Casa de São Lourenço

Portugal

THE PERSONALITIES

Nature and wellness enthusiasts. Design and architecture lovers. Honeymoooners with a taste for luxury. Stargazers. Photographers. Wool connoisseurs. Corporate and Retreat Groups.

MOMENTS

Portugal’s highest peaks. Panoramic views to the Glacial Valley. Landscape that becomes art. Centuries-old traditions. Heritage meets contemporary design. Nighttime swims under a star-filled sky.

“Rustic comfort, good taste, easy display and flavor, kind simplicity… and poetry, some poetry…” - Rogério de Azevedo, 1943.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Casa de São Lourenço offers a unique experience year-round, with each season transforming the Serra da Estrela mountains into a breathtaking new landscape.

Winter (December–February) blankets the peaks in snow, creating a magical retreat perfect for cozy mountain stays, spa relaxation, and enjoying Portugal’s only ski slopes.

Spring (March–May) brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, making it an ideal time for panoramic hikes and discovering the region’s rich biodiversity.

In summer (June–August), the warmer temperatures invite guests to explore the high-altitude trails, scenic picnic spots, and traditional transhumance, where shepherds guide their flocks to cooler pastures.

Autumn (September–November) paints the valleys in golden hues, offering crisp air, rich seasonal cuisine, and clear skies perfect for stargazing.

COST

WHY STAY

Casa de São Lourenço is a panoramic landscape hotel set high in the Serra da Estrela mountains, offering breathtaking views of Portugal’s highest peaks. Originally designed in 1940 by architect Rogério de Azevedo, the hotel has been reimagined to embrace its stunning surroundings while preserving its historic essence. The landscape plays a central role in the experience, with vast horizons of rugged granite cliffs, rolling greenery, and crisp mountain air. Positioned in perfect harmony with nature, the hotel provides guests with an immersive escape where the ever-changing light and seasonal beauty of the mountains become part of the stay.

Blending heritage with contemporary design, Casa de São Lourenço maintains its legacy as one of Portugal’s first Inns—small, inviting hotels created to offer an intimate connection with the land and its traditions. The architecture seamlessly integrates modern comfort with rustic charm, featuring natural materials like wood, stone, and burel wool, a traditional fabric crafted from the region’s sheep. The interiors are warm and elegant, with handcrafted details and large panoramic windows that frame the landscape like living artwork. Every space reflects a deep appreciation for local craftsmanship, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to authenticity and sustainability. A key part of this heritage is the connection to the nearby Burel Factory, which keeps alive the ancient art of wool production. Guests can visit the factory to witness 19th-century looms in action and learn how burel is transformed into durable textiles, deeply embedded in the cultural identity of the region.

Beyond its striking design, the hotel is a sanctuary of wellness. Guests can indulge in the mountain spa, where treatments are inspired by the purity of the surroundings, or unwind in the heated outdoor pool with uninterrupted views of the peaks. The rooms, designed for comfort and contemplation, invite guests to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. Whether enjoying the local gastronomy, discovering the artistry of burel wool, taking in the poetic beauty of the mountains, or simply breathing in the fresh alpine air, Casa de São Lourenço offers an experience where history, design, and nature merge seamlessly into a luxurious yet deeply rooted retreat.

WHY WANDER

Casa de São Lourenço offers a range of immersive experiences that celebrate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Serra da Estrela. Guests can explore over 250 kilometers of scenic trails through guided panoramic walks, or take an in-depth journey with UNESCO-recognized Estrela Geopark tours, led by expert guides and ending with a gourmet picnic. For a different perspective, panoramic jeep tours traverse the mountain ridges, offering sweeping views, while electric bike rides provide an effortless and eco-friendly way to explore the region’s hidden gems. These outdoor adventures allow visitors to connect with the landscape at their own pace, discovering winding paths, dramatic cliffs, and serene river beaches.

The hotel offers extraordinary dining and stargazing experiences. Guests can enjoy a gourmet lunch on the mountain or indulge in a nighttime swim in the heated outdoor pool under a star-filled sky. An astronomer-led stargazing session makes use of the hotel's prime mountain-top location to explore celestial wonders.

For those drawn to Serra da Estrela’s cultural roots, Casa de São Lourenço offers unique opportunities to engage with its centuries-old traditions. A visit to the Burel Factory reveals the region’s rich textile heritage, showcasing 19th-century looms and the intricate process of transforming wool into burel fabric. Guests can also witness the seasonal sheep shearing in May and June, or experience the transhumance in summer, when shepherds guide their flocks to higher pastures. Spending a day with the shepherds provides an intimate look at their way of life, deepening the connection between visitors and the land.

