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Title: Discover Sintra with ARTEH: Romance Lives in Portugal
Author: Jose Felix
Article:
Lisbon, 23rd of September 2006
Can there be a more romantic destination than a place called
"Mount Moon"? The Sintra mountain range was so called, due to
the sun and moon cults that were practiced there during past
eras. On an exuberant strong green mountain, peeking over the
Atlantic ocean, lays the village of Sintra, named Cynthia by the
Romans and a poet and writer's preferred destination, like Lord
Byron who even dedicated a couple of verses.
Sintra is a distinctive tourism region, one of the most notable
in Portugal. The strong green landscapes, the mountains and the
ocean, the Castle, the Palaces, the Houses and local gastronomy
make of Sintra one of the most pleasurable locations of the
country.
Named world patrimony by UNESCO due to the cultural landscape of
the mountain range and the village, Sintra is a locality where
you can easily confuse the symbiosis between Man and Nature, in
a romantic environment of great mysticism.
Sintra has been favored by elitists for many eras, and all
cultural attitudes have marked the region. Full of interesting
houses, surrounded by luxurious gardens, its isolation attracted
monks and hermits, who gave Sintra its religious and cultural
dimension. It was also the elected place, for a number dynasties
to set up their houses (permanent or for leisure), which have
been conserves over the years. At the top of the mountain range
we can observe the Castle of the Mouros, conquered from the
Moors by D. Afonso Henriques in 1147.
Sintra has some of the most beautiful and romantic constructions
of the country that coexist perfectly with nature. Perhaps the
maximum exponent is the Palacio da Pena, built 500 meters up the
mountain range, by King D. Fernando in 1839. The rooms are
decorated according to the time, there are mysterious hiding
place, all decorative details are beautifully put together and
the view is indescribably breath taking. This is what you can
expect from this architectural jewel.
Another place to visit is Quinta da Regaleira, an eccentric
building, constructed at the beginning of the 20th Century
Inspired by Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance styles, it
emanates an impressive and mysterious atmosphere. The Iniciatico
Well, an intimidating spiral stair case inside the house,
invokes esoteric rituals that were repeatedly practiced in the
place. Sintra's Paco Real, with its long and conic emblematic
white chimneys, marks the beginning of the Old Village of Sintra
and is an un-missable monument of the patrimonial wealth, as
well as the beautiful gardens of the Palace of Monserrate.
But strolls around Sintra don't only include the Old Village and
the beautiful mansions. Not far you will find beaches that are
very popular. Such as Praia das Macas (Apple Beach) and Praia
Grande (the Great Beach), preferred destinations of elitists of
the region. Close by, Cabo da Roca marks the western most point
of Europe. Also worth discovering are other villages such as
Colares, where famous wines are produced, and Azenhas do Mar
built on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
The visit to Sintra will not be complete without tasting and
taking home some of its typical pastry, like the Travesseiros
and Queijadas de Sintra, that promise to leave a sweet memory in
your mouth of one of the most charming destinations in Portugal.
To complete the experience and extend sensations in an
unforgettable manner, choose one of the best charming hotels of
the region for an accommodation that is guaranteed to prolong
the emotions.
Villa Albatroz
As you open the window, feel the sea breeze and appreciate the
fascinating life of Cascais Bay.
Encrusted in the centre of Cascais, directly over its attractive
bay is the relaxing Villa Albatroz. The perfect and
sophisticated setting is the guarantee of a memorable stay.
Luxury and taste are omnipresent throughout the Villa. The rooms
display distinct and personalised natures inspired in the D.
Maria style that creates a pleasant period atmosphere, both
comfortable and charming.
Senhora da Guia
Sip a drink at the panoramic bar, enjoy nature, silence and the
glorious ocean view.
Located between Cascais and Guincho Beach, between the sea and
the golf course, Senhora da Guia offers the perfect combination
of sophisticated atmosphere and quality service.
The rooms and sitting areas, distributed throughout three
buildings, are surprising due to their attractive design, the
taste of the decor, and the refinement and comfort of the
furniture. A number of the rooms provide direct access to the
ample gardens and to the salt water pools, while the others
offer snug terraces and a superb ocean view.
Quinta do Rio Touro
Rest, read, and dream, nestled in a valley between the mountain
and the sea.
Close to a small creek, curiously named Rio Touro (Bull River),
along a sheltered and luxuriant valley facing the ocean and in
the depths of the Sintra-Cascais natural park, lays the
distinguished Quinta do Rio Touro.
The interior design is personalised, the common living areas are
replete with genuine antiques and classical and modern
paintings, the rooms are spacey and offer superb views of the
gardens and the valley with the sea in the horizon.
Hotel Albatroz
Dive into a salt water pool and relax to the sound of waves
lapping on the rocks.
"Tiny Almond Box" the pet name of the ancient Palace of the
Dukes of Loule, is today, the prestigious Hotel Albatroz, a
luxury hotel situated by the sea in the village of Cascais.
The sumptuous and elegant decor in soft colours effuses the
charm of a private residence and reveals itself to be both
comfortable and warm. The rooms and ample suits benefit from the
calming view of the sea, also present at the restaurant and
perfectly in harmony with the unique menu of fish and seafood.
Farol Design Hotel
Settle into your designer chair and touch the sea.
The old Farol Guest House, once a XIX century mansion owned by
the Count of Cabral, was carefully refurbished, becoming the
current Farol Design Hotel, adjacent to the marina in the
historical centre of Cascais.
The attention to design is a concern also present on the inside,
starting with a balanced comfortable design of the interior
space, created by renowned architects, and carries on through to
the sober yet cosy rooms, some of which were designed by leading
Portuguese designers.
About the author:
Jose Felix is the Marketing and Communications Manager for <a
href="http://www.arteh-hotels.com">ARTEH®</a>, the Best
Independent Hotel Chain - Publituris Awards.
To visit the Hotels or make your reservations please go to <a
href="http://www.arteh-hotels.com">ARTEH® - Hotels and
Resorts</a>.
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