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David Davidson

Top Resort Hotels in Spain and Portugal: Readers’ Picks for 2025

Portugal has been on a serious roll lately—so much so thatGoTravelDailynamed it Destination of the Year for 2016—due in part to a revitalization of urban centers like Lisbon and Porto. The wine industry in the Douro Valley is also thriving (and bottles are unbelievably reasonable). Moreover, the beaches and charming coastal towns are less known to American travelers than those in France and Italy, yet that’s part of the appeal. The country’s moment in the sun continues with Convento do Espinheiro, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa set in the town of Évora, receiving top honors among resort hotels in Spain and Portugal. Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the top attractions in the Alentejo region, which is experiencing growing popularity for its sweeping landscapes, robust food and wine culture, and rich history. Convento do Espinheiro, housed in a former convent building with vaulted cloisters and expansive grounds, offers a winning combination of atmosphere, setting, and luxury. One respondent lauded it as “one of the most beautiful experiences of my life,” praising its “excellent service, dreamy comfort, extraordinary history,” and restaurant, which “will blow your mind.” Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, respondents share their opinions on travel experiences worldwide—ranking top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were evaluated based on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. The Penha Longa Resort, located in the historic resort town of Sintra, 30 minutes outside Lisbon, secured second place this year. Set in the rolling hills of a 545-acre national park bordering two magnificent beaches, the property features a 27-hole golf course, a 19th-century palace, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The only Spanish property on this year’s list was the Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. This legendary hotel, which opened in 1954 and captivated celebrity beachgoers in the 1960s and 70s, continues to attract a glamorous crowd with its impeccable styling and lush gardens.
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14 Most Stunning Places in Spain to Visit

Spain is one of those countries that’s constantly surprising. It’s a nation that varies dramatically depending on which region you explore. With a plethora of beautiful places to visit in Spain, it is an iconic country that you must experience. From the lush fishing villages in the north to the sun-kissed Mediterranean coastlines, Spain hides many treasures and off-the-beaten-track locations that will amaze you—steering clear of the usual suspects like Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid.
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Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to St. Martin & Sint Maarten’s Island Flavors

Spanning 87 sq km (34 sq miles), this lush, mountainous Caribbean jewel is the world’s smallest landmass split into two nations: the French side, St-Martin, and Dutch side, Sint Maarten. Not only can you discover their twin influences here, but the island also boasts a strong African heritage and is home to residents from 120 different countries. This cultural melange leads to a dizzying array of culinary delights, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
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Essential Activities and Attractions in Split

Located around 200km north of Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian coast, the Croatian city of Split is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor. However, once you’ve wandered Split’s enchanting Roman old town, lingered over a coffee on its sunny waterside promenade, and ventured into its beautiful surrounds, you might find yourself agreeing with the locals (known as Splićani), who describe their city as ‘the most beautiful in the world’.
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Top 6 Must-Experience Special Teams in American Football

All due respect to baseball’s boys of summer, but football might just be America’s pastime. Whether it’s a town turning out to support a high school or college team, or the nation gathering to watch the Super Bowl, no sport is more popular in the US. While the games themselves are the main event, the exhilarating fan culture and rich traditions of the game offer can’t-miss experiences in and of themselves.
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Discover Zambia’s Hidden Safari Gems: Bangweulu and Liuwa

Striking antelopes found nowhere else on earth, the world’s quirkiest bird, Africa’s second biggest wildebeest migration, and the legend of a celebrity lioness. All this is set amid beguiling backdrops of vast golden savannah and a labyrinth of lily-strewn waterways. These rare wildlife safari riches are shared between the remote and largely unvisited Zambian reserves of Bangweulu Wetlands and Liuwa Plain National Park.
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Exploring Kyrgyzstan’s Ancient Walnut Forests

A cool breeze rustles leaves overhead as families call out to one another through the woods, punctuated by the quiet sound of walnuts dropping to the forest floor. These are the forests of Arslanbob, an uncommon landscape in a country more famous for being 90% mountainous. For two months each fall, these forests become the social and economic heart of Arslanbob, as villagers move to the forests en masse.
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Discover the Ancient Wonders of Wild Western Iran

Leave the bright lights and tourist delights of Esfahan and Shiraz far behind to track down astonishing millennia-old relics among the dusty wilds of ancient Persia. From snow-tipped northern crags to scorching southern deserts, you will traverse eroded volcanic plateaus, explore ancient river valleys, and pass under the mournful gaze of long-abandoned castles on this intrepid quest for these far-flung treasures (many of which are UNESCO listed). An Indiana Jones-inspired hat is optional.
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Top Activities in Windsor After the Royal Wedding

The world’s media spotlight was recently on the English riverside town of Windsor and its gargantuan castle, where the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place on Saturday 19th May. On the day itself, the whole town was dominated by the event, with crowds, pageantry, and road closures. However, now the well-wishers have dispersed, Windsor’s charms are back on full and slightly less busy display. They include the grand buildings and rich history, taking in nearby attractions including Eton College, Legoland, and the now-quiet fields where the Magna Carta was signed.
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