The Vibe: A small design hotel with rustic touches ‘Alentejo’ style.

The Area: Located a few minutes drive from Zambujeira do Mar, a sleepy coastal village much of the year and a thriving resort (mainly for the Portuguese themselves) one summer month. The beaches here are spectacular: rough and wild, a favourite with surfers and the country scenery is also nothing less than spectacular: all of it is protected as a national park, limiting development. Here you are far away, and yet close, to the busy Algarve.

The DNA: Casas da Lupa is a new built in the typical farmhouse style of the region. It replaced the old family farm, right in the middle of a wood used for forestry. Owner and enthousiastic host Maria will greet you upon arrival. In the mornings she makes a fantastic breakfast which includes home-made, regional specialties such as a diversity of cakes and the famous crunchy regional bread, you have never tasted anything better. She will also guide you what to do in the area and where to eat. It is possible to pre-book dinner and snacks are available during the day. Breakfast by the way is served all morning, so no need to get up early. It kinda sets the tone of the place, unhurried and relaxed, yet utterly comfortable.

Suite-Me-Up: The rooms, mostly junior suites, are set in three separate buildings. The main building, where also the lounge/living room is situated, houses three standard bedrooms overlooking the garden and swimming pool. Also overlooking the pool are four junior suites in a separate building and finally four master suites are located at the back in total privacy. Three of these master suites have a private courtyard with plunge pool and outdoor shower. Most suites have fire places and all rooms have large decked terraces.

Your host: Conceiçao Branco

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 11 rooms & suites (16-70m2) (172-753 sq ft) ✅ free on-site parking • pets allowed on request • adult-only: no children under 12