INDULGE IN

At Casa de São Lourenço, dining is an immersive journey through the rich culinary heritage of the Beiras region. The restaurant embraces the seasonality of the mountains, using fresh, local ingredients to craft dishes that honor ancestral recipes while adding a contemporary touch. Guests are invited to experience the depth of regional flavors, enhanced by the creativity of Chef Manuel Figueira. Each meal is a celebration of the land, reflecting the natural rhythms of Serra da Estrela’s changing seasons.

GETTING THERE

Getting to Casa de São Lourenço is a scenic journey that immerses travelers in the breathtaking landscapes of Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain range. The hotel is located near the town of Manteigas, approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Porto and 3.5 hours from Lisbon, making it easily accessible by car. For those arriving by air, the closest major airports are Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) and Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon (LIS), both offering rental car services for a picturesque drive through winding mountain roads. The journey itself is part of the experience, with stunning views of glacial valleys, rugged cliffs, and traditional villages along the way.

Please see more info here: https://casadesaolourenco.pt/en/location-and-contacts/

WILD INITIATIVES

Casa de São Lourenço is deeply committed to regenerative practices, ensuring that its presence enhances the natural and cultural landscape of Serra da Estrela. A key part of this commitment is the revival of traditional wool production through its connection with the Burel Factory. This historic mill preserves century-old techniques, using locally sourced wool to create durable burel fabric while supporting the region’s shepherding heritage. By incorporating burel into the hotel’s design—from furnishings to textiles—Casa de São Lourenço not only sustains a disappearing craft but also promotes a circular economy that benefits local artisans and shepherds.

Beyond wool production, the hotel emphasizes sustainability in architecture and operations. Originally built in 1940, the structure was thoughtfully restored to blend with its mountainous surroundings, using natural materials like granite and wood. Large panoramic windows maximize natural light and warmth, reducing energy consumption while offering breathtaking views of the landscape. The hotel also embraces responsible resource management, employing eco-friendly water conservation techniques, low-energy lighting, and locally sourced ingredients in its restaurant, ensuring that each element of the guest experience aligns with sustainable values.

Casa de São Lourenço also plays a vital role in preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage. It actively supports the traditional sheep-shearing and transhumance practices, where shepherds lead their flocks to higher pastures in summer, a ritual that has shaped the identity of Serra da Estrela for centuries. Guests can take part in these immersive experiences, deepening their connection to the land and its people. By promoting local traditions, ethical craftsmanship, and environmentally responsible hospitality, Casa de São Lourenço sets a benchmark for regenerative travel, ensuring that its impact is one of renewal and preservation rather than consumption.

*Photos property of Casa de São Lourenço

Rooms start at 285€

Areias do Seixo

PORTUGAL

THE PERSONALITIES

Design lovers. Eco travellers. Lovers, families and friends looking for unique and remote corners of the world. (Best for children 10+).   

MOMENTS

Sand dunes, cliffs and the sea. Wood and concrete accents. Outdoor showers. Custom fireplaces in every room. Private deck overlooking the Atlantic. The sounds of the waves. Savouring your time on earth.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Open all year round with May to October being the warmest. 

COST

WHY STAY

Areias do Seixo is a destination hotel an hour outside of Lisbon, Portugal. Design, nature, and sustainability describe it best. The hotel is surrounded by pine trees and sand dunes, with the Atlantic in the distance, and is a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the world. 

Each room is different and tells a story. Choose one of Gold, Tree, Land or Love rooms, built with minimum impact to the environment and complete with log fireplaces, wooden patios, and views to the ocean, the dunes or the garden. Families and groups will love the villas and the townhouses available on the premises, with barbecues and outdoor swimming pools. 

Visit the spa for a dry sauna, or a turkish bath or the relaxation room and outdoor pool.

WHY WANDER

Enjoy the hotel and the surrounding nature. Take a walk along the cliffs or a bike ride along the ocean. (The bikes are provided!) Watch the stars at the nightly fire.

