Casa Das Penhas Douradas, Mantiegas, Portugal

Surrounded by the Serra de Estrella mountains, Casa Das Penhas Douradas is simply one of the most special places we’ve ever stayed.

The design manages to fuse the vernacular of the old mountain retreats surrounding the hotel with a Scandinavian-flavored minimalism.  It’s even more impressive when you learn that the owner is also the designer.  Located relatively close to Portugal’s main (and perhaps only) ski area, the hotel may consider winter as the high season, but it’s also a spectacular place to spend a week in the summer.

With around 20 rooms spread over three different wings, it never seems to feel crowded. There isn’t much else nearby, so most people have dinner at the hotel – but the meals, prepared under the consultancy of Chef Luís Baena were consistently excellent, making use of local ingredients and wines.

During the summer, there are kilometers of day hike trails through the pine forests of the Serra de Estrella park, as well as a mountain lake a short drive away.  Onsite are a pool, and lots of patio space from which to simply enjoy the views down the valley.