Herdade do Vau
laurence foucher
Lugar Monte do Vau, 7800-661 Serpa, Portugal
This 9-room hotel used to be a former farmer house that was refurbished respecting Alentejo’s traditional architecture. Herdade do Vau is a wine producing property and sits on Guadiana River’s right bank, a 15-minute drive from Beja. It has a garden, a terrace/solarium, a tennis court and an outdoor pool. A daily breakfast is served each morning and is made of regional delicacies. Meals served include the flavors of fresh herbs caught at the property.

Photography by Thibaut Charpentier
While we were driving to this place, we were very unsure as to whether we would ever find it. In the middle of nowhere looks exactly like this and what a surprise when you finally arrive, a dream, a mirage, almost too good to be true. If you’re in the Alentejo area, stopping here is an absolute must.
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the vineyards from the hammock, take a dip in the pool and enjoy the delicious, homemade breakfast.