New High-end Hotels & Experiences

Portugal

Luxury vacations in Portugal? Absolutely. Alongside its established luxury addresses, several noteworthy new properties have recently joined the scene. Time for a closer look!

Image: seligaa/stock.adobe.com

Image: seligaa/stock.adobe.com

New high-end hotels

Portugal

Luxury vacations in Portugal? Absolutely. Alongside its established luxury addresses, several noteworthy new properties have recently joined the scene. Time for a closer look!

Algarve Palacio de Tavira

Since August 2025, this member of Small Luxury Hotels has been bringing Moorish-inspired luxury to the small town of Tavira. The former 18th-century noble residence is divided into two sections – Medina and Palacio – which together house 36 individually designed rooms and suites, with no two alike. Palacio de Tavira sits right in the heart of town, making it an ideal base for exploring on foot. Guests looking for beach time can hop on a ferry to Ilha de Tavira.The property also features two rooftop pools, the Mirsal restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine, and a bar. For relaxation, the Luma Spa offers a sauna and a selection of treatments.

Trade Contact: Sylvie Gremillot, Director of Sales Europa with Marugal

Image: Small Luxury Hotels

Experience: Oysters, Tides & a Different Side of the Algarve

Beyond its stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs, the Algarve is also known for its incredible variety of seafood – including oysters. Luxury DMC Made for Spain & Portugal offers a dedicated oyster experience for guests. Over the course of five hours, participants explore the region with a private guide starting directly from their hotel. The journey continues by boat from a local harbor into the Ria Formosa Natural Park, with its lagoons and islands. On Culatra Island, guests meet a local oyster farmer who shares insights into the craft and daily life of oyster farming. An oyster tasting paired with wine is of course included as part of the experience.

Trade Contact: Ths Reservations Team of the DMC Made for Spain & Portugal

Image: Made for Spain & Portugal

Lisbon Mythic Sana Downtown Suites

The brand-new Sana Hotels property in Portugal’s capital has been welcoming guests since April. Mythic Sana aims to deliver signature luxury with a strong focus on personalization and guest experience. To achieve this, the hotel offers its Golden Sleeves butler service, available around the clock and described as the first of its kind in Portugal. Champagne lovers will appreciate the elegant Black Moon Gastrobar, featuring an extensive selection of champagnes and wines. Guests stay in 48 bright and contemporary rooms and suites designed in a modern style.

Trade Contact: André Correia, Director of Sales and Luxury Brand Ambassador

Image: Sana Hotels

Experience: Lisbon by Tuk-Tuk

A different kind of sightseeing tour: Abercrombie & Kent offers a private four-hour Tuk-Tuk experience through Lisbon with culinary stops – and without having to tackle the city’s famous hills on foot. Guests ride through the Portuguese capital in a charming Tuk-Tuk, stopping at highlights such as the Senhora do Monte viewpoint and the winding streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. Those interested can also sample the traditional cherry liqueur Ginjinha. The tour continues along the Tagus River toward Belém, passing landmarks including the Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. The grand finale: freshly baked Pastéis de Belém made from the monastery’s original historic recipe.

Trade Contact: Carolin Mcleod, Sales Manager at Abercrombie & Kent

Image: Abercrombie & Kent

Porto Santo Legacy Ithos

The mineral-rich sand of Porto Santo is said to have an almost magical quality – not only visually, but also for your client's joints, thanks to its reputed healing properties. That’s why the Legacy Ithos, opening in May and part of Leading Hotels of the World, will be the island’s only hotel offering sand thalassotherapy. The Ora Spa will also feature treatments such as detox and sleep programs. Located directly on the beach of Madeira’s neighboring island, the property offers 28 rooms and suites. Guests can also dine at Origo 34, the hotel’s beachfront restaurant serving local cuisine with the involvement of renowned two-Michelin-starred chef Diogo Rocha.

Trade Contact: Luis Tiago Teixeira, Partner & Commercial Director at the representation office Analogica Collection

Image: Legacy Ithos

Experience: Equestrian Tour auf Porto Santo

The sense of calm at Legacy Ithos on Porto Santo can be taken even further – on horseback. Accompanied by an experienced guide and riding well-trained horses, guests explore the island’s hidden highlights from the saddle. Far away from the usual tourist spots, the route leads along the island’s nine-kilometer sandy beach, across green hillsides, and through secluded valleys – always at the guests’ preferred pace. The ultimate wow moment comes at the magical Miradouro das Flores viewpoint.

Trade Contact: The Reservations Team at Legacy Ithos

Image: Carlos Pinto

Let's Ask the Industry:

Can Portugal call itself a luxury destination?

"Portugal now offers a far greater variety of accommodations thanks to the growing number of five-star luxury hotels, boutique resorts, and private villas, making it easier to find the right product for every client. In the past, the country was mainly known for golf vacations or affordable beach holidays. Today, however, the range of experiences is much broader – from wine and culinary journeys to nature-focused escapes. Portugal is considered a safe destination and still offers reasonable pricing compared to other European countries. Hotels that stand out through their gourmet cuisine, excellent service, unique locations, and special experiences are especially in demand. Among our clients, Porto and the Douro Valley are particularly popular. I know and appreciate both regions personally and recommend them frequently, as they are still relatively undiscovered for many travelers. Clients consistently give enthusiastic feedback about their experience. The Algarve also remains a top destination. With its more understated approach to luxury, Portugal has built a strong international fan base. You can clearly see how much the country continues to invest and evolve, while still preserving its culture and integrating new developments carefully into the existing environment. Personally, my Portugal highlights are the Six Senses Douro Valley surrounded by nature and a river cruise along the Douro. Combined, the experience feels incredibly calming and restorative."

Anita Matenda, Managing Director Reisebüro Viktoria Lufthansa City Center (Portrait: private)

Image: rudi1976/stock.adobe.com

Our Takeaway

For many clients, Portugal already scores points thanks to its food and wine alone. But the country also knows exactly how to impress luxury travelers: throughout Portugal, guests will find hotels with a strong sense of place and exceptionally high service standards. Plus, a hotel stay can easily be combined with a river cruise on the Douro. Europe is trending this summer – so why not put Portugal in the spotlight?

Author: Cathrin Lührs