48 Hours in Lisbon: A Poetic Stay at the Four Seasons Ritz

On The Journal

Marble mornings, almond croissants, and the quiet beauty of a grand hotel.

Lisbon welcomed us with golden light and a breeze that carried a faint scent of salt and stone. Tucked above Eduardo VII Park, the Four Seasons Ritz Carlton rises with understated grace, ot flashy, but timeless. The doormen greet you like they’ve been waiting all day, and as the glass doors part, the hush of polished marble and soft orchids replaces the hum of the city.

The view from our room unfurled like a painting: the terraced park below, the red rooftops tumbling toward the river, and the skyline crowned by sun-warmed domes.

This isn’t a trendy hotel. It’s a grande dame, elegant and assured, wrapped in mid-century soul. The interiors pay tribute to Portugal’s past without losing their modern cool. Murals by Almada Negreiros line the walls, chandeliers float above rich floral arrangements, and every hallway feels like a curated gallery.

Late afternoon, we wandered into Eduardo VII Park , just outside the hotel, where locals walk their dogs and rose gardens bloom beneath wide stone steps. It’s an easy stroll down to Chiado, but we lingered.

Day One: Design, Walks, and Wine

Dinner was at Forno d’Oro, a short ride away. Not fancy, but perfect. Possibly the best pizza outside Naples, served with Portuguese bold reds and a warmth only locals can offer.

Day Two: Rituals & Rooftops

We began with a decadent breakfast buffet: fresh-pressed orange juice, buttery croissants, espresso so rich it felt like silk. Breakfast is an experience here, whether taken on the terrace or in bed wrapped in thick linen robes.

Downstairs, the spa and wellness floor offers a sanctuary few know exists. An indoor pool glows quietly beneath arched windows, while the outdoor terrace offers loungers and skyline views. There’s a running track that loops the rooftop — panoramic Lisbon unfolding with each lap.

In the spa, I fell for the Oliflora products — soft Provençal scents of fig and almond, wildflowers, and something nostalgic I couldn’t name. After a steam and sauna, I opened my fortune cookie (yes, the spa leaves you a message) and smiled: “Sometimes, slowing down is the only way forward.”

Final Thoughts

The Four Seasons Ritz isn’t about trend or buzz. It’s about ease. Everything is quiet, intentional, and dignified. You don’t just check in, you melt into it. It’s the kind of place that remembers your name, your favorite pastry, and how you take your coffee.

Would I return? In a heartbeat.
But next time, I’ll stay longer.

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Disclaimer: I stayed with the Four Seasons Resort in Lisbon as a guest, for the purposes of exclusive content creation. All opinions and photos remain my own.

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