For decades, American travelers skipped the tile and tinned fish capital of Europe for the glitz and glam of the Med. In hindsight—following an explosion of international investment thanks to the country’s Golden Visa scheme—it seems mad. The Portuguese secret is well and truly out: Can you even imagine labeling Portugal “off the beaten track” today? And guess who’s fueling the fire on the Atlantic coast: “American tourists are the ones with the highest percentage of overnight stays in 5-star hotels,” says a Caixa Bank report.
From the Algarve to Porto, heaps more haute hotels are coming, too. In Porto alone, 20 new hotels are debuting over the next year. Meanwhile, three and four-star inns are rushing major redesigns and rebrands to upscale and impress the new America jet set.
Here’s a look at 15 of the best new and recently refurbished hotels around the country. Six Senses Douro springs from the rolling vineyards along the Douro River like a Disney castle. Since it opened in 2015, it’s been one of the country’s premier properties with 71 rooms, suites and villas inside a 19th-century manor house.
This adult playground offers weekly activities ranging from tile painting to padel tennis to oenology courses. In classic Six Senses fashion, its three restaurants and bar are on the healthier side, with plenty of wellness-focused options showcasing vegetables from the hotel’s garden. Who’s it for: Fans of the brand’s wellness ethos are sure to flock her.
