The rich history and art of Northern Portugal’s Minho Province is encapsulated in the new Santa Luzia ArtHotel, located in the 9th-century town of Guimarães. Originally a manor house, the historic 19th-century building was refitted as luxury lodging by a team of architects from Gabinete Cerejeira Fontes and awarded the ArchDaily International Prize for Best Religious Building of 2011. The modern-meets-traditional décor celebrates local materials including stone and wood; while interior decorator Teresa Mendanha blended details of neutral tones, forged iron balconies and traditional embroidery to help recreate the feeling of historic grand hotels from the 1920s and 30s. Modern touches are reflected in furnishings, paintings and artwork, carried throughout common spaces and each of the 99 rooms. Among guestroom choices are 23 Prestige and four Duplex suites. The dining room’s menu showcases Mediterranean cuisine, WiFi is complimentary and guests can enjoy a cozy library, stunning outdoor pool with rooftop bar, indoor pool and a spa and wellness complex that features a fitness center, massages and therapeutic treatments, a Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and a relaxation area. Should you be traveling for business, the hotel offers meeting and event spaces with a private bar.