Swellnest

We had to change our plans and couldn’t stay at Swellnest while we were in Portugal, which was disappointing after our exchange with the staff. Klaudia was especially kind and flexible about the change, and the communication throughout was impeccable. I’d absolutely recommend the hotel based on how thoughtfully they handled everything.

My favorite parts of our week at Swellnest were the unplanned ones: wandering down to the beach, relaxing by the pool with a local beer, and spending time in the very cool town of Ericiera. We also took a Lisbon day trip, toured Cintra by tuk-tuk, popped over to see Nazare, and had a guided surf lesson. All were great. A British couple at the airport gave us this tip: walk downhill, Uber up! The house feels like a lovely blend of an Airbnb and a good hotel, with very comfortable, private rooms and warm, generous help from Nikki and Benny. And the deck views, especially at sunset, are reason enough to make the trip. We stayed a week and can’t wait to return. Obrigado Swellnest!

The pools and wellness spaces were a real highlight: one pool is heated, the other cold, and there’s also a fitness studio, sauna, ice plunge, and a great room for relaxing. The staff were so nice, especially Nikki, who gave us some helpful recommendations. Our room was gorgeous, modern, clean, and really cute. The hotel itself is stunning, with 10/10 views across Ericeira bay and all the way to Sintra. It was quiet and relaxing while still feeling connected, with the old town and beach just a 10-15 minute walk away. We loved staying here and will be back next time. Leaving was a sad moment.

The view from our room was breathtaking, and we got to watch some amazing sunsets. Breakfast was delicious and generous, and there was always fresh fruit, sweets, and drinks in the cozy common room. The place is beautiful and looks just like the photos. Everything was spotlessly clean, and the people were wonderful. There are two pools, one warm and one cold, plus a sauna, ice tub, small gym area, and that welcoming common room. We also had surf lessons with Steve, which were an amazing experience and something we definitely recommend. Nikki was fantastic with tips and went above and beyond to help with our requests. All the girls working there were super friendly and kind. My boyfriend and I stayed a week and thought everything was just perfect. Love it.