Quinta dos Perfumes translates as 'perfume farm' in English, a sweet reminder of this quinta's former life as a mallow farm that produced essential oils. In the 1950s, new owners planted the land with vines and then citrus, and today their sprawling 40-hectare grove incorporates grapes, pomegranates, avocados and 20,000 orange trees standing in neat rows like fragrant traffic lights changing from green to amber.
The old farmhouse and factory have been tastefully renovated to create 17 cool guest bedrooms overlooking the estate and the coast beyond. A saltwater swimming pool sits among orange trees, four-poster daybeds line one side of a manicured lawn, and a panoramic roof terrace with loungers catches a glimmer of sea – perfect for sundowners. Days here start with fruits from the farm, cooked options, homemade jams and just-baked cakes and – of course – freshly squeezed orange juice. Borrow a free bicycle and pedal into the town of Cabanas, with its shops and restaurants, pavement cafes and boat trips to its island beaches. The old town of Tavira is a short drive or train ride away, and a quartet of pristine golf courses border the farm. You’re blissfully secluded here, yet immersed among the eastern Algarve’s greatest treasures.
Highs
- Close to golf courses, restaurants, lovely Tavira and some of the Algarve’s best beaches, but tucked away in a hidden location among gardens and orange trees
- The pool is big, beautiful and set in a peaceful garden sheltered by orange trees
- Stunning roof terrace with panoramic views towards the ocean one way, the Sierra in the other
- Great for a car-free holiday: there’s a train station nearby, beaches are accessible by boat, and bicycles are free for guests to use
Lows
- The hotel is close to the busy N125 coast road, and a train passes by once an hour during the day, but noise is minimal
- Although snacks and light lunches can be prepared on request, you’ll need to head into Cabanas or Tavira for more substantial meals. A full-service restaurant is in the pipe-line - watch this space
- This is a working farm, so you will occasionally hear the rumble of machinery
- Deluxe rooms don’t have private terraces, but they do have wonderful views
Best time to go
The best months to visit the eastern Algarve are April-May (for spring flowers) and September-October (for warm sea). During these months it's still hot and sunny by day, but mild at night. July and August can be uncomfortably hot and crowded in places.
Our top tips
Hop on a bike and pedal into Cabanas – a ten-minute ride on an off-road track via gardens, orchards and olive groves. It’s possible to walk into the town for dinner (20 minutes tops) but take a torch or phone with you for your return journey because some parts of the route aren't lit.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 6 independent reviews from i-escape guests
The place is truly delightful in beautiful surroundings. Staff couldn’t have been any better. Extremely friendly and accommodating. 1 very very minor thing, the switch to turn off bedside lights in the studio can not be reached from the bed without nearly getting up. Clearly no fault of staff but perhaps should have been considered when fitting out. Overall a fabulous stay, would highly recommend and would go again.
Excellent!
What an absolutely incredible place to stay. We were in the main part of the hotel on the first floor, thoroughly recommended for the sea view. The whole hotel was stylish, airy and bright, and spotless. The food was exceptional, one of the best hotel breakfasts we've ever had - particularly the fresh orange juice from the farm! We loved there being cake available all day too...
We enjoyed our walks into Cabanas for dinner, but it is a rural area so a country road is always part of the route. The staff were all very friendly and really helpful, they gave us such a warm welcome - we are already looking forward to returning! (And just a note - if you go to Tavira, all the non-touristy shops close on Wednesdays!)
The orange grove setting is delightful. The lounge and dining area looks out over a green grassy space and the lovely pool is framed by orange trees.
The rooms are fitted in Scandi style with light wood facings, plenty of storage, a big bed and a huge well equipped bathroom.
Breakfast was a highlight with divine freshly squeezed orange juice (of course) and a wide range of cereals, bread, home-made preserves, fruit and cooked dishes. This spread was constantly refreshed.
The staff were exceptional: reception was staffed all waking hours (and whoever was on duty was happy to order taxis, suggest outings etc).
We travelled without a car and would suggest that one is required. We spent a lot of time waiting for taxis to come from Tavira and again on the return pick-up. The walk to Cabanas is on a dusty lane and takes at least 20 minutes, not recommended especially on the return.
And it might be worth mentioning that the terrace rooms are closest to the railway. We got used to the occasional train rattling by but others might not welcome this.
But all in all Quinta dos Perfumes is exactly the kind of hotel I look To i-escape to find.
While we would rate the rooms “excellent”, we would consider room #17 too small for a week’s stay. We loved the breakfast buffet.
The pool is perfect, but there were some noisy children during our August stay. There are 4 lovely daybeds on the lawn in front of the breakfast area, but no direct access from the pool for those looking to retreat from the noise and relax.
Only towards the end of our stay did we realize that there is indeed a menu for light meals. We rather had the impression that food and drinks service was an exception. Bikes great for cycling to nearest village, Cabanas; but rather a long walk, especially in the heat. Best to head to Tavira for a range of dinner options.
Loved the location of the hotel. The walk to Cabanas was a little longer than expected but manageable and taxis could be arranged.
The team were all exceptional and very professional from the front of house staff to catering and housekeeping.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape
Less Feedback