lovely jubbly london

Summer in Sintra

With the weather the way it is in England, it just doesn't feel like summer until I've been to Portugal.

{Previous Portugal posts are here.}

Bordallo Pinheiro

I adore Bordallo Pinheiro pottery and each time we've been to Portugal, I've ended up wanting to fill a suitcase with it. I haven't but I do love it enough to give up some valuable space in my luggage. It truly is the perfect Portuguese souvenir. 

 

 

  

While not every piece is my own particular taste, I think everyone can appreciate the uniqueness of something created by a company founded so long ago and still going strong. 

Cafe Saudade {Sintra, Portugal}

If you ever happen to find yourself in the town of Sintra you must go to Cafe Saudade. Not only will find the most charming cafe but also a unique art studio.

I'll be honest and tell you I had another restaurant I wanted to visit in Sintra but our concierge marked a little spot on the map and told us this place was good too. We went to my spot first only to find the chef was missing so no food was being served. 

It turned out to be luck because on we went to Saudade and were pleasantly surprised by the food and the prices. Lunch was very reasonable and dare I say it, down right cheap for the feast we submitted ourselves to eating.

the most delicious paninis

fresh pressed juices- this one is melon & mint

pasteis de nata

chocolate cake 

I am seriously still dreaming about that chocolate cake. I think it was probably one of the best I have ever eaten. I need that recipe.

So if you ever find yourself in or around Lisbon, make your way to Sintra for an amazing day. I'll be forever grateful if you get me that recipe too.

You can find Cafe Saudade here:

Oh, and don't miss the bathrooms. I can't describe it but it's something to see.

Sintra, Portugal

Last year, whenever we left the resort we ended up going to Cascais. This year we made a point to go to Sintra and were amazed by its beauty and architecture.

No wonder Lord Byron descibed it as a "glorious Eden".

 

My Heart Belongs to Penha Longa

I just adore Portugal and a large part of that is thanks to my favorite hotel Penha Longa. I wrote about it (here and here) when we visited last year.

This year was just as amazing. They truly know how to treat their guests and try to greet everyone by name to make you feel extra special.

From dessert buffets by the pool to massages in the spa, my entire week was heaven. I wish I was still there.

It is the perfect summer retreat.

Cascais, Portugal

 
 

 

Lisbon, Portugal

To be honest, I didn't really have a burning desire to spend time in Lisbon. The whole holiday was planned with the idea of relaxing and spending time in a hot city didn't appeal. What got me there? Food!

Bonjardim Rei De Frangos {king of the chickens} has been around since 1950 and is hidden down a little alleyway. It took some looking to find it and once we did they waved us to a table and basically said chicken, chips, salad and took our nods as a yes. Let me tell you this was probably the most juiciest chicken I have ever had and if you think Nando's is delicious you haven't had the real deal. 

The only other place I wanted to find but didn't was a bakery specialising in pasteis de nata. They were created at Pasteis de Belem and over the years I guess have become known by nata instead of belem. I did try them at a few other bakeries and they were delicious. I've heard the original are the best so maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to try one. 

The Penha Longa Explorer

One of the nicest things about Penha Longa was the schedule of events they provided for the week called

 The Penha Longa Explorer. 

Everything from yoga in the spa to tile painting to a sushi buffet was available. Some were free and some (like sushi) charged a fee.

Thursday night: 

Free drinks in Arola & a Dressage performance.

Sunday night:

 Barbecue by the pool.

Monday night (best for last):

 Monk's Dinner in the XIV Palace.

Why so great you ask?

Well, it was a random night.

Dinner started at 7:30pm.

We finished at midnight.

First table there, last table to leave.

Dinner mates? 2 other couples from London plus 

a high ranking member of The Cabinet and his wife.

Who is also well known. 

The fee for the meal included drinks. Every person at the table must have consumed at least 1 bottle of wine.

Dinner topics? Let's just say they were interesting...

Dinner music may have included the table singing along to Robbie Williams.

The poor guitarist and singer. I don't think they knew what they were getting into. 

The request for Lady Gaga may have been fulfilled in the lobby bar after midnight. One member of the group may also have performed. Maybe...

but you know, we all have to keep some secrets.

Penha Longa Resort {Sintra, Portugal}

We were lucky enough to spend last week at the Penha Longa Resort in Sintra. We didn't do much but that was the beauty of the place. We spent most of our days by the pool, eating lunch on our sunbeds and reading. Every evening the hotel had a pianist in the lobby bar playing everything from The Killers to the Black Eyed Peas and right next to him was a candy and popcorn buffet. Portugal has amazing chocolate. 

The only downside was having to leave and we're already talking about going back. 

 

the hotel

the buildings on the hotel grounds date back to the 14th century

 

the lobby

our room

in room Nespresso station

the pool

*excuse the quality of the pictures, I didn't bring my nice camera because the plan was relaxing!

Paradise

Ran away last week to somewhere heavenly.

The stories I have to tell...

Can't wait to go back.