"Set on the site of an ancient rice farm, this five-star boutique resort is built from reclaimed, natural materials and oriented so every room faces sunset over expansive, emerald paddy fields where storks and swallows are commonly sighted. The property mixes rustic, thatched architecture with modern comforts across 65 rooms (including four standalone three-bedroom pool villas), and emphasizes a barefoot, beachy-meets-modern-cowboy vibe reflected in its curated Boutik stocking cult Mediterranean brands and limited-edition, hand-loomed textiles. Onsite amenities include an outdoor infinity pool, a glass-fronted hydrotherapy pool, sauna, hammam, gym, yoga and Pilates shala, a fitness studio with treadmill and TRX overlooks, bikes for hire, pool bar, room service, free Wi-Fi, and a breakfast buffet with à la carte options. Dining leans heavily on local produce and Portuguese classics (think traditional codfish à brás) alongside seasonal creativity; the restaurant itself was constructed from reclaimed beams to evoke old rice storehouses. Activities range from cycling, Polaris buggy and horseback excursions to sailing trips along the Arrábida Coast for dolphin watching, nearby Sétubal wine tours, golf in nature settings, and birdwatching in the Sado Estuary. Practical details: located in Carvalhal (Rua Alto do Pina, 2, 7570-779 Carvalhal, Portugal), a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, with rates starting around €290 per night and easy access to Lisbon (just over an hour) or Faro (about two hours)."