With the opening of Kimpton Quinta da Marinha, summer isn’t over just yet. Expect thoughtful design, exceptional dining and luxurious wellness facilities at this retreat on Portugal's Atlantic coast.
Your queer Euro summer may have started in Cascais, but there’s every reason to return.
As the UK finally dips below 10°C after its hottest summer on record, Portugal is still serving up sunshine for those not quite ready to let go.
Ranking 12th on ILGA Europe’s Rainbow Map, Portugal has long been a favourite destination for queer travellers. The country’s capital, Lisbon, is widely recognised as one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly cities in Europe, with a vibrant queer scene spanning Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real (alongside Praia 19, Lisbon’s unofficial gay beach).
However, just a 30-minute drive away lies the much quieter Cascais, nestled within an affluent resort town on Portugal's Atlantic coast. The once-quiet-fishing-village-turned-19th-century-royal-summer-retreat blends historic charm with golden beaches and a laid-back sense of luxury that will leave you feeling reinvigorated. With the arrival of Kimpton Quinta da Marinha, there’s a new reason to visit this seaside escape.
Part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family, Kimpton Quinta da Marinha brings a fresh take on one of Portugal’s most iconic destinations. With intricately crafted rooms, an impressive range of leisure facilities and plenty of opportunities to unwind, it’s a resort that offers much more than just a place to rest your head…
Kimpton Quinta da Marinha boasts 180 guest rooms, eight suites and six signature suites, each designed to make the most of the natural light and reflect the understated elegance of the surrounding coastline.
Drawing inspiration from the neighbouring Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, the interiors combine earthy tones, natural textures and Portuguese craftwork, creating a visual feast for anyone (like myself) who’s a fan of mid-century design.
Beyond the interiors, the rooms offer a comfortable and considered space to relax after a day spent exploring or making the most of the resort’s facilities. They’re perfectly suited to slow mornings, leisurely afternoons and much-needed downtime between adventures.
Portugal is known for its fresh seafood, peri-peri-spiced dishes and, of course, pastel de nata. Fortunately, you won’t have to venture far to get your fill, with an abundance of dining options both within the resort and across the surrounding area.
Start your day at Casa Marinha, Kimpton’s laid-back breakfast setting that overlooks the gardens, where you’ll find everything you need to fuel up. Expect freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruit, local cheeses and made-to-order favourites, alongside the familiar breakfast staples you may be craving from home.
For lunch, why not head into the centre of Cascais and explore its beautiful mosaic-tiled streets, known as calçada portuguesa? Sr. Manuel, on the pedestrianised Rua Afonso Sanches, is a seafood bar that prides itself in its fresh produce. Not only are you welcomed by a lively atmosphere and warm staff, but a tempting selection of contemporary Portuguese dishes that showcase the best of the region’s cuisine.
Once roaming the town’s charming streets has tired you out, make your way back to Kimpton for dinner at Ao Ponto, where the grill takes centre stage. Overlooking the hotel’s golf course, the restaurant serves an elevated take on Portuguese cuisine, with carefully selected meats, the freshest seafood and seasonal ingredients shining on a menu designed to be shared.
And the evening doesn’t need to end there. Head to FICA! for a nightcap (or two). Taking its name from the Portuguese word for ‘stay’, this bar is the social heart of the hotel. Here, you’ll find signature cocktails, local wines and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s also the setting for Kimpton’s daily Social Hour, where guests are invited to mingle with fellow travellers, and enjoy complimentary drinks and light bites.
Of course, these are just a few of the options available. Kimpton Quinta da Marinha shares its wider resort with Onyria Marinha Cascais, home to both the Club House and Story Restaurant. You can also venture a little further down the coastline to sample the best of the Atlantic at the renowned Monte Mar – complete with a delicious view of the sunset.
On site, you’ll find everything you need to switch off and recharge, from indoor and outdoor swimming pools to a fully-equipped gym and dedicated spa.
Set across seven treatment rooms, alongside a jacuzzi and sauna, the Natur Spa offers holistic rituals and restorative treatments designed to help you unwind. Among them is the spa’s signature Portuguese Soul massage, which incorporates rosemary pouches and olive oil butter to help you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
More of an early bird? Take in the new day with a spot of sunrise yoga. Each guest room comes with its own yoga mat, which you can take to the lawn beside the gym for some al fresco meditation. If you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend taking a refreshing dip in the hotel’s lake afterwards!
One of Cascais’ biggest draws is its enviable location. Close enough to Lisbon for a day trip yet far enough removed from the capital’s hustle and bustle, you’re also within easy reach of the spectacular Sintra-Cascais Nature Park.
Always dreamed of stepping into your very own fairytale? Look no further than Sintra, the UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the forested foothills of the Sintra Mountains. The historic centre of the Vila de Sintra is renowned for its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, with enchanting villas, sprawling gardens and extravagant royal palaces that look as though they’ve been plucked straight from a storybook.
Cascais is also ideally placed for exploring two of Portugal’s famous wine regions, Carcavelos and Colares. In the village of Janas, overlooking the Sintra hills, you’ll find the Quinta de San Michel winery. Sample their wines and regional products – or take a jeep to their sand vineyards facing the sea – with a member of their knowledgeable team.
Whether you’re searching for the last of the summer sun, a relaxing weekend getaway or a base from which to explore Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Kimpton Quinta da Marinha ticks plenty of boxes.
From its thoughtfully designed interiors and impressive guest experience to its exceptional dining options and extensive wellness facilities, there’s enough to keep you entertained without having to leave the resort.
And with Cascais, Sintra and Lisbon within easy reach, you’re never too far from sampling everything Portugal has to offer. If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to your queer Euro summer, consider this your invitation to extend it just a little longer.
Find out more and book your stay at Kimpton Quinta da Marinha from 186 GBP per night here.
£12.99 Monthly
£57.99 Annually
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