Away

Away
from the resorts full of sun-seeking holidaymakers in the
coastal region of southern Portugal,
Fazenda Nova is a boutique hideaway in the heart of the
Algarve’s rolling countryside. A Portuguese country house and farm
that has been converted into a charming 10-room hotel, this
secluded
retreat is a far cry from the
family resorts of Faro and Portimao – and it even has its own
soundtrack in the form of a vinyl room filled with over 1,500
records, carefully curated by the hotel’s owners.

Surrounded by 10 hectares, including an orchard, vegetable and
herb garden that provide fresh organic produce for the Fazenda
restaurant (take note of the olive oil that’s grown, harvested and
bottled onsite), the grounds feature cleverly designed gardens
where you can wander winding pathways to find a shady spot to read
a book from the well-stocked library. Prefer to relax in the sun?
Set yourself up on a dreamy daybed by the pool and spend a whole
afternoon working on your tan under the almost perpetually blue
skies – here, it’s all about enjoying life at a slower pace.

Rooms

While each of Fazenda Nova’s 10 suites has been designed with
the original 19th-century farmhouse in mind, you’ll find no country
amenities here. Super-sized beds, rain showers and satellite
television meet chic, eclectic decor, with pieces sourced during
owner Tim and Hallie’s travels across South
Africa, New
York,
Wales, Thailand
and Brazil. Flea
market finds from monthly markets in Fuseta and Lisbon
add a vintage feel, and each room even has its own private garden
with a fire pit for the cooler months.

What’s for breakfast?

A European-style breakfast of fresh fruit, pastries, cereals,
cold meats, cheeses and freshly-baked breads are served in the
restaurant or out on the patio in front of a 200-year-old bread
oven. And don’t skip the custard tarts in favour of less calorific
fare – you’re on holiday, after all.

How about lunch and dinner?

At A Cozinha, the hotel restaurant, guests can dine on seasonal
dishes with an Iberian bent, featuring plenty of seafood – much of
it from the nearby fish market in Olhao. Using produce grown in the
kitchen garden and orchard, the line-up of dishes includes regional
favourites like cataplana, a feast of assorted fish and shellfish
in a flavoursome broth served in a copper pot, best matched with a
glass of Portuguese
wine.

Is there a bar?

We’ve already mentioned the wine, but you’ll also find plenty of
spirits on offer in the bar. Make yourself at right at home in the
cosy lounge area and stay up sipping drinks as late as you want –
once the staff have gone to bed you can keep pouring them yourself,
honesty-bar style.

Things you should know

Don’t be afraid to ask for area tips from the friendly staff –
or anything really. From massages and one-on-one yoga training in
your room to bookings for golf courses, watersports, horseriding
and dining, Fazenda Nova will arrange anything you need. We’re
convinced it’s really a secret ploy to keep their guests returning
year after year – one trip and you’ll already be planning your next
stay.

Within a short walk you can find…

Not much – that’s kind of the point. If you do want explore the
surrounding area without a car, a leisurely hike or bike (which you
can borrow from the hotel) ride through the countryside is an
adventure in itself, but otherwise there’s plenty to be found
within a 10-minute drive, from the beaches the Algarve is known for
to Tavira, one of the prettiest towns in the region, as well as
Fuseta, a tiny fishing village full of seafood restaurants.

The Fazenda staff are a wealth of knowledge on local secrets,
including restaurants, markets and activities – they’ll even draw
you a map if you ask nicely.