If you want to be spoiled rotten in this beautiful part of Portugal then check into the Herdade da Chaminé north of Estremoz. Grand, gracious and vivacious it’s rural Portuguese perfection set in 847 acres of Alentejo land and the surroundings – rolling hills, cork oaks, olive trees, gurgling streams and verdant vineyards – are a pastoral paradise.
Would-be equestrians will love the resident thoroughbreds and after a vigorous day’s horse-riding, cool off in the vast outdoor pool – or if you’re feeling less energetic collapse on one of the Day beds have breezy curtains for the warmer months, providing stylish shelter from the heat. Or, your helpful host Marta can organise for foodies to have a cookery lesson in the guesthouse kitchen with a local chef; brush up your culinary skills and learn some new Portuguese recipes to show off when you return home!
To top off your luxury trip, drink in former castle jail the nearby A Cadeia Quinhentista on Rua Rainha Santa Isabel. This popular restaurant and bar has a surprisingly city-chic decor, with splashes of poppy-red on spotless white walls and tables. Try the Borba wine and, if you’re still hungry after dinner, the perfectly traditional pork knee.
Pousada Flôr da Rosa - Crato, photo by Pousadas de Portugal
For luxury holidays with a romantic scenery, stay in one of the Pousadas de Portugal. There are 13 in the Alentejo region alone, and Pousada Flôr da Rosa in Crato is just an excellent combination of ancient feelings and modern facilities.
The building, with their medieval roots, have a gothic structure, from which certain architectural details from other ages emerge from time to time, particularly Manueline (sixteenth century) features as a result of subsequent buildinrk. Built on eminently efensive line, this palace-cum-monastery has architectural features, such as towers, window slites and solid block construction, hich give it the appearance more of a fort than a monastic house.
ATOP members: Castaways Unicorn Holidays, Destination Portugal, Pousadas de Portugal
