites include the master suite with ocean views; a hidden Murphy door surrounded by the owner's personal library of literature is where you’ll find classics from French Philosopher Albert Camus to Portuguese writer Ferreira de Castro. Behind those doors lies a bathroom suite with a large console and two hand basins.
We were lucky enough to stay in the romantic and ocean-facing junior suite complete with Romeo and Juliet-style balconies.
Enjoy a light and airy boudoir with a traditional fireplace, royal gold Regency era curtains and of course more Objets d'Art telling tales of the past.
This hotel offers guests a priceless experience in such close quarters with precious heirlooms and antiquities and this we feel is part of what places Estoril Vintage among some of the finest Palace hotels that we have been lucky enough to experience.
The marble bathroom with a freestanding tub is like something from Charles Perrault's Cinderella and is equipped with a hair dryer, robe and slippers and indulgent Molten Brown toiletries.
The turn-down service and wake-up calls are at guest's discretion; modern features in the room include a smart television, Nespresso machine, telephone and air conditioning.
For those on business the hotel offers access to a variety of tech-savvy meeting rooms, or, if seeking a little self-care or indulgence, check out the wellness studio, enjoy a relaxing massage, or perhaps relax in the hammam. There is also a small salon available on site, so for a VIP experience, you are welcome to bring in your very own glam squad to get you red carpet ready whilst on-site.
Dining
Taking place in a stunning Belvedere is a gastronomic affair at Estoril Vintage. Continuing to pay homage to Portuguese history, guests can feast on a medley of unique dishes set amongst views of their stunning garden and Estroil's seafront.
To start - try the Avocado and Whitefish Ceviche - a light and refreshing bite full of flavour. The seafood starter is effortlessly paired with buttery avocado and the sharp yet light ceviche allows for a medley of flavours to rise in the palette.
For mains, the freshly caught coastal sea bass is a mouthwatering delight. It arrives with creamy mashed potatoes, slightly bitter white asparagus and a velvet saffron beurre-blanc.
For those pressing a fine cut, try the traditional Black Pork Cheeks cooked slowly in an oyster mushroom gravy or perhaps the Rack of Lamb with confit potatoes and creamy spinach.
Dessert holds an array of options but when in Portugal it is a fine choice to try the customary Pudim de ovos - a sweet iconic egg-based dessert topped with rich almond ice cream.
Drink suggestions
We enjoyed a selection of wines from the Alentejo and Duro regions with our dishes. Key recommendations include the Consensual Vintage red wine from Douro and the Esporão Reserva (2020) from Alentejo.
If in the mood for a spot of Port wine, try a glass of the Dona Antonia after dining. Known as 'the widows port' it's balanced in flavour, not too sweet and has subtle hints of marmalade peaking through; it's simply the perfect end to a five-star Portuguese dining experience.
For more information visit HERE
Estoril Vintage Hotel
Address: R. Alfredo da Silva 61, 2765-393 Estoril, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 466 6050
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