INDULGE IN

Seasonal and mostly Portuguese produce inspired by the land and sea. Try innovative dishes like Cod Fish Confit, Fresh Fish from Our Coast Cooked in Wood Oven or Chestnuts Textures. Try the herbs and vegetables from the organic garden on the premises. Visit the hotel's restaurant Noah located right on the beach.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Lisbon and take an hour long drive to the hotel. 

WILD INITIATIVES

At Areias do Seixo, sustainability is a way of life deeply ingrained in every aspect of the guest experience. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted by a commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism. The hotel's eco-friendly practices are evident in its construction, which incorporates natural materials and renewable energy sources to minimize its carbon footprint. Sustainable initiatives extend to water conservation, waste management, and locally sourced, organic ingredients used in the restaurant's farm-to-table cuisine. Moreover, Areias do Seixo embraces the principles of community engagement and social responsibility, supporting local artisans and cultural preservation efforts. Guests are invited to participate in eco-conscious activities such as beach clean-ups and nature walks, fostering a deeper connection to the surrounding environment.

*Photos property of Areias do Seixo Charm Hotel

Sobreiras Alentejo Country Hotel

PORTUGAL

THE PERSONALITIES

Seekers of peace. Writers. Winos and Foodies. Lovers of Architecture & Design Enthusiasts.

MOMENTS

Being hidden from the world. All white minimalism, enhanced by the surrounding nature. Lazy afternoons. Vacation mode.   

BEST VISITING MONTHS

May to October is the warmest. 

COST

WHY STAY

Sobreiras is a rural contemporary hotel in Alentejo, Portugal, perfect for peace, privacy, and uninterrupted nature time.

All rooms have private terraces and views of the beautiful countryside, filled with pine and cork oak trees, inviting the landscape to be a part of your experience. Enjoy the clean raw timber design, the refreshing infinity pool, and the clearest starry nights. Wander the orchard. Take a nap in the hammock. Live simply.   

WHY WANDER

The exploration options are endless in Alentejo - mountains, beaches, plains, vineyards. Sobreiras is 10 minutes away from Grandola - a lovely town with great restaurants and 25 minutes away from the coast. 

Visit Serra de Grândola, Galé beach fossil cliffs, Melides lagoon systems, Sado estuary or Troia nature reserves. Go horseback riding through the countryside or see it from above with a hot air balloon ride. Visit Aberta Nova Beach- the longest in the country. Go surfing or lounge seaside in one of many charming cafes. 

INDULGE IN

Taste the flavours of Alentejo: fresh seafood, olive oil, honey, and, of course wine. 

GETTING THERE

Fly into Lisbon and take a beautiful 1.5 hour drive to Alentejo. Renting a car is recommended, as the hotel is remote. 

WILD INITIATIVES

The hotel's commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in its eco-friendly architecture, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape while minimizing its ecological footprint. Sobreiras employs energy-efficient technologies, utilizes renewable energy sources, and implements water-saving measures to minimize resource consumption. Furthermore, the hotel promotes local biodiversity through the preservation of native flora and fauna on its extensive grounds. Guests are invited to partake in sustainable activities such as organic farming experiences and nature walks, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of the Alentejo region.

*Photos property of Sobreiras Hotel

L'AND Vineyards

PORTUGAL

The Personalities

Winos and Foodies, Lovers of Architecture, Design Enthusiasts with a taste for luxury

MOMENTS

Gazing into the clearest night sky from your bed. Tasting the fertile landscape of Alentejo in the full-bodied wine made on the premises. 

Best Visiting Months

May to October

Cost

Why stay

L'AND Vineyards is a luxury boutique resort, set inside a vineyard in the heart of Alentejo. Enjoy views of a vine garden, a tranquil indigo lake and the Medieval castle of Montemor. The building houses the L'AND winery, as well as 22 modern suites, beautifully integrating design and nature, built with natural stone, slate and wood. Choose between Sky-View or L'and Suites. Both suites have a large outdoor terrace with fireplace and a private patio, creating a peaceful and intimate atmosphere. The Sky-View suites allow the full opening of the bedroom ceiling, and include a private courtyard garden with a plunge pool. Sleep under the Alentejo night sky and take advantage of one the least polluted areas in Europe.

Why wander

Alentejo is one of Europe’s not-to-be-missed destinations. Open space. Blue skies. History, culture, and wine. Indulge in some of the best wine Portugal has to offer, made on the premises of L'AND. Understand the winemaking process and learn how to appreciate it by colour, aroma and taste during daily complimentary tasting sessions. Take a short trip to the city of Évora, a unique tourist destination full of history, as well as a World Heritage site. For a taste of whimsical adventure, take a hot air balloon ride. Seeing Alentejo from the sky is an experience you will remember forever.

