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I moved my family of four to Portugal, and I’m thoroughly enjoying everything about this place. Even though I live in what I feels like a paradise, I am still a Mom of two small children. So, every now and then I need a life hack to keep my sanity.
One of those hacks is my Solo Mom Retreat. It’s my little ritual: every six months or once a year, I book a weekend at a hotel.
No kids. No husband. No one asking me for snacks, help finding a missing shoe, or a very urgent butt-wipe.
Just me, my thoughts, a plan for the year, and a completely unreasonable amount of room service.
I did a similar reset at the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, and this time I wanted something that felt historic, luxurious, and was located in a perfect spot in the city.
Enter The One Palácio da Anunciada, a five-star hotel set inside a restored 16th-century palace right in the heart of Lisbon. I went in expecting a pretty hotel. I left feeling like I’d spent a weekend inside a softer, more glamorous version of myself.
Why I Book Solo Mom Retreats (and Why You Should Too)
Let’s just say this part with our whole chest: moms need time that isn’t “time off” that still somehow includes laundry and logistics. We need real space. The kind where nobody’s narrating their hunger levels every nine minutes.
The kind where your brain can finally finish a thought.
My version of a retreat isn’t a jam-packed itinerary. It’s a weekend of doing absolutely nothing (on purpose) so I can get back to myself.
I book the hotel, I bring a notebook, and I give myself permission to BE LAZY. I vision plan. I set goals.
And yes, I watch trashy TV (with love). This time it was Emily in Paris (because apparently I enjoy yelling “no one wears that to work” at my screen), and then I jumped into Bridgerton and Supacell.
Alone. In silence. Like it’s supposed to be.
It’s self-care, but with no structure. A reset, not a makeover. And The One Palácio da Anunciada was a perfect backdrop for it.
First Impressions: Unassuming Outside, Palace Inside
This hotel is one of those Lisbon surprises—quiet on the outside, dramatic on the inside. You pull up on a beautiful Lisbon street and the facade doesn’t scream “five-star palace.”
It’s elegant and understated, the way old European buildings tend to be when they don’t need to prove anything.
Then you walk in and… okay. It’s a palace. Because it literally used to be one.
The entrance hall makes an immediate statement, with an imposing staircase that feels like it should come with a string quartet and a slow pan shot.
The lobby is bright with natural light, and the whole space has this calm, confident grandeur.
Not “cold museum vibes,” more like “a rich aunt who has her life together and offers you champagne.”
And speaking of champagne: there were drinks and snacks ready as I arrived, which is exactly the kind of detail that tells you you’re in the right place.
Check-in Was Smooth, Calm, and Grown-Woman Luxury
I don’t want to spend my “no one needs me” weekend standing in a line. The check-in process was easy and genuinely relaxing.
I sat down, let my shoulders drop, and felt that familiar decompression moment where your nervous system finally realizes: you are not on duty right now.
The staff were warm and polished, and that set the tone for the whole stay—attentive without hovering. The kind of service that feels like you’re being taken care of, not managed.
The One Palácio da Anunciada: A Historic Palace Turned Luxury Hotel
Part of what makes The One Palácio da Anunciada special is that it’s not trying to look historic—the building is historic.
It’s a beautifully restored 16th-century palace, renovated in a way that preserves its original grandeur while layering in modern comfort and those little five-star details that make your brain go quiet.
You’ll see ornate ceilings, big windows that flood the interior with natural light, and a sense of “old Lisbon” that’s hard to replicate in newer hotels.
And then there’s the garden: an expansive 2,500 m² space that feels like a private green world tucked into the city.
Location: Central Without Feeling Chaotic
The location is one of the biggest reasons I’d recommend this hotel for a Lisbon trip, especially if you’re here for a short stay and want to walk most places.
The One Palácio da Anunciada is just a few meters from Praça dos Restauradores and very close to Avenida da Liberdade—Lisbon’s main artery and one of the most polished, shoppable streets in the city.
The palace walls and the gardens create this buffer between you and the city. It’s peaceful without being isolated, which is exactly what I want for a retreat.
I want the option to roam, but I also want to come back to silence.
My Room: I Booked Deluxe and It Was the Right Call
I chose a Deluxe room because I didn’t want the smallest category. I wasn’t trying to ball out with the largest suite either (although I’m not above that).
I wanted “middle of the road” in theory—spacious, comfortable, and still luxurious.
In reality, it felt huge. The room had that refined, calming design that luxury hotels do well: neutral tones, plush bedding, and a layout that doesn’t make you do mental gymnastics to find an outlet.
