We’re so pleased to shine the Spain Savvy spotlight on this spectacular property we recently discovered through our friends at the Querido Collection in the Alentejo.  After our recent visit, we can say with certainty that there’s really no better place to stay while visiting this magical area of Portugal.

Here is a helpful map to get you situated geographically.  São Lourenço do Barrocal is a family-owned estate – converted into an understated luxury hotel completely integrated in its natural setting – located just east of Évora in Monsaraz.

The property is an easy 3 hour drive from Seville (about 2 hours from Lisbon and 2.5 from the Algarve coast).

“The Alentejo is one of the best preserved landscapes and one of the least populated regions of southern Europe. Its vast open country is home both to tradition and contemporary culture, renewing itself as a region that is global but not globalized. The sense of beauty is found almost everywhere, from whitewashed villages and craggy outcrops to undulating plains peppered with cork oak and olive trees. Fairly close to Lisbon, it occupies almost one-third of Portugal. Yet, somehow, it is still a confined region, inhabited by friendly people and a quiet charm.”

On our way to the estate, we stopped in the delightful medieval white-washed village of Monsaraz with its impressive open-air castle, friendly hosts, and wonderful restaurants for lunch with a view.

Our stay on the estate was exquisitely perfect.  We slept in a 2-bedroom Meadow Cottage which was so spacious and opened right up on to the property’s expansive meadow and vineyards.  I even managed to get up nice and early for a quiet solo yoga session to take in the absolute peace on the grounds.  Be sure to check out the tours we posted as reels on our Instagram.

After our arrival on the property (we were greeted by Duarte and his golf cart which was great fun!), we spent most of our time relaxing pool-side (there is a wading pool for kids and a larger adult version, both on a vast lawn).  While we lounged and played, staff offered us fresh melon kebabs, rosemary water spray and cool cloths for our faces, as well as mineral water to drink.  Luxury at its very best!

The estate has a bunch of bicycles for guest use and we decided to take a few for a spin down to the vegetable and herb gardens.  The staff can also advise you on longer rides and walks for bird watching and more.  There is enough nature and wildlife to enjoy for days.

“Seasons rule above everything else in this farm garden. With raised beds where crops are organically cultivated in order to provide guests with the freshest vegetables, herbs and fruits, it follows a strict planting calendar so the ecosystem has a bountiful and ecologically friendly effect.”

In addition to the gardens, São Lourenço do Barrocal boasts its own unique beef herd of pedigree cows, whose origins lie in the native Alentejanas, crossed with specially imported French Salers and Limousin bulls. Moving about the blanketed countryside, the herd is part of the landscape, supplying the farm to table restaurant and the whole working estate with meat characterized by its depth of flavor.

At guests’ disposal, there are also Lusitano thoroughbred horses, the oldest saddle horses in the world.  They are fit to take you galloping if you are an experienced rider but they are gentle as well, making them perfect for horseback riding lessons.

One of the other great features of this property is its award-winning Susanne Kaufman spa with personalized treatments, wellness, pilates & yoga classes, and fitness studio.

The farm-to-table restaurant brings the freshest organic produce and local delicacies, featuring cuisine deeply rooted in the Alentejo’s traditions. Our breakfast was simply marvelous – not one detail missing!  They even offered the children their favorite dish of chocolate pancakes – so thick and fluffy!  For your dining variety, there is also an outdoor grill (Hortelão), the hotel bar, and the pool bar.

Our only regret is not staying longer.  This is a top-notch property for relaxation and for exploring Portugal, and we absolutely cannot wait to share it with all of you.

Contact us today to book your exclusive stay at São Lourenço do Barrocal with Spain Savvy.

Opinions are truly ours!  Some photos are from the property website.