Faro, PortugalEstoi
Pousada Palácio Estoi - Faro
Rococo countryside palace
Estoi Faro, Portugal
Opened
2009
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Design WellnessOutside the door
The house
PestanaRococo countryside palace
Sugar-pink rococo salons and terraced formal gardens bring nineteenth-century theatricality to the quiet Algarve countryside.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A nineteenth-century Rococo stateroom complex surrounded by Versailles-style fountains and azulejos.
Notable
Architect Gonçalo Byrne set starkly modern rooms behind gilded staterooms and frescoes.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The juxtaposition of design eras isn’t exactly subtle — in the public spaces, for example, chandeliers dangling from frescoed ceilings come to rest above squat utilitarian sofas and chairs.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Estoi village sits ten kilometres north of Faro, with ancient Roman ruins an easy stroll through the gardens.
1 of 5
The rooms
Rooms occupy a minimalist modern wing, opening onto private balconies that look across the geometric grounds.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor pool sits on a wide timber deck lined with sun loungers, facing the pink palace facade.
The spa
Spa Palácio has private rooms for therapeutic bodywork and massages. Guests can also use the sauna and tropical showers.
At the table
O Visconde serves traditional Algarvian seafood cataplana on a stone-columned terrace. Inside, Bar do Palácio mixes evening cocktails.
How it began
Pharmacist José Francisco da Silva revived the abandoned estate in 1893, finishing the palace to celebrate his noble title.
Faro
More like this
3HB Faro
“Downtown Algarve haven”
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.