Vila Bicuda Resort

Vila Bicuda is a different proposition from most of what is on this site, and it is worth being clear about that up front. It is a resort of self-catering villas and studios on the edge of Cascais, not a boutique hotel, and it is built around families rather than couples.

What it does, it does well. There are 78 units, from studios up to one and two-bedroom villas, and every one has a proper kitchen: oven, hob, dishwasher, microwave, fridge. That is the central argument. Feeding a family in Cascais restaurants for a week costs considerably more than shopping and cooking a few nights, and having a washing machine and a separate bedroom changes the shape of a holiday with small children.

There are two outdoor pools plus a separate children's pool, laid out with loungers across gardens. Beyond that: a kids' club, a playground, a basketball court, volleyball, bicycle rental, a restaurant, a bar and a café. Parking is free, which matters here, and airport transfers can be arranged. Connecting units are available.

The property was refurbished relatively recently, and guest ratings sit consistently around nine out of ten, which for a resort of this size is a good showing.

On location, you are outside the centre of Cascais rather than in it. The Quinta da Marinha golf and equestrian area is around twenty minutes' walk, the beaches and the old town are a short drive, and Lisbon airport is about 35 minutes by car. Guincho, Cabo da Roca and the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park are all within easy reach. Without a car you will be relying on taxis, which adds up over a week.

Set expectations accordingly. There is no spa, no design story and no historic building. What there is instead is space, a kitchen, two pools and somewhere for children to be occupied, at a price well below the equivalent in central Cascais.