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The Oitavos, Portugal is a luxurious 5* hotel offering extensive fitness activities, delicious healthy food and superior spa treatments all in one beautiful, idyllic setting.  Bex Fairbrother investigates.

The Lowdown
If you are looking for a Hip and Healthy getaway then the Oitavos is your go-to destination.  With a flight time of just over 2 hours from London airports to Lisbon and then a mere 30 minute drive to the relaxing oasis that is the stunning Cascais National Park where the Oitavos is nestled, this luxurious hotel is the perfect place for a relaxing mini-break, romantic getaway or a fitness-filled trip.

The Hotel
A magnificent, modern 5* hotel, the Oitavos opened its doors to the public in September 2010.  Owned and run by the Champalimaud family, the Oitavos has 142 spacious rooms, each with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.  There is a real warmth to this family-run hotel.  The staff are attentive without being overbearing, providing a level of service which is second to none.

Meanwhile the design of the hotel is open plan with floor to ceiling glass so every way you turn you are surrounded by the stunning views of the Atlantic and the rugged landscape.

Situated just a stone’s throw from Portugal’s Atlantic coastline, this beachside location makes it one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world whilst the Oitavos Dunes golf course, was ranked 65th in GOLF Magazine’s 2013 Top 100 Courses in the World.

The Food
The Oitavos boasts 3 restaurants which each serves delicious food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.  You can choose from fresh fish, seafood, pasta, salads and an array of tapas at the Ipsylon Restaurant located in the Hotel building – the crab and avocado cappuccino was created, nutritious and utterly delicious!

Alternatively, Verbasco which is located at the Clubhouse of the Oitavos Dunes Golf Course offers simple, authentic dishes made from locally sourced ingredients – I would highly recommend any of the fish dishes on the menu which are all fresh, satisfying and tasty.  The Japanese Bar is the third restaurant at the Oitavos offering exquisite sushi and sashimi in a relaxed and cosmopolitan setting – perfect if you want a light dinner.

The Activities
The Oitavos offer a number of sporting activities including yoga, golf, tennis, squash and biking.  Alternatively you could start your day with a dip in the exterior infinity pool with a view looking out onto the golf course and the perpetual view of the ocean.

The Oitavos also offer the ‘Surf Into Shape’ package which aims to help guests achieve the super-toned and ultra-lean body of a surfer, engaging both body and mind in challenging new ways.  Embraces the oceanic surroundings, the Oitavos’ ‘Surf Into Shape’ package combines surf lessons and tailored workouts with rejuvenating VOYA spa treatments and healthy eating.

Guests are then taken to a nearby beach on the Silver Coast which has become a haven for surf professionals due to the outstanding, year-round conditions, where the world record for the highest wave ever surfed at 100 feet was broken in January 2013.

Post surf, guests are taken back to the hotel where they can enjoy a well-earned swim by the pool and then spend some time at the VOYA spa.  Each spa treatment is designed to leave guests feeling refreshed and regenerated with a body fit for the beach.

The ‘Surf Into Shape’ package includes:

  • A two-night stay at The Oitavos in a Superior Room with private balcony and golf and partial ocean views
  • Automatic upgrade to Premium Room with private balcony  and ocean views
  • subject to availability
  • Complimentary healthy buffet breakfasts at Ipsylon Restaurant to start the day
  • 2 x 1h fitness classes at The Oitavos /person
  • Up to a  2h surf lesson plus wetsuit, surfboard and transportation to and from the hotel to the beach*/ person
  • A Hydrating Facial / person
  • One 50 minute Voya signature massage / person

Outside of the hotel there is a running and cycling path which runs along the coastline – perfect for those who like picturesque morning runs before breakfast, which I must say is a feat at the Oitavos. Choose from freshly sliced fruit, an assortment of breads, eggs, cheeses and hams, the Oitavos breakfast is the perfect way to set you up for a day of activities.

The Spa
If R and R is more your thing and you are in for some pampering, the Oitavos has a full service spa offering a number of indulgent, relaxing and results-driven treatments including full body massages, seaweed wraps and facials.  Their approach to wellbeing at the Oitavos is one that is completely natural, combining the healing benefits of seawater with a host of organic and ocean-inspired beauty and health treatments whilst the spa itself overlooks the dramatic, unspoilt Estoril Atlantic coastline.

The treatments take place in one of the 10 treatment rooms.  Each room is light, private, and spacious with a high ceiling and large, panoramic window which looks out onto the wild terrain outside of palm trees, natural sand dunes, and the ocean beyond.

I opted for a full body massage which left me feeling completely revitalised, relieving tension I had been carrying in my back.  As the room was so large and light this further relaxed me as I am not one for dark treatment rooms with no windows which I find claustrophobic and more stress-inducing than calming.

The spa also features a sauna, turkish bath, jacuzzi and sea-water swimming pool to ensure you feel completely relaxed and rejuvenated upon leaving.

The starting rate at The Oitavos is 163€ (approx £133) for a Superior room, with balcony and sea view. For reservations, please contact +351 21 486 0020 or visit www.theoitavos.com.

Flights are available from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Lisbon with TAP Airlines, from 116€ round trip.

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