An amazing find, located outside the beautiful Zambujeira do Mar - it's like staying in a private country residence in a remote part of Alentejo. An authentic historic building and grounds, with rooms that remind me of travelling in Spain using Paradors (luxury converted castles). The room felt like a castle or church, opening into a shared courtyard with a well stocked honesty bar, and further away over the grass lawns a very separate large pool and sunbathing area (pool is regularly cleaned and large enough to be fun). There is a beautiful and eclectic lounge to relax indoors also, listen to music or take breakfast. The property is run by a lovely family with everyone contributing and helping out, and a family experience when leaving.

The room was spotlessly cleaned when I arrived and even though it has an antique feel it was not dirty. The best two things - the homemade soap from one of the family member was really nice, and best of all was the bed. Wow. About 1 metre wider than King Size, huge, inviting and so comfortable. I prefer a slightly harder mattress and while it might feel a bit tough to some people at first, after walking 24km on Fishermans Walk, the best thing is support for your muscles not softness, in order to transfer stresses from your body. I had the best nights sleep in a week hiking down the coast and didn't want to get out of bed!

The only annoyance is it's not a bit closer to Zambujeira do Mar, which for me is the most beautiful town and beaches on the whole coastline. I walked to the hotel, and again in the evening walked into the town and back. On a map it looks close enough and I'm a fast walker, but even for me it is at least 15 minutes each way and in places without pavement, walking in the road which in darkness is a bit more challenging. The hotel offers bicycles and locks so there is an easy solution (and really for a place like this why do you want to leave!) but still it's nice to walk to places where you can!