Pedras Salgadas Nature & Spa Park

Pedras Salgadas Park makes a peaceful winter escape. The quiet scenery in the cooler months is a lovely break from everyday bustle.

The restaurant was a bright spot, with excellent food and staff who spoke English very well. Breakfast even had vegan yogurt, which was a nice surprise. We also appreciated having a room with a small kitchen, and there’s a supermarket in the nearby town. But the room was in very poor shape during our stay as a couple with our 3-month-old baby. It smelled stale, the floor creaked, and shower water spread across the bathroom. We asked for the leak to be fixed, but it wasn’t properly resolved. The place felt old, worn, and neglected, especially for the high price. Front desk staff didn’t speak English well. In my opinion, it wasn’t good value for money.

I ended up paying almost 900 euros for one night, although my stay was priced at 290 euros a night. The hotel’s profile on a famous booking site had been hacked, and they sent me a payment link that turned out to be fake. I paid it, and the terms said I should be charged that same day, so the payment seemed plausible. The hotel acknowledged the hack but wouldn’t take responsibility. I paid three times for the stay, twice to the hackers and once to the hotel. Staff apparently fell for a criminal attempt to get their password, yet the hotel acted as if nothing had happened and told me to sort it out with my bank. They didn’t even offer a small gesture for the serious financial loss, like lunch, dinner, or a spa massage. Nothing at all. Unacceptable. I strongly advise against booking there because when a problem caused by them comes up, they won’t help and just wash their hands of it.

We loved staying in the middle of an ancient forest for a night. Cars aren’t allowed to drive around, which makes the place more pleasant and better for the environment. We borrowed bikes for free and took a leisurely ride. There’s a natural sparkling water spring, and the place feels special. The thermal spa was nice too. We had treatments, and I’d recommend Claudia and Carla. The massage was so relaxing we could barely stay awake. Restaurant and reception staff were friendly and welcoming.