The best getaways from Lisbon

Distance: 58 minutes

These wooden boxes propped up by the lake aren't just architecturally impressive, but ecologically sound too. The aim of Herdade do Moinho Novo is to adhere to strict environmental principles throughout the vast, verdant grounds. So all the materials used are recyclable, there's lots of wood involved, and the land is also used for farming livestock. This means that you can have a go at feeding the animals and taking care of them should you wish. Alternatively you can go cycling, hiking, or hole up in your cosy cabin with the AC on and a stunning view.

In the vicinity: eat at Casa das Enguias, a legendary restaurant specializing in several recipes of eel.

Distance: 1h30

This quaint villa was once a primary school for the children of Porto Covo, but is now rented out to holiday-makers. The decor is bright (lots of white), minimal and serene. The views are of stunning, uninterrupted countryside, which is perfect to cycle or hike through. Breakfast is included and served daily in the communal dining area, but you'll have to drive about ten minutes to find any restaurants. The beach is also a three-mile drive/trek away. Despite the house's remoteness, though, you will get access to wifi throughout the building.

In the vicinity: there’s fish on the menu at the A Ilha restaurant and horseriding in the Herdade do
Pessegueiro.

Distance: 1h

This hotel’s big attractions are its incredible suites whose ceilings open so that guests can gaze at the stars. But there is more. The building coexists beautifully with the surrounding landscape, its 22 suites have a modern design and the resort comes equipped with a sumptuous swimming pool, which appears to connect to an enormous lake and has a view to the Montemor-o-Novo castle. Additional amenities include a wine therapy spa, wine courses and tastings and even hot air balloon rides.

In the vicinity: after a visit to the castle, try the local cuisine at the Monte Alentejano restaurant.

Distance: 1h03

Sustainability and environmentalism. These are the guiding lights at the Rio do Prado resort. Their kitchen has a wooden oven, their showers are solarheated, rooms have plenty of wood and plants and to move within the resort you either walk or bike. But here is the best part: all suites have an inner and an outer fireplace and they face west, to take fulladvantage of the sunset. They also have a relaxing pool.

In the vicinity: the town of Óbidos will keep you busy for a whole day, with its historic streets, bookshops and “ginginha” bars.

Distance: 1h30

Its full name is Cooking and Nature – Emotional Hotel, and its backdrop is among Portugal’s most beautiful landscapes, the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. It has 12 rooms, each one devoted to a specific concept: “saudade”, adventure, lust or magic. There is also a list of activities to enjoy in the surrounding area – mountain climbing with a guide, birdwatching, mushroom picking (in their proper season), picknicking with the kids in nature. As for the “cooking” part of the name, you are expected to cook your own meals, always with fresh produce, some of them collected from the hotel’s garden.

In the vicinity: get to know the wonderful Batalha Monastery, an icon of Portuguese architecture.

Distance: 1h15

Working at Time Out is great, but a job at Travel+Leisure is probably even better. “What do you do for a living?” “I travel and stay in dreamlike hotels.” Yes – that must be amazing. But let’s get to the point: Sublime was elected by that well-known travel magazine as one of the best new hotels in the world. We must concur as this is problably one of the best day trips from Lisbon you can take. This elegant and peaceful tourist resort in the Muda village, in Comporta, added new villas this year, plus a restaurant named Celeiro (“barn”) whose menu includes razorfish soup, grilled black pork and soft pastries. If you can’t stay for the night, then at least have dinner there.

In the vicinity: have lunch at the Sal restaurant in one of the prettiest beaches in the area, Praia do Pêgo, then buy antiques at Mr. Júlio’s in Carvalhal.