Paraiso Escondido Portugal

Hotel · Beja

Paraiso Escondido Portugal

Hotel · Beja

Paraiso Escondido, Casa Nova da Cruz, 7630-568 Santa Bárbara, Portugal

Highlights

Exceptional hosts, delicious food, serene nature, luxurious rooms

Paraiso Escondido, Casa Nova da Cruz, 7630-568 Santa Bárbara, Portugal Get directions

paraisoescondido.pt

@paraiso_escondido

@iescape

Paraiso Escondido, Alentejo, Portugal - Explore & Book

"From Africa to the Far East, this elegant yet intimate Alentejo retreat reflects the globetrotting lifestyles of owners Berny Serrão (who grew up in Mozambique) and her Australian husband Glenn Cullen. There's a definite 'on-safari' vibe to their accommodation, with a pair of outstanding bungalows-on-stilts, double rooms infused with Oriental accents, and restorative suites. As for the outdoor pool, it's straight out of a David Hockney painting (very SoCal). Yet the true spirit of Paraiso Escondido resides in the owners' love of the region they now call home: the wine and gastronomy, the ravishing landscapes, the nearness to wild Atlantic beaches, and the natural serenity. When Berny and Glenn embarked on their ‘life project’ in 2001, there was nothing here but cork trees and eucalyptus set around a lake. They built the colonial-style villa that now accommodates most of the guests, and have since added a glassy contemporary home tucked into the hillside. There are sunny poolside terraces, lawned gardens, a cosy lounge and a large conservatory dining room - Glenn's organic kitchen garden provides ingredients for the delicious home-cooked vegetarian dinners. The couple, now brilliantly assisted by their daughter, are deeply committed to green sustainability, yet the mood is is welcoming and refreshingly informal. They really make you feel at home. On our final evening we saw a sign hanging on a wall that said, quite simply: ‘Paradise found’. We couldn't agree more. Highs The hilltop setting with magnificent panoramic views over the cork forests and gentle green hills of south-west Alentejo Fabulous rooms, particularly the stilted bungalows with Out of Africa interiors and tree-bathing verandasA perfect place to do very little - sleep late, have breakfast at 11am, book a massage, read in the sunshineA model of green tourism: from solar-heated water to eco-friendly toiletries, sustainability is a core valueThe refreshing lack of formality: Berny and Glenn are warm, generous hosts with a knack for making you feel at home Lows A car is essential to get here and the steep drive up the hill isn't for the faint-heartedNo dinner offered on Sunday nights and the nearest decent restaurants are a 20-minute drive awayNo twin roomsNo children under 11 allowed (a blessing for some)Note there are 2 resident dogs who have run of the place (though you needn't fear soppy Zulu or little Candy)" - Lesley Gillilan

https://www.i-escape.com/paraiso-escondido

View Postcard for Paraiso Escondido Portugal

M Sz

Google

An unforgettable experience – truly a hidden paradise! Staying at Paraíso Escondido was one of the most authentic experiences we’ve ever had. The place is run with the warmth and personal touch of a boutique bed & breakfast—where both the bed and the breakfast are exceptional. The rooms, especially the tree cabin with its stunning views over the hills, are elevated by Berny’s thoughtful touches—like the beautifully scented sprays on cushions and towels—that add a layer of calm and care to every corner. The amenities are equally remarkable: a serene yoga studio and a massage room tucked into nature, both designed to help you truly unwind and reconnect with yourself and the environment. And then there’s the food—absolutely delicious. Gisella is a superstar in the kitchen. Her vegetarian dinner was nourishing, creative, and full of flavor. You can feel the love and intention in every dish. What truly made our stay so memorable, though, was the extraordinary hospitality of the owners. Berny, Glen Gisella are genuinely devoted to creating meaningful and intentional experiences for their guests. Their passion, presence, and kondness are woven into every part of Paraíso Escondido. We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply grateful. A true gem in the heart of Alentejo.

elanagold

Google

This was an absolutely magical experience! The area is gorgeous. The hotel is stunning - views, clean, unique, comfortable. The cuisine is out of this world. I even took away a few recipes. Bernie & Glenn made us feel like "honored" guests!!

