Farol Hotel

The first thing that catches your eye about this Atlantic-front property is the architecture. A modern extension of wood, glass and steel is attached to the original 19th century mansion. The property sits on the edge of a cliff, its sunny patio spilling out on massive black boulders. Eight Portuguese fashion designers (Ana Salazar and Fátima Lopez, among others) were tapped to each “dress a room”—eight of the guest quarters and common spaces. Still, styles manage to fuse together thanks to an overreaching contemporary theme: There are mirrored and boldly colored accent walls, as well as conversation-starting furnishings and modern chandeliers. Acrylic tables and chairs set a sleek, clubby tone at the Mix Restaurant, which serves fresh oysters and grilled fish, among other Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The best rooms have balconies or open to patches of green which then stair step down to the saltwater pool and beyond, the ocean.

A 33-room hotel on the Portuguese Riviera, 20 minutes from downtown Lisbon.

It doesn’t have a beach or a spa, though you can get a massage in your room or on a secluded terrace.

Whether you’re using it as a jumping off point to explore Lisbon, or considering it an add-on to a central Lisbon trip, you want an oceanfront property with a pool and contemporary Portuguese design.

Sitting on a modular white couch on the property’s cliff-side patio, sipping a glass of chilled Alentejo wine and admiring the neighboring blue-and-white-striped lighthouse and deep blue Atlantic vista.

The Mix - Signature Mediterranean cuisine Sushi Design - Sushi Bar On The Rocks