And the bathroom. Listen. The shower could’ve fit four or five people.
It was massive.
That first afternoon, I did exactly what I came to do: nothing. I laid down, and watched TV until my brain stopped buzzing.
Room Service + Turn-Down: Mom Peace in Its Purest Form
Room service was a key character in this weekend. I ordered in, ate slowly, and watched my shows in peace. The menu had healthy options (not just “sad Caesar salad” energy), and everything arrived quickly.
This was breakfast. It was a better picture than my dinner.
Turn-down service came with snacks, which sounds like a small thing until you’re the person who normally hands snacks to everyone else.
Day one was mostly decompression. The kind you can’t rush. By the end of the night, I felt my mind start to open up again—the way it does when it’s not being pulled in ten directions.
Exploring the Property: The Details Make It Feel Alive
On day two, I got up and actually explored the hotel. The One Palácio da Anunciada does a great job of honoring its past without freezing it in time.
There are photos and references throughout showing what the palace used to look like, along with before-and-after restoration elements that make you appreciate the work that went into it.
I checked out the spa and gym (open 24 hours, well-equipped), wandered by the meeting and event rooms (which are large, bright, and ornate—hand-painted fresco ceilings included), and spent time soaking in the atmosphere of the shared spaces.
O Jardim Wine Bar + Welcome Drink Perk (H10 Loyalty)
Upstairs, there’s a beautiful wine bar space, and it was one of my favorite parts of the hotel.
As an H10 loyalty member, you get a free welcome drink—cocktail or wine. I got a cocktail with GOLD! The waitress said it was her favorite.
O Jardim Wine Bar serves tapas and petiscos alongside Portuguese wines and cocktails. The space itself is chic but not stiff, with an elegant circular bar and direct access to the garden.
The Spa: Small, Intimate, and Exactly What I Needed
I saved the spa for Sunday, which is my favorite strategy: end the retreat with something that seals the calm into your body before you go back to real life.
The Despacio Spa is not enormous, and that’s part of the charm. It’s intimate and beautifully designed, with an indoor hydrotherapy pool filled with natural light.
The vibe is quiet and restorative, not “crowded wellness maze.”
When I arrived, I walked into what felt like my own changing room area.
There are lockers, but because of how they schedule treatments, there wasn’t a ton of overlap.
I couldn’t get my locker to close (very on brand for me), and the staff member told me not to worry—he’d simply close the entire locker room behind me because nobody else was there.
That’s one of the underrated perks of traveling in January. Off-season luxury.
The Sauna + Pool Ritual (and the Surprise of It Being Complimentary)
I did a 40-minute sauna and pool ritual, expecting it to be an extra charge. It turned out to be complimentary as part of the stay!
The spa uses Natura Bissé products (a brand that’s been recognized multiple times as “World’s Best Spa Brand”), plus locally sourced essential oils in treatments.
Even if you don’t book a full massage, the overall wellness experience feels thoughtfully executed.
The Gardens + Outdoor Pool: A Summer Dream in the City
I visited in winter, so the outdoor pool wasn’t the center of attention, but I could absolutely imagine how perfect it would be in summer.
The pool sits in the palace gardens, surrounded by greenery with Balinese daybeds and seasonal pool bar service for guests.
And because it’s in the city center, you still get that uniquely Lisbon feeling: you’re not at a remote resort. You’re in town. You can go walk, shop, explore, and then come back to this green, private calm.
Art + Sustainability: The Hotel Has a Point of View
One of the things I genuinely appreciated is that The One Palácio da Anunciada doesn’t treat luxury as separate from culture or responsibility.
There’s an in-house Art Gallery that hosts rotating monthly exhibitions featuring Portuguese artists, which gives the hotel a sense of place beyond “pretty decor.”
I loved wandering through that space; it made the property feel alive and connected to Lisbon’s creative pulse.
The hotel is also Biosphere Certified, part of a broader commitment to sustainability through H10 Hotels’ Stay Green program. One highlight is their urban garden, where seasonal herbs and vegetables are grown on-site to supply the restaurants.
Amenities That Matter (Especially if You’re Traveling Smart)
This is the kind of hotel that’s obviously set up for comfort, but it also covers the practical stuff really well.
The concierge team are Les Clefs d’Or (the Golden Keys), which basically means you’re dealing with people who can actually help you plan and book and troubleshoot like professionals, not just point at a brochure.
There’s private parking with valet service and limousine transfers available, plus electric vehicle charging stations, including Tesla chargers.
