Belmond Reid's Palace

Perched majestically on a cliff overlooking the sapphire waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Belmond Reid's Palace is more than a hotel; it is an institution that embodies the golden age of travel. Since its opening in 1891, this…

As you step through the main entrance of Reid's Palace, you are immediately transported to a time when travel was an art form. The lobby is expansive and filled with light, significantly brighter and more modern than it was in…

Perhaps the most iconic experience at Reid's Palace is afternoon tea on the grand terrace. For many travelers, having tea here is considered a 'lifetime achievement,' an essential ritual that connects one to the traditions of the…

Descending from the terrace, you enter the palace's subtropical gardens, a lush botanical paradise that covers the cliffside. These gardens were a personal passion of the Reid family and have been meticulously maintained for over…

At the base of the cliff lies one of the hotel's most engineering-intensive features: the sea-level swimming pools. To reach them, guests can take a dramatic ride in a lift built directly into the rock face. …

Returning to the hotel's interior, we explore the guest accommodations, which are divided between the original building and newer wings. The oldest building is highly prized for its 'unspoiled' sea views and historical character. …

As our tour of Belmond Reid's Palace comes to an end, we are left to contemplate the extraordinary legacy of William Reid. From a humble cabin boy with a five-pound note to the founder of Portugal's most famous hotel, Reid's…