Casa Grande Portugal

This place won’t suit everyone, and it doesn’t fit ordinary hotel standards. It brought the movie “Best Exotic Marigold” to mind when I first heard about it and later stayed there. You can still see its former grandeur and beauty, though it’s falling apart, and the huge garden feels more like a jungle. The owner is over 80 and always up for a chat. If you enjoy that kind of charm and can live with the small flaws that come with it, you’ll have a thoroughly enjoyable stay.

A pristine little cove nearby is about as perfect as you could hope for, and there are plenty of places to eat plus a great small grocery store just a block or two or three away. The town is tiny and has a surfing feel, though it may once have been a fishing town. The place is a rambling, well-worn home, in a good way. A resident dog and a few cats keep an eye on everyone. Some guests stay long term, others only briefly, and owner Sally looks after them all.

Sally, the owner, has plenty of helpful suggestions for places to visit, things to see, and spots to eat. The local beach is a five-minute walk, while the incredible coastline and beaches I’ve ever seen are about a 40-minute drive away. It’s a beautiful house in a wonderful setting. If you want a Hilton, this isn’t the place for you. If you’re after a lovely stay in a gorgeous location with a great hostess, Casa should suit you well.

Casa Grande feels like a place to settle in and feel at home, rather than just somewhere to sleep and leave your things. I loved having breakfast with the other guests and listening to Sally’s wonderful stories. It’s as if time stopped here. Some things may not work perfectly, but staying in this magical, one-of-a-kind place is a special experience.