If you’re road-tripping around Portugal, that matters more than you’d think—especially if you’re coming back into Lisbon and don’t want to play “find a parking spot” like it’s an extreme sport.
It’s also pet-friendly for dogs up to 30 kg (for an additional fee), which I love seeing because people do travel with their pets here in Europe way more than back in the States.
Wi-Fi was strong throughout my stay, and there’s a business corner for printing or basic needs. I didn’t do “work” on this weekend (hard boundary).
How to Get Around Lisbon from This Hotel
Because you’re so close to Avenida da Liberdade and Praça dos Restauradores, getting around is easy.
Walking is genuinely the best way to experience Lisbon if you’re able, but bring shoes you trust because the sidewalks can be slick when it rains and the hills are not here to play.
From this area, you can walk into Baixa for classic sightseeing, head toward Chiado for shopping and cafes, or go up toward Príncipe Real if you want a neighborhood that feels stylish and local.
Rideshares and taxis are plentiful, and the concierge can help if you want a more curated plan.
If Lisbon is part of a bigger Portugal itinerary and you want to drive outside the city—Sintra, Cascais, Comporta, the Alentejo—renting a car can make things much easier.
I recommend checking rates on Discover Cars so you can compare companies and find something that fits your itinerary.
I don’t have a car in Lisbon, so I use Discover Cars to rent a car for our day trips throughout Portugal. It makes it super easy to find the top rated rental company, which is usually how I choose.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend The One Palácio da Anunciada?
Yes. I’d absolutely recommend The One Palácio da Anunciada, especially for a solo traveler, a mom who needs a real break, or anyone who wants to experience Lisbon in a place that feels both central and peaceful.
It’s luxurious in a grounded way. The building’s history is real and visible, the gardens are a genuine oasis, the spa is calm and intimate, and the service is consistent without being overbearing.
It’s also one of those hotels that makes staying in feel like part of the trip. You don’t feel like you’re hiding from Lisbon—you feel like you’re resting inside it, in a quieter layer of the city.
If you’re planning a Lisbon trip and you want a hotel that feels special, but still comfortable and human, this one is a winner.
And if you’re a mom reading this, take this as your sign. Book the weekend. Order room service. Watch your shows. Make your plans. Be unavailable. The world will survive, and you’ll come back to it feeling like yourself again.
Portugal Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Portugal?
It is strongly recommended. Non residents do not automatically receive free public healthcare, although private healthcare is available. Travel insurance covers emergencies, delays, and medical visits. If you require a Schengen visa, insurance is mandatory. Visitors Coverage is a highly trusted and recommended choice.
💳 Will my debit card or credit card work in Portugal, and do I need cash?
Most major credit and debit cards work in Portugal, including Visa, Mastercard, and many travel cards from US and UK banks. Some smaller cafés, markets, and rural spots still prefer cash, so carry a little on hand. To avoid foreign transaction fees, cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve are excellent options. For ATM withdrawals and currency exchange, use a Wise card. Wise usually provides better exchange rates than traditional banks and is widely accepted at Portuguese ATMs and anywhere debit and credit cards are accepted.
📲 Will my phone work in Portugal?
Many major carriers offer roaming plans, but costs vary. For affordable data, purchase a local SIM from Vodafone or MEO or use an eSIM like Airalo. Public wifi exists but is not always reliable, so a local data plan is ideal.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Portugal?
Yes. Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Portugal. Roads are well maintained. Expect toll highways and narrow streets in older villages. Automatic cars are limited, so book early. I recommend using Discover Cars to find the most reputable rental car company. Just filter for the company with the best reviews.
💧 Can you drink tap water in Portugal?
Yes. Tap water is safe throughout Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and most populated regions. In remote rural areas water systems may vary, so check locally if you are unsure. Many visitors prefer a filtered bottle because the mineral taste can be stronger in some areas, though generally safe.
🏩 Best way to book accommodations in Portugal
I use Booking.com and Agoda for hotels. For unforgettable, luxury stays, I highly recommend Plum Guide for your stay. VRBO also works incredibly well.
✈️ Best site to search for flights to Portugal
Skyscanner and Google Flights provide reliable fare tracking for Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Prices vary significantly by season, with summer being the highest.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Portugal?
US, UK, and most EU passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist stays within the 90-day Schengen limit. Stays longer than 90 days require a visa arranged before arrival.
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The 13 Best Luxury Wellness Retreats in Portugal
The Best Luxury Hotels in Comporta
Luxury Mom’s Retreat in Lisbon
Luxury Car Rentals in Portugal
