Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

Rooms

The original farmhouse, Monte da Peceguina, has two Suites, one Junior Suite, and seven Doubles. Both Suites have high-ceilinged sitting rooms with a mezzanine level where a second double bed has been tucked beneath the beams. Down below you can slump into a comfy sofa or lounge on to the ottoman. Their focus is a woodburning stove which, Janus-like, looks forward to your sitting room and back into the main bedroom. Doubles and Junior Suites have just the one floor but flaunt similar classic styling - think cool linens and calming tones.

Continue on along a dusty path through the estate and you'll next reach Casa Das Pedras. These super-slick suites are nestled in a hillside and come with spectacular views of treetops and vines from their all-glass fronts. There's a free-standing bath by the window, and the bed is perfectly positioned to take in the scenery. Slide open the doors and you're on your private terrace, where there's a plunge pool for your pleasure.

Casa Do Ancoradouro stands in an isolated position on a hilltop at the furthest point of the estate. Not surprisingly, the views from here are breathtaking. The house is laid out around a long, elegant living room with a grand piano at one end, with seven enormous suites skirting the edges. The style here is pared-back and luxurious, each room flaunting minimalist interiors and high ceilings.

Casa Da Ribeira (sleeps 6) and Casa Das Artes e Ofícios (sleeps 4) are private villas, each with their own swimming pool. Expect the same graceful collision of traditionalism and modern design touches, plus the odd in-room bathtub and gorgeous views of the Terges stream. The two villas are set close to one another so they could work well for two families travelling together, as they come with tons of privacy.

Wherever you stay, expect loads of little treats: your complimentary bottle of the estate's Monte da Peceguina wine on a silver tray for booking through i-escape, and a big vase of cut flowers on the table.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

A stay at Malhadinha is very much about good food and wine, and the heart of the matter is the gourmet restaurant (closed Sun & Mon - thematic dinners are offered instead), which has an all-glass wall and looks out over the kitchen garden, creating a smart greenhouse feel. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Joachim Koerper, the idea was to create dishes that showcase the estate's wines. Three-course menus change with the seasons and follow the dictates of nouvelle cuisine: manageable portions, light sauces, fresh-as-fresh ingredients, and eye-catching presentation.

A typical dinner might begin with a selection of breads, ham and oil from the farm, followed by a light starter of veggies from the garden, then white grouper with fragrant rice, and finally a selection of unique carrot-themed sweets to finish. Everything looked so pretty on the plate I felt almost loathe to disturb their culinary artwork.

Breakfasts are laidback affairs and take place at either Monte da Peceguina or Casa Do Ancoradouro (or in your room if you prefer). You eat at one table topped with vases of flowers, or outside on the terrace. A scrummy selection of continental delights are brought to you, along with fresh OJ and coffee. Eggs (from the farm) are cooked to order in the house kitchen - my omelette was the best I've ever tasted.

You can choose to have lunch here too. These are three-course set meals, but the dishes are light and small. Gourmet picnics can also be created but these need to be ordered in advance. The villas have their own kitchens, should you wish to prepare your own food. Or, if you want to eat elsewhere, try one of the two local restaurants, Restaurante O Celeiro or Restaurante A Cavalariça for simple traditional fare.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Lunch by arrangement
• Restaurant

Activities

• Take a tour of the bodega to see how Malhadinha's wines are put together and, if you're new to the game, let the basics of wine tasting be explained to you
  
• Mountain bike, quad bike or horse ride through the estate, perhaps with a gourmet picnic
  
• The M Wellness Spa offers facials and body treatments, using products made wine, honey and rosemary, the sensory shower and sauna, and yoga classes. Nutritional organic lunches and sleep enhancing programmes are also featured
  
• Fish in the river that cuts through the property: rods and lines are provided
  
• Spend the day exploring nearby Evora: the town has a deliciously out-of-time feel to it, and there are some excellent Roman ruins including a temple. Nowadays it has the happy buzz of any university town
  
• Take to the air with a balloon flight over the vineyards
  
• If you're here at the end of the summer join in with the grape harvest
  
• The local area is known for pottery; ask about a course with a local artisan

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Hot air ballooning
• Kayaking
• Museums / galleries
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Wine tasting
• Yoga

Kids

Although this is a sophisticated place, kids would certainly enjoy exploring the estate and meeting its animals (pigs, cows, hens, peacocks, turkeys). The possibility of learning to ride a horse would be an added attraction for older kids, and the pools and mountain bikes could provide plenty of entertainment. There are all sorts of accommodation options, so you'll easily find something that suits.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

The two suites in Peceguina both have a second double bed hoisted up on their mezzanine levels, while Ancoradouro Suites have sofabeds that can sleep 2 kids. The private villas - Casa Das Artes e Ofícios (sleeps 4) and Casa Da Ribeira (sleeps 6) - would work well for families.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Herdade da Malhadinha is in the Alentejo, 3km from the village of Albernoa; the nearest large town is Beja, 23km away.

By Air
The nearest airport is Faro (124km), a little over an hour away by car; from Lisbon (200km) it is nearer 2 hours by car. You could also fly to Seville, in which case allow half a day for getting to Malhadinha.

From the Airport
We'd recommend that your hire a car in order to make the most of the area - see our car rental recommendations. Alternatively, take a taxi. Airport transfers are also available via the hotel.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.