Some people would argue that Alentejo is the most beautiful region in Portugal and they may just be right. Covered in wide expanses of open land, vineyards, farms and cork trees, this rural countryside is an idyllic peaceful retreat and the following hotels are the perfect locations to hide away. Each with their own unique ambience, the following selections are not only the most incredible hotels in Alentejo but may be among the most beautiful spots in all of Portugal.
For peace and quiet in Alentejo, few locations can compete with L’AND Vineyards, a 5-star luxury resort with its own winery, spa and exclusive sky view suites – so guests really can sleep under the stars. Wine aficionados will enjoy sampling the award-winning wine, especially when paired with the cuisine from the hotel’s very own Michelin-star restaurant.
This 5-star luxury hotel in historic Évora offers 92 guest rooms, 5 suites, 2 restaurants, 3 bars, 2 pools, and a full spa, all within a couple short miles from the city’s major landmarks like the Temple of Diana and Évora Cathedral. The building is a must-see itself, as it was once a local convent, and the vaulted ceilings are stunning as are the deluxe suites decorated with the local heritage in mind. For guests who prefer more modern surroundings, other suites and rooms are completely furnished is contemporary styles, and many offer garden views.
The Casa da Ermida de Santa Catarina is a paradisiac country house located near the Barragem de Caia lake near the central border with Spain (close to Badajoz). This is truly the spot to get away from everyday life, as it’s miles from any major town or city, but the natural surroundings may make the perfect neighbors and favorite activities include hiking, kayaking, and relaxing under the olive trees. Plan in advance if you want to stay here because rooms may go quickly and there are only 7 suite rooms total (4 single, 2 double, and 1 large single), adding to the remote feeling.
Named after the nearby fishing village of Comporta, Sublime Comporta is well-recognized for its unique style, comfortable accommodations, and idyllic setting. It has been named by the New York Times as one of “52 Places To Visit in 2017” and by Travel + Leisure as one of the “Hottest New Hotels in the Planet” in 2015. Set on 17-acres and surrounded by pines, cork, rice fields, and vineyards, it is well-situated to give guests an authentic and traditional Portuguese feel, which is completed by the traditional meals at the on-site restaurant.
Montemor-o-Novo is also home to this peaceful country-style hotel built from an old watermill near the Almansor River. The seven guest rooms are spread out over three floors and the 12-hectare-wide premises include an outdoor pool, garden and wedding services. Horseback riding can also be organised from the hotel.
This list wouldn’t be complete without a hotel associated with a medieval fortress and the Pousada Mosteiro do Crato was once a historic, 14th-century Monastery of Santa Maria de Flor da Rosa. Enjoy the Gothic architecture in addition to the spa services, pool, and garden while staying in one of the 24 rooms. This hotel is located in the northernmost part of Alentejo, called Alto Alentejo, and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Inspired by the natural cork from the region, ECorkHotel is an eco-friendly hotel with 52 rooms that’s the first of its kind in the world to use this local resource in the construction. Geothermal energy and solar panels heat the rooms and water, adding to the ecological ambiance. ECork is also a spa hotel, with full services ranging from massages to Turkish bath and chromotherapy, the hotel’s restaurant boasts traditional cuisine in addition to Mediterranean flavors.
