Staying at L’AND Vineyards in Alentejo
If you’re interested in wine and enotourism, I’m sure the Alentejo region in Portugal has popped up on your radar. And if you’ve done some researching, you know that indulging in wine tastings, visiting medieval villages, and enjoying the region’s great weather and cuisine are experiences to add to your Alentejo bucket list. But I’m here to tell you that’s not all. There’s one more experience you can’t miss on a trip to to the region: a stay at L’AND Vineyards!
The L’AND Vineyards goes beyond the concept of a hotel and provides a unique way of experiencing Alentejo. Guests have an opportunity to relish the region’s landscapes while being pampered by Michelin-star cuisine, world-class spa treatments, and crafted accommodations. The dashing architecture integrates nature with modern design and allows for a feeling of being constantly integrated with the surroundings.
This place is more than an accommodation option. It’s a destination in itself and a retreat that promotes relaxation and plenty of opportunities to explore and experience the Alentejo region. I had the pleasure of celebrating my 30 years birthday at L’AND Vineyards, more specifically in one of their Lake Villas. And to say it was wonderful it’s an understatement, it was everything I could’ve dreamt of and more!
In this post, I’ll tell you about my experience at this unique retreat in the heart of vineyards and olive groves in Alentejo. And whether you’re considering a trip to Portugal or just feeding your wanderlust, I’m sure you’ll fall on your knees for this hidden gem just as much as I did!
But before you scroll any further, I’d like to invite you to check our complete travel guide on Alentejo. It has all the tips you need to plan a great trip to the region!
Checking in to L’AND Vineyards
The L’AND Vineyards might be one of the few 5-stars hotels in Portugal, but that’s not what really sets it apart. What differentiates this property from others is its elegant and modern design. As well as the ambitious concept of having a retreat nestled amongst vineyards. Where guests can relax while being pampered with great food, house-made wine, and a great spa experience.
If I had to describe the L’ANDs structure, I’d say it’s a piece of art in itself. The unique architecture signed by Promontório, the minimalistic interiors envisaged by Márcio Kogan, and the arts of Michael Biberstein makes this place one of its kind. There’s beauty and sophistication everywhere you look, but not the kind of flashy or forced one. The elegance of L’AND Vineyards is sober and tranquil, matching the overall atmosphere of the retreat!
The interior of the main building is minimalistic and elegant. House-made products, such as honey, olive oils, and wines are displayed close to the relaxation area. Giving visitors the impression of being at home with such coziness.
Nestled in the 7,000 hectares of vines there are 30 suites and villas. They’re all unique, private, and perfectly integrated with the surrounding nature. I’ll show you more of the villa we stayed in soon, but you can get a glimpse of each category and room by clicking here.
All guests can make use of the common areas, which include a SPA, a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and exercise areas. Let’s see some of them in detail below.
The outdoor pool
The outdoor pool is a gorgeous area where guests can enjoy the sunny and warm weather of Alentejo. We visited the hotel during fall and could still enjoy the pool and the lounging areas to relax in the sun. What a treat!
The pool is close to the main building and surrounded by an idyllic lake, some vines, and majestic trees. The atmosphere there is completely relaxing and inspiring, perfect for calm moments reading a book or having meaningful conversations.
Not so far from the pool, you’ll also find a romantic wooden structure where weddings are celebrated. I honestly could think of better spots to get married at, so if you’re on the hunt for a destination wedding make sure to check their portfolio!
The L’AND Vinotherapy Spa
If you’re a seasoned reader, you know we’re both obsessed with SPAs and everything wellness. So, it goes without saying that the Vinotherapy Spa was one of our favorite areas of the L’AND Vineyards hotel!
This is a SPA like few others. A place where visitors can feel part of the surrounding nature while enjoying cozy moments inside. Picture wide spaces, glass walls, and high-end design blended with nature-inspired elements such as rocks and wood. An oasis of tranquility and relaxation!
The spa area is comprised of a sauna, heated pool, and rooms where the treatments are held. Speaking of treatments, you should check the SPA Menu and the fantastic therapy options based on grape products and cosmetics. We read great reviews of their signature therapies and would recommend them, even though we didn’t have the chance to try them ourselves.
The heated pool is kept at a not-so-warm temperature given that the weather in Alentejo is quite hot. This way visitors can have a pleasant experience even if the outside temperatures are extreme. Besides the pool, visitors can also enjoy the lounging area overlooking the garden and the external pool. A true Alentejan dream!
The tennis Court
An enticing feature of the retreat is the outdoor tennis court, set amidst vineyards fields. We had aspirations of enjoying a few matches against this stunning backdrop, but alas, we forgot our tennis shoes. If you’re a tennis enthusiast, don’t make our oversight—pack the right gear and seize the opportunity to play amidst the vines!
The activities
There’s so much to enjoy and explore within the L’AND Vineyards property perimeter, including your own room/villa. But, if at some point you crave a change in scenery, you can count on the hotel’s concierges to arrange unique activities in the region.
The most popular activities are to visit vineyards or participate in wine tastings. It’s also possible to go horseback riding through vineyards or take a balloon flight over Alentejo. Imagine how beautiful the views must be! Here you can check all the available options, but if you’re in doubt on the most appropriate for your trip, make sure to contact the hotels’ advisors for guidance and personalized itinerary planning.
And as the L’AND Vineyards is as much of a retreat as a vineyard, you can also join their in-house wine experiences. You’ll be introduced to their planting, harvesting, and wine-producing process. And join a wine tasting with food pairing options!
The restaurant
The food at L’AND Vineyards was one of the best parts of our stay at the hotel. We definitely expected to be pampered with fantastic cuisine during our stay. After all, we’re talking about a Michelin-stared restaurant inside of the retreat!
But I must say we were hardly prepared to taste such an authentic and delicious menu. Which integrates unique products of the region and makes for a feast for all senses!
The restaurant is led by Chef Nuno Amaral who creates unique dishes inspired by the new Portuguese gastronomic scene while honoring the region’s history and our culture. All ingredients used in the meals are obtained from local producers located within a 50 kilometers radius of the hotel. Which guarantees authentic flavors and a sustainable approach to the menu!
The meals are paired with great wines (a la carte or pairing flights). And served at the main restaurant saloon in a very romantic and elegant atmosphere. Perfect for romantic dinners!
We had fantastic meals during our stay and can’t recommend the restaurant enough! External visitors are also welcome and can choose between the tasting menus or a la carte dishes. Reservations are recommended to both guests and visitors and will ensure you’ll be able to enjoy a fantastic gastronomic experience in Alentejo!
The breakfast
Breakfasts are served in the same restaurant and feature a great variety of bread, cereals, fruits, pastries, juices, and cheeses. From the menu, various delicious hot dishes can be chosen, such as omelets, sandwiches, benedict eggs, and pancakes. All of them executed with the same professionalism and skillfulness as the dinner menu!
All meals at L’AND Vineyards were great, even the simple salad we ordered before checking out on our last day. This is a perfect retreat for foodies and wine lovers and a place you can expect excellent service and creative meals!
Our private Lake Villa
We’ve stayed in fantastic accommodations around the world. But none of them has been as mind-blowing as the Lake Villa, which we had to ourselves during our stay at L’AND Vineyards.
As much as I try to make justice to this villa with words, I’ll never be able to capture the sophistication, elegance, and spaciousness appropriately. So, I’ll leave you with some pictures of this gorgeous accommodation and its minimalist yet cozy design and decoration!
All villas in this category feature 2 or 3 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living room with an open fire, and a private pool. They also boast a view of the lake and of Montemor’s castle. And what’s best of all, they allow for stars gazing from the comfort of your bed through a retractable roof placed on the master bedroom!
These villas offer unparalleled seclusion and are perfect for a romantic celebration, such as a honeymoon or anniversary trip. Also for family trips, as you’ll find everything you need to feel at home during your stay in Alentejo!
We had the most perfect time enjoying the villa and celebrating my birthday in this unique accommodation. I couldn’t help but feel extremely great for this experience and for this adventure called life 🙂
Our experience at L’AND Vineyards
Our stay at L’AND Vineyards was one of the best travel experiences we’ve had up to date. This world-class hotel has surely mastered the art of providing its guests with a memorable and unique experience that goes beyond all expectations. Everything about this retreat exhales sophistication, relaxation, and authenticity. And creates an atmosphere that inspires romance and tranquility!
We were not only impressed with the professionalism of the service, but also with the attention and heart put in all details. Truing their house-made wines and local products made the experience feel even more genuine. And I can’t think of a better place to experience the best of Alentejo’s region than at the L’AND Vineyards.
If you have the opportunity, make sure to book a villa and enjoy the retreat with more privacy. Rates are definitely steeper, but at L’AND Vineyards you’ll get exactly what you’re paying for. And l can assure you will have one of the best travel experiences of your life!
And what’s best of all? You can reach L’AND Vineyards with a 45-minute drive from Lisbon’s airport. And use your stay at the retreat as a home base to explore the Alentejo region by car. You can book your stay here taking advantage of the free cancelation and special fares provided for our readers. I hope you’ll enjoy this experience as much as we did!
