Charm Nature
Elevated eco-luxe
Living in Sintra
Overlooking what was once thought of as the edge of the world, a sense of untamed remoteness still hangs in the air at Charm Nature hotel. Swathes of eco-friendly cork and knotty pine also add to this hillside retreat’s cosy alpine-lodge feel. It’s tucked between the rugged Atlantic coast and lush Sintra Natural Park, offering a broad array of outdoorsy fun, from top-notch surfing to forest-bathing rambles. But if getting horizontal is high on your holiday agenda, just flop on a squishy lounger for poolside tipples and those sweeping end-of-the-world ocean vistas.
Facilities
Rooms
16.
Checkout
Noon, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 3pm.
More Details
Rates include breakfast, which features freshly whizzed smoothies, velvety chia pudding and chive-scattered scrambled eggs. There is a two-night stay minimum over weekends.
Also
As well as looking (and smelling) great, the cork lining in the rooms adds eco-friendly acoustic insulation for an extra peaceful night’s sleep.
Free Internet Access
Laundry
Pool
On-Site Restaurant
At the Hotel
Heated swimming pool, concierge, games room with pool table, fire pit, free loaner bikes, cycle storage and workshop. In rooms: Free bottled water, minibar, Nespresso machine, tea-making kit, Marshall Bluetooth speaker, Acqua di Parma toiletries, air-conditioning.
Our Favourite Rooms
The top-end Hästens rooms really stand out for their big light-filled living space, ocean-view soaking tubs and famed Swedish beds that are so comfy you’ll find an excuse to turn in early.
Poolside
You can flop (quite literally) on to one of the cushioned double loungers that grace the wooden pool decking. If you’re planning a poolside siesta you better nab yourself one of the wispy-canopied Bali beds.
Packing Tips
The area’s remarkable microclimate keeps it balmier for longer, but can also make for high humidity so combat the clammies with loose and light evening wear.
Also
If you fancy a massage, various in-room rubdowns can be arranged including acupressure and Ayurvedic with essential oils.
Children
Little Smiths are more than welcome with free cots and a kids’ menu available, though there are no child-tailored activities.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
Over the balmier months you’ll want to snag a table on the terrace from where you can usually just about make out a strip of shimmering ocean. If the weather turns, head inside and grab a spot close to the log-burning stove.
Dress Code
Come as you are, this laid-back boutique resort doesn’t stand on ceremony.
Hotel Restaurant
They take breakfast seriously at Charm Nature’s restaurant with a treat-y menu centred around belly-fillers like bacon and maple syrup pancakes and brioche with scrambled eggs and cheese. The restaurant reopens for lunch with a menu largely of plump pillowy burritos and big colourful salads. Be sure to leave some space to squeeze in one of their cacao-rich sweet-potato brownies for dessert.
Hotel Bar
There is a simple bar just off the lobby, but most guests take their drinks lounging around the pool, hanging out in the games room, or warming up in the fire pit lounge area. Choose from a selection of classic cocktails, a couple signature concoctions, and a good pick of Portuguese wines.
Last Orders
The restaurant closes at 3.30pm during the week and 4.30pm at the weekend.
Planes
The closest airport is Lisbon International with direct connections from air hubs all over Europe and beyond. It’s about 40 minutes by road to the hotel and you can arrange advance transfers for €75 each way.
Trains
Arriving by rail means connecting to the train station in Cascais and from here it's about a 25-minute drive.
Automobiles
Portugal's wild Atlantic coast demands exploring and your own set of wheels is the best way to do just that. Polish your eco-halo and go electric – the hotel has a free charging station.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
There’s a heap of outdoorsy things to do across this rugged slice of wind-blasted headland. The best place to start is on two wheels as the hotel provides free loaner bikes, both road and mountain depending on the terrain you’re going to tackle. You’re right on the edge of the hills of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park with its winding forest-flanked trails that are popular with hikers too. The spectacular hilltop Palace of Pena is a good landmark to aim for. Of course, in the other direction you have the wild Atlantic coast to explore with its sheer cliffs and sandy coves. Praia da Ursa is a pleasant half-hour walk away and a perfect picnicking spot. For something a little less sedate, you can arrange surf lessons at Praia Grande just a little farther up the coast. Paragliding is big here too, plus there’s a big beachside swimming pool if you don’t fancy braving the surf.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
