Colmeal Countryside Hotel

There are no regular meals here, so dinner needs to be booked ahead. It feels more like a romantic getaway than a hotel. Breakfast was excellent, with dairy, local bread and ham, jams, and orange juice. We stayed in Casa Arminda, which had a balcony with chairs facing the landscape and a small, handy kitchen with a microwave and fridge, just right for our daily salads. The staff were friendly and kind, and the remote setting made it easy to switch off from electronic devices. You can cycle, swim in the lovely pool, or book a massage for an extra fee. The water flows continuously, so it was cold but refreshing. There’s a book exchange in the library and paths for walks nearby, so bring comfortable shoes and clothes. It’s also a nice place to practice doing nothing and enjoy the natural surroundings. And each day, we could have fresh lemonade and a juicy apple by the pool.

We loved the food, which was fresh and delicious, and the local wine too. The staff were attentive and very friendly, and really tried to make our stay special. The setting is beautiful, with a lovely mix of a traditional Portuguese village and industrial modern style.

That feeling of silence says it all. Set deep in Portugal’s countryside, this hidden gem brings history and nature together in a beautifully designed place. The staff were lovely, breakfast was excellent, and the local wine was incredible. We also had a perfect dinner. Such an overwhelming experience, we’ll definitely recommend it and return.

We’ve driven through entire countries and stayed in all sorts of places, so we sometimes come across a hidden gem like this. The location was beautiful, the rooms were nice, and the service was amazing. We really wish we could have stayed longer. Definitely recommend!