While the rest of the world’s tourists check off Lisbon on their bucket lists, the true jet setting aficionados know that behind the usual must-see cultural museums, Portuguese architecture and medieval forts, Portugal is also known for some of the best beaches in the world.
I’ve written several stories about a couple of my stunning moments in my Portuguese tour here and there, and I feel that a final story on my journey to greater Lisbon is a must. I would like to focus on this particular coastal resort, one of my favorites so far in all of Europe, also known to many as The Oitavos in Cascais.
Being one of the oldest cities in Portugal, home to the oldest bookstore, a host to one of the oldest universities, I fully understand the world’s obsession of Lisbon. But a Millennial like me, who has a fascination for the old but loves all things new, I sort of wanted to get a feel for where the young and hip locals go when they are in need of a city break. Don’t get me wrong. Avenida de Liberdad is chic as it is historical. It also reminds of Paris’ Champs-Élysées (though the lack of proper high luxury boutiques in the avenue is somewhat disturbing). Some parts of Lisbon are borderline sketchy but, of course, still charming, and as someone from sunny Los Angeles, California, a legitimate trip to the nearby coast will feel like I’m completing my trip to Portugal.
Style Details
Dress | TOPSHOP
Clutch Bag | JIMMY CHOO
Sandals | GUCCI
Sunglasses | CÉLINE
Oitavos Hotel is located within the Sintra-Cascais natural park. Sintra, for those of you who don’t know, is one of the most amazing UNESCO world heritage sites I’ve seen. You must not miss Sintra when you chance upon Lisbon. Staying at the Oitavos Hotel was a dream, as it not only allowed me to explore Sintra, it also paved the way for a road trip to nearby Fatima. With my busy schedule, I needed a fitting modern oasis to relax in. Oitavos Hotel is a luxury hotel by the Portuguese Riviera, surrounded by the most breathtaking of golf courses and featuring the finest of cuisines. When I came home after all my Portuguese adventures, the Oitavos Hotel was there to be of assistance to my every need of comfort and relaxation.
Take for instance the wonderful supper I had at Ipsylon, a modern, open-design restaurant at the hotel. It blends in with the lobby separated only by modern decorations. When we were seated, the server brought over an iPad showing some sensational wine selections. I thought it was quite a cool way to show their guests the options. We looked through the list and saw a wonderful and unique green wine from Portugal called Soalheiro, 2013, which apparently is based on the usage of green grapes. We ordered that as well as the Luis Pato Bata, a red wine from 2011, which is a wonderful way to start our dinner.
Our first appetizer was the oyster arugula and Black Angus Carpaccio. It had a very cool presentation highlighting three oysters filled with fun decor. The flavors blended well together and the additional ingredients really brought out the flavors of the fresh oyster. If you love oyster, this is the dish for you. The second starter we enjoyed is the pheasant’s broth mushrooms and ravioli with pecorino and truffle. Have I ever mentioned that I love truffle? Well this one used truffle quite well as it blended in with the savory, flavorful, and meaty ravioli.
Naturally, with the wonderful blending I have been experiencing, I was certainly expecting another sophisticated state of fusion in our main dishes. The first main was the duck chalk with carnaroli rice, vegetables and authentic Portuguese sausages. This was quite creamy for a rice dish and the richness of the duck was truly evident. The sausages introduce a salty and meaty flavor and texture. I found that the Portuguese sausages served here were very much different when comparing with the ones I had in Hawaii. The ones from Portugal definitely had more flavor and weight to it. It’s such a treat to have tasted and experienced real Portuguese sausages. The dish was truly a medley of exceptional flavors where the salty sausage balances so well with the rich duck and creamy rice.
The next main was the veal breast stew with sweet breads fondant. As expected, the veal was so incredibly soft and tender. It is also altogether rich yet not at all overwhelming. The grilled vegetables as a side were served, not to distract, but to present all the wonderful flavors and glory of the veal. Certainly, I’m not complaining, as I love veal and, personally, I feel it deserves that level of attention anyway.
For dessert we had the floating island on crème brulèe and caramel ice cream. I have never had a crème brulèe like this before, how unique!
The second dessert was a double chocolate tarte with white chocolate ice cream. I must say that this was a very luscious chocolate tarte. I can almost describe it as marvelously fudgy.
The service was spectacular, kudos to our server Rui! I must say this is the benefit of having dinner before everyone else comes to the restaurant. They were very much attentive to our needs as well as the needs of other customers. They actually have people waiting in case they need to assist and serve the tables. I love the blending and the overall symphony of flavors and textures. Cheers to Cyril Devilliers, head chef, and to Joaquim Sousa, the pastry and executive sous chef.
Seeing that we most definitely enjoyed the food and desserts, it was off to our spacious room, or shall I say suite? A fun fact on this hotel is that all of its rooms are expansive like a chic and contemporary loft. The views from the tub are royally brilliant! Our balcony highlights the most smashing view of the Portuguese Riviera, which was such a treat to wake up to. It’s amazing how the Portuguese architect, José Amaral Anahory, presented such an innovative open-plan interior, which can be easily flooded with the bright Portuguese sunshine. The next day, I tried their spa, where I enjoyed the breathtaking view of the outdoor while being pampered indoors. World-class relaxation offering natural and organic treatment products and a holistic approach to wellness is a top priority here. Thanks to Oitavos Hotel for pampering me head to toe, after a full itinerary discovering Lisbon!
Check out Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3 of my review on The Oitavos here, here & here.
For Reservations, Click Here: The Oitavos
Genuine Thanks to the Wonderful Team at Hotel The Oitavos, Portugal!
Address: Quinta Marinha, Cascais, Campo de Golfe Oitavos Dunes, 2750 Cascais, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 486 0606