gabrieleg731

Google

When we have booked this place we were just looking for a place where to relax ourselves and enjoy the silent. What we have found is the real paradise on earth! |The staff, Berny and Glen in primis, are two amazing and lovely hosts. Since the first second you will feel that rare feeling of being home, thanks to them!|The place is amazing and very well structured in the middle of the nature. You’ll just listen the sound of the silence waiting the moon and the stars. |The rooms are comfortable with big bed and bathroom, and a very fancy style. |We even had the fortune to eat there for dinner and lunch and the food is just amazing. Very fresh products cooked with love (we are Italians 😉). The breakfast is awesome too!|I close commenting the service and even in that case big applause: massage and yoga lesson at the sunrise were very professional and very well done! |I cannot close if I do not set again that the power of this paradise are Berny and Glen. I am sure that you will love too…I can’t wait to back there!

Kamilla Drubina

Google

Our stay at Paraiso Escondido was just perfect, everything we wished for and more. The location is lovely, you'll find yourself surrounded by nature and silence most of the time, allowing a really relaxing experience. Glenn and Berny are so welcoming and helpful, their recommendations were always spot on, should it be a restaurant, a place to visit or opting for a massage on location in their spa. Breakfast is healthy and delicious, just like the dinner they offer every couple of days. The rooms are spacious and very tastefully designed, and we also appreciated the green mindset that is behind everything they do. I hope to get the chance to return one day!

Steph Rowan

Google

My husband and I spent 5 nights of our honeymoon here. We wanted somewhere remote and quiet but luxurious; this place filled the brief and more. Berny and Glenn are experienced and highly attentive hosts, who exude serenity and warmth. They went out of their way every day to make the time special for us- even down to laundering a white dress for me that I had spilled red wine on, and packing breakfast for us to take on a coastal hike. We were given privacy and were able to help ourselves to refreshments whenever we wanted via the honesty bar system. Glenn hosted our meals and spent the time to get to know us and our interests, and before long, had two competitive newlyweds going for the Paraiso Escondido hill run record! Berny's cooking is healthy and delicious, and she has fitted the place with the most beautiful decor and artwork, whilst considering sustainability at every turn. They recommended restaurants and booked tables for us, where we were treated as VIPs. The cabin was so comfortable and was refreshed every day by the staff. Watching the sun rise over the most amazing view from our veranda, listening to the sound of tinkling cowbells, is a memory that will stay with us for a long time.

Ana DaSilva

Google

Glenn, Berny and Gisella have a paradise in heaven. The early morning mist, slowly recedes to reveal the truly amazing landscape,framed by a hill-top forest of silently swaying eucalyptus trees. They're kindness and genuine love of life is seen in the beautiful food, wine and place. I had coffee stains on my pants and Berny was able to clean them. They are a breath of fresh air. Paraiso Escondido filled my soul inside and out. This place was amazing. I highly recommend coming here. I will be back with my family!

Wendy0493

Google

What a delightful and magical place Paraiso Escondido is! ||Nestled in the countryside with the most breathtaking views you feel like you’ve escaped to a unique place of serenity. ||What makes this Boutique Hotel and Retreat Centre so special are the owners Berny, Glen and Gisela. ||It’s rare to find such big hearted souls who genuinely care about serving their guests and with such love. It felt like coming home. ||The rooms were decorated to a high standard with quality finishings. The food was exquisite, so fresh and tasty. It’s one of my new favourite places (with my favourite people). ||Highly recommend.

Crazyscottishlady

Google

Went to Paraiso Escondido last week on a yoga retreat, it was absolutely fantastic! The accommodation is 5 star, food is amazing and a feast for the senses, the atmosphere is so relaxing. Berny, Glen and their daughter Gisela are fabulous hosts with amazing attention to detail. Nothing is too much trouble. If you enjoy good food in a relaxed, calm, luxurious environment then this is the place. I cannot recommend it enough. I came home feeling I was in reverse gear, so relaxing. A beautiful place to spoil yourself.