"Santa Clara 1728 is set within an 18th-century palace that’s now the impeccably designed home of hotelier João Rodrigues, whose family occupies the top two floors. Downstairs are six suites, where guests can enjoy spa-like serenity thanks to the minimalist design of famed Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus. High-end linens make you want to stay in bed awhile, though there’s no air conditioning, so throw open those windows and listen for the market vendors in the square below. Guests are invited to dine at Ceia, a nine-course meal at the hotel’s communal table, Wednesdays to Saturdays." - Laura Dannen Redman