What were your first impressions when you arrived?
It's just a 20-minute transfer from Lisbon airport, and I was warmly greeted on arrival at Palacio Estoril and felt like royalty (in fact, many royal family members have stayed over the years).
The hotel itself is very grand with a 'days gone by' feel – it really is very special. I stayed in a Garden Duplex suite, which was spread over two storeys, so it was very spacious and comfortable. I loved my private balcony overlooking the pool, and a bonus was that I could wander from my bedroom directly to the spa via a tunnel. No need to change, and I could go in my robe and slippers without any regular guests seeing me.
What do you think makes the hotel so special?
I personally think that it's the team that makes the hotel so special. It is a private, family-run hotel dating back to the 1930s and the majority of staff have been working at the hotel for decades, so there is a really friendly and comfortable feeling to it.
Jose Alfonso (the doorman) has been working at the hotel since 1951 and even appeared in the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’, which was filmed there.
The Estoril Wellness Centre is divine and huge – spread over four floors. It has everything that you could wish for, and the Banyan Tree Spa is the only one in Europe. Banyan Tree was first established in Thailand with a focus on Asian therapies and a holistic focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony. The service is top notch, and you actually feel like you could be in Thailand from the moment you step into the spa.
What was your favourite treatment and why?
I had a Banyan Back Massage, which was incredibly relaxing, and the therapist from Thailand really knew what she was doing. I also had a Vitaminic Essential Care Facial, and my skin felt very soft and refreshed afterwards. It was incredibly relaxing, and I think I nodded off.
I also tried out the hydrotherapy facilities, which included jet showers, steam rooms, hydromassage tubs and the Vichy shower massage with essential oils. The salty water here is really good for your skin, as it contains lots of vitamins and minerals. In fact, it's also used for treatments at the local hospital, so it must be good! It's fair to say that my skin felt amazing when I returned home and lots of people said I was glowing, which pleased me.
What was your favourite activity and why?
I really enjoyed the stretching and re-postural session with the physiotherapist, Paolo. He gave me lots of tips to take home for improving my posture, as well as stretches to do daily. There are lots of group fitness classes to join, from Zumba to hydro biking, which is a spinning class in the thalasso pool – alternative to say the least, and I loved it. It was a good workout but the water's buoyancy definitely helped.
How was the food?
The food is beyond delicious and there's something to suit everyone's palate! A healthy menu has been designed by the in-house nutritionist (Doctor Patricia Segadaes) and the head chef (Bernard Pfister), which includes fully organic and healthy ingredients. If you are on a special detox or weight loss programme, a menu will be designed for you and you'll receive ongoing support from the wellness team, so you won't be tempted to stray.
The spa has a healthy café serving fresh food and juices, and you can dine here in your robe between spa treatments if you prefer. The café is open every day for lunch but closed for dinner and every Tuesday.
The breakfast is buffet-style with lots of choice and there's an additional healthy corner with almond and soya milk. One evening, we headed out for dinner in nearby Cascais, which is a coastal town famed for its fish restaurants. 'Monte Mar' did not disappoint and I highly recommend it if you fancy a change of scenery one evening.
What was your favourite aspect of the hotel & why?
It has to be the spa – it really is a gem. It has a programme to suit everyone, from those looking for a serious detox to those looking to relax and restore themselves to glory! There are plentiful facilities to enjoy from an indoor thalasso pool to saunas and hammam. The fitness room and gym are excellent, too, and the personal trainers are awesome – they will really get you motivated to exercise if you need a gentle push.
Who would you recommend the resort to?
Those who are keen to address their health and wellbeing, as the wellness centre has top-notch facilities and the in-house team are superb and there to help you every step of the way. Plus, there are many effective programmes to choose from. However, it would also appeal to those looking to kick-back and relax in a grand setting with restorative spa treatments and plentiful fitness options. It’s good for singles and couples alike – the team is so friendly and attentive that you won’t feel alone in any way if you’re a solo traveller.
You can read more about Palacio Estoril and its wellness offering here.