Indulge in

L'AND Restaurant is a one Michelin Star restaurant - so every dish is expected to be rich, indulgent and mind-blowing. Enjoy modern organic Portuguese cuisine. Drink grenadine coloured wine with hints of blackberry, mint, and spice.

Getting There

Fly into Lisbon and take a beautiful 45 minute drive to Alentejo.

WILD INITIATIVES

Embracing eco-conscious practices, L'AND Vineyards strives to minimize its environmental impact while producing exceptional wines of the highest quality. The vineyard is certified organic, with a dedication to biodiversity and terroir preservation. Sustainable viticulture methods, such as dry farming and natural pest control, are employed to cultivate grapes in harmony with nature. Additionally, the winery utilizes renewable energy sources and implements water-saving technologies to reduce consumption. L'AND Vineyards also prioritizes waste management and recycling initiatives, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and responsibly.

*Photos property of L'AND VINEYARDS

Estalagem da Ponta do Sol

MADEIRA, PORTUGAL

THE PERSONALITIES

Hikers. Photographers. Surfers. Travellers looking for a quiet, unique destination with the perfect view.

MOMENTS

Fresh and clear air. Living on the edge of the world. 180 degrees of Atlantic Ocean. Madeira sunsets. Falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves. Wandering through winding paths and gardens. Exploring something new every day.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Anytime! May to October are the warmest. 

COST

WHY STAY

Estalagem da Ponta do Sol is a cliffside design hotel on Madeira, the main island of the Portuguese archipelago comprised of four islands off the coast of Africa.

Enter the hotel by taking an elevator from ground-level to the lobby up on a cliff. Estalagem da Ponta do Sol has been converted from an old quinta and incorporates traditional architecture with modern minimalist design. Choose one of 54 seaview and gardenview rooms. Enjoy big panoramic glass windows. Take in the spectacular views from the infinity pool - with the village of Ponta do Sol below, and terrace hills, mountains and banana plantations in the distance.

Stroll through the property’s gardens where you can enjoy live concerts. Relax at the spa in a panoramic hydro massage bath. Try volcanic clay massage. Fall asleep to the wind and the ocean. 

WHY WANDER

The main island of Madeira is a green, yet rugged volcanic island, known for its warm, subtropical climate. Hike to Cabo Girão lookout point. Climb Pico do Arieiro - Madeira’s third highest peak at 1,818 metres, where you can see the neighbouring island of Porto Santo on a clear day. Pico Ruivo is the highest peak on the island perfect for a more challenging hike. Bike through the Laurisilva forest. Go surfing or kitesurfing in the place known as the Hawaii of Europe. Try canyoning. Enjoy year round diving in one of the deepest sea coasts of the continent. See the unique volcanic landscape from above by going paragliding. Visit banana and sugar cane plantations.

INDULGE IN

Local Mediterranean cuisine.

GETTING THERE

The hotel is 40 minutes from the airport, 25 minutes from Funchal (the capital), and 5 minutes away from Ribeira Brava Village.

*Photos property of Estalagem Ponto do Sol

Octant Douro

PORTUGAL

THE PERSONALITIES

Design lovers. Wellness Aficionados. Winos. Foodies.  

MOMENTS

360 views. Watching white yachts disappear into the horizon. Therapeutic effect of the forest and the river.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Open all year round with May to October being the warmest. 

COST

WHY STAY

Octant Douro is a landscape hotel set along the banks of Portugal’s famed Douro River, seamlessly blending contemporary architecture with the region’s dramatic natural beauty. Perched on a hillside, the hotel’s design takes full advantage of its surroundings, offering panoramic views of the winding river and the lush, terraced vineyards that define the Douro Valley. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek, modern aesthetic, the architecture is both bold and unobtrusive, allowing nature to take center stage. The use of natural materials, including stone and wood, reflects the earthy tones of the landscape, creating a space that feels deeply connected to the environment. 

The hotel offers a wealth of experiences designed to engage guests with the Douro’s rich culture and traditions. Wine lovers can explore nearby vineyards, sampling the world-renowned wines that have shaped the valley’s history for centuries. Private boat tours along the Douro River provide a new perspective on the region, revealing hidden gems and historic quintas nestled in the hills. For those seeking adventure, the surrounding landscape is perfect for hiking and cycling, with trails that weave through terraced slopes and olive groves, offering sweeping views at every turn.

