Palacio de Seteais
"A palace fit for a special occasion, the epitome of Sintra elegance.” - Reviewed by Lisa
Play royalty for a day, or two…or as many as you’d like.
Palacio de Seteais may have been built for a princess, but you don’t have to be one to stay here. Not anymore.
Sintra is the home of the castle – delicious confections of spires, turrets, balustraded walkways, marble statues, magazine worthy gardens – one after another. Everywhere you turn another fairy-tale chateau – all dressed in pretty pastels or stunning reds and yellows – pokes its grandiose features out from behind a magnificent conifer or centuries-old rhododendron bush.
Sintra is the land of romance and what better way than to fully experience the “Sintra effect” than to rent your own palace. And not just any palace – but an incredibly comfortable, restored-to-museum-quality palace with sumptuous beds, elegant dining and gorgeous grounds in which to lose yourself.
When you take over Palacio de Seteais, you can design your own custom-made programme – and Tripwix can help. Fancy a champagne cocktail party under glittering chandeliers, sumptuous picnics in the park, a dinner dance in the magnificent dining room or maybe a masquerade party in the maize – complete with a jazz band. Let your regal imagination run wild, indulge yourself and truly live like a king.
EMPHASIS ON GASTRONOMY
Fine dining is at its prettiest with frescoed walls and ceilings. Aubosson carpets reflect the same wall and ceiling tones – subtle, clear and delicate. Crystal wall sconces and silk drapes add to the elegance. Soothing piano music completes the experience.
For dinner, ample portions of International and Portuguese dishes are served elegantly in an Olde World manner by old-school uniformed waiters. Meals are accompanied with choice vintages from a wide selection of savoury international wines.
Breakfasts are hearty and made with mostly local ingredients.
The bar/ terrace is the ideal place to enjoy lunch or a snack, sip a glass of local wine or take afternoon tea.
The tea ceremony is heralded here at Palacio de Seteais – and with a wonderful selection of the finest TWG loose teas and lots of yummy cakes, pastries and tea biscuits, it’s hard not to indulge in this elegant pastime.
Special Features
- Swimming pool
- Spa using Elemis products
- Breathtaking grounds
- Mazes
- Butlers
- Afternoon tea service
- Tennis courts
- 2 antique grand pianos
- Elevator
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Often the idea of palaces conjures up heavy period furnishings, overpowering drapery and austere family portraits. Not so at Palacio de Seteais – this is an uplifting palette of the most delicate tones of blues, greens, yellows and creams.
Remarkable works of wall and ceiling art reveal themselves in pretty floral designs, exotic botanicals, delicately-hued wall frescoes and hand-painted wallpapers. The walls alone deserve an entire weekend of appreciation!
The lovely old wooden floors creak comfortingly below custom, hand-made, cream and white Arraiolos rugs. All rooms are equally delightful with antique bed heads, refined period pieces and delicate chandeliers.
All bedrooms are well proportioned with large windows affording beautiful garden, valley or park views no matter which way they face. Over-the-top original marble bathrooms each have bathtubs, showers, bidets and plenty of luxuriating toiletries.
Rooms fall into three categories:
2 PALATIAL SUITES
Sleep 2 – Double bed. Located on the main, entryway floor, these are the largest rooms. High ceilings, hand-painted wall frescoes, comfortable sitting areas and garden and pool views. Bathrooms are spoiling with toiletries by Bulgari.
DELUXE ROOMS
Sleep 2 – Two Twin beds. One of these rooms has a wonderful private terrace with chaises located in the arch of the front facade. Bathrooms are well stocked with Hermes toiletries.
SUPERIOR ROOMS
Sleep 2 – Two Twin beds or Double bed. Portus Cale Portuguese toiletries.
ALL BEDROOMS HAVE HOTEL-QUALITY SHEETS, HEATING, A/C, BIG SCREEN TVS, HEATED TOWEL RAILS, NESPRESSO COFFEE AND BODRUM TEA-MAKING FACILITIES, SAFES, CLOSETS, LOVELY VIEWS AND WIFI.
Living Areas
Elegance with a cosy feel.
With many light-filled, elegant reception rooms to choose from, it’s hard to decide where to savour the pre-dinner cocktail, the post-dinner port, the afternoon tea, the friendly game of cards or the perfect relaxing book.
The gaze wanders appreciatively from one glorious decor detail to the next. With sumptuous sofas, elegant chaises, patios and balconies – you can opt for casual cosiness or graceful yesteryear living. Far from being stuffy – Palacio de Seteais brings a modern-day blend of friendly staff, modern conveniences, and light-filled spaces.
GARDENS AND RECREATION
The well-manicured grounds deserve a special mention. the driveway and parkland leading to the palace entrance are grandiose and elegant – ideal for large-scale outdoor functions. One side of the palace is devoted to tennis courts as well as a large swimming pool with deck for sunbathing and lovely lawns. Behind the palace, mazes, water features and wonderful photo-op locations reveal themselves – all with bucolic views over the valley and out to the Atlantic coast.
A delightful cosy spa is staffed by professional therapists and offers a well-thought-through menu featuring Elemis products.
Rental Price Includes
- Full staff of butlers, housekeepers, waiters, chefs and spa personnel
- Breakfast service for 60
Know Before You Go
- Despite its initial apparent grandiosity, the palace is remarkably cosy and welcoming
- My favourite room was #26
- Due to the antique bed frames, there are no King-size mattresses but many rooms have twins which can be made up as Kings.
- Wonderful turndown service with hand-made biscuits and speciality teas.
- Big feathertop mattresses
- A plethora of palaces to discover – right on the doorstep!
- Minor woodwork maintenance needed in the rooms- as you’d expect from an 18th-century building – upkeep is constant.
- Food and beverage on a consumption basis
Staff and Services
- Butlers
- Housekeepers
- Waitstaff
- Chefs
- Spa personnel
Kids Services & Activities
- Kid-friendly property
Pet Policy
- Pets upon request – please contact us for details.
Activities Available On-Site or Nearby
- Hiking, biking, sightseeing, horse riding, shopping, gastronomy, literature, picnics, cooking classes
Additional Services ($€£)
- Itinerary planning – pre and post-arrival
- Round-trip airport transportation
- Private tour guide
- Chauffeured transportation
- Babysitting services
- Organizing car and golf cart rentals
- Booking tours, excursions and restaurant reservations
- Other services may be available – just ask!
