Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, Monforte, a Member of Design Hotels

Torre de Palma, Monforte, Portugal - Explore & Book

"We arrive at dusk, just in time for welcome drinks, a daily ritual in which Torre de Palma’s fine red and white wines are served in a tower room at sunset. The tower is 14th-century – the fortified seat of a former king – and on its castellated rooftop we savour the wine while gazing at the views: below, a courtyard of sturdy stone buildings, oranges, olives and vines, a chapel, a stable of Lusitano horses, and an inviting outdoor pool; beyond, a panorama of gentle Alentejo countryside. In a timeline, the fortress became a farm, then a ruin and finally, after years of restoration, a magnificent design hotel with 19 stunning rooms. Its whitewashed exterior is traditional Alentejo, but there is nothing typical about the striking interiors: in a vast salon, white sofas gather around a white piano; there's a Matador room, a curious library in the tower and an outdoor lounge with an open fire. Marble, slate, cork and terracotta – all materials found on the land – contrast with playful lighting and artful collections of beautiful clutter. It’s not easy to combine agriculture, medieval history and glamour, but this sophisticated hotel has done it perfectly. Highs A sublime place to kick back and do very little beyond walking, horse riding or cycling around the estate, swimming and relaxing in the spaJust 19 gorgeous rooms: sublimely romantic doubles and enchanting suitesThe vineyards, the winery and the excellent wines – the heart and soul of the hotelThe gourmet Basillii restaurant, with its delicious seasonal menu of regional dishesExcellent service: a triumphant balance of warmth, kindness and efficiency Lows It’s a bit out of the way, and local town Monforte has little to offerYou'll need a car to get here and for day trips to national parks, Elva and EvoraThe bathrooms are more functional than designer (though we liked the heated brick floors)" - Lesley Gillilan