São Lourenço do Barrocal

(Image credit: Nelson Garrido)

last updated 1 August 2022

Snugly situated on the shores of the Alentejo´s vast Alqueva lake, just a few miles from the picture perfect whitewashed village of Monsaraz, this five-star farmhouse hideaway blends the ruggedness of an African safari with five-star farmhouse chic.

Designed by the iconic Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto Moura, the village resort is set within a 780-hectare estate that has been in the same family for over 200 years; owner José António Uva comes from an investment banking background and is the eighth generation of the same family to have farmed the wine, olive and cork estate.

Comprising 22 guest rooms, two suites and 16 independent cottages each with private terraces and spectacular view towards Monsaraz castle, no luxury has been spared; guests can expect Egyptian cotton bed linen, down and feather pillows and duvets, Susanne Kaufmann bathroom amenities and underfloor heating in winter. The hotel has its very own chapel, schoolroom and bullring plus a winery, a farm to table restaurant and even a farm shop selling Portuguese contemporary crafts, regional delicacies and the estate’s home grown produce.

A spa by organic Austrian brand Susanne Kaufmann, features an oak wood hot tub and an outdoor pool while a stable of horses provide scenic treks for up to eight guests at a time. Possessing a unique energy, the farm was once a magnet for megalithic tribes who used the huge granite outcrops - or barrocais - as ceremonial stones.

A relaxing room in the São Lourenço do Barrocal hotel. White walls with a domed ceiling. To the right, we have two beach-style beds with towels on them, to the left we have a table with two drawers in navy blue.

A hallway in the São Lourenço do Barrocal hotel. White walls with a domed ceiling, arched passages to the left and right, and a window to the farthest wall in the center.

A hallway in the São Lourenço do Barrocal hotel. White walls with a domed ceiling, arched passages to the left and right, and a door to the farthest wall in the center. The floor is covered with rugs in different shapes, in gray, blue, and white colour.

A light and airy room in the São Lourenço do Barrocal hotel. White walls with sketch art of nature on the walls. Wooden bed frame and white linen. To the fartherst wall, there is a balcony door which lets through a lot of light.

Private living space in the São Lourenço do Barrocal hotel. Burnt brown couch to the right, with a map on the wall above it. A wooden coffee table in the center, with a beige rug on the floor. A big plant to the right, and a tv to the farthest wall.

A pool area in the São Lourenço do Barrocal hotel. At the center is the pool with a rock-like fountain in the left corner. To the left, we have beach beds in beige and navy sunshades.

Exterior view of the São Lourenço do Barrocal hotel. White, one story building, with navy doors to the rooms and plants and benches on the walls.

ADDRESS

7200-177 Monsaraz

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Rupert Eden has worked for Wallpaper* magazine since 2010 covering everything Iberian from architecture and design to wellness and travel. He is happiest championing sustainable projects featuring up-and-coming artisans or chefs.