Discover the perfect harmony between wild nature and architectural elegance at The Oitavos hotel, located in the exceptional setting of the Sintra-Cascais National Park, just steps from Lisbon. This hotel, which combines bold design and comfort, offers its visitors an unforgettable experience where luxury blends with the natural beauty of sand dunes and pine trees. This five-star hotel emphasizes breathtaking ocean views for the delight of its guests. Whether you are here for golf, the beaches, or simply to enjoy the tranquility of the place, The Oitavos promises an enchanting and luxurious stay.
Between Dunes and Pines: a Gem near Cascais
The The Oitavos hotel benefits from a privileged location, nestled between the sand dunes and umbrella pines of the Sintra-Cascais National Park. This ultra-modern complex, inaugurated in 2010, is a short distance from the picturesque seaside town of Cascais, famous for its chic atmosphere and refined boutiques. Just five minutes by car, visitors can explore the city center or relax on the nearby beaches of Cascais and Guincho, the latter being appreciated for its wild and tranquil character, ideal for surfing enthusiasts. With Lisbon just 30 minutes away, The Oitavos offers a sublime escape where luxury and nature harmoniously combine, attracting a cosmopolitan clientele seduced by its exclusive setting and prestigious golf course.
A Fusion of Glass, Steel, and Contemporary Art with Nature
The style of The Oitavos, designed by Portuguese architect José Amaral Anahory, breaks away from the traditional aesthetic of Portuguese hotels with whitewashed facades. The building's modern architecture, with its steel and glass facades, houses giant contemporary sculptures that add a bold and artistic character to the whole.
The interior of the hotel reveals an open and clean spatial design where natural light plays a major role thanks to huge bay windows. This minimalist interior design is accented by neutral colors, complemented by uniquely shaped paper lamps and large artworks that punctuate the space. From the entrance, the visitor is guided through a captivating sequence that begins with the lobby and unfolds into a series of bright spaces, ultimately opening onto the spectacular infinity pool that seems to merge with the sea horizon.
The Captivating Panorama of my Premium Loft
The Oitavos offers 142 rooms and suites of spacious elegance, each with large bay windows and a generous balcony that open onto enchanting panoramas. Whether it's the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean or the winding contours of the famous Oitavos Dunes golf course, each view is a living painting that changes with the hours.
The Premium Loft where we stayed perfectly illustrates the discreet luxury of the hotel with its 64 m² arranged in an open space. This arrangement includes an open bathroom with a superb bathtub offering a breathtaking view, a spacious living area with television, a desk, and a distinct sleeping area. The sunny terrace of our room, offering direct views of the ocean and golf, was the ideal place to admire the spectacular sunsets. The room decor follows a minimalist approach, with walls clad in a medium blue evoking the depth of the ocean, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and elegance.
Freshness and Regional Products on the Breakfast Menu
Breakfast is a true celebration of local flavors and freshness. Every morning, guests are greeted with a generously stocked buffet showcasing regional products like a refined selection of local hams and cheeses. Additionally, eggs are prepared to order. This morning feast is designed to satisfy all tastes and offers a perfect start to a day of exploration or relaxation at the hotel.
Our Dinner at Ipsylon: A Fusion of Portuguese and French Flavors
At the heart of the culinary experience at The Oitavos, executive chef Cyril Devilliers, trained by the legendary three-star Michelin chef Michel Guérard, skillfully orchestrates the culinary offerings of the hotel's various establishments. Each restaurant reflects the excellence of local products from the sea and land, prepared with expertise that honors their natural flavors.
The Ipsylon restaurant is a true culinary journey that harmoniously blends the influences of the Atlantic coast, Portugal, and France. Open year-round, it offers a Bistro menu rich in generous, shareable dishes, typically Portuguese, highlighting organic and seasonal products from local farms or sustainable cultures. In summer, a seasonal Gastro menu is offered.
For our first evening, we chose to dine at the Ipsylon restaurant. We started by savoring grilled octopus, accompanied by garlic butter and fried sweet potatoes, as well as crunchy and flavorful dry-cured ham croquettes. The meal continued with the fish of the day, served with coriander rice and seasonal vegetables, and Iberian pork cheek, braised in Douro Valley red wine and port, presented in a casserole with potatoes and porcini mushrooms. These dishes were accompanied by a delicious red wine from the Douro region, which perfectly complemented the rich and complex flavors of our dinner. We concluded this feast with fresh seasonal fruits, mango and pineapple, and a crêpe Suzette, served with vanilla ice cream, for a sweet and refined final touch.
Lunch at the Heart of the Golf Course at Verbasco
The Verbasco restaurant offers fresh and light cuisine that marries international and Portuguese flavors with a creative touch from the chef. Located in an idyllic setting, overlooking the dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Oitavos Dunes golf course, this restaurant is perfect for enjoying light meals enriched with the best local ingredients. The spacious terrace, bathed in light and offering a spectacular panoramic view, creates a perfect environment for a convivial lunch where golfers, locals, and passing tourists meet.
Our lunch began with an elegant salmon tartare, accompanied by an ultra-refreshing guacamole, which immediately captivated our senses. We then savored seared scallops, deliciously covered in a rich mustard sauce.
The meal continued with a typical Portuguese dish, sea bass accompanied by clams and a bread puree "Açorda", subtly combining the textures and tastes of the sea and land. The spaghetti, adorned with tiger prawns, fresh tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, offered a dimension both simple and rich in flavors. We concluded this lunch with traditional Portuguese rice pudding, delicately flavored with cinnamon, and a crème brûlée, bringing a sweet and comforting touch to the end of our culinary experience.
The Spa
Bathed in natural light, the spa features a seawater pool and balneotherapy facilities. It offers a completely natural approach to well-being with a multitude of beauty and health treatments inspired by the ocean. The spa has eight treatment rooms, six of which are bathed in natural light and offer views of the wild surroundings. Five minutes away by car, in Quinta da Marinha, there are tennis, padel, and squash courts, a well-equipped fitness room, and two indoor pools. We did not have the pleasure of testing it.
A Paradise for Golf and Outdoor Activity Lovers
The Oitavos offers an exceptional range of activities for all tastes, from sports to relaxation in nature. The Oitavos Dunes golf course, designed by the legendary Arthur Hills, is a jewel of Portuguese golf, harmoniously integrated into the natural environment of sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. Ranked in the Top 100 worldwide, it is recognized as one of the best courses in the country and attracts amateurs and professionals from around the world.
For those seeking moments of relaxation, the infinity pool offers a breathtaking view, inviting hours of sunbathing. The more active will also find their happiness with a variety of activities such as tennis, cycling, horse riding, and hiking. Whether on foot, horseback, or bike, The Oitavos is the ideal starting point to explore picturesque trails and discover the hidden treasures of the region.
My Opinion
My stay at The Oitavos hotel, with its impressive fusion of modern architecture and nature, was a unique experience. The modernity of the rooms, the culinary excellence of the restaurants, and the idyllic setting offering a multitude of activities have definitely left a mark on my mind. This place is a true sanctuary for those seeking to combine luxury, relaxation, and contact with nature. I warmly recommend The Oitavos to anyone aspiring to a refined getaway near Cascais.
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Practical Information
A big thank you to The Oitavos for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my comments in this article!
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.