The Mediterranean Insider

Alentejo, Portugal

The 5 best boutique and luxury hotels in Alentejo

The Mediterranean • Stay • The 5 best boutique and luxury hotels in Alentejo, Portugal

Alentejo’s most stylish and personal hotel stays

Ask a dozen people about their favourite hotel, and you’ll likely get a dozen different responses. A favourite hotel is as much of a personal preference as your favourite movie, book or singer. The Mediterranean hotel scene is renowned for its luxurious and distinctive boutique hotels, each with its own unique story to tell. From charming family-run villas to five-star grand dames, these hotels offer an intimate and personal experience, regardless of size. With their striking architecture, bespoke interiors and impeccable service, these hotels are the epitome of style and luxury.

Overview: Alentejo’s top 5 hotels

01 São Lourenço do Barrocal

02 Vermelho Melides

03 Dá Licença

04 Craveiral Farmhouse

05 Casa No Tempo

São Lourenço do Barrocal

Nestled amongst the vineyards, cork and olive groves beneath the ancient walled town of Monsarez in Alentejo, São Lourenço do Barrocal is a masterpiece of rustic simplicity. With 22 spacious rooms, two suites, 16 separate cottages, a spa, a shop and a bar, every detail of this white-washed farmhouse has been carefully curated to perfection by respected architect Eduardo Souto de Moura and Lisbon designers Anahory Almeida. Within the interiors, ancient manuscripts, old photographs, local curiosities and vintage furniture are seamlessly woven together to create a cohesive, elegant design. Explore the extensive farm, ride horses, relax in the Susanne Kaufmann spa and savour delicious field-to-fork regional dishes, drawing on the farm’s vegetable garden.

São Lourenço do Barrocal
Monsaraz
Portugal

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Photography courtesy of São Lourenço do Barrocal

Vermelho Melides

Nestled in the tranquil village of Melides, the first-ever hotel from shoe designer Christian Louboutin is an eclectic, extravagant and curious escape that exudes a mix of Spanish and Alentejo traditional design. With 13 masterfully designed rooms, the hotel features the hallmark of Louboutin’s creativity, from bespoke doors from Los Tres Juanes in Granada to signature pops of red in the beige cotton bed slippers. Patrons are treated to traditional Portuguese cuisine at Xtian, led by Chef David Abreu. The smartly curated wine list features Portuguese wineries, while the petite bar boasts a design inspired by an ornate Catholic sculpture.

Vermelho Melides
R. Dr. Evaristo Sousa Gago 2
Melides
Portugal

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Photography courtesy of Diego Martinez and Vermelho Melides

Dá Licença

This is the perfect escape in Portugal’s authentic Alentejo. Dá Licença, a beautifully renovated white-washed farm, is nestled in 300 acres of olive groves and marble rocks and features just six elegant rooms, including two with their own private pools. The interiors are designed with the soul of the Alentejo in mind, with local pink marble, brushed granite floors, books and paintings on the walls, and light wood furniture that draws on the Anthroposophical design movement. Chef Miguel serves up delicious, locally sourced dishes for lunch and dinner, while the stunning breakfast spread features homemade jams and traditional cakes.

Dá Licença
Outeiro das Freiras
Estremoz
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Dá Licença

Craveiral Farmhouse

Tucked away in the countryside near São Teotónio, Craveiral Farmhouse offers a serene escape for nature lovers. The hotel’s 38 self-contained cottages are grouped into clusters and come equipped with a kitchen or kitchenette, outdoor decks with tables and chairs and adult-only swimming pools. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at the restaurant, where local produce is creatively prepared to produce dishes such as octopus with sweet potato puree and handmade wood-fired pizzas. Take advantage of the hotel’s bikes, sauna, steam room and indoor pool, and explore the beautiful Alentejo landscape or venture to nearby beaches.

Craveiral Farmhouse
Estrada Municipal 501
Odemira
Portugal

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Photography courtesy of Craveiral Farmhouse

Casa No Tempo

In the heart of Alentejo, Casa No Tempo is a stunning four-bedroom farmhouse that has been reimagined by renowned architect Aires Mateus. This idyllic retreat is situated on a hundred-year-old farm, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquillity. The minimal interiors and antique furnishings offer a perfect balance between modern design and historic charm, while the open-plan living room and kitchen are ideal for socializing with friends or family. The breathtaking landscape and the recently established permaculture farm encourage a deeper connection with nature. Casa No Tempo offers daily breakfast by the housekeeper, as well as access to fresh eggs and vegetables from the garden.