Areias do Seixo

Rooms

The hotel suites combine modern Scandinavian-inspired minimalism with Indian and Moroccan chic. Expect rich fabrics, bright colours, chaise longues, polished concrete and show-stopping lights. Each has a private patio or deck, indulgent toiletries, a wood-burning stove or fireplace, and a geothermal heating/cooling system; some have jacuzzis or tubs. There's WiFi but no TVs. The Land Garden Suite is huge (but lacks a sea view); Love Superior Ocean Suites are large and particularly lovely; Tree Ocean Suites are glass-fronted for optimum views (one is wheelchair accessible; a couple have the option of twin beds). All of them are stunningly original in design.

Our favourite suites include vast Oxalá ('If Only'), with its Jacuzzi, double shower, mezzanine, and a large terrace framed by the deep blue of the Atlantic; and Nha Cretcheu , with its insanely beautiful bath, its glass lanterns suspended like tears, and its driftwood-framed bed. Both of these are Love Superior Ocean Suites. Of the Tree Ocean Suites, we loved the exquisite light fittings in Pratta (where we most recently stayed) and the showstopping bathroom with a tree growing through the centre. 

To get closer to nature with your loved one, grab the Shelter Charm Tent. Set among the trees on the edge of the dunes, this is about as luxurious as glamping can be. You get a super-comfy queensize bed, a freestanding bathtub, and a cosy fire pit for romancing under the stars. You can even have meals served in your private dining area, away from the eyes of other guests. Bliss.

The pool villas, which come in three- and four-bedroom varieties, are ideal for families with older children. Their striking design is influenced by the surrounding natural landscape, with materials like timber, stone and cement taking centre stage, and glass walls allowing sunlight to pour in. Top-of-the-range Ocean Signature villas are detached and boast the biggest pools and the widest sea views. Pool Villas and Ocean Superiors are semi-detached, but the latter have the benefit of sea views. Townhouses are the most budget-friendly option, being smaller and having the least open views – but they are no less stylish. In order to preserve the local environment, the swimming pools are unheated and the villas are not air conditioned, but all have fans as well as smart heating and cooling systems beneath their floors.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fireplace
• Hairdryer
• Radio
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

The hotel's formal restaurant, Semear, is open for lunch and dinner and serves a selection of Portuguese-inspired dishes. The menu keeps details to a minimum, allowing the homegrown and locally sourced ingredients to speak for themselves: start with pink shrimp from Peniche, followed by beans and kohlrabi from the garden or Alcobaca spotted pork with corn and eggplant, and finish with 'locally grown banana'. Intriguing. They also offer a six-course tasting menu if you want to try it all. 

For a more casual lunch, Lugar da Horta is set in a glass house in the organic garden, surrounded by the ingredients that are populating your plate. Expect fresh, familiar dishes like croquettes, soup, nourishing bowls and substantial sandwiches.

Breakfast was a highlight of our stay. It's served as a decadent buffet and includes smoothies and juices, fresh pastries (including pastel de nata), charcuterie, yoghurt and granola pots, and fruit plucked from the garden; then eggs, bacon, omelettes, pancakes and more to order.

Villas have full kitchens and dining spaces for self-catering, as well as barbecue terraces for dining alfresco. Kitchens are equipped with coffee- and tea-making facilities, fridge-freezers, hobs, ovens and microwaves.

There are loads of fun and romantic dining experiences, from picnics in the sand dunes to made-to-order sushi delivered to your door. On our last visit, after a surf lesson, we grabbed a bite to eat at family-friendly sister hotel Noah Surf House, which guests can get to using the bikes or complimentary shuttle service.

For a change of scene, drive out to one of the various recommended restaurants nearby: Xakra and Tasca do Joel in Peniche or Clube Naval in Assenta are just a few local favourites.

Features include:

• Bar
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Relax in the hotel, walk on the beach, paddle in the sea (many find it too choppy for swimming), eat in the restaurant, then take a glass of wine out to the fire circle and watch the stars in the inky sky
  
  
• Swim in the spa pool, then unwind in the sauna (dry and steam) and Turkish bath - you'll get free access if you book a massage and pamper ritual at the spa. It specialises in Ayurvedic treatments and also does facials and body treatments, as well as half-day programmes
  
  
• Borrow the hotel's bikes and explore independently
  
  
• Join a yoga class – times will be chalked up in reception
  
  
• Keen foodies can enrol in a morning 'plot to plate' experience, where you'll work with the gardeners and chef to make your own lunch. They are also keen to share advice and inspiration about agriculture, fishing and local regional cooking
  
  
• Learn to surf or paddle board at the hotel’s own surf school, located at sister site Noah Surf House (a shuttle is provided)
  
  
• Spend a day in Lisbon. Portugal's capital is about an hour away by car (we found Ubers to be quite affordable); explore the Design Museum and Gulbenkian modern art galleries, then stop for an espresso and a custard tart. Nightlife doesn't get going until gone 10pm in the city
  
  
• Visit the well-preserved walled medieval town of Obidos, 25 minutes away, with its winding streets and whitewashed houses
  
  
• Play golf at 1 of the 3 courses nearby: Praia D'El Rey, Bom Sucesso or Campo Real

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Golf
• Historical sites
• Hot tub
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Plantlife / flora
• Sauna
• Spa treatments
• Steam room
• Swimming

Kids

No under 16s are allowed in the hotel, but children of all ages are welcome in the villas. The layouts and unfenced unheated pools don't lend themselves to accommodating small children, but there are lots of family-friendly activities to get involved in, and being so close to the dunes and beach makes the setting great fun for all.

There's also sister beach hotel Noah Surf House, just down the road, which welcomes all ages.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

All villas work for families. Most have three bedrooms, Ocean Signature Superiors have four, with a mixture of doubles and twins. They have full kitchens for self-catering, living areas, private outdoor spaces, and swimming pools (unfenced) - pools in the Signature categories are larger.

Distances:

• Supermarket: 5 mins' drive
• Hospital: 20 mins' drive
• Airport: 45 mins' drive

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Areias do Seixo is south of Peniche on the west coast of Portugal, about 45 minutes north of Lisbon.

By Air
Areias do Seixo is a 45-minute drive north of Lisbon airport, along the coast. The hotel can arrange transfers. Alternatively you can hire a car or take a taxi. The hotel is not accessible by public transport.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

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