Palácio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Wellness

Palácio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Wellness opened in 1930 on the Atlantic Riviera town of Estoril, 26 kilometres west of central Lisbon via the coastal motorway or the Cascais railway line (Estoril station is a five-minute walk from the hotel). During the Second World War the hotel became a meeting point for European royals in exile, Allied and Axis intelligence officers, and refugees — an atmosphere that reportedly influenced Ian Fleming during his visits and later informed elements of the early James Bond novels.

The main building is a grand pale-pink palace surrounded by formal gardens, with a long outdoor pool that remains one of the Estoril coast's most atmospheric. Casino Estoril — Portugal's largest casino — is adjacent, connected by a short garden path. Guest rooms range from Classic Rooms to the top-floor Grande Suite Real, which occupies a corner position with views across the golf links and out to the Atlantic. Interiors combine Empire and art deco furnishings with contemporary comforts including climate control and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Three restaurants serve different dining styles: the formal Four Seasons dining room, a poolside grill focused on Portuguese fish and meat, and a casual bar menu. The wellness centre includes a heated indoor pool, hammam, and a full treatment menu. The hotel's 27-hole golf course — one of Portugal's oldest — is set within the forested Serra hills immediately above the property. Tennis courts and a structured kids' programme make the resort popular with multi-generational groups travelling from across Europe.