It's the blue we'll best remember. The shimmering, rolling Atlantic Sea just along the coast, the richer marine hues of the more sheltered Bay of Cascais opposite, the glorious blue skies above. And, the shade of royal powder blue found throughout this elegant 19th-century residence, which opened as boutique hotel in late 2015 following a sensational makeover by a well-known Portuguese interior designer. The reception, restaurant and guest lounge have this opulence on walls, ceilings, chairs, sofas and feature shelving, as do half the superbly comfortable bedrooms. The others are clad in a wonderful rich olive green, while the penthouse has 3 balconies and a freestanding tub from which to drink in that blue view. Everything has purpose and place: the dramatic destination bar has ceilings of heritage Portuguese tiles; clusters of vintage wooden and brass moulds provide focal points.
The groovy restaurant overlooks the waterfront of this upscale coastal town, Lisbon's summer playground, only 40 minutes west of the capital. In short, it's a perfect spot for a break with your partner or friends.
Highs
- The restaurant terrace is the perfect place to bask in the sunshine while enjoying the best of food and drink
- An intimate vibe: only 11 beautiful rooms, all of which have some kind of sea view and a smart bathroom
- The central location - easily found, and close to all sights, bars and restaurants
- Delightful, friendly service
- Lisbon is only 40 minutes away by train, so you don't need a car
Lows
- No pool
- The knockout style and location puts a premium on prices
- Not set up for families, despite the beach opposite
- The town can get lively in the afternoons and evenings in high season, so expect some noise
The restaurant's Terrace Menu has a few kid-friendly dishes such as fried sea-medley, mini-hamburgers and ice cream, but you're probably better off at child-appropriate eateries in town, such as the pizzeria opposite.
- Town beach opposite
- Watersports in the sea
- Playground in the nearby park
- Free bike rental at the Town Hall opposite
- Boutique Hotel
- 11 rooms
- Restaurant and bar open daily
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- 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
Rooms
The 11 snazzy bedrooms all have views (albeit sometimes only glimpses) of the sea. The 2nd-floor rooms are colour-blocked in the same vivid royal blue as the common areas below, while the 3rd-floor rooms are painted a rich bright olive green; floors have matching rugs over parquet. Both floors host Superior and Deluxe Sea View rooms, differentiated only by size and positioning within the building. Some have a tub as well as a walk-in shower in their ensuite bathroom.
The top floor is devoted to the relatively subdued Grand Deluxe Sea View room (aka the penthouse, perfect for honeymooners), which is decked in grey, has 3 terraces, a circular raised bathtub as well as a separate shower bathroom, and fabulous views across Cascais Bay and the Estoril Coast. Note, the lift only reaches the floor below so be prepared for 2 short flights of stairs.
All rooms have luxury touches such as Castelbel Porto toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, and decent mini-bars.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
The Reserva by Olivier restaurant is found on the first floor with a cobalt-blue dining room giving onto a superbly sunny terrace overlooking the promenade and beach. Here, meals often harvested from the local Atlantic waters are served from lunch until late. Lunch could include the signature royal crab salad or octopus carpaccio. In the evenings, choose shrimps ajillo, grouper in puff pastry or Wagyu rump steak, followed by petit gateau and pear sorbet.
The 4-7pm Terrace Menu has crowd pleasers from posh sandwiches to Algarve clams and oysters to marinated salmon, with creme brûlée and ice cream to follow. And make a point of trying one of the 48 (mostly Portuguese) fine wines and ports available by the glass; there are nifty pouring machines to assist! Look up: the ceiling of the bar is decorated with beautiful 19th-century Delft-ware style tiles.
Breakfast is served on the terrace in fine weather; expect a delicious smorgasbord of local delicacies, eggs cooked to order, piping hot coffee, juices, cake and pastries, fresh fruit and yoghurt.
Features include:
- Bar
- Kids' meals
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Explore Cascais, which has a maritime museum, cute cobbled streets with boutiques, cafes and bars, tons of restaurants, a couple of parks and art galleries
- Laze on the beach opposite, or take your pick from others in town (including golden Praia de Conceição) or head up the Atlantic coast for some real gems
- The town's food market is every Wednesday and Saturday, and there's an antiques market, too
- Learn to paddleboard in the Bay, or go further afield for kitesurfing and parasailing
- Take a day trip to Lisbon or Sintra
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
- Surfing
- Tennis
- Windsurfing
Best Time to go
It's great to be beside the sea whatever the time of year or weather. That said, to make the most of the waterfront location, you may prefer spring through to autumn.
Our Top Tips
You can hire bikes for free at the Town Hall opposite, and explore the dramatic Atlantic coastline along a good cycle path, stopping off at the marvellous beaches en route. Cabo da Raco, the most westerly point of Europe, is only 5km west.
Location
Villa Cascais is on the main promenade beside Fisherman's Beach in the centre of vibrant Cascais, close to the restaurants and shops. Cascais is 35km west of Lisbon.
By Air:
Lisbon Portela Airport (35km) is your closest. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving here. Ask for an airport transfer, travel here by train or see ou car rental recommendations. The hotel has free valet parking.
By Train:
It is a simple (and great value) 40-minute journey from central Lisbon to Cascais, along the scenic Estoril Riviera (alight at Cais do Sodre station). The hotel is 5 minutes' walk from the station.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Portugal and getting around
Airports:
- Lisbon Portela Airport 35.0 km LIS
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape