Alentejo is Portugal’s second most important wine region, and if you’re anything like we were, you’ve likely never heard of it. Located in the southeastern part of the country and just two hours by car from Lisbon, the region is an unpretentious gem for food and wine enthusiasts.
Looking for a quiet retreat for my 30th birthday, we discovered the region via the Torre de Palma Hotel, a Design Hotel in the Bonvoy portfolio. Originally unsure of how much time we needed there given the quiet and slow nature of the region, we booked just three nights. We could have stayed twice as long and had plenty to do to stay busy, or better yet simply had more time to rest and relax.
The hotel itself was gorgeous. Stunningly adorned, the property had plenty of amenities which we took advantage of. We enjoyed pool time, the tasting menu dinner at Restaurante Basili, a wine tasting on property, and spa time.
The hotel, originally a castle dating back to 1338, sits on an expansive property that also features roman ruins. We visited the ruins and went on a sunny hike from there. Much of the trail was overgrown and easy to get lost in, but what better place to get lost in than amongst vineyards, cork oak trees and olive groves?
We spent one day exploring the nearby town of Estremoz, starting with a wine tasting at nearby vineyard Tiago Cabaço Winery, which featured a modern designed building as well as my husband’s favorite varietal from Alentejo, alicante bouschet. We then explored the nearby gated, hilltop town center and enjoyed its sweeping views, and finished the day with a beautiful meal at Alecrim (rosemary).
After an epic 30th birthday full of far too much poolside wine, we packed our things and headed for the southernmost part of Portugal for a week at the beach on the Algarve. But not without first stopping in Évora to visit their very creepy Chapel of Bones.
The trek through and across Portugal is next. Until then, cheers!
—Shea