Staying here, getting lost on the way to the courtyards, terrace, and kitchen, I really felt like a princess in a palace. The epitome of luxury, Palácio Belmonte has been home to people like Jeremy Irons, Christian Louboutin, and countless international aristocrats. I say "home" because you really do feel at home here. The ecologist and artist owners, Frederic Coustouls and Maria Mendonça have perfected every detail in this palace, built into the ancient Roman and Moorish walls (dating back to 198 BC!), directly across from the castle and dating back to 1449. From the art on the walls (some of it Maria's own), to the beautifully restored azulejos and the charm and luxury of every room, there really is no place in the world like Palácio Belmonte. Whether you're listening to the birds singing in the garden while chatting with Maria, or having a cocktail while reading in the beautiful library, Palácio Belmonte immediately just feels like home.
