Thirty kilometers from Lisbon is a small coastal town, one of the richest municipalities of Portugal: Cascais. Rich in history and dotted with small sandy beaches, the municipality boasts amazing panoramic views of its shoreline cliffs.
Boasting one of the most impressive golf courses of Caiscais -Oitavos Dunes- is a grand hotel like no other: The Oitavos. Family owned and run, it is the perfect mixture of innovative design and innovation with a touch of heritage and classic elegance. The definition of luxury, the grand hotel offers up a modern taste of Portugal, keeping true with its history and heritage.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, The Oitavos lies of the fringe of the Sintra National Park near the famous Guincho beach. This seemingly glass palace of enormous size was created by architect Jose Amaral, in whose hands The Champalimaud family left the fate of their Enterprise, creating with him an architectural marvel in an unusual setting.
The Oitavos is a world in and of itself, its facilities including a world-class golf club, an impressive open-air Spa, a giant racquet club, six resturants and bars, an equestrian center, and, of course, a gourmet restaurant for us foodies, called Ipsylon.
The universe of glamour that is The Oitavos hotel is located near some of the most spectacular historic sites of Cascais, like the Castelo dos Mouros. This medieval castle was built during the Reconquest and subsequent founding of Portugal in the 12th century on the site of an old Arab fortification that was quickly abandoned when the troops of King Afonso Henriques arrived.
With its long, winding and undulating wall, the castle was virtually impregnable during that period. Today, its imposing mountaintop location is an integral feature of the Sintra landscape.
Cascais is a surprising and welcoming place with lots of glamour, serenity and natural surroundings. Its fantastic food, friendly and warm people, historical riches, and mild climate make it an exceptional destination.
