Herdade da Amendoeira

This place is especially good for developing dressage skills, particularly if you don’t get valuable riding feedback at home. The training opportunities, facilities, accommodation, food, setting, and views are all great. The horses are cared for to a very high standard, with generous turnout, limited lessons each day, and good attention. You can see that in their character and rideability. It isn’t a place for beginners. Some commenters were unhappy that they couldn’t get beyond walk, trot, and canter, but that comes down to limited rider ability and a need to perfect the basics first. Running a property like this has challenges, especially when plans change and activities need organizing. The staff do their best, though the stable schedule is tight.

The owner family is extremely nice, easy to approach, and fascinating to talk with. The setting is fabulous, with beautiful views, and the rooms have a modern, simple kind of luxury. There are several very good instructors, and the trail rides are fun too. The horses are well cared for and trained to a high level. They’re willing and sensitive, and tend to be forward rather than lazy. All in all, my week was far beyond what I expected.

The room was bright and modern, with a great bed and bathroom, and the meals were a real highlight. We highly recommend having both dinner and breakfast at the hotel. The setting is beautiful and the location is amazing, but what stood out most was how caring, proactive and welcoming the staff were. Even if you don't ride horses, it's a treat to stay here. We'd absolutely check it out when visiting Portugal.

Horse lovers will feel right at home here. The horses are magical, the trainers are great, and the staff are incredible. I'd recommend it, though maybe don't come, so there are still rooms for me 😉