Paradise in Portugal

We spent five days bird watching, with some very early starts. Frank and his friend Tony, who was there during our stay, made it a great experience even for a beginner like me. I could actually spot the birds by the end of the week! We saw lots of different species, and their enthusiasm for birds and photography really came through. Everyone eats together, which worked well for us. We had a lot of fun talking with fellow guests from all over the world. Daniela makes all the food herself, and her kitchen is superbly organised. The meals were a real pleasure. The rooms are comfortable, with very comfy beds, tea and coffee facilities, plenty of hot water, and a powerful shower. There’s a small terrace out front looking over the lake, with a stunning view. The small pool is lovely on a hot day, and the steps down to the lake are well made and fairly easy to manage. Rooms are cleaned daily, and sheets and towels are changed regularly. From the moment you arrive, the place feels peaceful. Daniela and Frank really go out of their way to make your stay special. It was a very different sort of holiday for my husband and me, but well worth the visit.

The garden is beautiful, with plenty of lovely spots to read, lounge, or just enjoy the views. There’s also a lake for swimming, plus kayaks and SUPs if you feel like using them, and the food is out of this world. Santa Clara a Velha is a pretty little village about ten minutes away along a dirt track. The road was in great condition and fine in a hire car, but the place still feels wonderfully removed from everything. Frank and Daniela are charming, and Frank knows the local birds exceptionally well. His guided tours are fantastic. You get to enjoy nature with real comfort here. One of the best places in Portugal for that, in my view. Truly heavenly, and strongly recommended.

Sharing meals here felt like joining a family dinner. Frank and Daniel hosted, and guests from all walks of life swapped stories. It was a pleasure. The birds were my main reason for coming, and they didn’t disappoint. Frank and Tony know their stuff, helped me find plenty of great birds, and were excellent company. Daniela’s food was excellent too, the rooms were basic but very nice, and the setting was spectacular. It was my first trip to Portugal, and this stay was one of the highlights. Frank and Daniela were gracious hosts. I can only recommend the place and hope I can return.

Frank is a terrific birding guide: extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to go the extra mile to help you find a species you’ve always hoped to see. If you’re lucky, he might even recite a poem. Even a half day based at the hotel can take in lots of new places and birds. There’s no shortage of things to experience. The hotel itself is clean and comfortable, with well-equipped rooms, very good WiFi that was recently upgraded, and lake views. The price is excellent. Daniela cooks really well, and while there’s a set menu each night, they’re happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. It’s a comfortable, unpretentious place, a little out of the way, which I see as a plus. You don’t have to think about restaurants, snacks, or which wine to have each night. Just relax, see some birds, and enjoy a part of Portugal you might not otherwise get to experience.