M Maison Particulière, or simply “M” as it is affectionately referred to by the owner, is a 16th century building that has been respectfully renovated into a 10-bedroom boutique hotel. Each room has its own individual personality, with some facing the prestigious main street of Largo São Domingos.

A melange of different décor styles, but mainly baroque and rococo, runs throughout the property, with wood wall panelling, marble and wood floors, stucco wall and ceiling mouldings, tapestries, heavy velvets and glorious suspended lamps all adding to the overall opulent feel to the property.

“Behind the reception is the dining room where breakfast is served. Diners can sit under (yet) another jaw-dropping chandelier around a single large dining table with a centrepiece of silver candelabras and cut crystal glassware, in an intimate room adorned with striped red and black wallpaper and a large 16th century painting. During breakfast, soothing classical music plays while you enjoy some of the many options available from their wide-ranging menu served on Portuguese porcelain tableware (Vista Alegre, of course), with all of the ingredients bought from local markets only hours before.”