Dream scenarios, sea and land flavors, world-class wines, and sophisticated stays make the Alentejo an exclusive destination. This place that remains in the memory, and where we return countless times, offers unique experiences and also pampers the body while the soul rests cradled by nature. For all this, and more, we will help you discover this Portuguese region that has been recognized as a luxury destination, where you can relax from sunrise to sunset.
Melides, an exclusive refuge
The designer of shoes and accessories Christian Louboutin created his Vermelho Hotel, in Melides, on the stunning Alentejo coast. Upon acquiring a property of around 180 hectares, the objective was to create a restaurant, but with such beauty close by, it was decided to be a hotel unit. In collaboration with the architect Madalena Caiado, this summer resort has gained a luxurious boutique hotel that reflects her passion for design, fashion, and hospitality. Under the concept “a unique place for unique people”, Vermelho offers a remarkable experience and a memorable stay. Combining the beauty of traditional Alentejo architecture with modern and sophisticated touches, the hotel, with thirteen rooms, is a true work of art, providing an intimate and private atmosphere. As we walk through the space, it becomes clear that it has been meticulously designed and decorated with elegant and exclusive details that reflect Louboutin’s unmistakable and audacious style. The stay is designed to create a unique sensorial experience, felt when we are surrounded by the gardens, designed by the landscaper Louis Benech, and when we dive into the natural pool. And there is still a secret place for the meeting with our essence to be a hug full of peace. But, if the native vegetation is not enough to fill the senses, the spa at the Vermelho Hotel is a kind of refuge to rejuvenate the body and mind through a careful selection of treatments carried out in a peaceful and comfortable environment. And, if everything was already remarkable, we saved the best for last, the Xtian restaurant, commanded by David Abreu. Here the chef, who has traveled half the world, perfectly weaves together the flavors of Alentejo cuisine with the subtlety of plating, resulting in meals full of vibrant colors and full of legends and fables. The Vermelho Hotel is a true masterpiece of design and hospitality, offering an exclusive and unforgettable experience. With its vibrant and luxurious style, it is the perfect place for those looking for something unique and sophisticated.
Come in and be happy
This could be the answer to the original name that Vítor Borges and Franck Laigneau gave to Dá Licença, a charming hotel located near Estremoz, at the top of an endless plain, where you can hear the whisper of silence. Stunning views of the Ossa mountains, elements of nature, architectural design, artistic expressions, and refinement, all of this come together around harmony so that nothing pinches the warmth that you feel right at the entrance. Nestled in Herdade das Freiras, a property from the beginning of the 19th century, with around 120 hectares, it is surrounded by thirteen thousand olive trees, hundreds of years old, and an art gallery was born in the old olive press, exclusively for visitors. The main house is whitewashed, in homage to the Alentejo soul, and the suites, two of which have a private pool, reveal a subtlety of tones that invite you to rest and admire the magnificent pieces produced in marble from the region. The passing places exhibit a delicate elegance where one feels like just existing. Outside, an immense round swimming pool allows us to observe the landscape that surrounds us, and, at the end of the afternoon, we see the sun saying goodbye to the day and leaving for another horizon. Dá Licença, which takes its name from an equestrian expression, does not serve dinner for visitors to discover the wonderful local restaurants, but the first meal of the day and lunch, which must be booked in advance, is made with organic products. from the garden and from local producers. The proximity of Estremoz allows access to several tourist attractions in the region, such as the historic city of Évora, where you can enjoy the Cromlech of Almendres, the vineyards of Alentejo, and medieval castles.
The Dá Licença charm hotel is a luxurious and exclusive option for those looking for a relaxing and sophisticated experience. With a distinctive architecture, elegant design, and a peaceful environment, it is a destination that offers a memorable experience.
The beauty of imperfection
A new concept of luxury, where imperfection is elevated to extreme beauty, has arrived in Alentejo and can be seen at Wabi-Sabi, located in São Miguel de Machede, close to Évora. The name of this boutique hotel comes from the Japanese concept that values the aesthetics of simplicity, imperfection, and the surrounding natural beauty. The houses that shelter us are made with material from the earth and are surrounded by a scenario reminiscent of Africa, where there are palm trees, cacti, and millennial olive trees rescued from Alqueva. The tourist concept of this project, born in the Alentejo plains, offers two villas, Casa de Baixo and Casa de Cima, with a view that is lost on the horizon, and for a more hippie chic stay there is a fly camping that provides a greater encounter with Nature. In this coming summer season, there is a butler and a 4X4 UMM for each house. The objective is to discover the prairies and have a picnic in any shade. The experiences lead them to bake their daily bread in the community oven, which also serves to roast a goat in the Alentejo style. If these dishes are not a goal, you can take a hot air balloon ride or just watch the llamas and other animals that live in this enchanted place, protected by the gods. There is also the possibility of doing absolutely nothing and staying a day or two, or more, in the biological pool to observe infinity to let your heart feel this life experience. The color palette reveals earthy tones and neutral tones, while the combination of objects and furniture is composed of original Portuguese pieces and authentic European antiques, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, each with its characteristic patina. In everything, there is art created by time. The bathtubs tell a peculiar story, they belonged to the former Hospital Termal das Caldas da Rainha and were carefully cut and adapted for each space. Wabi-Sabi does not have a meal service, however, any desire of visitors can be fulfilled in the local restaurants, which is a great way to discover the city of Évora, rich in history, culture, and heritage, and let yourself be lost in the sin of gluttony, with typical foods and convent sweets typical of the region.
There are stars in the sky
Right under the Alentejo sky, where the aroma of the warm land of the Montado fills the nights, and under a dazzling blanket of stars and planets, is Herdade dos Delgados Nature Hotel & SPA. On top of a small hill, dressed in white and surrounded by warm water, stands this tourist complex that seems to float on top of the Alqueva, the largest artificial lake in Europe. Transparent water, land warmed by the sun, and a sky covered with points of light are the perfect combination for absolute rest. The boat trips, which extend into the sunset, complete the moments of contemplation; if we listen carefully, we hear birdsong and the soft music of the water lapping gently in the coves. But the best thing about this place, also populated by fairies, is the possibility of observing the stars because it is part of the Dark Sky Alqueva reserve, the first starlight tourism destination in the world, certified by UNESCO. And it’s not just observing everything that goes on in the sky, and who knows how to see Saturn’s rings; it is possible to have a picnic under this charm that Nature gives us. But there are also blankets and baskets, with divine delicacies from the land, to sit down by the lake and enjoy a small meal. There are also other experiences tailored to each visitor and everything that can be done around the lake, such as horseback riding and wine tasting. For gin lovers, there is a program to visit the award-winning Sharish distillery. In the restaurant, which bears the name of the constellation Orion, ancestral recipes arrive at the table with a charming smile, and, first thing in the morning, the aroma of coffee and freshly made jams takes us back to childhood and our best holiday memories. With a peaceful atmosphere and attentive service, Herdade dos Delgados is an ideal destination for those seeking a rural retreat in the heart of Alentejo.
