Want more of southern Portugal’s spoils? Then have a gander at our pick of the best things to do in the Algarve.
Or if you’re here strictly for the beach – find the scrummiest shores in our guide to the best beaches near Faro.
What is it?
The Farmhouse's 'adult' section has its own serene pool
A forget-the-world resort on an organic smallholding, where staff are generous, wildlife is abundant, and a weekend is much too short.
What's the deal?
The food doesn't travel very far from farm to table here
Londoners love to weekend at the slick Soho Farmhouse, where they slather themselves in Cowshed products and post Instagram photos from the hot tub. Lisbonites, meanwhile, have Craveiral Farmhouse – a nine-acre resort set on an organic farm straddling the border between the golden-shored region of Alentejo and the better-known (and equally-beautiful) Algarve. It’s a similar premise to Soho House’s Oxfordshire retreat – self-contained cabins arranged around a tranquil spa area, surrounded by pin-drop countryside – only a bit more laid back, and a bit less pricey. We think Lisbonites have the better deal.
There’s only one way to put it: Craveiral is a special place. The alchemical mix of open-armed hospitality; minimalist, down-to-earth design; delicious food from the restaurant; and peaceful surrounds all work together to make the farmhouse a faultless stay. The Farmhouse’s sustainable ethos finds expression in its design – the cottages (which range from studios to two-bedroom abodes, each with a kitchen and living space) are furnished with natural materials sourced as locally as possible. Portuguese cork gets a major outing here – most notably as an ultra-zen bath set under the bedroom window.
The honeycomb beaches of the Costa Vicentina are just 20 minutes away, but we’re willing to bet that, after being plied with poolside cocktails by the insanely charming staff, you’ll forget instantly about venturing seaside. We think the perfect extended weekend is best spent rambling around the Farmhouse grounds, picking lunch provisions from the veg patch, drifting between pools, shvitzing at the spa, and slowly filling up on organic Portuguese wine and fresh pickings from the farm at dinnertime. Should you want to take a break from bumming around, there are daily activities on offer (such as yoga or horseback riding), and massages can be booked at reception. But, really, we never tired of taking in the wild, rural beauty and merciful calm of the Farmhouse – and we doubt you will, either.
The best stay for...
Look out for the Farmhouse's hirsute habitants
Total recuperation in the Portuguese countryside.
££££
E.M. 501, Km 4, São Teotónio, Odemira 7630-658 Portugal
craveiral.pt