I am currently in the process of planning a little weekend getaway with one of my best girlfriends as sort of a last hurrah before she gets married (NOT that she will be BORING once she is- but we’ll take any reason to go on vacation!) While its not exactly in our budget, we both agree that the amazing Ritz Carlton Penha Longa Hotel and Resort in Portugal would be our ideal vacation. SERIOUSLY. It is a true drop dead AMAZING destination. Who knew Portugal was such a great place?

The resort is located on a beautiful site in the mountains- think lush forests, rolling hills and warm sunshine. It is a 500+ year old estate that was originally built as a monastery and was then converted to a retreat for the Royal Family in the 16th and 17th century- and the architecture of the hotel certainly reflects both pasts.

Obviously somewhere in the recent past it was converted- in all its glory- to the grand resort it is today. A perfect blend of old and new.

But the appeal extends even past the resort. The city Sintra, is a World Heritage site because of its beautiful Romantic Architecture- meaning there are REAL CASTLES to explore!

Did I forget to mention its on the ocean?