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HOW TO GET THERE The Tivoli Palácio de Seteais is a 40-minute transfer from Lisbon by taxi or hire car

CONTACT Tivoli Palácio de Setais Tel: +351 219 233 200 Email: reservas.hps@tivolihotels.com www.tivolihotels.com

Sintra has long revelled in a reputation as an idyllic love-bird retreat, just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon and edged by beautiful, sheltered rocky coves. Stroll charming narrow streets, enjoy an enchanting journey through the town’s historic centre in a horse-drawn carriage or picnic in the sweet-smelling gardens of Monserrate and the stunning park of Palácio da Pena. Described by Lord Byron as “Glorious Eden”, Sintra’s charms have been praised by writers ever since. Portugal’s national poet, Luís Vaz de Camões, proclaimed Sintra’s glory in his epic works Os Lusíadas (The Lusiads), drawing nobility and aristocrats to its historic architecture and lush flowers. Today, visitors keen to treat their loved ones like royalty should consider a romantic weekend in Sintra’s handsome Tivoli Palácio de Seteais (Palace of the Seven Sighs), a distinguished late 18th-century castle built by the then Dutch Consul. If your idea of romance is to be joyously cocooned in cosseted luxury, then the Palacio de Seteais is your Shangri-la. Named in honour of a 12th century love story centred on an Arabian princess, the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais enjoys seductive seclusion in a quintessentially romantic niche amidst Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance art.

Expect opulent grandeur, tasteful dignity and every modern comfort in this perfect place for couples where romantic period elegance reigns. As befits its true neo-classical glamour, the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais is beautifully refined with lots of special touches for the romantic at heart. An impressive triumphal arch commemorates a royal visit while striking interiors are sumptuously appointed with fine antiques, tapestry, chandeliers and art. Marvel at fresco paintings, flowing drapes, polished woods, dazzling crystal, pewter, gilded motifs and towering floral displays. Lush, green gardens tumble down to a beautiful pool in a blissful romantic scene shielded by an exotic array of colourful pink and purple bougainvillea over garden trelliswork, red geraniums, eucalyptus, lemon trees and sweet mimosa. Choose from one of 30 rooms, each individually furnished in Baroque style with Champagne, heart-shaped pastries and hand-tied posies of romantic camellias on request.

The perfectly manicured grounds of the Palácio de Seteais, Sintra.