As experienced by our Co-Founder, Aanchal Gandhi
Portugal isn’t loud about its beauty. It doesn’t need to be. It welcomes you with ease—through light, warmth and a rhythm that slowly pulls you in.
When Aanchal set out with her family for a 10-day journey across the country, the goal was simple: to gather, to reset and to enjoy each other’s company across places that made it easy to be present. What unfolded was a journey shaped by contrast and connection—coastal calm, vineyard stillness, cliffside sunshine and the energy of Lisbon. A little bit of everything, in all the right ways.
Comporta | 3 Nights
Barefoot calm, pine-scented mornings, and time to breathe
They landed in Lisbon but skipped the city for now, heading just over an hour south to Comporta. It’s the kind of place where the luxury lies in the silence—the tall trees, wide beaches, and sandy paths that lead to all the right places.
They stayed at Spatia Comporta, in a three-bedroom villa nestled between dunes and pine forest. The space was relaxed but refined—minimal design, natural textures, and just enough room for the whole family to settle in without stepping on each other’s toes. Ideal for families or small groups wanting privacy without isolation.
Their first full day started with a Jeep safari through the Sado Estuary, where they spotted storks and flamingos, passed rice fields, and followed winding marsh trails. Lunch at Ilha do Arroz brought the first true taste of Portugal—grilled tiger prawns, octopus salad, and clam rice, served under a thatched roof with toes in the sand. Fresh, unfussy, and full of flavor.
The next day took them out to sea, with a private boat ride along the Arrábida Coast. It was one of those slow, sunny days—dolphins at the bow, wind in their hair, and that easy kind of joy that stays with you.
Evenings always wrapped up at Sublime Beach Club, where cocktails and tempura bites met ocean views, good music, and the golden hour glow.
COZY Insight:
Comporta is a dream destination for those craving quiet without boredom. Couples find hidden corners of calm, while families have space to roam and reconnect. For a splash of creative flair, Vermelho Hotel—Christian Louboutin’s jewel box—is full of color, art, and personality.
Algarve | 3 Nights
Cliffside mornings, slow lunches, and sea air that stays with you
Next came the drive south to the Algarve, where the coastline turns jagged and the days stretch wide with sun and salt.
They checked into Vila Vita Parc, a cliffside resort that balances full-service ease with warmth and style. Whitewashed buildings, palms swaying in the breeze, and panoramic views over the Atlantic. Great for families with different rhythms—there’s always something for everyone.
The standout experience here was the boat ride to the Benagil Caves. They floated through golden arches and rocky cathedrals while the kids soaked up every minute from the bow. A mix of wonder and stillness.
Afternoons were slow and sun-filled—beach chairs, Vinho Verde, and simple seaside dishes: garlic clams, grilled sardines, and seafood rice rich with flavor and comfort.
Dinner at JNcQUOI Beach Club turned things up with upbeat music, beautifully plated dishes, and a lively crowd that made you want to stay longer. Think lobster rolls with Portuguese flair and cocktails made for golden hour.
COZY Insight:
The Algarve is often seen as a summer playground, but when done right, it’s much more than that. Vila Vita works well for multi-gen trips or couples who want full-service without losing intimacy. For those seeking something smaller and quieter, Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is an art deco gem—romantic, walkable and full of old-world charm.
Douro Valley | 2 Nights
Terraced hills, river mornings, and stories in every sip
After a short flight to Porto, they headed into the Douro Valley—where the pace drops and every curve of the river feels like a painting.
They checked into Octant Douro, a sleek, modern hotel that hugs the riverbank. With wood, glass, and stone throughout, it feels contemporary but rooted. Their suite opened onto a private balcony, the kind of space that invites you to sit quietly for longer than planned.
That afternoon, they boarded a private boat from the hotel dock—just the family, the water and a picnic basket. They jumped in, floated under the sun, and let the stillness do the rest.
The next day was spent exploring the region’s vineyards by car. Every stop came with a view—and a story. Generational wines poured alongside memories, creating a sense of place that went deeper than taste.
Dinner at Calça Curta, a low-key favorite tucked away in a quiet village, brought rustic charm and bold flavors: baked cod, pork cheeks and a chocolate mousse that deserved its own encore.
COZY Insight:
Douro is ideal for travelers who want to go inward. Whether it’s a couple’s retreat or a group of friends wanting something quieter after city life, it offers the kind of grounding most don’t realize they need. For a wellness-forward option, Six Senses Douro Valley pairs deep rest with thoughtful luxury—spa rituals, forest walks and organic everything.
Lisbon | 2 Nights
Golden light, tiled streets, and music in the air
The trip wrapped in Lisbon, a city that holds contrast beautifully. Elegant yet raw, grand yet personal. They stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, where the rooftop gym gave them a panoramic send-off each morning. The rooms were sleek and quiet—a peaceful base in the heart of it all.
One night, they had dinner at Alma—Michelin-starred and rooted in soul. Each dish felt like a celebration of heritage: cured mackerel with fermented pepper, oxtail consommé, and a reimagined pastel de nata that sparked wide-eyed silence across the table.
The next evening was playful: grazing through Time Out Market. Octopus hot dogs, charred piri-piri chicken, artisan cheeses, and glasses of local wine, shared across high-top tables as music played in the background.
They hopped on Tram 28 and let the city unfold—through Alfama and Graca, where balconies bloom with laundry and life. Lisbon moved with charm and rhythm. And on their last night, that rhythm became a celebration. The streets lit up for the Santos Populares festival, and they joined in—dancing under garlands, holding grilled sardines in napkins, and sipping cold beer as music spilled into the air.
COZY Insight:
Lisbon has a way of adjusting to your pace. For a full-service classic, the Four Seasons offers elegance and calm above the city. If you’re looking for spacious rooms and a standout spa, Corinthia Lisbon is a strong pick. And for those who want something smaller, more personal, and design-forward, Valverde Hotel delivers—a boutique gem on Avenida da Liberdade with thoughtful details, warm hospitality, and a quiet courtyard that feels like a secret in the middle of the city.
COZY Takeaway
This trip wasn’t about doing more. It was about creating space for connection, spontaneity and COZY memories. Aanchal’s time in Portugal was a reminder of why we travel at all. Each stop brought a shift in mood and energy but the thread was always the same: presence.
That’s what we design at COZY. Not just itineraries—but experiences with feeling, intention, and flow.
Ready to plan your Portuguese adventure?
Let’s create your version of this story.
