Atop a hill in the lesser-known Algarve interior, this secluded
house-meets-hotel blends design-forward interiors with
bed-and-breakfast-style hospitality. The centuries-old property was
transformed into an intimate, five-suite retreat by Flemish couple
Frank and Véronique, who painstakingly preserved architectural
details including the house’s original bread oven and traditional
stonework. Most furnishings and decor are custom-made by artisans
in the neighbouring town of Sao Brás de Alportel, including one of
the house’s most asked-about design features: the finger-painted
terracotta flooring. Book Suite no. 4, for valley views from a
rooftop terrace complete with a canopy bed for al fresco snoozing.
After a farm-fresh breakfast, explore biking trails and
birdwatching hot spots, discover the art of olive oil production at
Monterosa or visit the Saturday morning market in Olhão. Be warned:
once you check-out, you may feel like redecorating.

A scenic drive down a cobblestone road lined with olive trees
leads you to this farmhouse-style retreat that integrates the
traditions of the eastern Algarve into its wellness, cultural and gastronomic
programming. The 55-room property is set on a nine-hectare estate
where it’s easy to get lost in the aromatic gardens. The moon and
the seasons dictate the calendar of experiences, which includes
harvesting figs, clams, carob and flor de sal, and trying your hand
at goat herding. Between all the agricultural fun, relax by the
property’s two pools (one of which is adults-only) or in your room
accented with pastel tie-dye pillows and rattan lamps – most come
with their own private terrace, too. Outside, pops of fuchsia
bougainvillaea, stone firepits and atmospheric lanterns set the
scene for a glass of wine and regional tapas from À Terra
restaurant.

Set in a romantic 19th-century manor house overlooking the
vine-covered hills of the Unesco-listed Douro Valley, Six Senses makes a
compelling case for a wine-themed wellness retreat. Not only is the
sustainable hotel home to organic gardens, 10 acres of protected
forest, nature trails and it’s own vineyard, but its
state-of-the-art spa makes use of the region’s resources in the
best way possible too. Case in point: its hot-stone massage uses
heat-absorbent rocks found in their vineyard while home-grown
citrus fruits and herbs make an appearance in body scrubs and
facial treatments. The wellness focus extends to the 60 rooms
designed in a tranquil, earthy colour palette. Visit the Alchemy
Bar Workshop to make your own cosmetics or discover the art of
growing and pickling vegetables at home. For a real taste of the
region, head to the on-site restaurant, where local ingredients are
transformed into imaginative dishes best paired with a glass of
Douro Valley wine.

Casa Mãe’s traditional-meets-trendy approach has made this once
abandoned 16th-century estate a magnet for lovers of slow-living.
Every detail of the 30-room hotel has been considered, right down
to the zig-zag terracotta floors, which Parisian founder Véronique Polaert had
custom-made to bring a modern twist to Portugal‘s classic materials. Rotating artist
residencies and workshops, including classes with local ceramist
Ricardo Lopes, ensure the creative energy is flowing – yet outside
is where the real magic happens. Casa Mãe’s 5,000sq m orchard is
home to some 200 chickens, aromatic herbs, grapes, heritage
tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables that support its
restaurant, Orta. Consider this a love letter to the flavours of
the Algarve, serving dishes of red snapper caught in Sagres and
cocktails sweetened with Aljezur honey. Guests interested in
deepening their knowledge of farm-to-table fare can embark on a
foraging session and outdoor cooking lesson.

Nestled among Alentejo‘s ancient oaks, this serene farm stay has been
owned by the same Portuguese family for more than 200 years. The
estate used to be an ancient farming village but has since been
reimagined as an atmospheric hotel by award-winning architect
Eduardo Souto de Moura and interior designers Ana Anahory and
Felipa Almeida. Choose between private cottages, rooms and suites
spread across the 7.8-million sq m estate, on which you’ll also
find a winery, spa, stables, hiking trails and two farm-to-table
restaurants. Explore the region’s heritage along the Olive Trees
Trail, learning about the property’s herd of pedigree cows en
route, or with a wine tasting in the vineyard. At night, the star
attraction is skyward thanks to the property’s position under the
Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve. The best entertainment is found in
nature.