Words: Susana Ribeiro
In the tourism sector, Portugal stands out for its ability to innovate and offer visitors truly unique experiences. Across the country, many types of accommodation combine originality with excellence, all with a single goal: to provide memorable stays that reflect Portugal’s diversity and cultural richness. But excellence goes beyond accommodation. It’s also (and above all!) about the experiences… the kind that become unforgettable!
Sleep & Nature
A Sanctuary Where Sleep is the Ultimate Luxury
In the heart of the Alentejo, nestled between golden hills and surrounded by the silence of nature, Sleep & Nature is more than just a charming retreat — it’s a sanctuary dedicated to rest. Its core promise is to enhance the quality of guests’ sleep through a unique blend of science, comfort and holistic therapies.
This innovative concept is based on personalised programmes designed to restore energy and combat insomnia. The therapies offered include sensory deprivation floatation tanks that induce a state of deep relaxation, and sound baths with Tibetan singing bowls that help harmonise the body and mind. The spa also offers therapeutic massages with essential oils and treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, such as acupuncture — all carefully curated to encourage deeper, more restorative sleep.
The bedrooms, designed to maximise comfort and minimise sensory stimulation, feature state-of-the-art mattresses, soft lighting and natural materials. To complement the experience, the cuisine focuses on organic ingredients and light meals, carefully curated to support gentle digestion before rest.
Thousands of Books
The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel
Located in the picturesque town of Óbidos, The Literary Man is a dream destination for lovers of literature. Housed in a former convent, it holds the title of the world’s largest literary hotel, with an impressive collection of almost 100,000 books spanning various genres and languages.
This unique setting allows guests to immerse themselves in a literary universe, where every corner of the hotel invites reading and discovery. Accommodation ranges from standard rooms to themed suites, all decorated with touches that reflect a passion for literature.
The hotel’s common areas, including a library and bar, are cosy spaces where guests can relax with a book and enjoy a drink. The Literary Man also hosts regular literary events, such as book launches, readings, and writing workshops, making it a meeting place for writers and readers alike.
Óbidos, with its narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses adorned with flowers, provides a charming — and inspiring — backdrop for visitors. The medieval castle, the walls that surround the town and historic churches enrich the experience of staying at The Literary Man. In 2015, UNESCO designated Óbidos a City of Literature.
Suspended Houses
Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park
Nestled in Bornes de Aguiar, in northern Portugal, Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park is a remarkable example of how modern architecture can coexist harmoniously with nature. This 20-hectare park offers Eco Houses and Tree Houses, accommodation options that stand out for their seamless integration into the landscape and sustainable design — which has earned them several awards.
The Tree Houses in particular provide a truly unique lodging experience. Suspended at the height of the tree canopy, each 22 m² house accommodates up to two guests. With panoramic windows offering views of the stars and the natural life of the park, they create an atmosphere of calm and connection with nature. The Eco Houses, available in various layouts, offer spacious and comfortable interiors, with kitchenettes and lounge areas that are ideal for families or groups of friends.
The park is also renowned for its thermal spa, which offers a range of treatments designed to restore balance and revitalise both body and mind. Guests can indulge in relaxing baths, hydrotherapy, therapeutic wraps and specialised massages, all of which use the region’s mineral-rich thermal waters. The park also features hiking trails, treetop adventure activities and a museum dedicated to the history of the Pedras Salgadas brand — all contributing to a well-rounded leisure and wellness experience.
L’AND Vineyards
Sleeping Under the Stars in the Heart of the Alentejo
In the heart of the Alentejo, surrounded by endless vineyards and the serenity of the countryside, L’AND Vineyards offers a unique luxury experience. Its main feature? The exclusive suites with retractable roofs that allow guests to fall asleep under a starry sky, truly immersing themselves in nature. The quiet landscape and the vast sky create a magical atmosphere that makes every night unforgettable.
But the experience is not limited to the stay. L’AND Vineyards spa focuses on the therapeutic properties of grapes, with treatments that harness the powerful antioxidants of wine. From invigorating massages with grape seed oil to body wraps made with vine extracts, each session promises to revitalise the body and the mind.
For wine enthusiasts, the L’AND Vineyards cellar offers a journey through the flavours of the Alentejo, with carefully selected tastings. From robust reds and fresh whites to the traditional talha wines, every sip tells the story of the region.
Star gazing
Dark Sky Alqueva
Even without accommodation, we can’t resist highlighting the excellence of Dark Sky Alqueva, which is renowned as the first place in the world to be certified as an astronomical tourism location — certification by the Starlight Foundation (supported by UNESCO). This pioneering initiative, located in Alentejo, offers visitors the opportunity to observe the night sky in exceptional conditions, thanks to the low levels of light pollution. The Alqueva Reserve Observatory in Cumeada, Reguengos de Monsaraz, is one of the reservoir’s main facilities, providing star-gazing sessions and the observation of other celestial bodies, both for casual enthusiasts and professional astronomers.
However, Dark Sky Alqueva is not limited just to astronomical observation. Although it does not offer accommodation, the project promotes and recommends nearby options: from typical rural Alentejo houses to boutique hotels. In addition to nighttime activities, visitors can explore the Alentejo’s cultural and natural wealth. The medieval village of Monsaraz, with its castle and panoramic views over Lake Alqueva, is a must-visit. The surrounding landscapes, with rolling plains and ancient cork oaks, invite you to hike and cycle. Local cuisine, rich in traditional flavours, complements the experience, with such typical dishes as lamb stew and regional cheeses.
