Areias do Seixo

GOOD Beautiful resort. Main pool has a nice ambience and the green house eating and pool area is very fun and great space The decor in the rooms is incredible. Whomever did the interior design was very talented. The owner on Wednesday did his take on a manager's cocktail reception, which was him singing and playing guitar by a bonfire while offering people free wine. Was a nice touch. The walk to the beach was quite nice going through a cool sand dune area and then to the cliffs, before the steps to the beach. Would be nice if the path was a bit wider in some areas but it was manageable. BAD 1. For the "Love" rooms, they are all different layouts, features and decor, but cost the same, and you can't specify which one you want. Kind of weird but I am sure there is some reason, but sucks that you can't choose the one that is clearly better and nicer than the others even if you book well in advance. 2. We stayed in the green superior villa, which is a 3 bedroom villa. Stunning. Nice layout. Bedrooms have blinds, but the rest of the villa does that. In fact, there is absolutely no privacy as other villas look right into the backyard area, AND right into the villa living room. The lack of privacy was not at all shown in the photos online, and in fact, it appeared like there was privacy so perhaps the photos were taken before the other road of villas were built. A bit deceiving and an easy enough fix: put in curtains or blinds. 3. There are some good design elements that are just completely dysfunctional, and frankly dangerous. For example the master bedroom bed had an platform bed, but the platform extended about 18 inches wider than the bed. So to get out, you have to really extend your legs. It seems silly to complain about it, but if you aren't used to it, you will get out of bed and maybe trip or bang your feet. Secondly, to the side of the bed, just above where your head would be once you stand up, there is a suspended light. So to be able to get out of the bed, you either trip and bang your feet, and/or hit your head on the overhanging light. I did it 3 times until I got used to it. These are just 2 examples, but there were a lot of cool design choices that were insanely dysfunctional. 4. Service was very slow. As in, incredibly slow. Would have to ask for things numerous times. 5. When I checked in, they asked if i had any allergies. I informed them I couldn't eat seeds. Then I ordered food, asked what was in the hummus, they didn't mention seeds, and then when I got it, it was covered in seeds. I asked the waitress and she said "oh i didn't know". Not a sorry. Nothing really to make up for it. Not end of the world, but weird they'd ask but then do nothing with that information and not take any accountability. 6. There is no AC at all. They say that on the website, as I know they are committed to sustainability, but would have been nice to have AC in the rooms and time restrict it to the nights only. They recommended to just open the doors or windows, but there were no screens at all, which seemed unwise to leave windows and doors open without any screens overnight or when unattended. Maybe that is just me being used to not doing that in Canada in fear of mosquitoes or animals getting in. 7. The hot tubs were kind of gross. They are small stand alone units, and despite us being at the pool area the whole day, I didn't see anybody come to test or shock the tubs. Not sure what their procedures are, but a tub that size with minimal waterflow and filtering, and that many people using it, it should be shocked numerous times a day. There was a lot of debris and hair in them. Again though, could just be me as a hot tub owner and always ensuring it is clean and balanced. 8. Could maybe have a few more activities to do. We did the morning trek to "explore wildlife" but turns out, there is none. Not just by our own observation, but the guide told us straight up "there is no wildlife here". Not a big deal, but pretty misleading. We didn't learn anything on the trek and basically just had somebody walk us along the path, which we could have easily done ourselves. Nice guy though.

The word that best describes this hotel is Magical. The entire experience from booking to check-out was exceptional. Not only were the decor, ambiance, and sustainability details truly extraordinary and unique, but you could sense that the entire staff was focused on providing a special experience. It was unforgettable.

We have been coming here, to this magical place for 13 years, very soon after it opened. This place still is magical to us and we feel a sense of coming home when we arrive and a sadness when we leave. The rooms are beyond anything you may have seen before, full of art and quirky objects, especially the Love rooms that open out to the beautiful garden and views to the sea. Everyone at the hotel are amazing, nothing is too much trouble and any requests are always met with a smile. We shall return as soon as possible to continue our magical experience on the edge of a spectacular beach. Treat yourself to a few days of heaven on earth. Simon and Julie ❤️

Dear Marta and Gonçalo, Our heartfelt congratulations on the extraordinary haven you have created and the remarkable team you have gathered around it. Talent, warmth, and care shine through in every detail—and for someone who already knows the sheer beauty of this place, that says everything about how unique it truly is. A decade ago, we stayed in one of your wonderful suites. This time we chose the Refúgio dos Pinheiros, and it could not have been a more perfect decision. We were surprised and delighted by its elegance, comfort, and originality—every corner reflecting the refinement and imagination that make this retreat so special. Once again, congratulations on crafting such a magnificent escape in such an unexpected corner of the world. We will most certainly return next year. With gratitude and admiration, Isabel and Diogo

Areias do Seixo is unlike any other hotel, it’s a sanctuary of beauty, peace, and inspiration. Every corner feels thoughtfully designed, blending nature, sustainability, and luxury in the most seamless way. The rooms are stunning, with breathtaking views and unique details that make each stay unforgettable. The staff go above and beyond, creating an atmosphere of warmth and genuine care. From the incredible food to the serene spa and the magical setting by the ocean, every moment here feels special. A destination in itself, and without doubt one of the most extraordinary hotels in Portugal.