The Vibe: Rococo meets minimalism.

The Area: The Pousada is located in the town of Estói, just 10 km inland from Faro and its airport proper. The town holds the ruins of Milreu, the remains of an important Roman villa.

The DNA: Combining the best of old and new, Pousada Palácio Estói is set in a rococo palace from 1909 with an ultra-modern wing added exactly 100 years later. The palace, once home to the viscount of Estói, took 20 years to built. It was in the viscount’s family until 1987 when it was sold to the municipality of Faro which turned it into the pousada it is today. The palace features Versailles-style gardens and tea pavilions, perfect for exploring after a dip in the indoor or outdoor pools, fitness centre or sauna visit. Marvel at Pousada’s many original elements, including beautiful wall frescos and antique furnishings. The restaurant serves the Algarve’s famed cuisine from shellfish to sweets made with local almonds and figs. The bar and lounge are situated in the original palace.

Suite-Me-Up: The sleek, minimalist designed rooms and suites come with air conditioning, a work desk, a seating area and a balcony or terrace with direct access to the garden. Suites add space, basically being two rooms combined.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 63 rooms & suites (22-40m2) (237-431 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2009 • architecture: Gonçalo Byrne ✅ free on-site parking • pets allowed on request • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible