The Oitavos, a five-star luxury hotel on the Lisbon coast in Portugal, in the Quinta da Marinha resort, is encircled by a top-ranking golf course. But this is "not your traditional golf hotel it's not even your traditional hotel", says Maggie O'Sullivan in The Daily Telegraph. It looks "more like a city art gallery, or perhaps the headquarters of a software company, built in the sand dunes".
The stark style of the hotel won't suit everyone. "Behind the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors lies a catwalk of open space," says Helena Lee in Harper's Bazaar. This open-plan style means you can't find a private corner to enjoy a drink in or escape the bustle of other guests. It's not very cosy. But it is sleek, clean and modernist.
There is comfort among the stark design though there's a big, squashy sofa to sink into and a padded daybed on your balcony.
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The balcony is "the perfect place to sip a glass of red wine from the hotel's vineyard and feel the lap of the coastal wind", says Lee.
There are four restaurants to choose from, plus a sushi bar. The food is excellent international cuisine, with some regional dishes too.
I would have thoroughly enjoyed a week-long stay, simply because it would allow me time to work through all the enticing dishes on offer. I would particularly recommend the tapas and the special Portuguese rice dishes.
From the outside it looks unassuming, but it is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to.
The hotel has plenty of activities on offer to work off the food. There is the golf, of course, but also horse riding, yoga, bike rides, tennis, squash and fitness classes.
Prices from €155 per night. Call 00 351 21 486 0020, or see theoitavos.com.
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