I don’t know about you, but I’d sure like to experience a surf ‘n’ sail season Memmo Baleeira style in Portugal’s southernmost tip. You too? Following in the wake of hotelier Rodrigo Machaz, himself a surfer who knows the best spots in the shimmering Algarve waters, Design Hotels™™ is offering some Summer Specials not to be missed.
The Mira Spa - Hong Kong
Or, if you feel like taking in the shimmering nightscape of Hong Kong from your room at the The Mira Hong Kong, you can do that too. For an eclectically British feel, try the Firmdale hotels in London. Choose the funky neighbourhood of Soho with Charlotte Street Hotel or the exclusive upmarket locale of West End with Haymarket Hotel.
Apparently, Summer is just a click away…
The three different options include:
– 3 for 2: one complimentary overnight stay (minimum length of stay 3 nights)
– Upgrade: free upgrade to the next available room category (minimum length of stay 2 nights)
– Value: save a minimum of 10% off the best available rate (minimum length of stay 2 nights)
We say, “Drink Port, hang in Porto.” And now… there’s even more reason. The first InterContinental hotel has opened in Porto! After a $43 million-dollar renovation… that’s right, $43 million bones, the InterContinental Porto-Palacio das Cardosas is the first upscale hotel in Porto. Designed by Russian architect, Alex Kravetz, and situated in the city’s main square, this fine palacio is housed in a refurbished 200-year-old palace with 105 guestrooms and 16 suites. How suite is that? We must also admit… it’s the little things in life and we love the fact that there’s free WiFi throughout the property (because we think EVERY hotel should have FREE WiFi). You hear that, stingy hoteliers? We also like their re-opening 20% discount, late check-out, and complimentary breakfast from July 14th through the end of September 2011.
Located in the heart of Porto and within the boundaries of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, InterContinental Porto-Palacio das Cardosas is in an area brimming with historic cathedrals, markets, museums, local bars and restaurants. And I can say this much… I’ve known quite a few Portuguese in my time and they’re some of the warmest, most beautiful people around. Often a niche vacation (due to the proximity of their bull-toting neighbor), Portugal – and her people – are the next big thing. The property is a quick distance – 30 minutes by car – from the international airport Francisco Sá Carneiro as well as the Ribeira, where travelers can enjoy – if they do desire a little Spain in their trip – a cruise up to the border to explore the wine-producing cellars for a scenic tasting. Pssst… “port” wine historically takes its name from Porto from which it was shipped.
Why we also like the Porto Palacio das Cordosas? Because they’ll also be taking part in InterContinental’s new and unique ‘Insider Collection,’ offering eco and wine excursions, personalized guided tours, helicopter trips, access to personal shopping services, and more. So we say, get thee to Portugal (and pick up a bottle or two of port, just for us).
JAUNT MAGAZINE 