Hidden in the orange groves near Tavira, Fazenda Nova – meaning “New Farm”– offers boutique luxury with a distinctly Portuguese flavour. Run by friendly English owners, this tranquil countryside retreat delivers a modern, carefully curated experience in the lesser-known Eastern Algarve. Drink in the citrus-scented air, stroll the property’s sprawling grounds, full of olive trees, and surrender to a slower pace of life. It’s an intimate space with 13 bedrooms and an eclectic design influence throughout, inspired by the owners' travels. Stylish touches like polished concrete floors and modern furniture meet traditional Santa Catarina tiles, vintage accents, and bold, colourful artwork by local artists.
The serenity of Fazenda Nova is a refreshing departure from the built-up spots in the Algarve – yet you have some of the best beaches and holiday destinations nearby (that’s if you can bear to leave – we found it hard). Relaxation is the order of the day around here, so curl up with a book in one of the luxurious poolside Balinese beds and let the delicious procession of snacks and drinks begin, punctuated by refreshing dips in the saltwater swimming pool. The peace is intoxicating.
Highs
- Enjoy nothing but birdsong in this remote countryside location – yet you’re 15 minutes from the closest beach and Tavira, and 30 minutes from Faro Airport
- The saltwater swimming pool is a lazy daydream come true: you will not want to stray far from it
- The grounds are stunning: beautifully landscaped with pathways carved through abundant gardens, carob and olive trees
- We loved the eclectic design – the perfect blend of modern and vintage, Portuguese and English influences
Lows
- You’ll need a car (or taxi) to get here and to visit nearby beaches and towns
- The set menu may be a bit pricey for some but there’s also an à la carte option
- Loft Suites have private roof terraces with great views but they’re on the small side
- Beaches in this area are less accessible: get there by pedestrian bridges, or a short train or ferry ride
Best time to go
The best months are April and May (for spring flowers and warm temperatures), and September and October, when it’s still hot and sunny by day, and mild at night. July and August can be uncomfortably hot. Winter months are cold at night, and the wind can be chilly, although the sun still shines most days.
Our top tips
While you're here, take advantage of the free bikes and cycle around Santa Estêvão, Luz de Tavira, and the surrounding countryside. If you're venturing out, don’t miss the picture-perfect village of Cacela Velha – it’s a hidden gem compared to more touristy parts of the Algarve. At low tide you can walk across the lagoon to reach the stunning turquoise waters of Praia da Fábrica, which is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
- Boutique Hotel
- 15 rooms
- Restaurant & bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
- Laundry Service
Rooms
There are 13 bedrooms spread across the main house and gardens – each one thoughtfully decorated with luxurious linens and artistic accents (handpainted drawers, cowskin rugs, distressed-wood sideboards). Earthy tones, high ceilings and sleek stone floors give the rooms a sophisticated but homely feel, balancing modern comfort with rustic elegance.
The Garden Suites open directly onto the grounds, so you have a slice of the outdoor paradise to yourself, while the Terrace Suites upstairs feature private terraces with panoramic views of the countryside. Up on the top floor are the Loft Suites, which are small but cosy with their elegant sloping ceilings.
Our jaws dropped when we opened the door to the Master Suite. A sun-bathed terrace stretched elegantly before us, leading to a private garden with multiple terraces, sunloungers and a private hot tub. With an enormous, open-plan living area, kingsized bed and spacious bathroom, it's like a private hideaway, separate from the rest of the hotel – perfect for sunbathing and moon-gazing, with stunning sunset views.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Coffee / tea making
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Mosquito net
- Safe box
- Terrace/balcony
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
Most meals are served on the outside terrace, which offers an intimate dining experience and some much-needed shade from the sun. The Algarve is warm – if not hot – all year round, so the terrace is open even in the winter months, with a beautiful outdoor fireplace to add extra cosiness and ambiance to the space.
If you're up for a culinary adventure, try the “Special” menu. It's a surprise three-course meal using fresh, locally sourced ingredients – mostly organic – and tailored to your dietary preferences. Ours featured fresh anchovy on bruschetta toast, plus salmon and cream cheese rolls.
There’s also an a la carte menu which has a wider range of options, including for kids – and one of the best burgers we’ve ever tasted. Lunch and evening meals are paired with a carefully curated selection of Portuguese wines, including local Algarvian choices.
Fish is from the local Olhão market, while herbs are fresh from the on-site garden. Breakfast is not to be missed: expect regional specialties like quejo fresco (cheese) from the Azores, yoghurt from São Brás de Alportel, and house-made marmelo, a traditional Portuguese marmalade. We were delighted to learn that breakfast is served all day – a thoughtful touch that adds to the laidback, slow-living feel of this place.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
- Kids' meals
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurant
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Stroll the cobblestone streets and Roman bridges of historic Tavira – it’s also a foodie destination
- Take a day trip to Olhão to see Algarve’s biggest fish market and an impossibly pretty old town
- Take a ferry ride to the islands to enjoy the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Ilha de Cabanas, Ilha da Armona, Ilha da Culatra and Ilha de Tavira
- Go by boat through the wetlands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park – one of Portugal’s “Seven Natural Wonders”
- Try kitesurfing or windsurfing on Fuseta beach (on Ilha da Armona)
- Spend the day in Cacela Velha – a hidden gem with access to Fábrica beach in low tide
- Soak up the restaurants, shops and nightlife in Faro – famous for its rooftop restaurants
- Hike the Via Algarviana trail which stretches from the Spanish border to the western coast
- Golf, yoga, cooking classes, and winery tours are available nearby
- Spa treatments are available on request
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Kitesurfing
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Well being
- Windsurfing
- Wine tasting
- Yoga
Kids
Children are very welcome at Fazenda Nova, although there are no specific rooms aimed at families. There is lots of space in the gardens for little ones to run around, and the local sandy beaches will be a hit. Babysitting, kids' meals and extra beds are available.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
The most comfortable rooms for families with children are the Garden Suites or the Master Suite. They’re equipped with spacious living areas, and can easily fit additional beds.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Kids Activities on site:
- Pool with a shallow end
- Outside space to run around
- Board games
- Bicycles to borrow
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Fazenda Nova is set in the heart of the eastern Algarve in the village of Estiramantens, 11km from the historic coastal town of Tavira and its stunning coastline.
By Air:
Fly to Faro (29km). Fazenda Nova is just 30 minutes by road from the airport.
From the Airport:
Most guests will hire a car - see our car rental recommendations. Parking is plentiful. If you don't drive, you can ask the hotel to book you a taxi.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Faro 29.0 km FAR
- Lisbon 289.0 km LBO
Other:
- Beach 7.5 km
- Shops 6.5 km
- Restaurant 4.0 km