SINTRA, PORTUGAL -- 08/18/2005 -- One of Portugal's earliest cloistered
communities, tracing its heritage to the 1300s, is the transformed
setting for The Penha Longa
Spa & Golf Resort in the wooded countryside surrounding
Sintra. Now managed by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., and
owned by Deutsche Bank, the Estoril coast destination resort recently
completed a $25 million renovation. Among the special features added
is a 16,000-square-foot Six Senses Spa housed in the original convent
on the Palace grounds, and featuring an Asian-themed treatment garden.
Set amidst the 545-acre National Park in the southern Sintra Mountains
is 15 miles from Lisbon or a 30-minute drive from the Lisbon Lisboa
airport. The Penha Longa Spa & Golf Resort reflects the historic
characteristics of Sintra, designated as a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO. Originally settled around 1355 by Vasco Martins, a young
disciple of the Hieronymus religious community, the Penha Longa
name translates into "long rock." An iconic place on the
estate, the ancient rock is topped by a simple large cross, visible
from the wooded trails and architectural sites. For hundreds of
years, Penha Longa served as a summer retreat for the Portuguese
Royal family, where they hosted visiting dignitaries. To this day,
the remains of The Papal Gardens and The Garden of Saint Goncalo
offer visitors sites for meditation and reflection.
One of Portugal’s earliest cloistered communities, tracing
its heritage to the 1300’s, is the transformed setting for
The Penha Longa Spa & Golf Resort in the wooded countryside
surrounding Sintra. Now managed by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company,
L.L.C., and owned by Deutsche Bank, the Estoril coast destination
resort recently completed a $25 million renovation.The $25 million
renovation at The Penha Longa Spa & Golf Resort has restored
the beauty of the original structures, while adding the conveniences
and amenities today's leisure traveler, incentive/meetings customer,
or business client requires. In the stately lobby, an oversized
patterned carpet from Arraiolos in Portugal's Alentejo region suggests
a "sense of place." A cast iron, medieval-style chandelier
casts a soft glow over the Portuguese marble floors leading to an
ornate staircase. The Lobby's upper level is distinguished by the
addition of latticework screens, replicating the windows of the
original Penha Longa monastery.
Portugal is renowned for its fine port, and the RC Bar has been
redesigned as an intimate space for sampling a variety of 60 vintages
before the inviting wood burning fireplace. Plush furnishings in
shades of red and gold, and rich wall paneling provide a setting
for comfort and conversation. Next door a cozy room with windows
overlooking the estate is an ideal quiet place to sip tea and taste
sweet savories.
The 177-guest rooms and suites at The Penha Longa Spa & Golf
Resort have been completely refurbished and modernized. The Mediterranean
style, pink hued main building offers terraces and porches with
every room, affording views of the verdant gardens and sloping golf
course greens. Although color schemes vary, all rooms are decorated
in natural, soothing earth tones, accented by contemporary Portuguese
art. The oversized beds are covered in San Pedro linens of 300 thread
count caliber. State of the art technology is available with flat
screen televisions and wireless Internet access.
Dining and Recreational Features
Dining options at The Penha Longa Spa & Golf Resort reflect
the unique tradition of the long ago religious community. This includes
Midori, a Japanese restaurant inspired by the visit to the monastery
in the 1500s of four young princes converted to Christianity by
visiting Jesuit missionaries. The menu at Midori includes all varieties
of sushi and sashimi, an extensive collection of sake, and grilled
meats and fish.
The three-meal-a-day AssaMassa derives its name from the ancient
mill at Penha Longa, where local families used the large stone oven
to bake their dough. Today, the breads are still baked in a stone
oven, preserving the artisan grain flavorings and textures. Chef
David Serus describes the culinary style as "tradition and
discovery." While the menu changes with the regional specialties
of the season, the AssaMassa dining experience is rooted in Portuguese
heritage. A large terrace is available for al fresco dining overlooking
the Palace grounds.
As part of the $25 million renovation, The Penha Longa Spa &
Golf Resort has added The Serra Restaurant, a casual, dining spot
open during the summer months. Offering burgers, kebabs and other
"live grill" items, it offers a relaxed grotto-like setting
by the tree shaded swimming pool.
