Some getaways impress you, and then there are ones that hold you. Sheraton Cascais Resort did the latter. Along the fragrant pine forests of the Portuguese Riviera, just moments from the Atlantic, it somehow manages to feel like a luxury retreat and a warm family home at the same time.

From the moment we arrived, after a breezy drive from Lisbon along coastal roads dusted with golden light, it was clear this wasn’t going to be just another hotel stay. As we stepped into our Premium Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite, the welcome felt deeply personal. A bottle of chilled wine waited on the table next to a generous platter of local treats – fresh fruit, cured meats, and perfectly aged cheeses. But what truly melted my heart was what had been prepared for our little one.

There, in the corner of our spacious suite, was a tent. A real canvas play tent set up like a mini adventure lodge – complete with soft cushions, activity sets, and a plush personalised Sheraton teddy bear nestled inside. My child’s eyes lit up the second they spotted it. It’s one thing to travel with kids; it’s another when the hotel makes them feel just as important as the adults. That tent became our evening reading nook, hiding place, and sleepy sanctuary for the next few days.

The suite itself felt more like a stylish apartment than a hotel room: sleek wood furnishings, soft textiles, a king-sized bed you could melt into, a comfortable sofa, a kitchen area, and a balcony view over the resort that captured the best of the morning sun and late-afternoon hush. We’d open the doors wide and listen to birdsong echoing off the trees.

And the food—oh, the food. Sheraton Cascais Resort takes its culinary offerings seriously, and every meal is delicious. One night, after a long, blissful day at the pool, we opted for room service. The knock on the door came swiftly, and what arrived could rival any fine dining experience.

Breakfasts were a daily highlight too. The spread at Glass Terrace Restaurant was nothing short of glorious: local cheeses and charcuterie, flaky croissants, fresh juices, and cooked-to-order eggs. And always with that lush greenery surrounding you through every window, as the forest had gently wrapped itself around the building.

But as luxurious as the surroundings were, what made our stay truly special was the people. Every single member of staff we encountered was not just friendly – they were warm. From the concierge who remembered our names, the housekeepers who greeted us with kind smiles each morning, to the restaurant team who went out of their way to ensure every interaction felt sincere. There was a natural hospitality here, unforced and full of heart.

When it came time to check out, none of us wanted to leave. As we packed our bags, I found myself folding away more than clothes – I was folding up moments: a bear hugged tight by sleepy arms, glasses of wine shared on the balcony at dusk, stories told inside a cosy tent.

Sheraton Cascais Resort isn’t just a luxury hotel – it’s a place where memories take root. Whether you’re escaping as a couple, adventuring as a family, or simply craving a break wrapped in pine-scented air, it offers the kind of magic that lingers long after you leave.

W: Sheraton Cascais Resort
W: Visit Cascais
https://www.visitcascais.com/en

Written by Beth Davies for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International