Decanter’s Dream Destination: Areias do Seixo, Santa Cruz, Portugal

Perched over the dunes on Portugal’s northwestern Atlantic coast, an hour’s drive from Lisbon, is Areias do Seixo, a boutique hotel and 23 villas marrying eco-mindulfulness and sophistication; an Atlantic soul with cosmopolitan flair. The aesthetic is quiet luxury meets India by way of Marrakech, with surfaces of glazed concrete, polished wood and warm lighting creating an atmosphere of elegant rusticity. Owners Marta Fonseca and Gonçalo Alves have a solid background in hospitality and this comes through in the attention to detail, cohesiveness of the concept and proactive politeness of the staff. The quietness, luminosity and sea-kissed air define the location and, to a great extent, Areias do Seixo, a project strongly anchored in its surroundings. [subscriber-content] A pool of one’s own Guests staying at private villas have their own heated swimming pools, while activities and services available to all include yoga, sound baths, a woodfired hot tub, on-site spa and tours of the permaculture vegetable garden that supplies the onsite restaurants. No surprise then that the latter rely heavily on seasonal, local produce, through contemporary interpretations of Portuguese traditional cuisine. The wine list covers interesting producers across Portugal’s many regions but it's particularly worth exploring the local wines. [caption id="attachment_572270" align="aligncenter" width="300"] One of the villas at Areias do Seixo | Courtesy of Areias do Seixo (via Wines of Lisboa)[/caption] Local wine gems Indeed, Areias do Seixo is an ideal base for exploring the Lisboa wine region and its singular DOCs and grape varieties. Within a 20- to 30-minute drive you can visit some of Portugal’s smallest and most intriguing appellations, including Torres Vedras, Bucelas, Colares and Carcavelos. The local viticultural wealth is, in itself, reason enough to set up camp at Areias do Seixo. The region of Lisboa has become a hotspot of sustainable, winemaker-led projects and it’s well worth making your way across the winding roads and rolling hills and visit producers such as Haja Cortezia (37km to the south), Vale da Capucha (20km, southeast), AdegaMãe (16.6km, southeast) or Quinta da Boa Esperança (24.7km, southeast), to name but a few. A great opportunity to meet the producers and taste the region’s saline Arintos, refreshing reds (mostly from the very underestimated yet supremely delicious Castelão) or mouthwatering takes on Sercial. The region’s producers are creative and experimental and you’ll find delicious, unexpected pét-nats, moreish rosés and orange wines alongside benchmark classics such as the singular Malvasias de Colares. After the visits and tastings it won’t be hard to find places to eat – although you might be tempted to simply stock up on the region’s fresh vegetables and seafood and cook back at your villa. [caption id="attachment_572268" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Courtesy of Areias do Seixo (via Wines of Lisboa)[/caption] Hungry for adventure For all the activities, services and easily accessible food & wine, the true appeal of Areias do Seixo is the ocean. The beach is just a 5-10-minute walk away across soft, pristine dunes. You’ll arrive at the top of a dramatic escarpment where steps, nestled in the rock, take you down to the sand and sea. Early risers might want to work for their lunch and go mussel-hunting – a fun activity that is also great exercise and a way to be fully immersed in the smells, sounds and textures of the Atlantic. Once your bucket is full, make your way back and Gonçalo and his team will happily cook your catch at the outdoor kitchen, with a glass of a crisp Lisboa Arinto in hand. [caption id="attachment_572271" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Praia do Seixo, a mere five-minute walk from Areias do Seixo | Credit: Kerry Murray for Wines of Lisboa[/caption] Back at the beach, the more adventurous can book surf lessons guided by certified instructors – or simply rent a board and show off surfing skills. Areias do Seixo is at the epicentre of one of the world’s surfing hotspots; Praia de Santa Cruz – where Areias do Seixo has a sister project, Noah’s Surf House – just a few kilometres away. Meanwhile, the iconic Nazaré, of ‘Big Wave’ and Garrett McNamara fame, is 75km to the north. After your surfing session, warm up in the hot tub back or around the fire pit at Areias do Seixo. This is a place to truly slow down, embrace the landscape and enjoy the many experiences both nature and luxury accommodation afford. [breakout] Getting there: You can easily fly to Lisbon. From the airport you can either arrange a transfer or rent a car. We advise you to do the latter as you'll need it to explore the surroundings more freely. For more information check the Areias do Seixo website . [/breakout] [/subscriber-content] Related articles Decanter’s Dream Destination: Entre Cielos, Mendoza, Argentina Decanter’s Dream Destination: The Newt in Somerset, England Decanter’s Dream Destination: Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

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Decanter’s Dream Destination: Areias do Seixo, Santa Cruz, Portugal

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