Lugar da Pedra Alta

The hosts made this stay feel special from the start. They welcomed us warmly, shared helpful tips about local hidden gems, and made us feel at home. We also appreciated the personal touches, including a welcome basket with local produce and homemade treats. The house is a jewel of splendid architecture and design, immaculately clean and beautifully furnished to complement its peaceful, breathtaking surroundings. It was exactly the getaway we needed from everyday life, and the serene setting paired with the hosts' genuine hospitality left us feeling completely rejuvenated. We left already planning a return visit. If you're looking for a slice of paradise away from the crowds, this is it.

I ran feltmaking workshops here, and some of the course participants stayed for the week. The food was great and the hosts were fantastic. Some bathrooms could do with updating, though they were comfortable all the same. The house is full of delightful antiques and curios, but the owners' personal photographs felt out of place to me. I was always aware they were watching me.

Lugar da Pedra Alta is a special place for the soul, especially if you want to be close to nature. The mansion sits on a huge, breathtaking property with a forest, pool, basketball court, and its own private chapel. Inside, the historic house feels like a private museum, packed with unique collectibles and stories. I dreamed of sleeping in a museum, and finally did. I slept like a baby. The silence is incredible. In Melo, in the Serra da Estrela Mountains, it's only two hours from Porto, yet it feels like time slows down and takes you back 150 years. This picturesque Portuguese bed and breakfast is run by two one-of-a-kind souls. Gabriela and Luis made an already stunning place feel truly special, sharing a simple, authentic, organic way of living. The organic breakfast was the best I've ever had, and the hosts were so warm they became friends. You'd need at least a week to see everything and hear all the stories. Obrigada por tudo Lugar da Pedra Alta!

Clean air scented with wildflowers, birds calling, and leaves rustling in the breeze made this feel like a perfect break from city life. It's one of the most peaceful, breathtaking places I've ever visited, surrounded by lush greenery.