Castelo do Bom Jesús

Description:

• This 18th-century manor-turned-luxury-hotel is the area's best choice; at Bom Jesus, life is more tranquil than in the center of the city. The windows open onto views of Braga. A well-landscaped private park and a large lake with islets, ancestral trees, and tropical flora surround the building. The rooms have great charm; the rooftop unit is the most desirable. Rooms are individually decorated in 18th-century traditional style, with swagged draperies, color-coordinated bedspreads and furnishings, and tasteful accessories. All come with well-maintained bathrooms containing tub/shower combinations. The nuptial chamber was a favorite of Dom Carlos, former king of Portugal, who installed his mistress, an actress, here.

  Live music is presented on weekends. A few yards from the main building is a regional cellar that schedules vintage wine-tasting events on some evenings. Breakfast is served in the Oval Dining Room, frescoed by various artists. With advance notice, lunch or dinner can be served.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010