Sunbeams Kiss the Sea

Sunbeams Kiss the Sea: Viana do Castelo

This sprawling villa was designed with the coastal view in mind – and with three sun-kissed terraces to choose from, you'll have plenty of spots to revel in the scenery. Begin the morning with a refreshing swim in the private pool, then sprawl out on lounge chairs for a snooze in the afternoon rays. Sunsets here are simply sublime, and we think the best place to appreciate them is the roof terrace. As the day draws to a close, gaze out at the Atlantic Ocean shimmering on the horizon – a glass of Vinho Verde in hand.

Inside, the glossy kitchen has everything you'll need to rustle up a feast – although we think the outdoor kitchen and alfresco dining space will be hard to resist. Your hosts have thought of everything here, from a ping-pong table downstairs to a food lift ready to cart your meals from one floor to the next. You can lounge about on the sofa with a book from the host's collection, play a board game around the table or retreat to the four cosy bedrooms for a good night's sleep.

When you're ready to venture out, Moledo's expansive beach is only a few kilometres away. A hotspot for surfing, you'll love dipping your toes in the Atlantic and feeling the sand between your toes. Your host can also arrange various tours, wine-tasting experiences and private chefs specialising in traditional Portuguese dishes to make your stay here extra special.

Home truths:
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for little ones on request
*The pool is only available to use between April and October – check with your host for specific dates
*Although this home is split over three levels with no internal lift, there are ground-floor bedrooms and bathrooms here for those with limited mobility
*The fourth bathroom is accessed on the terrace – there's an outdoor shower and a separate WC
*To make the most of the location, we suggest renting a car – there's private parking on-site
*You'll have 24/7 access to a member of the host's team for any questions or concerns
*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace if you need to catch up on work