Our Family Getaway at Areias do Seixo

Family Getaway Review by Travel Dad, Robert Molijn (images and text Robert Molijn) April 2018

More info & bookings? please visit Areias do Seixo.

We arrived at Areias do Seixo early in the morning. Although too early to check-in, we were welcomed warmly by the staff and enjoyed the introduction to Areias do Seixo.  

Areias do Seixo is ideally located, just a 50-minutes drive from Lisbon Airport, near Santa Cruz. When you leave the highway, the rural countryside of Portugal appears in all its glory. This is a great part of the journey, driving through the small authentic Portuguese villages and winding roads towards the coast. You can just feel the easy-going lifestyle of the Portuguese embracing you.

We were fortunate to be shown around the hotel by one of the guest managers and see the Love Rooms situated in the main building. Here is where you feel truly one with nature. Every room is different from each other and each has its own bubble bath.

VILLA

As a family of four, we stayed in one of the three-story Villas – Townhouse Green- each with its own splash pool and terraces on the front and back. The three bedrooms all have their own bathroom and the front-facing bedrooms both have their own balcony where you can sit and enjoy the sun (set). The interior of the Villa is like the main building all very natural, has a beautiful design and is clean. The villa could easily fit a family of six.

VEGETABLE GARDEN

We were invited to join a tour to the Vegetable Garden, just outside of the main building. ”WOW” this is something else, the resort built this up from scratch. They ploughed the ground and created a fully operational wild vegetable garden that serves the resort itself. No pesticides at all, everything is done by nature itself. They even make their own soil from the natural waist created by the kitchen. We tasted plants we never tasted before and we ate flowers and learned that chickens are ideal cleaners of the soil before its replanted. The kids and ourselves loved the experience.

CULINARY

We enjoyed lunch in the restaurant, part of the spacious main building and again a great experience. We enjoyed a delicious chicken soup from the vegetable garden, all-natural.

In the evening we went into the dunes expecting to be able to walk to Noah Surf House. Again, surprised by the location and the natural beauty of the environment. We did not dare to walk along the beach as the sea was rough that day so we went back and took the car to the beach house instead. A drive of +/- 10 minutes. But you can also choose to take one of the bikes at Areias do Seixo.

The Beach House is natural and environmentally friendly and is truly inspiring. The dinner itself was fabulous just like the staff. You could choose from various fishes, all fresh from the market. We enjoyed great food and beautiful wines while the kids went outside to play at the beach. We stayed there to watch the sun go down and then went to our villa to relax after a perfect and beautiful day.

SPA, YOGA, FIREPLACE AND MORE

To make it even more pampering and wellness-focused, the resort has its own Spa and various other relaxation options, amongst which are yoga classes for the whole family.

In the evening we were told they also sit around a grand campfire to enjoy a glass of wine and sometimes the owner even brings her piano to play music for the guests. Something we for sure would like to experience in the future. 

Areias do Seixo is a place you will likely never (want to) forget. The attention to detail can be experienced everywhere you look, with everything you taste and every step you take.