Life & Style | Travel

Global hangout: The Farol Hotel in Cascais

The retreat for royality, this cliffside hotel features designer rooms 'dressed' by Portuguse style gurus

By Nyree McFarlane, Deputy Editor, Scene magazine
Published: 13:47 August 22, 2012

Image Credit: Supplied pictures
The picturesque town of Caracais is a favourite weekend spot for weekending Lisboêtas thanks to its beautiful beaches, trendy cafes and bustling markets.

This grandiose building – which dates back to 1890, and was originally built for the Count of Cabral – is nestled between the famously powdery sands of Guincho Beach and the typically Portuguese fishing village of Cascais. Just a 35-minute drive from Lisbon, the rambling old mansion has been revamped recently, and while all 33 guest rooms look worthy of a spread in an interiors glossy, the nine designer rooms are the most indulgent of the lot. Designers like Ana Salazar, Antonio Augustus and Fatima Lopes have each focused their designer vision on a room of the hotel, and while the glossy – mostly monochrome interiors will have you posting to Instagram in a brag-fest – it’s the view through the double doors to the azure ocean that’s really worth writing home about.

Head downstairs to lounge by the saltwater pool, or find yourself a rock to perch upon and the noise of the dramatic waves crashing against the rocks will lull you into a deep state of relaxation. But do find enough energy to stroll around the historical, and picturesque town of Caracais, which is a favourite weekend spot for weekending Lisboêtas thanks to its beautiful beaches, trendy cafes and bustling markets. Post-excursion enjoy a creatively blended cocktail at On The Rocks bar before dining at The Mix restaurant, which stretches out towards the sandy beach – bliss.

Inside info

Book your seaside stay on a weeknight and get 10 per cent off the best available rate.

Details Rooms from Dh650 a night | Av Rei Humberto II de Italia | +351 21 482 34 90 | www.farol.com.pt

State Road Tavern, Martha's Vinyeard, USA

An idyllic island south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard’s population of 5,000 swells tenfold in summer, and is a favourite holiday locale for Reese Witherspoon, the Clintons and the Obamas thanks to its charming wooden houses and laid back vibe. And when there the Obamas chose to dine at State Road, a grandiose, wooden-floored contemporary American tavern that serves only the freshest produce from local farms (in fact they go as far as naming which farm each vege comes from on the menu), and delectable seafood caught by the local fisherman – the fresh scallops are legendary. The BYOB spot is reminiscent of a traditional New England tavern with its early American antiques and zinc-topped bar. Finish your night off with a Blueberry brown sugar upside down cake with coconut milk jam, blueberry compote and vanilla bean gelato, and make sure to keep your cool façade when Bill Clinton strolls past on his way out.
688 State Road, West Tisbury | www.stateroadrestaurant.com

Candy, Tokyo, Japan