Monte do Freixo Poente
You all know that Mike and I have a special love for places that combine the following: architecture, design, high service, authenticity to the country and privacy. We are a young couple but we're not into going out in the evening that much. We just love to spend the day outside exploring and in the evening enjoying some quiet time together.
While Mike loves 5* hotels with impressive lobbies, I prefer the rural little escapes (but with taste in interior and architecture). Monte do Freixo Poente is a beautiful place to stay at if you like that quiet little gem on the countryside. It invites you to discover the region of Alentejo in a slower paste.
The modest (from the outside) house is tastefully decorated with Portuguese handcraft details. The interior is pure, follows the concept of simplicity and is ideal to spend some time with friends and family. We stayed there just us two. It is a bit big for two people only but I can imaging returning for new year's with some friends soon.
Monte do Freixo Poente, located in Montemor-o-Novo, is a traditional “Monte” (Alentejo homestead), which has lived through several generations. Associated to the LAND Vineyards hotel, this new accommodation is part of the L'AND Retreats brand – exclusive properties, designed to be authentic retreats integrated into nature, reflecting the perfect symbiosis between sober luxury, tranquility and comfort associated to the L’AND service.
The house – harmoniously integrated into the landscape – has been renovated, using typical materials of the area, such as original tiles or the S. Pedro do Corval floor (made of regional mud). In order to support the local community, some of the interior design elements are produced in the region and are handmade by local artisans.
As soon as we enter Monte do Freixo Poente, we feel the tranquility and comfort of a typical Alentejo sanctuary: blankets from Monsaraz, regional wool carpets with original drawings inspired in the shepherds’ sheets, Estremoz clay dolls.
The house has three suits, each with a bathroom. In total you have space for 6 to 7 people. Naturally, we spent most of the time outside by the pool with a stunning view over the Alentejo fields or in the lounge outside. Please note that cleaning is offered every second day. Actually, we also think that once a week would be enough. But as the property is linked to a five star hotel, we get that it's a required service.
Starting the day at Monte do Freixo Poente is like how we imagine living part-time some day. Breakfast is delivered in a typical wicker basket, daily at 8am or 10am. They offer you regional delicacies, fresh orange juice, coffee and much more. We had more than enough. You should enjoy your breakfast outside to the sound of the birds only, so peaceful.
This is, without a doubt, the perfect place to disconnect from all daily routines and worries, and you'll also have the option to hire a private Chef from the hotel to cook, not only breakfast, but also lunch and/or dinner. For those who like to cook, there is also the option of picking up or ordering seasonal, biological products from Herdade do Freixo (also one of the family’s properties) that can be delivered directly to Monte do Freixo Poente, as long as ordered in advance.
Monte do Freixo Poente is about a 15 minutes drive away from the hotel L'AND Vineyards. Just keep that in mind. We went to L'AND for dinner to try the new Chef's creation (more about that experience soon) and took the car as we don't really drink (one wine glass max.). But if you want to drink some wine, please arrange transportation by the hotel.
Overall, we wish we could have stayed a bit longer just to enjoy the tranquility. There's also lots to discover. The historic city of Évora - UNESCO World Heritage is just one of the places you could visit. We've put together some of our favorite little villages from Alentejo here.
We specially want to point out how friendly and outstanding the service was. Thank you for having us, we loved staying with you dear L'AND Vineyards team.
Book your stay at Monte do Freixo Poente.
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