The Vibe: Fashionistas with stormproof hairdo’s.

The Area: Cascais has turned from sleepy fishing village to tourist hotspot. The Farol has one of the best addresses, at the beginning of the oceanside drive to wind-swept Guincho beach (surfing!), once the hideaway of the Kings and Queens of Europe in the 1950s.

The DNA: Housed in a remodeled 19th-century mansion once owned by the Count of Cabral, the Farol Hotel combines the old and a new infrastructure with a unique contemporary design, resulting in a harmonious bridge in time. All spaces have been redefined in sophisticated black and white, making the contrast between modern, minimalist interior and historic, traditional exterior even more striking. There is a restaurant serving Mediterranean fusion cuisine and a sushi restaurant. A cocktail bar is located in the villa, while another is available pool-side.

Suite-Me-Up: The stylish rooms (most with a hydro-massage tub) are distributed between the old villa and the modern wing with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows with ocean views. 8 rooms are by different acclaimed Portuguese designers, all remarkably different, some bright red and ornate, others white and minimalist, others black and gold with a decadent vibe, or blue and classically elegant. The stunning penthouse comes with a gymnasium, a spa, a personal chef and 24-hour butler service.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 33 rooms & suites (23-40m2) (247-430 sq ft) • architecture: Carlos Miguel Dias • interior design: several Portuguese (fashion) designers, including Ana Salazar, Fátima Lopez, Miguel Vieira, Manuel Alves, José Manuel Gonçalves ✅ free on-site parking • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible