Once Europe’s best kept secret, Portugal is being discovered like never before and if you’re looking for an amazing honeymoon experience, look no further.

Between the culture, the delicious food, the services and the affordability, you really can’t go wrong when selecting this noble country for the start of your married life.

There are a host of palaces and castles throughout Portugal, which have been converted into luxury hotels and choosing where to say might pose a dilemna – only because there are so many options.

An excellent choice is boutique Tivoli Pálacio de Seteais Hotel, a palace built in 1787, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tucked into the scenic mountains surrounding the romantic town of Sintra, about a half hour drive from Lisbon, the fully restored palace offers accommodations truly fit for a king…and queen.

Not only does this imposing former palace showcase the best of Portuguese hospitality, it comes with legends and lore, enhancing an already spectacular stay.

Originally built for the Dutch Consul Daniel Gildemeester on land bequeathed by a Portuguese minister, the Marquis de Pombal, it became the seat of several Portuguese noble families before joining the illustrious Tivoli hotel chain in 1955.

Today, the luxurious palace is a highly acclaimed, 5-Star hotel, blending the best of Old World magic enveloped in modern-day amenities. Sweeping staircases and glistening chandeliers pave the way to 30 luxurious rooms, suites and public areas studded with vestiges from the past. You’ll find classic 18th century trappings including rich tapestries, paintings, frescoes and valuable antiques throughout.

Perhaps the only “nod” to the 21st century can be found in the enchanting Seteais Colares Doc, the newly opened wine “den” where you can sip on local favorites from the neighboring Colares wine region while savoring tasty tapas, in a posh contemporary setting.

Dining takes place in a regal atmosphere in the classy indoor restaurant with tables decked out with china, antique silverware and cloth tablecloths, framed by frescoes or on a charming patio overlooking a small orange grove. The menu is varied, offering an ample selection of local specialties, decadent desserts and of course – a wide variety of wine offerings.

You’ll find one of the romantic touches comes courtesy of talented pianist Stefano, whose tunes, played on the hotel’s treasured antique grand piano, are sure to stir you.

An outdoor swimming pool, two tennis courts and petite spa offer some R&R, or you can walk to nearby Sintra where you can explore a host of shops, boutiques and other dining options. The hotel can also arrange for a tour of the Moorish Castle and renowned Pena Palace, perched above Seteais’ lush property.

Free Stop-Over with TAP Air Portugal

Honeymooners traveling to Portugal can also take advantage of a free stopover program being offered by Portugal’s award-winning airline: TAP Portugal. The newly revised program allows stops in various TAP destinations for up to five days, at no extra cost. It also allows you to fly into one city, and out of another.
Portugal Stopover

Renting a car is also made easy, thanks to Auto Europe. Just book your reservation before you leave home and they'll have your car ready for you when you get there. Be sure to ask for a transponder for road tolls.