Farol: Five Star Hotel in Cascais

On my last trip to Portugal I had the chance to stay in an excellent five-star hotel in Cascais, Farol. This boutique hotel, part of the select Design Hotels group, is in a great location and overlooks the sea. I was very well received and found the place charming, as you can read below.

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Location

Farol Hotel has an excellent location. It is on cliffs, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, right next to the Farol Santa Marta Museum and just a few steps away from Parque Marechal Carmona. Nearby are also the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, the Cascais Marina, the Casa de São Bernardo and the Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Luz.

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How to get

Cascais is 34 km from Lisbon. By car, it’s just 35 minutes. Another option to get to Farol Hotel from Lisbon is to go by train, as the hotel is 1.5 km from Cascais Station. The journey only takes 40 minutes and the ticket costs from €2.25. Or, if you prefer, the hotel has a limousine service to pick up guests at Lisbon International Airport (surcharge).

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Five Star Hotel in Cascais

History

The building where the Farol Hotel is located dates back to the end of the 19th century and was once the summer residence of the Portuguese Royal Family. It was also a refuge for European kings and queens during the 1950s. However, fifteen years ago the building underwent a revitalization and architect Carlos Dias was responsible for transforming it into the best hotel in Cascais.

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Structure

The 5-star hotel in Cascais has 33 rooms ranging from 22 to 40 m² and all have a hot tub. Among them are eight suites decorated by renowned Portuguese and international designers.

It was in one of these Design Rooms that I stayed. As soon as I arrived, I was welcomed with strawberries and sparkling wine – just another treat from the very attentive service and well-prepared staff. The room size is great. In addition to decoration in light tones and various design objects, such as the friendly work table where the base forms the word “LOVE”. It also offers a minibar, coffee machine, snack bar, umbrella and slippers.

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Outside, the terrace with garden and sea views is a beautiful invitation to enjoy the spectacle of the surrounding wild nature. On summer days, the saltwater pool becomes the highlight of the Farol Hotel.

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Bars and restaurants

There are also two bars and two restaurants. The Mix, for example, has Mediterranean fusion cuisine with risotto, meat and seafood options. Sushi Design is a charming Japanese restaurant that opens for lunch and dinner. Bar Farol is located on a pleasant deck overlooking the sea and opens from 10:30 am. And there is also the seasonal Bar on the Rocks, which is located in the pool area and only opens in the summer, as the pool can only be used from May to October.

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Furthermore, the breakfast, included in the daily rate, is very complete, with many options of bread, cakes, fruit, eggs and cold cuts. A delight!

In all environments there are various works of art, such as sculptures, paintings and design pieces, for example. So much so that the Farol Hotel has as ambassadors the sculptor Adália Alberto and the painter Diogo Navarro, for example.

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Activities

Furthermore, the luxurious Farol Hotel also has a SPA that offers relaxing massages by the pool or in the comfort of the rooms, yoga classes on the rocks and free bicycles for guests, for example. To explore the region, we have the option of booking various external activities, such as, for example, a picnic in Sintra, dolphin watching, tennis or horse riding lessons, or even boat trips, among many others.

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Events

Due to its privileged location on the sea, the sophisticated Farol Hotel is also very popular for events such as weddings and corporate meetings. There are three spaces that can accommodate 30 to 80 people.

About Cascais

Cascais is a Portuguese village located in the metropolitan region of Lisbon and has just over 200 thousand inhabitants. It is very popular with Brazilians who go on a trip or who chose Portugal to live, for example. It’s probably not difficult to find someone with our accent. Mainly cariocas, lol.

Finally, all people over 13 years old staying in Cascais must pay a tourist tax of €1.00 per night. But, in compensation, all those who pay receive a tourist pass for the Museum District, which gives access to a set of 14 cultural spaces.

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Therefore, if you are on a trip scheduled for Portugal, I suggest spending a few days at the Farol Hotel, as it is a five-star hotel in Cascais that combines history and luxury at very attractive prices.

Text and photos by Renata Araújo.