Praia do Canal Nature Retreat

Five hundred acres of protected woodland on Portugal's Vicentine Coast, and the architects still kept things austere, which takes a certain confidence. This modernist luxury retreat earns its calm: rooms lean minimalist until warm textiles and local crafts pull them back, most look out over the nature reserve, and some add terraces or plunge pools. The infinity pool is a serious distraction, the spa is extensive, and surfers and golfers both find reasons to stay an extra night.