SINTRA, PORTUGAL

Sintra is a small village about 20 minutes northwest of Lisbon and has been considered the place to escape by Portugal's higher society. It features small winding steep streets, incredible pastry and tile shops, lush gardens and impressive castles. It was, many years ago, the summer recreation for Portuguese royalty. As a result, those longing to be near royalty chose to build impressive mansions of their own. Lord Byron came to call Sintra a "glorious Eden" and rightfully so! It is lined with exotic plants, ferns, towering palms and greenery.

We stayed in Sintra for Christmas week and LOVED our visit here. Our hotel was in Sintra and was located in a thick forest with an open golf course. The location of our hotel, and its grounds, had once been home to a monastery. The monastery still stands, but is now used for social functions. During a walk around the grounds one afternoon, I discovered many of the ruins once utilized by these monks during the 1600's. The history, the incredible service and great friendships formed here have made Sintra a very special place. If any of you should ever have the opportunity to visit Portugal, be sure to make Sintra.....especially Penha Longa Resort....a priority.

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