Immerso's location is ideal, as it is high enough to feel secluded and peaceful while also providing stunning views of the ocean and beyond. Each room takes full advantage of its peaceful surroundings with large windows running from floor to ceiling, but the rooms with a view of the water are especially relaxing because the beds are arranged so that guests can gaze out at the water as soon as they open their eyes in the morning (this is one of the few times when guests are strongly encouraged to forego the blackout blinds in order to watch the sunrise).

The on-site spa, which provides massages and facials, contributes to the relaxed atmosphere guests can experience anywhere at the hotel, from the pool to the restaurant with a view. Chef Alexandre Silva serves up meals with a focus on fire cooking, and the lunch and dinner menus are intentionally kept short so that you don't have to make any tough choices during your stay. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more conducive place to unwind.

This white-on-white estate, perched high on a cliff in the ancient seaside village of Azenhas do Mar, was constructed in the 1940s for a wealthy family by influential Portuguese architect Raul Lino but stood abandoned for 15 years until it was revived two years ago by its German owner Chris Kraus. Set in a tropical garden overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with the dark green forests of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park rising in the background, "Outpost" is now comprised of six contemporary apartments. Most feature at least two windows, while others boast polished concrete countertops and vaulted ceilings. The place has an air of rugged refinement thanks to the original terracotta tiles, stone fireplaces, and sturdy, locally made wooden furniture.

During the warmer months, the hotel is frequented by active families from all over Europe. Kids can get plenty of exercise and playtime at the community's tennis court, basketball court, gym, pool, spa, and storage closet full of skateboards, games, and yoga mats. Childcare, massages, and exercise classes can all be scheduled in advance, making a quick trip to Lisbon without the kids a breeze. With its mesmerizing surroundings and relaxing, minimalist interiors, this new hangout is hard to leave.

It's not the kind of place you'd expect to find families with young children: a quiet village perched above an Atlantic beach where waves pound the shore. But Santa Cruz, a small town to the north of Lisbon, has become a favorite of hip families in a hurry. This trendy eco-hotel was created by the same couple responsible for the nearby stunning Areias do Seixo. A similar creative expression can be seen in Noah, albeit with a more utilitarian flavor. Kids really enjoy the cable-suspended bunk beds with rope ladders, which can be found in either the main house or the bungalows' boxy wood construction.

If the waves are too high to enjoy any of Santa Cruz's 11 beaches, you can find some of the best beaches in Portugal just to the north in lively Peniche or to the south in pretty Ericeira. Fishing nets, octopus traps, and even an upside-down boat add visual interest to the otherwise stark bricks and heavy furniture, exemplifying the designer's commitment to recycling. Thick walls keep rooms cool without air conditioning; rainwater is collected and food is composted; solar power provides 70 percent of the energy for hot water, and guests are provided with metal water bottles to reuse. In addition to surfing, this is an excellent location for teaching young people about environmental responsibility. The contemporary approach to taking a vacation.

The hotel's name, LX, stands for "Lisbon Xperience," and it offers guests an unconventional perspective on the Portuguese capital. It has a youthful vibe and a relaxed ambiance, and each of its five floors is named after something that makes Lisbon special. These include the Tejo River, Fernando Pessoa, Fado, the Seven Hills, and Bairro Alto (the district). The guitar wallpaper on the Fado floor and the abundance of Pessoa's books on the Pessoa floor are just two examples of how the interior design of these floors pays homage to their respective namesakes. Each room is outfitted with a dock for your iPod, crisp white drapes, and fluffy pillows. Everyone seems to be having a good time, and once you try the sushi, you'll know why.

Located on the beautiful Algarve coast of southern Portugal, just 15 minutes from Faro International Airport, the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort is the first European outpost of the brand's signature authentic luxury. This peaceful haven is located just five minutes from the glitz of Vilamoura and features sweeping views of the ocean and the Arnold Palmer–designed Oceânico golf course. The 280 rooms and suites feature shady verandas and views of the golf courses and turquoise pools. Anantara's dedication to indigenous style is on full display throughout the resort's six eateries and bars.

On top of one of Lisbon's seven hills stands the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, a true icon of the city. The "Old Town" and primary shopping district can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes from this property's central location. The Hotel captures the elegance and sophistication of ancient Portugal with its museum-quality collection of Portuguese art and antiques from the 18th century. There are 282 spacious guest rooms and suites, 272 of which have private balconies with breathtaking views of Eduardo VII Park, the Moorish Castle of St. George, the Tagus River, and the "Old Town."

Vila Monte's bohemian flair and country charm add a touch of style to the phrase "down on the farm." Guests can escape the hustle and bustle of the Algarve by taking a stroll through the resort's fragrant gardens and citrus orchards, and when the beach beckons, they can take the complimentary shuttle to nearby Fuseta Island Beach. The 55 rooms are all decorated in white and feature unique touches like tree-trunk coffee tables and hand-carved accents. Activities at the rustic Terra restaurant include oyster harvesting, traditional Algarve pottery throwing, and assisting in the preparation of communal meals using ingredients sourced from the area. Every night they play movies in the open air.

Since its opening by a Scotsman, Mr. William Reid, in 1891, Belmond Reid's Palace Palace has been a Madeira institution. Sir Winston Churchill painted and wrote his war memoirs here, and George Bernard Shaw learned to dance the tango here as well. Even in modern times, guests of this one-of-a-kind hotel are treated like royalty.

A living museum, these subtropical gardens cover 10 acres and are home to over 500 species of exotic plants and flowers. Beautiful and unique views of the sea and gardens can be enjoyed from the balconies of all rooms and suites.