Areias do Seixo Charm Hotel & Residences

The front desk team really stood out for their service. We had a wonderful time at Areias do Seixo with the kids, and there was such a good range of activities for all of us. The spacious villas are beautifully designed and worked perfectly for our family. This was the highlight of our trip through Portugal, and we’d happily recommend it for a relaxing getaway.

The room had everything we needed, with plenty of space, a clean and comfortable setup, and nice touches like wine, coffee, and cookies. We also appreciated how promptly the staff dealt with every request, and how kind and attentive they were. This was our second visit, and we spent one night in the couple’s suite. We enjoyed the delicious, varied breakfast, time by the pool and jacuzzi, a massage at the lovely spa, and a walk to the breathtaking viewpoint. A stroll around the beautiful farm and its vegetable garden was another highlight. So much care goes into the details, from the towels to the thoughtful design that makes it easy to unwind. We’re definitely coming back with the kids so they can try the activities and facilities too.

The garden to plate activity was my favorite part of the stay. I spent the first hour walking through the vegetable garden with a passionate gardener who shared lots of useful tips. We picked some produce, then I joined one of the chefs in the kitchen to prepare lunch with it. It was fun and delicious. I also booked several other activities, some free and one at an extra cost. I stayed in a tree ocean suite. It was spacious, with a western view over the garden and sand dunes, the ocean in the distance, and beautiful sunsets. I understand the suites are all different. The design was really cool, though a few things in the shower and bath seemed to favor looks over function. The toilet was hidden from view but open to the rest of the room, which I wasn’t a fan of. Neither issue got in the way of my stay. The free bikes were great. There’s a dedicated bike path by the road next to the hotel, which connects to another lovely route into the hills. Some beautiful beaches are nearby: the closest takes a hike through the dunes, while others to the north and south are easy to reach by car or a longer walk. There’s also a free shuttle to Noah Surf House in Santa Cruz, about a 40-minute walk away. Several employees told me they’re treated well, and that seemed to show in their friendly attitudes and good service. The concierge was helpful with all my questions before I arrived. Since prices are quite high for Portugal, I’d keep an eye on the website for special discounts. There seemed to be lots of activities during my stay, though they weren’t always advertised much, so it’s worth asking what’s on.

In February, we stayed in a beautiful Moorish-style room with a polished concrete bathroom, a sunken spa bath, and a fireplace. Lighting the fire and relaxing in the bath in the evening was lovely. When we came back, the staff had set out firewood and lit the candles for us. The resort is unusual and very cool, a unique eco-resort experience. There are fire huts and yurt and tent outbuildings, with activities like yoga, plus lovely walks down to the beach and free bikes for exploring the coast. The staff were all cool, but also friendly and helpful. You have to stay here.