Herdade da Malhadinha Nova Relais & Châteaux

This is a really special five star hotel experience. Very personal, warm and relaxing. And finally a five star hotel with five star service without all the stupid formalism of other five star hotels! If you really want to wind down and truly relax this is the place. Thousands of birds, millions of flowers in spring and oak trees everywhere. Excellent wine and food also help. And fantastic breakfast next to your room. Rooms are also fantastic. And there is so much space everywhere!! There is also a lot to explore in the area close by (villages, city canyon with beautiful pools etc.) - and there are no crowds! This is the place where you can get rid off 99% of all other tourists and explore Portugal to yourself😀 We only booked two nights. I would recommend to book at least three nights…

If you’re reading this review: 99% of your work is done. You’ve discovered this absolute gem. Now the last 1% is booking your dream vacation. What an absolutely incredible experience. Great service, stunning landscapes, gorgeous rooms, delicious wine and foods. My soul is refreshed. Thank you to the entire team for an incredible stay. I read many reviews before booking stating that “2 days is not enough”. I’m one to get bored easily so I didn’t listen: and only booked 2 days thinking that it would be enough time. But my gosh - my biggest regret is not listening to these reviews and booking a longer stay. I absolutely cannot wait until I can return. Thank you to the entire team. You have created paradise.

It is a beatitiful setting, the rooms were clean and the staff are friendly. The range of activities is good. What let's it down is the attention to detail. You feel like you're searching for a staff member to order a drink or be given a menu etc. It definitely felt understaffed, the resturant we ate in was nice but the food was pretty average. The beef Wellington was one wellington portion cut in half, there were no potatoes served with it. They also didn't know how to make a virgin mojito despite normal mojito being on the menu. The breakfast is very average for a hotel of this price.The facilities are OK it seems tired in parts. There is no indoor pool, the main pool in the house we stayed in was ice cold and the slightly warm weather pool which should have been a whirlpool or jacuzzi was broken but you could still use it and was more pleasant than the main pool. We had a relaxing stay but I don't think we will be back.