Since its opening, back in 2016, we’ve been eager to book a stay at São Lourenço do Barrocal. So, when the time finally arrived, we had high expectations about this place.
The farm is in the same family for eight generations, and it was in ruins when they’ve finally decided to take it to the next level. José António Uva has dedicated 14 years to make this project see the light of day, creating a luxury hotel in the middle of the isolated Alentejo. Nothing was left to chance, and every detail has its own story to tell. Welcome to São Lourenço do Barrocal.
Prepare yourself to be amazed as soon as your car enters through the main gate. The estate is huge and perfectly preserved. You can explore it all by bike (you can find them right at the reception) like we did, passing through vineyards, cattle, and even Neolithic dolmens. They were able to retain the authenticity and traditional historical charm in a flawless way. We loved the balance between simplicity and luxury, which you won’t be able to find in many places. We’ve never been so spoiled in such an unpretentious way.
We won’t tell you much so that we won’t ruin the small kindnesses you’ll find during your stay.
The decoration is outstanding. It’s certainly one of the most beautiful and tasteful we’ve ever seen. From the rooms to the bar, you’ll want to capture absolutely everything you lay your eyes on. Even the reception is to die for. We do care a lot about the aesthetic of a place, so if you’re like us, we’re sure you’ll fall hard on your knees about this one.
If relaxing by the pool while drinking a glass of wine doesn’t feel like the perfect plan for you, don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of other options. The Susanne Kaufmann Spa offers a range of treatments tailored to your needs, or you can pay a visit to the gym and clear your mind with a killing workout. Still not good enough? What about a Pottery workshop, Horse Riding, an intimate picnic, or a Hot Air balloon adventure? Just ask the staff and plan your day as you wish: the possibilities are endless.
Speaking about the staff, what an exceptional service! The majority comes from the surrounding areas, which adds an extra genuine factor to the experience. Expect high standard hospitality and a lot of smiles and friendly faces.
We couldn’t end this post without talking about the food. We opted to have dinner at the Hotel’s restaurant, which is something we never do. Honestly, Alentejo is known for its delicious food, and you’ll find amazing local restaurants. In Monsaraz, for example, you can have an equally tasty meal for half of the price.
However, let us tell you that if you decide to stick to São Lourenço do Barrocal for dinner, you surely won’t be disappointed. Not only is the setting gorgeous, but also its farm-to-table approach means you’ll enjoy the freshest local ingredients. And the good news is that you’ll go to bed, knowing a marvelous breakfast will be waiting for you when you wake up!
All of this doesn’t come cheap. When it comes to price for quality, we must say we’ve been in better-valued hotels. However, São Lourenço do Barrocal is fully aware of how it wants to be perceived, and the type of crowd it wants to attract. And it’s nailing it.
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