More than just a resort, Sheraton Cascais is an award-winning five-star retreat set in the charming seaside town of Cascais, on Lisbon’s spectacular Atlantic coastline. Known as the heart of the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais pairs golden beaches and elegant coastal charm, all within easy reach of Lisbon International Airport.
Tucked within Quinta da Marinha, one of Cascais’ most exclusive neighbourhoods, and surrounded by serene natural beauty, the resort offers a superb range of accommodation, ranging from elegant deluxe rooms, to expansive four-bedroom suites, spanning 45 to 200 square metres. Dining is equally compelling, with options including the stylish Glass Terrace, Yakuza Cascais, and the laid-back Flow Pool Bar, while relaxation reaches new heights at Serenity – The Art of Well Being spa. There is also a large Active by Serenity gym.
The drive from central Cascais to the resort takes around 10-15 minutes, the pretty route winds through polished residential streets lined with manicured gardens and whitewashed villas, setting the tone beautifully. Arrival is exciting; a cobbled driveway leads to a grand atrium-style lobby with towering wooden columns and sparkling chandeliers. Through floor-to-ceiling windows, you can see the resort’s beautiful gardens and outdoor swimming pool. Check-in was warm and seamless, with staff offering a friendly welcome and a guided tour to help me quickly settle in and explore the property.
Treats abound
Spacious and contemporary, the rooms and suites strike a perfect balance between comfort and practicality. Each comes equipped with a kitchenette or full kitchen, which is perfect for longer stays. Bathrooms, finished in sleek black marble, feature bath products from Gilchrist & Soames’ Warm Oak range. I stayed in a premium deluxe suite, which felt wonderfully airy, with a private balcony overlooking the gardens. Upon arrival, the staff welcomed me with afternoon tea – a cake stand adorned with delicious treats, along with a bottle of sparkling wine, it was such a thoughtful surprise. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, and the room was completely silent at night, inviting a perfect night’s sleep.
The Glass Terrace serves as the resort’s main restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a bright, spacious setting that extends onto an outdoor terrace during the summer months. Breakfast is particularly impressive, with an extensive hot and cold buffet catering to every taste. Lunch and dinner menus showcase a mix of Portuguese favourites and international dishes, ensuring plenty of variety. Additionally, there is Yakuza Cascais for Japanese-Mediterranean fusion, a casual Flow Pool Bar for light bites, and The Living Room lobby bar for snacks and cocktails.
Dreamy experience
I was especially pleased to discover that the award-winning Serenity – The Art of Well Being is located onsite. Having experienced other Serenity spas before, expectations were high – and fully met. My Spring Awakening treatment with Sofia was really relaxing, it started with a refreshing foot scrub, followed by a soothing full-body massage, and by the end, I was in a dream-like state. Beyond the treatment rooms, the spa features a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy circuit, and tranquil relaxation areas. Although I did not have time to try them, Serenity has recently introduced intravenous (IV) therapies, designed to deliver vitamins and nutrients directly into the bloodstream. The Travel Ready drip, packed with vitamin C and B complex, is firmly on my list for next time.
Overall, the resort offers a fantastic experience, perfectly suited to both leisure and business travellers. Its excellent onsite amenities ensure that every guest feels entertained and well looked after, while families can make the most of a wide range of activities and the Brave Kids’ Club. I had a wonderful stay and was impressed by how warm and welcoming all the staff were. It is also an ideal base for discovering the beauty of the Cascais area.
Total attention to detail
During my stay, I sat down with Manuel Machado Carneiro, General Manager of Sheraton Cascais Resort, to discuss the property’s unique appeal, evolving luxury travel trends, and what continues to set the resort apart.
How have guest expectations evolved over the years and how does Sheraton Cascais address these requirements?
Guests increasingly value personal contact and place a strong emphasis on experiences connected to their stay but not limited to the room itself. They are looking for curated activities, a connection with the destination, and opportunities to enjoy time with family and create lasting memories. The focus has shifted from simply ‘where to sleep’ to ‘how to live the destination’. At Sheraton Cascais, we respond to these expectations by connecting three core pillars that define our identity: a strong link to nature, a focus on health and well-being, and a family-oriented environment. We aim to offer experiences that reflect these values, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the surroundings while feeling supported by a genuine and attentive team.
What small, unnoticed details make the biggest difference in a guest’s stay?
The small details that make the greatest difference are often rooted in personal contact. In an increasingly digital world, human interaction has become a key differentiator. Guests truly value feeling welcomed, recognised, and at ease, almost as if they were at home. At Sheraton Cascais, we are fortunate to have many returning guests who become familiar with our team, creating a sense of trust and belonging. This ongoing connection allows us to better understand their preferences and continuously improve their experience. Ultimately, it is this sense of familiarity, care, and genuine human connection that transforms a stay into a warm and memorable experience.
Cascais has a strong identity as both a historic seaside town and a modern destination. How does the resort reflect this?
The Sheraton Cascais Resort positions itself as a refined retreat that harmoniously combines the serenity of nature with the sophistication of a contemporary destination. This character is reflected across several dimensions. In terms of architecture and environment, the resort is set within a unique natural landscape, surrounded by lush gardens that promote tranquillity, while evoking the timeless beauty of the Cascais coastline. Simultaneously, its facilities, are defined by contemporary design and advanced infrastructure that cater to the expectations of the modern traveller. Regarding the convergence of offerings, the resort presents a balanced value proposition that integrates traditional leisure with current lifestyle trends. In its connection to the community, the resort fosters meaningful ties with the local community, while upholding the standards of excellence associated with a global brand such as Sheraton. It provides the classic experience of a luxury resort, well suited to families and events, while also distinguishing itself through the integration of longevity and wellness services.
What is next for Sheraton Cascais?
Throughout the summer, we will introduce a dedicated programme centred on wellness lifestyle and family-oriented activities. Within this framework, we are also creating a stronger connection to the local community by organising markets and workshops in collaboration with local specialists. From the end of this year, we plan to organise retreats focused on rejuvenation and longevity. Overall, we are looking to strengthen our identity as a health and wellbeing destination, reinforce our family-oriented positioning, and continue to stand out as a property with unique characteristics for both the corporate segment and social events.
Further information
sheratoncascaisresort.com
About the author
Born in Hong Kong and based in London, Sarah Highfield is a travel and lifestyle writer. Follow her travels on Instagram: @SarahHighfield. Check out Sarah’s piece on her trip to Lisbon here
