Vidago Palace Hotel
The Vidago Palace owes its existence to Dom Carlos I, one of the last kings of Portugal. Carlos was a frequent visitor to the region in the late 1800s, drawn to Vidago by its thermal springs and restorative waters, and he instigated the construction of a grand therapeutic spa. The five-star Vidago Palace Hotel opened its doors on 6th October 1910 – the first word in luxury and glamour, it’s elevated design and craftsmanship were unique for early 20th century Portugal.
Architecturally, the palace is a mixture of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau, with a nod to Portugal’s Moorish heritage. Outside, it’s symmetrical façade and stone balconies are decorated with ornately detailed masonry. Inside, Estramoz marble and polished cedar parquet floors dominate, with a dizzying array of intricately coffered ceilings.
The hotel was completely refurbished in 2010, restoring many of the hotel’s original features and preserving them for generations to come. The décor of the nine suites and seventy double rooms is less ornate – calming pastels and soft furnishings help create a relaxing atmosphere, with floor-to-ceiling French windows drawing in the natural light.
As you’d expect, the hotel’s spa facilities offer a range of treatments which make best-use of the region’s famous natural waters, which are high in bicarbonates, sodium and carbon mineral compositions. The hotel’s golfing facilities are equally famous – the original course was designed by Philip Mackenzie Ross (of Turnberry and Estoril fame) in the 1930s, Cameron Powell supervised the addition of eighteen new holes, taking great care to retain the spirit and style of Ross’ original.
Both the Vidago Palace and the golf course are surrounded by the Parque do Millenium, who’s ancient woodlands contain preserved species of maple, pine and laurisilva, and are particularly beautiful in the spring and autumn as the colours move with seasons.
