On a top-to-bottom tour of Portugal’s luxury spas, discover why the country has long been a destination for wellness and rejuvenation.
Regional Rituals
Traverse the country from north to south, hopping to the coast and back inland, to experience spas of every style.
1 Vidago Palace Hotel
Considered one of the most luxurious hotels in Portugal, the Vidago Palace’s Belle Époque stylings meld with modern design. In addition to treatment rooms, the serene, minimalist thermal spa features experience showers, hydromassage baths and indoor and outdoor swimming pools, all drawing from the region’s curative waters.
2 Vila Foz Hotel & Spa
A sophisticated renovation of a manor house, Vila Foz opened in 2019 to become one of the newest spa hotels on the Portuguese horizon, which extends right out the front door and over the Atlantic. Unwind by the light-flooded indoor pool after a personalized massage or facial featuring custom-made oils.
3 Six Senses Douro Valley
This resort’s spa emphasizes its setting in the world’s oldest demarcated wine region by offering treatments infused with concentrated ingredients from local grapes. Go for the two-hour Warming Schist Vinotherapy, which begins with full-body exfoliation using grapeseed pearls and port.
The panoramic dry-heat sauna at Six Senses Douro Valley immerses you in the property’s natural surroundings
Photo: John Athimaristis
4 Corinthia Lisbon
At Corinthia’s spa, try the Portuguese Journey, an 80-minute treatment inspired by Portuguese naval discoveries that incorporates local salt, clove buds and cinnamon, before enjoying the hammam, Jacuzzi, sauna, cold plunge and ice fountain.
5 Convento do Espinheiro
Many of the Convento do Espinheiro Spa’s services are held in the convent’s ornate chapel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Treatment ingredients are locally sourced: Olive oil, rosemary and lavender provide varying levels of intensity and therapy.
6 Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
Set inland from the famous Praia da Falésia (Cliff Beach), Anantara’s debut European property offers signature massages, as well as body treatments at its spa for golfers fresh off one of the several nearby courses, fusing Mediterranean therapies and energetic Asian techniques.
Anantara Vilamoura’s Palms pool looks out over Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course.
Courtesy of Anantara Vilamoura Algrave Resort
Are you ready to start planning? I’m ready to work with you.
I’m ready to work with you to create a unique travel experience based on your travel destination, style, and interests. Please touch base so I may answer any questions you have and provide you with expert travel advice.
Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before travelling.
