São Lourenço do Barrocal is a unique boutique hotel located in the heart of the Alentejo region in Portugal. Perhaps our favorite hotel we've found to date, we make a point to visit here every time we are in Portugal. This is a truly magical place.
Situated in the charming village of Monsaraz, near the border with Spain, this property has deep historical roots, dating back to the 19th century. The hotel is nestled within a 200-hectare estate, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills. It was originally an agricultural estate, and much of the historical charm has been preserved, particularly in the architecture and the surrounding landscape. The hotel has embraced this heritage, incorporating local traditions and craftsmanship into the design and experience. This is the perfect place to visit when you're ready to be still, connect with nature and quiet your mind.
THE INTERIORS
The hotels integrates minimal design principles with traditional Alentejan architecture, feeling perfectly understated and timeless. The owners restored many of the original stone walls and structures, using a lime wash throughout to create a simple and clean look throughout the guest rooms and hotel spaces. We've stayed in several different room types, however our favorite of them all is the Barn Cottage when we're with a group. The kitchen is done simply with a raw oak finish throughout and handmade tiles throughout the rooms and living room. The sage green doors of the space open out to the olive groves beyond, with seating outside where we found ourselves each and every morning having a coffee.
Throughout their guest rooms, they use local stone, terracotta tiles, and wooden beams help to create a warm, rustic feel. The furniture is crafted from natural wood, stone, or other locally sourced materials, aligning with the hotel's commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the use of soft, plush linens and simple furnishings ensures that each room is cozy and inviting while feeling very well designed.
In the public spaces, they maintain the same tranquil design style - balancing traditional techniques of plaster and terracotta floors and creating an understated and subtle refineness.
The lobby has one of the most charming bars you'll find in a hotel, adorned with stunning local antiques and small seating groups. One of the hotels traditions is to gather in their courtyard at dusk to watch the sunset just outside the lobby door. It is always the best part of the day and the skies light up to create the perfect source of natural entertainment you can find.
THE AMENITIES
The are two restaurants within the hotel, one near the pool and their main restaurant near the 'village' of the hotel, not far from the small general store/ retail space. Both restaurants are quant and unique in their own way. We spend our mornings having breakfast in their main restaurant (as well as our evenings!) and lunches by the pool where they serve barbecue and local meats and cheese. Both restaurants focus on sustainable, farm to table cuisine and are truly exquisite.
The hotel makes full use of its expansive grounds, with outdoor terraces, gardens, and lounge areas offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. These spaces are designed to feel integrated with the environment, with plenty of open-air seating and lounging options where guests can unwind and soak in the natural beauty. The pool is set against the Alentjo backdrop, with a large boulder at the foot of the pool making you feel entirely integrated with the surroundings. The water is still and the spirit around the pool is tranquil. We found ourselves riding bicycles through the groves in the afternoon, coming back to enjoy a swim in the pool and having an afternoon nap under an umbrella. You will be entirely undisturbed here.
THINGS TO DO
The spa is fully equipped and its interiors are serene, promoting well-being with their various treatments. The space itself is refined and rustic, bringing in the same interior details from the rest of the hotel. It would not be difficult spending an entire day within the spa alone.
Our favorite thing to do at the hotel is bike ride throughout the grounds. You will find expansive olive groves and beautiful meandering trails to ride through. There is also the option to horseback ride through the trails.
The hotel also offers boat tours along the Lake Alqueva nearby, though we have yet to visit the lake! Not far from the hotel is the village of Monsaraz. This is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved medieval villages in Portugal and worth a visit through its cobbled streets and white washed house alley ways. The views from this town are stunning as well looking out to the countryside.