• The beaches of the Algarve are among Portugal's most popular tourist destinations.Mareta bay and cape in Sagres, Algarve, Portugal. image by inacio pires from Fotolia.com
  
  Portugal has been an independent nation since the 12th century and is one of the oldest countries in Europe.The entire country is dotted with historic towns and villages and ringed by fabulous beaches. Portugal hosts colorful festivals year-round and has places to stay everywhere---from quaint bed and breakfasts to hotels patronized by royalty. Its many activities and relatively economical rates make it a favorite European vacation destination.
  
  

Penha Longa Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Sintra

• The Penha Longa Hotel Spa & Golf Resort is located in the Sintra Mountains near Lisbon. It boasts a guest roster that includes royalty, celebrities and the world's movers and shakers, as well as dedicated golfers. The resort has two championship golf courses, surrounding a palazzo-style hotel on the site of a 14th-century monastery. There are five eateries including a cigar bar, a Japanese restaurant, a pan-European Portuguese gourmet restaurant and even a contemporary restaurant and wine bar with special golf menus for breakfast and lunch. Use the indoor or outdoor swimming pools, ride the resort's trails on horses from the stables, play tennis and squash, park the kids in their own activities center, choose from dozens of treatments in the spa---and you can even bring the family pet. Rooms from $227 USD a night (rate as of August 2010).
  
  Penha Longa Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
  
  Estrada de Lagua Azul
  
  Linho 2714 -- 511
  
  Sintra, Portugal
  
  011-351-21-924-9011
  
  ritzcarlton.com
  
  

Casa do Terreiro do Poco, Borba

• The real flavor of the historic Algarve is on display in the small town of Borba, where you can stay in a restored manor house with a saltwater pool in the central courtyard. Casa do Terreiro do Poco is almost in the heart of the town and the hotel provides free bicycles to guests for leisurely touring. The walls are whitewashed and the rooms are a colorful mix of carved antique furnishings, terra cotta and stone floors, handpainted tile backsplashes and bathrooms, quirky and tasteful bath and lighting fixtures, luxurious linens and woodburning stoves. Breakfast is served on the pool pavilion in warm weather and snacks and drinks are available there all day. Room service catering from local restaurants can be ordered at the desk and a celebratory meal with serenade, dining staff, catered food and an accordion player can be booked in the Main House. The hotel has generous rooms, individual cottages and luxury suites from $95 USD a night, as of August 2010.
  
  Casa do Terreiro do Poco
  
  Largo dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra
  
  Borba, Portugal
  
  011-351-268-808039
  
  wonderfulland.com/terreiro
  
  

Monte do Casal, Faro

• Monte do Casal is a luxury boutique hotel in Faro in the Algarve region of Portugal. The hotel is in a restored 200-year-old building with an award-winning French brasserie-style gourmet restaurant and al fresco dining pavilion. It features a full spa, walled botanical gardens with lakes and waterfalls, a croquet lawn, private terraces, deluxe rooms and suites, and room service breakfast daily. The spa is built over a Koi-stocked lake and the two heated pools overlook the surrounding countryside and the Algarve's famous beaches. Gourmet diners can get right into the experience with a private vineyard tour and a cooking class complete with shopping for fresh ingredients in the local market. The hotel offers numerous seasonal rates and packages. Check its website for the latest offers. In August 2010, a two-day Pamper Package included dinner and Sanctuary Spa treatments for two from $414 USD.
  
  Monte do Casal
  
  Cerro do Lobo
  
  Estoi 8005-436
  
  Faro, Portugal
  
  011-351-2-8999-0140
  
  montedocasal.hexangulo.net