The Best Spa Hotels in Portugal

Portugal has some wonderful spa hotels: historic thermal spas fed by natural springs, luxury resorts with world-class treatments, and hot pools on volcanic islands. Here are the best spa hotels in Portugal for a relaxing break, from the mountains of the north to the Algarve and the Atlantic islands.

Quick answer: for a historic thermal spa, Vidago Palace in the north. For a spa in the vineyards, Six Senses Douro Valley. Near Lisbon, Penha Longa. In the Algarve, Conrad Algarve or Vila Vita Parc. On the islands, Octant Furnas (Azores) for 24-hour thermal pools or Savoy Palace (Madeira). For a budget-friendly thermal escape, Pedras Salgadas.

The north

Vidago Palace

A grand Belle Époque palace hotel in a park in Trás-os-Montes, with a thermal spa designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira and a golf course. Pure elegance. Check prices

Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park

Eco-houses and treehouses in a historic spa park, with a thermal spa (a small extra fee). Great for families and nature lovers. Check prices

Six Senses Douro Valley

A manor house in the vineyards with one of Portugal’s best spas, indoor and outdoor pools and wellness programmes. Check prices

Lisbon area and the Alentejo

Penha Longa (Sintra)

A Ritz-Carlton resort in the Sintra-Cascais natural park with a big spa, golf and a kids’ club. Check prices

Corinthia Lisbon

One of the largest spas in Lisbon, with an indoor pool. A great city spa break. Check prices

L’AND Vineyards (Alentejo)

A Relais & Châteaux retreat among the vines with a vinotherapy spa. Check prices

The Algarve

Conrad Algarve (Quinta do Lago)

A luxurious resort with a large spa and pools, in the Golden Triangle near the beaches of the Ria Formosa. Check prices

Vila Vita Parc (Armação de Pêra)

A clifftop resort with lush gardens, several pools and a renowned spa. Check prices

Villa Termal Spa Resort (Monchique)

A historic spa village in the Monchique hills, with thermal water used since Roman times. Check prices

The islands

Octant Furnas (Azores)

Thermal pools at about 37°C, indoor and outdoor, open 24 hours, in the volcanic valley of Furnas. Unforgettable. Check prices

Savoy Palace (Madeira)

A glamorous Funchal five-star with four pools and a big spa. Check prices

Tips

• Book treatments ahead, especially at weekends.
• Thermal water can be rich in iron and minerals, so bring an old swimsuit for the Azores.
• Winter is the perfect time for a spa break: lower prices and cosy days.

More: a romantic trip to Portugal, Lisbon hotels with a pool and São Miguel hotels.

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