WHY WANDER

Go off-roading between Favaios and Pinhão, where you will visit local farms and taste the produce of the region. Discover Serra do Marão Mountains on horseback. Hike through Paiva's walkways and get to know Douro’s geology. Visit lost villages. Take a boat ride through the river, with a stop at Ilha dos Amores (meaning: Love Island). Go rafting for a more fast-paced afternoon or take your time kayaking and paddleboarding. Taste the green wines of Castelo de Paiva. Go mushroom picking.

INDULGE IN

“The best bread pudding in the universe”. Standout menu items are Cataplana of clams and turbot; Codfish Douro41 style; fried octopus filets; and seared deer in tonka bean crust.

GETTING THERE

Douro is located 55 km from Oporto Airport and 160 km from the border with Spain (Tui). Rent a car and explore!

*Photos property of Octant Hotels Douro

Fazenda Nova

PORTUGAL

THE PERSONALITIES

Lovers, Winos and Foodies. 

MOMENTS

Gardens and orchards. Resting under 200 year old olive trees. Oasis of calm. 

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Open all year round with May to October being the warmest. 

COST

WHY STAY

Fazenda Nova is a luxury boutique retreat, converted from an 1830s farmhouse, and surrounded by rolling hills and olive gardens, in the heart of Algarve, Portugal. Enjoy one of ten private rooms, whether it is the Garden Suites, the Garden Apartments or the Terrace Suite, featuring a charming outdoor space and designed in a chic Portuguese country house style. 

Relax under almond or olive trees that grow on the property. Dip in the pool and escape the summer heat. Get lost in a secret garden.  

WHY WANDER

Algarve is a hub of culture, gastronomy and stunning natural sites. Visit Tavira - a coastal town nearby. Hike through the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Take a boat trip to the unspoilt surrounding islands or spend the day at the Fuseta or Baril/Pedras de Rei beaches. Visit the salt flats or take a bike tour through the countryside. Take a roadtrip north to the beautiful Alentenjo. 

INDULGE IN

Make sure to partake in the Algarve Food Experience offered at Fazenda Nova with the writer of 'Eat Portugal', Celia Pedroso. Learn how to bake Portuguese bread (in a 200 year old bread oven). Taste fresh Portuguese seafood and see how olive oil is produced. 

GETTING THERE

Fazenda Nova is twenty five minutes from the Faro airport. Rent a car or arrange a transfer with the hotel.

*Photos property of Fazenda Nova Country House

Pedras Salgadas

PORTUGAL

The Personalities

History-lovers, Design-purists, Romantics    

Moments

Discover the rich history reborn. Feel the healing power of the hot springs. Visit an early twentieth century Chapel steps away. End the day above ground in a luxurious Tree House, where you couldn't be closer to nature.  

Best Visiting Months

May to August

Cost

Why stay

Become part of history as you stay at Pedras Salgadas - a 100 year old park, which used to be a holiday destination for royalty. Today the fashionable spa town is an intriguing mix of old world glamour revitalized with modern and sustainable design. Larger groups and family reunions will feel at home at one of the seven Eco Houses, built with nature as their foundation. A more adventurous traveler can choose to stay at the Tree House - a lightweight, self-supporting structure, designed with landscape integration in mind. Wander the premises, discovering the power of water in the hot springs and the lake. 

Why wander

Welcome to the Northern Portugal region known as the "Marvellous Kingdom". Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro are surrounded by high mountains and deep valleys and offer an endless list of sights to see. Enjoy the protected areas of the region such as Azibo Lagoon, Peneda-Gerês National Park, and the Alvão, Douro International and Montesinho Natural Parks. Take in stunning architecture and history with surrounding castles, churches and bridges, with the famous Quintas of the Douro Valley and the gold mines of Trêsminas. Frequent Pena Aventura Park for a faster-paced holiday filled with adventure and adrenaline. Or slow your stride and take a tranquil and romantic boat ride through the Pedras Salgadas lake.

Indulge in

Port wine, olive oil and honey made in the region. Mirandesa and barrosã steaks.

Getting There

Fly into Porto, Portugal. The Pedras Salgadas spa & nature park is only one hour away by car.  

*Images property of THE PEDRAS SALGADAS SPA & NATURE PARK