Vidago Palace
Belle époque country manor
Portuguese spa town
Tucked away in a spa town near Portugal’s northern border, the salmon pink Vidago Palace hotel in Tràs-os-Montes – ‘beyond the mountains’ – has an English country manor sensibility and grande-dame style but undeniably Iberian views. In addition to the opulent main building (opened as a royal palace in 1910) with its glittering ballroom-turned-restaurant, the star attractions are lush 18-hole golf course and the sleek, white-marble spa, where you can take the local spring waters in style.
Food & Drink
Top Table
Grab a table near the piano to best hear the live music; or, head out on to the terrace.
Dress Code
Old-fashioned glamour is the way to go – imagine the grand guests waltzing through the ballroom when the palace first opened in 1910, and be inspired.
Hotel Restaurant
In the Salão Nobre Dining Room, the hotel’s vast and gilded one-time ballroom, Portuguese chef Josu Sedanu-Martin (who previously delighted London diners at Quaglino’s and the Ivy) serves up a gourmet take on local favourites, such as octopus carpaccio and quail eggs. Meals are also served in the Winter Garden, the hotel’s bright conservatory, and at the laid-back Poolside Bar.
Hotel Bar
Sip your tipple of choice in the dark, masculine Smoke Room – think dark wood and darker leather – or the bright Four Seasons Room, with its walls covered in pale silk. Try one of the signature cocktails: the Palace Velvet is a chocoholic’s fantasy, and the Ruby Vidago is a creative concoction involving rose port and crème de menthe.
Last Orders
Breakfast is served in the Winter Garden 7am–10am every weekday and 7am–11am on weekends.
Room Service
Order snacks and drinks to your room any time you like.
