The white gate of this rural hideaway in central Algarve is easy to drive past… it looks like the entrance to a huge orange plantation. But this is exactly where you need to be! Before you reach the white-painted (former workers’) houses, you cross groves full of large orange trees. Open the windows for the fresh sweet smell (in season :))…
From your lounger at the edge of the infinity pool, staring at the sheep grazing over the hills… it does not get any more Alentejo Zen! At 45 minutes from Lisbon airport, we discovered this new gem. A recently completely renovated farmhouse, the house of the grandparents of the dear hostess Dona Toia, is now a charming bed & breakfast with 5 suites. All with their own terrace, bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. But this is not all, the family now owns 3 townhouses in the historic town of Alcácer do Sal, 10 minutes by car, which are also rented out.
The sympathetic guesthouse of the Dutch Madeline and Gerard is situated in a beautiful part of Andalusia. Not too far from the coast, close to Malaga and Ronda. A paradise for hikers and for those seeking tranquility in the low season but also during the school holidays a wonderful place to be with kids. Swimming pool, garden and rooms that are easy to prepare for a stay with your offspring and/or several families are the perfect ingredients!
When there’s a big bar of Hermès soap in the bathroom and a tea menu, you know this is pure luxury. This wine and olive oil estate, Herdade in Portuguese, covers 450 hectares, so it is huge but it doesn’t feel too big. It’s because the various accommodations are spread out and all have their own style. This is such a special hideaway, very suitable for the spoilt international traveller who goes for luxury and (eco) top quality in combination with nature, Alentejo deluxe!