Two Robert Trent Jones designed golf courses, the 18 and 9 holes,
have been improved and enhanced to create a world-class recreational
attraction. A fleet of luxurious golf carts, which can be equipped
with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, make playing the
course -- a past site of The Portugal Open -- a challenge and a
pleasure. The comfortable Club House is a post-game gathering place
for conversation and refreshments. The nearby Country Club at Penha
Longa features bicycle rentals, tennis and squash courts, and horseback
riding.
At the new Six Senses Spa, an atmosphere of tranquility and
contemplation is achieved through holistic treatments. The Spa offers
two dry and two wet treatment rooms, a pair of Thai massage salas
and a deluxe Couples Suite. Within the quiet outdoor setting of
the original Ladies Garden is a Jacuzzi, plunge and wading pool,
waterfall, and a platform over the pool for T'ai Chi and Yoga.
The menu of spa treatments and services is creative. Reflecting
the early religious heritage of the Penha Longa region, Six Senses
Spa offers The "Hieronymite" Nourishing Experience. Inspired
by the Hieronymite Monastic Order, the three-hour treatment begins
with a gentle Jojoba Bead Exfoliation to polish and oxygenate the
skin. The body is then cocooned in a mask rich in French pink clay,
herbal tonics and plant essences for firming and conditioning. Lymphatic
circulation is enhanced by Sodashi signature body and face massage.
Spa therapists call the experience "a rebalancing of the mind,
body and spirit."
Palatial Meeting Settings
Whatever the reason for a meeting, incentive trip or special event,
The Penha Longa Spa & Golf Resort provides exceptional service
in a setting of unique history and design. In addition to meeting
rooms within the main building, the resort's Moorish inspired Palace
houses several centuries-old buildings, modernized to accommodate
any function, from a formal wedding to an al fresco cocktail reception
in a quiet courtyard. The former royal stables have been converted
into Viscondessa I, II, and III. Ranging in size from 2,200 square
feet to a very intimate 450 square feet, the rooms are directly
accessible from the courtyard and share a common reception area.
Also on the grounds at Penha Longa, within the Palace complex is
a Roman Catholic Church with origins to the 14th century, later
restored after the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Tapestries and artwork,
along with ornately carved statuary and altars, are rich reminders
of the cloistered heritage. Small groups can arrange a visit to
the church to enjoy a candlelit concert of age-old chants by monks
from Sintra. The Church is surrounded by an eclectic group of meeting
space, including "Nobre," with high ceilings, an impressive
fireplace, and museum quality wall mural. Banquets for as many as
80 guests can be hosted in the grandly appointed room.
Other venues in the Palace include "Arcos," the original
dining room. The painted ceilings and arched windows of the 600-square-foot
Arabe (Arabic or Moorish) room provides an exotic setting for small
banquets. In the "Armas" room, guests enjoy the atmosphere
of what was once an old weapons room, with antique dining table
and massive fireplace for added atmosphere and ambience.
In the "Coroa" (crown), the restoration efforts at Penha
Longa have transformed what were once the sleeping rooms for the
Portuguese Royal Family into a 7,500-square-foot ballroom with a
grand staircase. Able to host as many as 500 dinner guests, "Coroa"
is a majestic space, which blends original design with the latest
technology, including a built-in sound system and reinforced floors
strong enough to showcase new car launches.
Nearby Attractions
One of the many assets of The Penha Longa Spa & Golf Resort
is its proximity to Lisbon and other recreational and historic areas
for individual visits or off-site group events. In addition to nearby
seashore resorts, the town of Sintra is renowned for the Castelo
dos Mouros, constructed by the Moors in the 8th century. Located
on two peaks of the Serra de Sintra, and surrounded by walls and
turrets, the castle is a landmark of the region. A Gran Prix track
at Estoril attracts racing buffs, and for a taste of authentic local
color, The Fair of Sao Pedro takes place on the second and fourth
Sunday of every month. The Penha Longa Spa & Golf Resort offers
a variety of room packages for visitors. For reservations, or more
information, contact reservations 1-800-241-3333, your travel consultant
or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.
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