Lapa Palace, Lisbon, Portugal

 The Lapa Palace, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, was built in 1870 as the private residence of the Count of Valenca.

 It is set on a hill overlooking the Tagus River in the stately embassy district. Nestled amidst tranquil gardens, you get a chic resort feel within a city setting. The lush, manicured gardens are complete with pond, streams, waterfall, swimming pool, century old trees and tropical flowers.

It is a 5-minute cab ride to the city center, but after a hard day of sightseeing, you can return to a sun-lounger and cocktail by the pool. This stunning sanctuary is decorated in traditional Portuguese style with marble, stucco, carved wood and tiles. Its peaceful garden provides a relaxing oasis. The two most impressive accommodations at the hotel are the Tower Room and The Royal Suite. The Tower Room is the one for honeymooners, with its pop-up TV at the end of the bed, Jacuzzi for two, and a private turret where you can dine al fresco with a panorama of the city.

The hotel's Cipriani was voted by Zagat as best restaurant in Lisbon for its contemporary Italian and Portuguese cuisine. The Lapa Wellness Centre provides extensive facilities including heated indoor and outdoor pools, fully equipped gymnasium, La Prairie "Art of Beauty" treatments, various therapies, massages and more. This home away from home is for those used to living in the "lapa" luxury. Guests have included European royalty, Rod Stewart, Sting, Cher, Bono, John Malkovich, Catherine Deneuve, Paul McCartney.

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