Lisbon for Lovers by Paul Rouse
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Solar do Castelo
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Paris, Venice and Rome might have become a little clichéd as far as romantic locations go, but why not surprise the love of your life by whisking her - or him - off to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe?
Lisbon is a place to fall in love with, as well as one in which to fall in love, and is quite unique in combining a delightful and slightly old-fashioned charm with its new standing as a hip city-break destination. With a fabulous selection of romantic restaurants, luxurious hotels, bijoux shops and panoramic views, it provides the ideal backdrop for bringing out the great romantic in us all. Here are some personal recommendations for an affair to remember:
Romantic Hotel
With its stunning hilltop location, pristine landscaped gardens and impeccable service, the Pestana Palace - a Lisbon icon since the late 19th-century and a listed national monument - is one of the city’s premier hotels. Dine in the opulent Valle Flor restaurant, enjoy the serenity of the Oriental Terrace overlooking the pool, and chill out in the Jacuzzi or sauna.
Sensuous Spa
The Spirito Spa at the über-chic Sheraton Lisboa has eight treatment rooms, heated outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, relaxation areas, juice bar and fitness facility. The menu of exotic therapies includes deep tissue massages, skin-softening facials, exfoliating scrubs and moisturising wraps infused with natural herbs and oils, with signature treatments such as the Marrakech Mint Sensations and the d’Orange treatment designed to detox and revitalise the body and relax and refresh the mind.
Candlelit Dinner
Head just beyond Cascais, Lisbon’s smart seaside suburb, and enjoy superb food and wonderful views at the Fortaleza do Guincho, a converted 17th-century fortress perched high on the rocks above the sea. An atmospheric Relais & Chateau hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, you’ll be suitably wowed by both the menu and the wine list, which reflect the richness and tradition of French cuisine combined with a modern Portuguese twist. Your compliments to the chef will be directed to Vincent Farges, who leads a talented young team, faithful to the creative genius of their mentor, world-famous chef Antoine Westermann.
Perfect Nightcap
A by-word for designer-cool in the city, the Bairro Alto Hotel is housed in a lovingly-restored 18th-century building in the heart of the district of the same name. Its rooms, restaurant and street-level bar have become justifiably popular with Lisbon’s bright young things, but its crowning glory is the sixth-floor Terrace Bar. Sink into a cushioned seat, order cocktails for two, and gaze out over the twinkling lights of the city towards the River Tagus and the majestic 25 de Abril bridge.
Dreamy View
Built on seven hills, Lisbon has more glorious vistas than almost any city you can think of. For sheer, unadulterated romance, go for a hand-in-hand stroll through the backstreets of Alfama, the city’s medieval quarter, and climb up towards Largo das Portas do Sol. Sit at one of the café tables and look out over the red-tiled rooftops and church spires of Alfama towards the river. Then wander around the corner for another amazing view, from the Miradoura (“golden view”) de Santa Luzia, over the cupola of the soaring Santa Engracia church and the white towers of Sao Miguel.
Photo Opportunity
Lisbon has a myriad of sights, scenes and unique attractions – enough for you to fill several photo albums as a souvenir of your stay. And every district has something different to offer. There’s the cathedral and the castle in Alfama, the elevator and the botanical gardens in Baixa, historic bars and restaurants such as Brasileira, Trinidade and Tavares in Bairro Alto and Chiado, the monastery and the tower in Belem, and the Oceanarium and cable car in Parque das Nacoes. Ride the bus, tram, train or ferry and snap the city – and your loved one – from every angle.
Sweet Tooth
There’s no shortage of great confectionery shops in Lisbon, and a visit to the Antiga Confeitaria de Belem to taste their legendary pasteis de nata custard tarts is a must. But for sheer indulgence – and if you’re planning a spring break – head an hour north of Lisbon to the chocolate-box pretty medieval town of Obidos, which hosts its annual Chocolate Festival from 4th-14th March. The ten-day chocoholic’s dream features chocolate tastings, cookery master classes and the International Chocolatier of the Year awards.
Diamonds are Forever
Joalharia do Carmo in the Chiado district is one of the best jeweller’s in Lisbon: a family-owned and -run business where you are assured a warm welcome and attentive service. They have something to suit every wallet, including modern silver and gold pieces and a great selection of antique jewellery. Go on. Spoil her.
Say it with Flowers
The Portuguese love flowers, and there are almost as many florists in Lisbon as there are pastelarias – which is saying something. Two of the best are Atmosphere/Christophe Giudici (Rua Trindade, 28), a supremely talented florist with the most beautiful selection, and Flor (Largo Vitorino Damasio 3c-Pav.3), run by the Piano brothers, who will always come up with something extra for those really special occasions.
More Romantic Gestures
• Splash out by booking the Presidential Suite at the Sheraton Lisboa: the bathroom features a Jacuzzi-made-for-two and a picture window looking out over the city.
• Put your partner on a pedestal: take the ferry across the Tagus to Cristo Rei, the giant statue of Christ modelled on its famous counterpart in Rio de Janeiro, and climb to the top (269ft) for an alternative vantage point.
• Where better to read a love poem than in the magnificent baroque library at the Palacio de Mafra just north of Lisbon?
• Visit the fairy-tale town of Sintra, beloved of European royalty, a confection of palaces, castles, turrets, museums and mansions perched on a steep hillside overlooking the Lisbon Coast.
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