From the moment we arrived at Land of Alandroal, nestled in the golden plains of the Alentejo, just about an hour and a half’s drive from Lisbon airport, Portugal, we knew we had stumbled on something truly special. The property stretches across 30 hectares of countryside that reminds me of an African Savannah, sweeping views and gentle hills, with a seemingly endless horizon.

Arrival & first impressions

Our transfer from Lisbon airport was seamless, comfortable and speedy. Pulling into the hotel grounds gave us the sense of calm; it was immediate. No rush, no noise, just the warm welcome from the hotel team.  The architecture beautifully balances modern elegance and rustic heritage (the old stables have been transformed into the restaurant, for example), which gives it a feel of being both grounded in place and stylishly refined.

The breakfasts: freshly cooked and unforgettable

What truly won us over, morning after morning, was the breakfast. Freshly cooked to order, simple in concept yet elevated in taste, and served in a setting where we gazed across the landscape as we sipped our coffee. The breads were warm, the eggs done just perfectly,  the granola bowls amazing, local cheeses and preserves, and the season’s fruit bursting with flavour. This beats the usual buffet-style breakfast, hands down!

Fine dining & fun poolside dining

Dinner at Land of Alandroal is an experience. The fine-dining restaurant brings the soul of Alentejo cuisine into each dish, with local produce, thoughtful plating, and outstanding service. And then there’s the fun, more relaxed dining by the pool: imagine golden-hour loungers, cocktails in hand, and small plates (or full meals) served with that same level of attentiveness and quality. It’s a perfect counter-balance between sophisticated and playful.

Attentive, friendly staff

What makes a place luxurious is often less about the décor, although that is seriously outstanding here, and more about the people, and here the team genuinely shine. From reception to restaurant to spa, everyone we met met our needs, without question.

Spa treatments that linger in the memory

The spa at Land of Alandroal deserves a section all on its own. We indulged in a hot‐stone basalt massage and an oil aromatherapy massage; each one felt deeply relaxing, a complete rebalancing of body and mind. The wellness area also includes indoor and outdoor heated pools, and a gym, with limited but high-tech equipment, certainly enough to continue the hard work put in at home, while you’re away.

Surrounding area

Just about a 20-minute drive away from the doors of Land of Alandroal is the wide-open landscape of the Alentejo, which unfolds into the gentle plains and a stillness that invites deep breaths and soft footsteps.  Here you will find a shimmering lake with a sandy-sloped beach, the perfect natural setting for one of the most memorable moments of our stay. We spread our blanket on the sand,  and the hotel had prepared a beautiful picnic basket brimming with local breads, cheeses, fresh fruit and a stunning bottle of rosé. With the calm and safe water, that picnic felt like pure magic: uncomplicated, deeply relaxed and utterly elegant in its simplicity. It remains one of the most meaningful memories of our time in Alentejo.

Final thoughts

Staying here felt like a little gift to us: to slow down, to breathe in fresh country air, to savour good food, to let the staff take care of everything. If you’re seeking somewhere off the beaten track yet utterly luxurious, where breakfasts delight, dining inspires, wellness restores, and the staff make you feel cared-for, Land of Alandroal is it.

If we were to sum it up, we arrived stressed, and we both left serene. We loved every single moment. We’ll be thinking of that golden plain, that perfect breakfast, the spa time and the poolside relaxation, until next time.

W: Land of Alandroal
T: (+351) 266 785 777
T: (+351) 924 050 059
E: info@landofalandroal.pt
A: Herdade das Parreiras Apartado 66, 7250-203 Alandroal, Portugal

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Written by Luxurial Lifestyle’s Global Editor, Debbie Stone