We fell in love with this sparkling eco-hotel in a secret corner of glorious Alentejo countryside. Nature is at the heart of everything here - from the fresh, seasonal ingredients used in the highly acclaimed kitchen, to the trendy, locally-sourced homewares in the rooms. The surrounding land has been rewilded, so expect seas of wildflowers (in spring), aromas of herbal plants wafting through the air, and a chorus of soothing birdsong. A Unesco certification made this the first Starlight Tourism Destination in the world, meaning magnificent Milky Way-filled skies follow awesome sunsets. But the real star of the show? The Alqueva Lake (Europe's largest manmade reservoir) that glistens as far as the eye can see. Take in the view from the infinity pool or from your very own private terrace (every room has one). This is heavenly stuff.
All suites are generously sized and beautifully designed with handmade interiors and those far-reaching views of the lake or countryside. Some even have their own heated plunge pools. We adored the chic and serene vibe, the muted tones and the cork and wicker touches. There are lake beaches and medieval walled towns and villages nearby – hilltop Monsaraz blew us away – as well as horse-riding, wine-tasting, biking, balloon rides and a Wellness Dome on the estate itself. Everything here is about preserving nature and traditional ways of life. We were utterly charmed. One to remember, for sure.
Highs
- Breathtaking sunsets seen best with a sundowner from a special picnic spot on the estate
- Staff are super-friendly and can help with everything from swimming spots to English-speaking guides
- Every room is fabulous and comes with a private terrace for soaking up the rugged views - there isn't a speck of civilisation in sight
- Marvel at the Milky Way through the telescope in the dining room or the stargazing platform outside
- This region is wild and wonderful - few tourists have discovered it, and the tiny fortified hilltop village of Monsaraz (6km away) is one of Portugal’s loveliest gems
Lows
- No twin rooms here (just doubles); and no bathtubs
- It's remote, and the nearest village is 6km away; you’ll need a car
- Pathways can be a little uneven so watch your step
- The infinity pool is designed for gentle dipping rather than vigorous swims and is unheated
- Dinner orders are taken 24 hours in advance (to save on food waste), and the restaurant is closed for dinner on Sundays and Mondays
Best time to go
It is said that this part of Alentejo gets 300 days of sunshine. We love spring (April/May) - the wildflowers are in bloom, the countryside is gloriously green and the temperature is warm and pleasant. Summer months are hot – often reaching 35-40C – but you can always cool down in the pool or lake. Come autumn, the sun still shines and temperatures are kinder. Winters are cool – typically 12-18C – and can be wet, but the hotel is cosy and warm thanks to enormous fireplaces.
Our top tips
Although you're 100 miles from the coast, this is one of Portugal's best spots for swimming and watersports, thanks to the "Great Lake" of Alqueva on your doorstep. There's a semi-developed sandy beach 10 mins' drive from the hotel and, with over 1,000km of shoreline, no end of wild swimming spots too. SUP, sailing, wakeboarding, canoe and kayak trips are all possible.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 7 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Room was excellent: spacious and well designed with great views. Only downside was the shower which seemed to vary from hot to cold and back again. Breakfast excellent, evening meal interesting and great value for money. Downside was that for evening meal they required 24 hours notice.The service was great, friendly and helpful. Overall excellent value for money. The area around Montimerso is really interesting with a series of fortified towns and villages along the border with Spain. The local highlights included the hill top village of Monsaraz and the lake. Further afield, Evora, Elvas and Estremoz and well worth visiting. We used a reasonable restaurant in nearby Reguengos but noted several interesting restaurants in Monsaraz.
I was given an i-escape voucher as a birthday present. I decided to use it as part of a longer holiday to visit the area around Alqueva.The hotel was lovely. Attractive decor mixing contemporary and traditional materials. They make the most of the lovely views. We got an upgrade on our room - which meant a larger room and a private splash pool, which was lovely. It was incredibly hot, so lovely to sit in the pool. The night sky early one was bright due to the moon, but later magnificent. Shooting stars too! The food was very good, traditional Petiscos that had to be pre ordered, but very good and value for money. Wine list for all tastes/pockets. Breakfast good. Overall a lovely stay - staff very pleasant and helpful.
I’d like to thank the Montimerso team for their excellent service and hospitality from start to finish. During our stay the team were very responsive, friendly and particularly helpful with organising transfers and restaurant recommendations. Their clear knowledge of the area, passion for preserving the natural beauty of the surroundings and respect for the preservation of the environment made the experience even more special! The hotel itself is situated in a beautiful location - with a stunning and expansive views out to the lake. The room (we selected lake view) was comfortable, furnished simply, but very spacious.. and the plunge pool and hammock a definite perk. A peaceful, relaxing getaway only a couple hours from Lisbon.
The staff went above and beyond to make our stay a memorable one. One very special birthday, was made even more special, by their thoughtfulness and kindness, cake and the picnic boat ride took it to another level.
The location of the hotel is stunning - beautiful views across the lake. The rooms are spacious and well-kitted out. The pool area and the grounds take full advantage of the location and the views. Breakfast was delicious with lots of options. I would eat out for dinner although that may have been because we were there mid-week. It feels like a real find in an area which seems to be a less touristy area of Portugal.
We had a fabulous stay at beautiful Montimerso. So relaxing and peaceful, the rooms were simple and comfortable, with outdoor seating where we were able to enjoy the sun. We loved exploring the grounds with the very friendly dogs and were particularly enthralled with the stars at night (you can see so many!). Staff were so lovely and helpful, with nothing too much trouble and helping us book meals in the local area. Monsaraz is a must-visit and the food in the area is delicious. We’ll definitely be back.
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