Gandum Village - Rural Hotel, Alentejo

A hotel is much more than just a building, a room, or a place to sleep and eat breakfast. For me, it should feel like home to your soul, mind, and body. It should be a place where your heart finds peace, and your daily thoughts can finally rest. It should be a space where you are nurtured by nature, by the people, and by the atmosphere around you. Such a place can only be created when the owners care deeply for its land and surroundings. It requires time, immense effort, and overcoming many setbacks. It takes courage, devotion, humility, and love. I have found a place like this and had the privilege of witnessing its growth from the very beginning.

Gandum Village is a rural hotel in Montemor-o-Novo, Alentejo, surrounded by nature and dedicated to sustainability. With a focus on comfort and local heritage, it offers a Mediterranean garden, coworking spaces, and eco-friendly experiences. The on-site restaurant, Provenance, highlights regional ingredients and regenerative practices. Ideal for families, groups, or remote workers, Gandum Village provides an immersive experience blending relaxation, work, and environmentally conscious living.

The story of Gandum begins far from Alentejo, in Switzerland, where founders Martina Wiedemar and João Almeida first met. João, a Portuguese economist specializing in sustainable development, and Martina, a Swiss geographer focused on climate change, crossed paths in Bern and have been together ever since. After living in Bern and Lisbon, they chose Montemor-o-Novo as the ideal place to raise their three children and put their shared vision into practice, demonstrating that sustainable living is not only achievable but accessible to all.

I am deeply impressed by their journey and the courage it takes to embrace such a challenging and ambitious project while raising a family. Their story motivates me to pursue my own dreams, showing that there is no "perfect" moment to take a leap. Many parents hesitate to make life changes, often citing financial concerns or stability for their children. However, what Martina and João are providing—teaching courage, resilience, and the value of family unity—is far more enriching than a secure, conventional life in Switzerland.

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The founders: Martina Wiedemar and João Almeida. More about the team here. (Pictures © Gandum)

The place
Gandum is a 14-hectare farm located in the protected Monfurado region, traversed by a stream of the same name. The land is rich with cork and olive trees, a vegetable garden, orchard, and agroforestry, all nurtured by knowledgeable hands in harmony with nature. It's a habitat not only for people but also for various species of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and native plants. The landscape changes with the seasons, offering distinct beauty from autumn's colors to spring’s bloom, making it a cherished, ever-evolving home.

Sustainability is not only a promise
Gandum’s sustainability approach focuses on living in harmony with nature, using regenerative agricultural practices and permaculture principles. They prioritize biodiversity, avoid synthetic chemicals, and aim to restore the natural ecosystem. Water conservation, renewable energy, and minimal waste are integral to their operations. They also emphasize the importance of community and sharing knowledge through workshops, encouraging a sustainable lifestyle that respects the environment while fostering a resilient and self-sufficient way of living. For more details, you can visit Gandum’s website.

Hotel
The Gandum Village Hotel consists of three renovated apartments located next to the reception, Monte Houses, and one new building with further 18 rooms, that is still under construction. Gandum offers a versatile space for everyone, from families to creatives and work teams. All 21 functional accommodation units are designed with modern comfort and sustainability in mind. The energy used is 100% solar, ensuring thermal efficiency with minimal environmental impact. The design emphasizes Portuguese craftsmanship, reflecting a blend of comfort, style, and eco-consciousness, making Gandum a welcoming space for relaxation, celebration, or inspiration.

We stayed at house number 2 and my parents at house number 3. The Monte Houses are designed for large or small families, creatives looking for inspiration, working groups. With a balcony and kitchenette, each one with modern and minimalist interiors, they have all comforts you want in a vacation home. We had more than enough space and our boy loved the one playground in front of the room.

Our son felt like in heaven with all the space, nature and playgrounds!

New hotel building under construction.

Provenance - the restaurant
Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed during our stay. One more reason to come back! Provenance aims to be a unique dining destination located within Gandum Village in the Alentejo region. The restaurant is deeply committed to sustainability, showcasing local ingredients and respecting the environment in its operations. With a blend of modern and rustic design, Provenance offers a variety of dining experiences, whether inside its cozy dining room or on its lush outdoor terrace.

The menu, developed by Chef Gudo Martins, highlights a fusion of flavors that reflect the local landscape, from high-quality meats to fresh produce sourced from their own garden. The team’s dedication to sustainability and community is evident in every detail, from the ingredients to the dining experience. It’s an inviting space, perfect for families, groups, or creatives seeking inspiration in a serene, natural setting. For more details, you can visit their website here.

from left to right: Chef Gudo Martins, Cristina Laffan - F&B Manager , Patrícia Pereira - Administration, Rita Vedor - Cook (Pictures © Gandum)

The Pool Bar

Coworking
Gandum offers a coworking space set in the peaceful Alentejo countryside, blending productivity with nature. The space is designed for individuals or teams seeking a quiet, inspiring environment to work, with fast Wi-Fi and various options for desk or private office spaces. Whether for freelancers, creatives, or companies, Gandum’s coworking area provides a serene, eco-friendly location that encourages focus and creativity. Members can enjoy access to the farm's green surroundings and sustainable amenities, fostering a unique blend of professional and personal wellbeing. For more details, you can visit the Gandum Coworking page.