Tivoli Palácio de Seteais
Be prepared to swoon, because Tivoli Palacio de Seteais is straight out of an 18th-century romance novel. Here on a scenic hillside mere minutes from UNESCO-designated Sintra, acres of beautifully tended gardens and mazes inspire passionate pursuits. Plenty of eyes have locked over live piano music and herb-crusted lamb fillets in the white-gloved Seteais restaurant. Frescoed walls, wooden furnishings with rich inlays, and gilded accents add to the timeless ambience of the 30 spacious rooms and suites. The spa uses Algarve-sourced ingredients in its wine body wrap and other treatments.
For added charm, arrange a horse-drawn carriage ride in the mountains followed by a private dinner under a poolside pergola, complete with harpist and waitperson in period costume.