Monte Velho Equo-Resort

A top quality place to spend either alone or with someone, to learn how to ride, or even for advanced level riders. The horses are very well behaved and 100% well taken care of. The installations are of very good quality and the rooms are fantastic. The food was also really very nice and the people super friendly. I can't say anything negative. I recommend it 100%.

Absolutely top notch. The horses are phenomenal, the trainers are world class and the accommodations are fantastic. We did the intensive dressage program, which was two lessons a day. The horses were chose for us with great care to assure they were a good match and that we would have the best learning experience. The rooms are lovely, beautiful views from the balcony each morning. The meals are served family style so over the week you get to know the other folks who are there from all over the world. The food is great, and they work to assure that all dietary needs are met.

My friend and I had an amazing week at Monte Velho which completely exceeded our expectations. The place itself is beautiful with high quality accommodation and food (we stayed in prestige rooms which had fabulous views and are very well appointed). Access to a guest lounge and kitchen adds to the homely feel. The horses are all very well cared for, beautifully schooled (some to PSG level) and the instructors were quite simply amazing. We learnt so much and achieved all of our ‘goals ’ plus so much more. The tour of the brood mares and foals was a lovely experience and very informative. We will definitely be returning next year. |NB Husbands can play golf but the nearest course is about one hour fifteen minutes away. There is a gym, sauna, pool and massages can be organized. We all had one and it was very good.

Heaven on earth for horse people. Staff is incredible, trainers are great. Horses are magical. Would recommend but I prefer you won’t go so I have available rooms 😉

I had an unforgettable week (6 night dressage and trail programme) at MV. ||The level of the instruction and the quality of the horses is unparalleled in my opinion. While lessons are mostly in pairs, the trainers give you focused attention one on one and I saw a material improvement in my technique and confidence in dressage over the week.||It is a boutique hotel, despite this the quality of the rooms and amenities and the care and attention of the staff is first class. ||Thank you to the whole team. I can’t wait to come back!

I had a very nice time in Monte Velho in November 2022. The hotel itself, while small, is beautifully decorated and the rooms are luxe and comfortable. Love the rainwater shower outside, although in November it rained almost every day and was too cold to shower outside. The hot tub and sauna were great in winter! ||As for the horseback riding, I booked a one week dressage and trail program. Cantering through the trails in rain and wind was exciting! The trail guides helped me feel confident. Dressage lessons were taught with great skill, but I do wish that there was an all-private lesson option, because with multiple people in the arena all at different levels, it was hard to get enough personal instruction. ||Horses were mostly well cared for and all looked fit and healthy, but there were a few things I don’t agree with. One, all the horses had excessively tight nosebands, to the point of nose deformation and some skin irritation. Additionally, horses are ridden up to two times a day. I don’t think that beginners or even intermediate riders should be using double bridles, either, because the nuance requires takes a lot of skill and time. I understand that the horses are used to this, but it wouldn’t be my preference with my own riding. ||Food was somewhat limited, but they can cater to vegetarians. Desserts were great! ||My favorite parts were the trail guides, rooms, and beautiful peaceful location. Note that there are a lot of beetles here and even some scorpions, so watch out!||

This location is a total game changer for someone who wants to develop their dressage skills, and particularly for those who are not lucky enough to have such valuable riding feedback at home. Accommodation, food, location, views, facilities and training opportunities are absolutely great. Horses live a life to the highest standard possible with generous turnout, limited lessons per day and great care, and this reflects in their character and “rideability”. This is however no place for beginners, and while some people in the comments here complained they couldn’t get past walk, trot, canter that is only due limited rider ability, and need to first perfect the basics. Clearly running such a property has its challenges, particularly in planning and organizing all activities in the face of change. Staff are doing their best, however the schedule on the stables is tight.

Amazing African lodge style venue in the middle of the beautiful Alentejo countryside. Family run and a beautifully restored old farm. Highly recommended especially if you are a dressage rider.