Top 8 Luxury Wellness Retreats in Portugal

Everywhere from dazzling cities to remote exotic destinations, luxury travel is experiencing a healthy boom. Luxury wellness tourism is now the fastest-growing segment in the travel industry, driven by travelers' aspirations for a wellness lifestyle, in which affluent consumers incorporate wellness into their lifestyles. 

But what does it mean for Wellness travel? It means “travel that allows the traveler to maintain, enhance or kick-start a healthy lifestyle, and support or increase one’s sense of well-being”, according to the Wellness Tourism Association. In other words, wellness travel is about prioritizing one’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In the last years, Wellness travel has always been associated with luxury spa holidays, but as self-care has evolved into a daily goal, wellness travel is now taking many forms and incorporating things like digital detox, healthier food options, fitness concierge, sleep enhancement, and so much more. 

Further, Portugal is a wonderful country where you will find the right balance between mind and body, so dive into the top luxury wellness retreats in Portugal and learn more about these fantastic options!

Vila Vita Parc, Algarve

VILA VITA PARC was recognized as the 14th Destination Spa Resort in the world by the incredible Condé Nast Traveler as a result of the annual Readers’ Choice Awards. The spa at Vila Vita Parc, which occupies its dedicated building and whose treatment menu was created in partnership with French spa leader Sisley, has its main focus on skincare. The products consist into incorporate botanical extracts and essential oils, except pore-tightening facials, toning body treatments, and medical-grade pedicures from legendary podiatrist Margaret Dabbs. There are also personal trainers on hand for custom workouts and deep dives into the HYPOXI Method, which is said to combine vacuum therapy with a moderate workout routine and balanced nutrition plan to eradicate stubborn fat deposits, eliminate fluid retention, tone the skin, and accelerate metabolism.

This is all enjoyed with an outstanding location overlooking the sea, surrounded by beautiful subtropical gardens in the village. The first and only space in the country with the Sisley Paris brand, the VILA VITA Spa by Sisley Paris, is a sanctuary of well-being and tranquillity, exhibiting a contemporary design inspired by the phenomenal caves of the region, decorated with natural stone and restful shades of blue and green, reflecting the nuances of the Atlantic Ocean. You can relax in the Spa, which has fourteen elegant treatment rooms, all equipped with the latest Gharieni treatment tables, or enjoy a fitness class in the studio itself, such as aerial yoga, Pilates, or TRX.

Vilalara Thalassa Resort & Medical Spa, Algarve

The Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa offers a unique fusion of Thalassa, Spa - which is considered to be a leader in the Portuguese wellness scene -, and state-of-the-art Wellness and Anti-Ageing Solutions’ within exotic landscaped gardens surrounding and an incredible secluded beach. An integrated experience to help you ‘Relax, Revitalize, Re energize and rejuvenate’. It is possible to choose from one of Longevity’s simple Wellness Programs or one of the high impact and structured Detox, Fitness, Weight Loss, Anti-Ageing, Mindfulness, Stress Management, and Check-up Programs, and enhance the experience with a wide range of spas, Thalassa, and anti-aging services.

Six Senses Douro Valley, Douro Valley

Located among vineyards and acres of rolling hills, Six Senses Douro Valley - which was also awarded as the Best Destination Spa Resort in the world by the astounding Condé Nast Traveler as a result of the annual Readers’ Choice Awards -, is set in a restored 19th-century manor, is the ultimate hideaway in nature to focus on your wellness and maintain or restore your health. While enjoying a yoga class or a long walk as you explore the forest nearby, you will also enjoy the far-reaching views across the Douro River. It is possible to choose between four wellness programs, such as Sleep & Resilience, Cleanse & Detox, Trim & Fit, and Full Potential. Each retreat starts with a wellness screening and is then personalized. The vast range of therapies includes spa treatments, movement, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, as well as holistic sessions with healers and wellness specialists. Foodies are also in for a treat. All Six Senses Spas use locally sourced ingredients, and Six Senses Douro Valley is no exception. It has a large organic herb and vegetable garden, which guests can visit. Which other wellness place fuels you with nutrient-rich foods and lets you indulge in a delicious glass of local wine.

Tivoli Palacio de Seteais, Sintra

With views of Portugal’s mountainside Anantara, Seteais Spa and Wellness Centre is a tranquil oasis hidden between exotic gardens and mountainscape. Signature treatments and Spa Journeys are offered in three treatment rooms – including one for couples. Indulgent therapies are combined with restorative holistic awakenings, from innovative Vichy shower therapy to all-natural Biologique Recherché products. Tivoli Palacio de Seteais is a neoclassical palace with the kind of breathtaking architecture that will take you back to the elegance and atmosphere of the 18th century. Elegant rooms are dressed with ornate and sumptuous furnishings while ballrooms boast stunning tapestries and rare frescos, making the boutique hotel in Sintra – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a truly unique escape.

The Oitavos, Cascais

Nestled along the coastline of Lisbon, The Oitavos offers a tranquil and luxurious spa holiday and is also considered an ideal destination for a spa & sports holiday, with panoramic glass walls overlooking vistas of vast natural landscapes, helping you to reconnect and unwind. Enhance your connection with the natural world and soak in the seawater swimming pool, before indulging in ocean-inspired spa treatments.

L'and Vineyards, Alentejo

L'AND Vineyards - this luxurious wine resort hotel -, has an incredible Spa that was designed by Marcio Kogan and is based on natural stone and wood, it is also complemented by a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, and rooms suitable for exclusive treatment and relaxation sessions. Here you will savor serenity and joy through exclusive rituals, massages, and beauty treatments based on ingredients extracted from grapes and natural products. Besides the Caudalie brand in the portfolio of amazing products for the treatments, there is also an Austrian vegan brand Vinoble, in which each product combines a high concentration of grape ingredients with delicate fragrances and luxurious textures.

Penha Longa, Sintra - Cascais Natural Park

Dating back to the 14th Century, this luxurious spa holiday is encircled by lush green hillsides, glistening lakes, and outdoor swimming pools overlooking pine forest vistas. An ideal destination for a luxury spa break, since Penha Longa Spa, was awarded by the World Luxury Spa Awards as the Best Luxury Resort Spa in Southern Europe 2020, and it's The Natura Bissé brand of beauty products has been named “The World's Best SPA Brand” at the 2020 World Spa Awards, as well in 2018 and 209. So take a few days to unwind with a holistic approach to wellness, with luxury treatments and therapies aimed to harmonize your body and mind. It is also great for an activity holiday, keeping active on the outdoor tennis courts, or enjoying a round of golf on the championship course. Afterward, explore your surroundings on the jogging tracks or discover specialized areas dedicated to yoga, Pilates, and meditation. 

Myriad By Sana Hotels, Lisbon

Located on the 23rd floor and with panoramic views over the Tagus River, Sayanna Wellness offers a unique space in the city, perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and take care of your body and mind. Walk towards tranquility with Sayanna Wellness, which takes on the true meaning of “Sanus per aquam” with a vitality pool, underwater hydromassage beds and chairs, a bi-thermal shower, a panoramic sauna, and a steam room in a space where you can relax, revitalize and rejuvenate your body.