Vidago Palace's History
Commissioned by King Carlos of Portugal in 1908, Vidago Palace was originally conceived as an opulent holiday residence for His Majesty and his entourage, who, since the late 1800s, had been regular visitors to the region in order to enjoy the therapeutic effects of Vidago's famed mineral waters.
Assassinated later that year, King Carlos never saw his project completed. Nor, in an ironic twist of fate, did his son and successor, King Manuel II, who was deposed in the republican revolution that swept across Portugal on October 5th 1910 – the day before Vidago Palace was meant to open.
Although it would never host its intended royal residents, Vidago Palace became a favoured destination among Portuguese and European aristocracy and was considered to be the most luxurious hotel on the Iberian Peninsula.
In 1936, Vidago Palace was further enhanced by the opening of a 9 hole golf course, designed by the great Scottish golf course architect, Philip Mackenzie Ross. In combination with the Palace building’s impressive architecture (the combined effort of Miguel Ventura Terra, completed by António Rodrigues da Silva Júnior) the lush scenery and the purportedly curative properties of its mineral water spa, Vidago Palace continued to attract visitors, even during the Second World War, when Portugal remained relatively stable and neutral.
The post war era saw Vidago Palace’s popularity soar, as well-to-do families flocked to the resort in the 1950s and 60s, enjoying afternoon tea-dances and walks through the enchanting grounds.
Although it remained well-known among Portuguese visitors, the majesty of Vidago Palace was sadly allowed to tire over time and its international standing among the great spa destinations of the world faded into memory.
Now under new ownership and management, the legend of Vidago Palace has been reborn.
100 years since it first opened, Vidago Palace has been brought back to life, after extensive work by award-winning interior designers, José Pedro Lopes Vieira and Diego Rosa Lã, and the addition of an extraordinary new spa by the world-renown architect Alvaro Siza Vieira. Together, they have recaptured an era of splendour through meticulous restorations and an injection of modern luxury. Thanks to their efforts, and those of management company, g.l.a Hotels, Vidago Palace can proudly reclaim its place as an exceptional European hotel and golf and spa resort of international standing.
