Palácio Estoril Hotel, Gold & Wellness

Much more than a journey through the glorious past of the Cascais Line, this classic hotel has retained its charm right up to the present day. The gardens, the romantic rooms and the impressive common areas – decorated with framed photos of royalty, chandeliers and even a grand piano – continue to impress even those who have converted to the Scandinavian minimalism that is in vogue in the new luxury hotels. The breakfast is a worthy rival to the one served a few doors down at the famous Pastelaria Garrett (some even say the hotel’s pasteis da nata are on a par with the Pasteis de Belém), and the pool, where the cast of 007: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service relaxed, is tempting even for those who planned to spend their days stretched out on the beaches at Estoril. And this is without mentioning the Banyan Tree spa, which offers Asian-inspired treatments.