H2otel

A curving path flanked by alpine plants leads to the H2otel, a dramatically modern mountain lodge with a geometric, zigzaging roof. Inside the vast, light-filled lobby, the wood and stone reception desk sits under a delicate chandelier of icicle-like crystals. The double-height ceiling and massive granite walls shelter several seating areas with bright red carpets, red-patterned wingback chairs, and low dark-wood tables by a fireplace. A shop off the lobby sells paintings and other products of local artists and crafters, but it's the outside views framed through the wall-spanning, steel-framed windows that command attention. Other common spaces are enhanced by natural materials and pops of bright yellow. Both Alchemy Restaurant and the Lounge H2o Bar incorporate natural stone in their decor with the bar featuring a dramatic red-walls, red-plaid chairs, and accent lamps. The guest book here is heavily Portuguese as the hotel sits in the nation's premier natural park, but it's sprinkled with international travelers. Regardless of nationality, the property draws couples, families, and business conference attendees who seek a beautiful, natural asylum for exercise, spa treatments, or drinks and reading on the many terraces. 

Poised on the southwest slope of the Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in continental Portugal, the H2otel is rich in natural offerings just outside its doors, but remote from cultural and urban diversions. The Vodafone Ski Resort is a 10-minute drive away. The village of Covilha is the closest substantial town and a 24-minute car ride. The historic town of Belmonte is 34 minutes by car, and Sortelha, another historic village, is a 50-minute drive. It's two hours and 34 minutes by car to Lisbon Portela Airport. 

Guests entering the rooms at the H2otel will find a vibrant orange-and-chocolate-brown color scheme reminiscent of the Hermés luxury brand in the walls, leather headboards, dark-wood furnishings, and throw pillows. Since the hotel rooms are elevated on pylons, views, even from the lower floors, take in the foothills and meadows. Smaller rooms have armchairs by the window; larger rooms have patterned fabric sofas. Fixtures are modern with polished chrome door handles or white drum shades dressed up with orange ribbon. Off-white area rugs and beige draperies soften the look. Junior Suites have either double or twin beds. Bigger rooms have king-size beds. Most of the rooms have terraces with sturdy chairs or loungers. All rooms have minibars, bathrobes, safes, flat-screen LCD TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms are granite-walled with modern chrome fixtures, porcelain sinks, bidets, magnifying mirrors, upscale aromatherapy toiletries, and shower/tub combos. Executive Suites have a soaking tub on a raised platform, and two Executive Suits have whirlpools on the terrace.

There are four spas at H2otel's sci-fi sounding "Aquadome," each offering an astonishing array of options, including physical and respiratory therapy, nutrition counseling, and classic beauty treatments. Sauna, steam rooms, whirlpools, indoor and outdoor pools, and thermal waters are among the aquatic choices; even the gym, a narrow space with weightlifting and cardio equipment, has a view of a pool. For guests that prefer breaking a sweat in the outdoors, H2otel offers a variety of cycling programs, including group excursions, trips traversing rugged terrain, or destination-based trips, but guests pay a fee to rent the bicycles. There are also shooting expeditions and Jeep tours, for a fee. Companies seeking group outings will find packages and programs here. There are conference rooms and banquet rooms for weddings and parties. The on-site clubby bar serves drinks either on cushy lounge seating or out on the terrace. The upscale Alquimia restaurant has a focus on local cuisine and lighter vegetarian fare, befitting the spa atmosphere. A little cafe is also on-site serving light bites and snacks. Breakfast is included in the room rates, and room service is 24-hours. 

Families will find a comprehensive kids' camp and various diversions, such as a video-game room and a ping-pong table. Children age five and under stay free at this hotel. Guests age six to twelve pay fifty percent less than their accompanying adult. With limited cultural and non-athletic events in the area, the hotel hosts theme events for evening downtime such as dress-up Halloween parties and movie night for adults.