Farol Design Hotel

Cascais

Tourists who want to discover Portugal immediately head for the capital, Lisbon for its festive atmosphere and its superb historical sites. Lisbon however, is not the only jewel in the country. Just a few kilometers away, there are several beach resorts that have been popular with the Portuguese for a long time, as well as with visitors who want to take advantage of the lovely setting and the pleasant all year round temperatures. The best and easiest way to do so is to take the train from Lisbon to Cascais. In a brief half hour ride along the attractive coast, we come to an old fishing village that has become one the country’s most important tourist destinations. The climate and the beauty of the landscape here attracted the royal family, who established their summer residence in the heart of the fortress of the citadel in 1870. All of the country’s aristocracy and notables came here, and superb small palaces and luxurious residences were built to house them. Still today, it is known as the Portuguese Riviera, and visitors succumb to the charm of the Estoril coast beaches and the gentle atmosphere of this city which functions to the rhythm of its local fishermen, who leave early in the morning and return with their nets full of fish and shell fish which will be consumed a few hours later in the surrounding restaurants.

A trendy hotel on the Estoril coast

Ideally situated on this lovely eastern coast of Portugal, known for its mild climate and its fine sand beaches, the Faro Design Hotel is one of the trendiest addresses in the world of design. This five-star establishment is actually a former cottage of the Count of Cabral, a famous 19^th century Portuguese politician, which was totally renovated in order to make it a modern hotel with a superb view of the Atlantic Ocean. The interior is bathed in natural light, and the living spaces are both serene and totally modern, whether it’s in the choice of furniture or even the plants.

The hotel has 31 elegant rooms with contemporary comfort and a pleasant view of either the ocean or the garden and its salt-water swimming pool. Ten of the rooms were decorated by the most sought after national designers like Fatima Lopez and Ana Salazar, each of whom added their own unique atmosphere, making every guest feel privileged and special. The hotel also has two suites, one with a private balcony and the other with an exceptional view. All of the accommodations have a fully equipped luxurious bathroom with a superb whirlpool bathtub.

The Faro Design Hotel is also famous for its restaurant, The Mix, where Chef Hugo Silva serves a fusion cuisine with Mediterranean dishes and succulent plates of sushi.

Two trendy bars, very popular with young local people, are ideal for ending the day on a festive note, with snacks, good modern music and explosive cocktails!