Portugal: 10 Destinations, 10 Pools

With summer’s arrival (albeit modest and wet), nothing like enjoying the best our country has to offer. It is my favorite time of the year, people get more excited, the clothes get lighter and colorful and, of course, it’s vacation time. Thinking of that, I selected, from the North to the South of the country, the spaces with the most delightful and charming pools, whether it is a pool with a view over the Douro valley, the 25 de Abril bridge or the Alentejo hills. It’s Portugal in its best, without troikas or Coelhos, just the best in life.

Minho

AquaFalls Spa Hotel Rural, Vieira do Minho

The view of the pool of this 5 star hotel located over the Cávado River, and the beautiful National Park of Gêres, make it one of the best destinations in the region.

For more information,AquaFalls

Porto

The Yeatman Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

It’s impossible to choose a pool in Porto without thinking of the other river bank, more specifically in Gaia, at The Yeatman Hotel. The pool in the shape of a decanter and the perfect view over Porto’s waterfront has brought many awards and clients to the hotel.

For more information, The Yeatman Hotel

Douro

Quinta do Crasto, Gouvinhas – Sabrosa

One of the most famous wine producers in Douro, bets also nowadays in the wine tourism and for that, nothing like this famous pool designed by Eduardo Souto Moura (winner of a Pritzker), infinity pool like, with a magical view over Douro’s heritage.

For more information, Quinta do Crasto

Beira Interior

H2otel, Unhais da Serra – Covilhã

Serra da Estrela will always be one of the best options, if not the only one, for a winter vacation. However, this interior and exterior pool complex is always be a must, whether it is 0º and a lot of snow, or 30º with a view over the greens of the hill.

For more information, H2otel

Lisboa

Hotel Altis Belém, Lisboa

Located right on top of the Tejo River, this 5 star hotel offers a sensation of peace and tranquility, so hard to get in a cosmopolitan city like Lisbon. The view over the river, the 25 de Abril bridge and the small marina, as well as the amazing bar that gives it support, make this one of the most exclusive and interesting pools in town.

For more information, Hotel Altis Belém

Farol Hotel, Cascais

Right on top of the cliff of Cascais, there’s the Farol Hotel, a 5 star design hotel that recovered an historical Manor house. Its pool with a view to the Atlantic Ocean takes us to infinite horizons.

For more information, Farol Hotel

Alentejo

Convento do Espinheiro, Évora

Situated at the Doors of the historical city of Évora, this old convent converted into a luxury hotel has a pool with a view to the beautiful fields of Alentejo.

For more information, Convento do Espinheiro

L’AND Vineyards, Montemor-o-Novo

One of the best national Design Hotels, it allows its guests to not only to sleep watching the stars, as well as a starred kitchen, by the hand of Miguel Laffan, lost in the heart of Alentejo. Its pool has a primeval view of the lake and the Montemor castle.

For more information, L’AND Vineyards

Herdade do Vau, Quintos – Beja

A more hidden destination and a secret well kept, between Beja and Guardiana River. This small hotel lives particularly of the wine tourism, producing one of the youngest and most interesting wines in Alentejo, Riso. The small pool takes us to another horizon, and if like me, anyone else dreams of having a Tuscany next to him, this is the right place.

For more information, Herdade do Vau

Algarve

Conrad Algarve, Quinta do Lago, Almancil

Conrad is for sure one of the most luxurious and well-structured hotels in the country, where no detail is left to chance, since the architecture to the service. Of course while being at Algarve we could choose a view over the beach, but why not run a little bit away from that and travel to an amazing infinity pool over the calm Quinta do Lago. (Full article about the Hotel)