We began our journey in the Queen’s Terminal at Heathrow, eyes that were glowing and prepared for our experience to the Alentejo region of Portugal. Our itinerary was fully packed with excursions and activities all throughout around the region’s civilization. Not to mention all of the lavish wine and food we were going to eat.

An hour East of Lisbon, the area is known for its nature and heritage, the large landscapes can catch a vista or 2! The Alentejo provides history, adventure and fantastic experiences to all people includes Atlantic shores, ancient stone circles and the taste of Portuguese cuisine.

We were greeted by our Portuguese bus driver, who settled us in straight away with all the rhythmic sounds of music as we drove through the countryside.

Escola Primavera

Our first destination was a quaint restaurant. Originally an elementary school, the restaurant had been converted to match its famished guests. We had a selection of courses, where we got to taste the regional delicacies. This consisted of local cheese, cold meats, a genuine fish stew (with rice) and a few delicious tenderised pork. My favourite of course was the selection of cakes and desserts that finished the lunch off wonderfully.

Alas, the weather took a turn for the worst, and that meant we could not appreciate the beautiful landscapes on our way to our hotel stay. But we were able to take a glance at one of the earliest fishing docks that were working in the nation, which had a picturesque eeriness about it.

The Sublime Comporta

For dinner we had been transported to the heart of comfort. The Sublime Comporta is a first-rate premium escape destination that encapsulates the relaxed nature and tranquillity of the region. It is a place to give you peace of soul and their mind and is an perfect escape from the world.

There are 34 rooms located on the 17-acre estate, fit with top notch spa amenities. The resort proprietor expressed that ‘time is king here’ significance time is as important as it is made by you.

The experience as a whole was magnificent and I would recommend a stay here if you need that escape. I’m not surprised that it created it to #No.15 on Town & Country’s Top 100 hotels of the world.

Èvora

We visited this area Èvora, filled with historic monuments of historical Portugal’s capital. One of the main attractions is a temple that was a slaughterhouse, this is a world heritage website. Even the Bone Chapel was slightly eerie, the walls in the space were lined with bones of all the deceased in the town’s graveyards. However the city itself was very picturesque, you could happily spend the afternoon drifting down cobbled streets respecting the civilization and eating a pastéis de nata (Portuguese tart)!

We got to have a visit this was an early stone circle dependent on the outskirts of Èvora. This Neolithic stone formation is around old than our own Stonehenge and is composed of 95 standing stones producing two stone circles committed to a religion. Many of the stones have historical carvings and patterns but the significance is still unknown, which adds their own existence and great mystery. It is well worth a trip if things such as this take your fancy!

Alentejo Marmois

Our second hotel stay was Alentejo Marmõis Hotel and spa  found in the tiny historic village of Vila Viçosa. The resort is located in the vicinity of Alentejo and this is evident throughout the whole resort, with spa amenities all made of local marble and lovely decorated furnishings. The hotel has fitted out with the necessities. It was a fantastic time to go down to the spa for a learnt break. The spa was given the best spa award in Europe last year and it was amazing. There was a huge variety of treatments or you can relax by the pool that is heated.

That day we were treated to a 5 course dinner consisting of scallops, monkfish and a  melt in the mouth duck for main. The restaurant provides the very best of Alentejo’s ‘Terroir’ cuisine, the more flavours and fresh create that all comes from the surrounding fields of Vila Viçosa.

We started day three with a trip. We got to take a tour of their cheese factory where they hand create their renowned goats and sheep cheese. The farm also produces their own herb and fruit infused liqueurs. The liqueur is infused with a herb called Penny-Royal, which has a spearmint flavour.

The B & B provides 8 rustic rooms all fitted with their own en-suite and air conditioning. Although the B & B was founded in 1893 you can enjoy a splash in the pool and remain in contact with the planet. I have to mention one of the greatest parts about this particular farm was that their cute three legged dog called Penny-royal (named after the herb) who will cause you to feel extremely welcome, he even might take you on a trip around the farm!

A brief car trip away, we arrived at Herdade da Ravasqueira winery and that a 3,000-hectare estate. The estate offers fantastic physical activities such as canoeing, fishing, hiking, bike riding and lots more. Not only can it be a winery it also is home to the greatest collection of carriages in Europe. Where it is possible to discover how to taste the wines that are delicious fruitful, see the museum and even have a snack to eat, wine tours begin from as little as $ 11. The food in Herded da Ravasqueira was a highlight for me, it took me back to being a girl with the taste of my Nan’s homemade roast lamb. The food was divine!

Our closing hotel stay was in Pousada da Arraiolos, originally an ancient 16th-century convent which was adapted to some lavish resort. 15 rooms are made up from the first structure, with the addition of a additional 17 rooms in the new part of the resort. As it was one of the convent cells, my room had a whole lot of character, the decor and furnishings evokes the monastic tradition with walls made from a wooden flooring and marble with a finish that is quirky and modern. This place is perfect for weddings or private parties as the original church is still part of the hotel as well as the extremely courtyard overlooking the rolling hills of Alentejo. The local food and wine was delicious — be certain that to get to taste the local liqueur too.

On our final day, we got to stop by Estremoz to their flea market. We had been thrown right into the town’s life span with the thriving market full of vegetables and fresh fruit, livestock and an antique or 2. It was wonderful to see the community unite in a gossip with friends that are lifelong and the square for their weekly store. I am sure that you may find a treasure amongst the countless 17, if you’re nearby.

A brief stroll from the market was a restaurant. I really enjoyed my experience. Yet it was the things like new bread served in paper bags and cork products being used through the restaurant that topped off it. It had been the perfect ending to the trip, we were treated to flavor new octopus salad, fresh prawns along with a beautiful meringue dessert.

Following a couple of days that are fantastic, it was time to say goodbye to this region of Portugal. I just visited for a time by getting to enjoy the regional food, wine and people but I was thrown. It is the best destination for your explorer in you, the area will provide you with a huge amount of history a hill. Additionally, there are some gems that will give a tranquil retreat for all of those who need a break!

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