Portugal's aristocracy began decamping to the scenic Estoril Riviera for sunshine and play in the 19th century, hence the plethora of hunting lodges and crenellated mansions along this coast. Laid-back luxurious leisure is still the watchword at this spacious hotel, set in the exclusive environs of Quinta da Marinha, a short drive westwards from Cascais, inland from the Atlantic. Run by the Onyria Group (who took it over from Martinhal in 2023), it's perennially popular among i-escape readers looking for an easy but pampering holiday with or without kids. At nearly 100 rooms, it may be large – by our standards anyway – but it offers a fun vibe plus golf and excellent service.
On our most recent visit we were pleased to see that despite the transition there's still a cool playground, and the Atlantic pool provides plenty of space for all. Our bedroom was supremely comfortable; our son declared the bathroom was the biggest he had ever had! Why not enjoy a treatment in the spa whilst the kids make glitter tattoos or try their hand at yoga in the excellent marine-themed kids club. There are wondrous beaches and coves nearby (much of the coastline is protected), and day trips to Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra are easily arranged.
Highs
- Good kids facilities including an excellent playground, bikes to hire, year-round Kids Club, and a choice of three pools!
- Parent pampering in the excellent spa
- We loved the sleek, spacious rooms in hotel and villas alike, and were amazed by how quiet they were inside
- The staff are stellar
Lows
- The transition to new owners is on-going so more changes may be on the horizon
- The lovely free-form Atlantic pool is open June-Sept only and is unheated
- Bear in mind that it's aimed more for under 10s, but teens can enjoy air-hockey, swimming, surfing nearby and day trips to Lisbon or Sintra
- Baby cots with bedding
- Potties
- Baby baths
- High chairs
- Baby cots
- Safety gates
Some equipment may need to be requested in advance
The Dreamarine Kids Club is set in the Clubhouse and offers a weekly programme of activities, from origami to fitness and kids yoga, glitter tattoos to pixel art, kids got talent to movies. There are six play spaces to choose from, and a fun marine theme: Jellyfish Room (sensory play), Art & Games, Interactive, Sea Life Rescue (eco principled play), Library Cocoon (a lounge area with chess and books) and Neon Teens (for kids aged 6 upwards). All sessions are supervised and are an additional cost. The kids club is open as follows: Sessions AM 9h30-10h30 10h30-11h30 11h30-12h30 Sessions PM 14h30-15h30 15h30-16h30 16h30-17h30
On our most recent visit no kids menus were available but the simple menu offers a number of things most children will enjoy – such as fries, chicken wraps, ham and cheese toasties – and the chef can always make something for fussy eaters. Kids menus are on the way for the summer months and the breakfast buffet has options for all.
- Playground
- Choice of swimming pools
- Beaches
- Cycle paths (hire bikes from the hotel)
- Day trips to Cascais, Sintra and Lisbon
- Surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing on Guincho beach (which has lifeguards on duty)
- Boutique Hotel
- 72 rooms, 12 villas
- 2 restaurants and 2 bars
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pools
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Babysitting
- Creche / Kids Club
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
- Bicycles Available
- Terraced gardens, lawn, choice of lounge areas
- Football pitch (tarmac)
- Laundry service
Rooms
72 luxurious Deluxe Rooms are set in a long 2-storey building facing the restaurants and spa, with lawns and reflecting pools between. All are decked out in warm wood and white leather-clad seating. Large floor-to-ceiling French windows (and swishing curtains) open to a balcony with outdoor armchairs and a table. Supremely comfy kingsize beds can be arranged as twins. Aside from 4 larger Deluxe Suites which bookend the corridors, rooms vary only according to view (front or back), whether they interconnect with their neighbour (ours did, and we stayed in palatial style), or if they have fold-down bunk beds.
Spacious bathrooms are all-white affairs, each with double sinks, a separate rain shower and a bathtub (lit by blue and yellow lights for fun, colourful shadows).
The 12 Grand Deluxe Villas are sited behind the Clubhouse area, and all have an identical layout of 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms up top, with open-plan living/dining/kitchen below. Note that the bathrooms come with showers, but no tubs. There's a private garden/patio space with outdoor furniture plus each has parking. Six of the villas have fold-down bunks downstairs so can sleep larger families.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
The high-ceilinged restaurant hosts extensive buffet breakfasts of fresh fruit, pastries, hot dishes (more are available to order), cereals, local jams and honey, and best of all a pancake machine. There's plentiful coffee, teas and hot chocolate; juices of orange and green hues.
In the evenings, expect a varied menu: gyoza, garlic prawns on toast; spaghetti bolognese; Bacalhau; black pork cheek with sweet potato; Atlantic fish and seafood risotto; and apple crumble or brownie with dulce de leche to finish.
The ClubHouse Restaurant offers casual all-day dining. The straightforward menu features nachos, dumplings, pasta, salads, hamburgers and sandwiches, which can be washed down with a healthy smoothie or coffee. Vegetarian options are available.
The Drop Bar is your place for healthy smoothies, drinks, cocktails or an afternoon coffee. There's also bar service on offer at the Atlantic Pool and ice creams for cooling down.
The self-catering villas come with full kitchens plus seating for up to 6, rates include a welcome pack of goodies, and you can arrange for groceries to be delivered. You can also choose to have all meals in the restaurants or collect a breakfast box.
Features include:
- Bar
- Coffee maker
- Kids' meals
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- At the hotel: relax in the Natur Spa and don't forget to enjoy the Spa Circuit of waters which takes in the indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, sensations shower and Jacuzzi
- The Golf reception & Club House offers special prices to play the 18-hole golf course designed by Trent Jones Sr
- Head to Cascais to explore its charming city beaches (very safe for children), visit the playground and park, the Maritime Museum, the authentic food market (Wednesdays and Saturdays), carousel, and shops and restaurants
- Nearby Atlantic beaches are superb. We loved Guincho, which has a cafe and is known for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. Or hire bicycles from reception instead; there's a great coastal bike path to follow
- Day trip to either Lisbon or UNESCO-listed Sintra with its 19th-century Romantic architecture, castles and palaces
- There's a Tennis Racquet Club 10 minutes away by golf cart
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Kitesurfing
- Museums / galleries
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Well being
- Windsurfing
- Wine tasting
Best Time to go
The hotel is open all year. The best months are May to September weatherwise. If you can avoid the school holidays, you'll find better availability and rates. However, you may find more golfers around using the nearby course.
Our Top Tips
If you're coming with a baby or toddler, some equipment can be provided such as high chairs, baby cots and baby baths. Book ahead if you want your kids to join in at the kids club.
Location
Onyria Marinha Boutique Hotel is in the exclusive Quinta da Marinha area, just west of the coastal town of Cascais on the Lisbon coast.
By Air:
Fly to Lisbon Portela (about 40km away).
From the Airport:
The hotel offers transfers, but you can easily travel independently via Metro and train. The hotel can also arrange taxis to Sintra, Lisbon and beyond, so you won't need a car while you're here, but if you want to hire one, see our car rental recommendations. The hotel has free parking.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Lisbon Portela Airport 40.0 km LIS
Other:
- Beach 6.0 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape