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Your Solo Travel Bestie ™
Solo But Never Alone
The Soft Life Edit
Solo travel stories, soft life moments, and reflections from a life lived beyond the itinerary.


A Day Trip to Sintra from Lisbon
Planning a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon? Here's how I spent my day exploring Monserrate Palace, dining at 1743 Palácio Fonte Nova, attempting Pena Palace, and what I'd do differently next time.
Alyce Holt
Aug 296 min read


Plan Your Trip to Portugal
Everything you need to plan your Portugal trip, from finding flights and booking stays to getting around, choosing experiences, and preparing for your visit.
Alyce Holt
Aug 254 min read


Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort
Perched above the Atlantic on the cliffs of Carvoeiro, this five star Algarve resort pairs incredible ocean views with pools, dining, spa time, and the kind of stay that makes you want to slow all the way down.
Alyce Holt
Aug 244 min read


Pestana Rua Augusta
Steps from Praça do Comércio and the Rua Augusta Arch, Pestana Rua Augusta puts you right in the middle of Lisbon with a stylish stay made for exploring the city on foot.
Alyce Holt
Aug 243 min read


The Social Hub Porto
A modern, social stay in the heart of Porto with a rooftop pool, co-working spaces, restaurants, and plenty of room to work, relax, and connect.
Alyce Holt
Aug 243 min read


Portugal Neighborhood Guide
A simple guide to Lisbon and Porto’s most popular neighborhoods, from historic districts and nightlife hubs to riverside areas and upscale shopping streets.
Alyce Holt
Aug 222 min read


Santa Joana Lisbon | Modern Portuguese Restaurant
A beautiful Lisbon restaurant inside a former convent, where modern Portuguese dishes, memorable cocktails, and warm hospitality make dinner an experience.
Alyce Holt
Aug 204 min read


Leve Leve Lisbon | Tapas Bar
A spontaneous Bairro Alto find that turned into one of my favorite meals in Portugal, with memorable food and genuinely warm hospitality.
Alyce Holt
Aug 205 min read


Guindais Garden Bar & Restaurant
A relaxed garden restaurant with Douro views, cocktails, and an up-close perspective of Porto’s iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
Alyce Holt
Aug 204 min read


BOSCO Porto | Restaurant & Garden Bar
A stylish Porto restaurant where contemporary dining, a relaxed garden, and afternoon cocktails make it easy to stay longer than planned.
Alyce Holt
Aug 194 min read


Soft Life After Dark: Portugal
Discover my favorite cocktail bars, hidden speakeasies, and rooftops in Lisbon and Porto, from sunset drinks with a view to some of Portugal’s most memorable cocktail experiences.
Alyce Holt
Aug 185 min read


1743 Palácio de Fonte Nova
Discover why Palácio da Fonte Nova became one of my favorite dining experiences in Sintra, where elegant cuisine, tranquil gardens, and slow travel come together just moments from the town's iconic palaces.
Alyce Holt
Jul 184 min read


Geométrico Restaurant Porto
Discover why Geometrico became one of my favorite restaurants in Porto, where contemporary Portuguese cuisine, striking design, and thoughtful hospitality come together for a memorable dining experience.
Alyce Holt
Jul 153 min read


Soft Life Eats: Portugal
Discover a curated collection of restaurants, cocktail bars, cafés, and unforgettable dining experiences across Portugal that prove every great trip deserves equally memorable meals.
Alyce Holt
Jul 152 min read


JNcQUOI Asia Lisbon
Discover why JNcQUOI Asia became one of my favorite dining experiences in Lisbon, where bold Asian-inspired cuisine, dramatic interiors, and exceptional hospitality come together for an unforgettable evening.
Alyce Holt
Jul 153 min read


Douro Valley Day Trip from Porto | Wine Tour
Discover why the Douro Valley became one of the most unforgettable experiences from my Portugal trip, where breathtaking vineyards, river views, and world-renowned wineries come together in one remarkable destination.
Alyce Holt
Jul 144 min read


Soft Life Experiences: Portugal
Explore a curated collection of unforgettable experiences, scenic escapes, and meaningful moments that transformed my Portugal trip into something truly memorable.
Alyce Holt
Jul 132 min read


Pink Palace: Rosé Wine Museum
Discover why Pink Palace became one of my favorite experiences in Porto, blending interactive storytelling, rosé wine tastings, and playful design inside the WOW cultural district.
Alyce Holt
Jul 134 min read


Hotel Locke De Santa Joana
Discover why Locke de Santa Joana became one of my favorite stays in Lisbon, blending historic architecture, contemporary design, multiple restaurants and bars, and thoughtfully curated spaces that make the hotel part of the destination.
Alyce Holt
Jul 124 min read


Soft Life Stays : Portugal
Explore my stay at The Rebello, a riverside luxury hotel where spacious design, unforgettable views, and slow travel come together.
Alyce Holt
Jul 122 min read
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