Elizabeth B
Google
While I chose MdA primarily for the opportunity to ride Lusitano in dressage, my husband (not an equestrian!) and I enjoyed ourselves much, much more than we dreamed. First, the Lusitanos and the trainer, Nuno, are truly remarkable. Not only I was able to engage in Grand Prix dressage, the mounts were charmers, including a delicious stallion I had the honor of riding. Second, the food at the farm is all farm-to-table, much of it grown or produced right there, including the delicious balsamic vinegar, the zucchini jam, very worthy wines, sheep’s cheeses and the olive oil! If dressage or trail riding is not your thing, a short river up the road will take you into one of Portugal’s national parks, where the staff at the MdA can recommend hikes, drives or bicycle rides to please any fitness capability, including walks from the front door! Third (and definitely not least), the staff at the MdA is exceptional. They were always there with a helping hand, a warm smile or a recommendation, including wine & cheese tastings. |Extras — If you’re an animal lover, there are more than 100 rescue dogs on site, a few of which can be found hanging around the hotel, with temperaments as sweet as pie. In addition there are two resident cats who are happy to purr you to sleep in one of the comfy reading chairs in the original, stone “living room.” The rooms are spacious and nicely appointed, with lovely views of the pool and beyond to the mares’ pastures. |I didn’t know what to expect, and I could not have been more pleased with the quality of the food, the accommodations, and the staff.
