Pico do Refúgio

Add To Favourites
Holiday Apartments
  • properties
    6
  • style
    Design
  • setting
    Countryside

The Pico do Refugio started off life in the early 17th century as a farm. Subsequently it became a military garrison, which lasted some 300 years, and it also served as a lookout post against pirates.

So it has an interesting history to say the least. In addition it grew oranges and tea and, in fact, the old “Ataíde” tea factory still exists. To cap it all off it was also the country house of painter and writer Luís Bernardo Ataíde, and the home of sculptress Luísa Constantina.

Luís Bernardo, the sculptress’s son, has taken over the mantle of owner and has beautifully renovated the farm and outbuildings whilst adapting them for use as country houses – always careful to preserve the exterior appearance and the original function of each building.

In all there are five lofts and three houses, the result of the restoration work carried out on the former tea factory and the main house. Nestling behind the colonial façade is a well-balanced contemporary interior of impeccably good taste, where details such as the old wood-fired oven, the mezzanine and the soaring six-metre-high ceilings, lend enormous originality to the project.

Added to this is a deeply-rooted connection to nature - thanks not only to the farm’s country setting but also to its origins - and to art, through the family of painters, writers and sculptors, and their association with a local gallery.

Breakfast is served in the lounge. There is no set time and the menu holds true to the property’s farming roots: a variety of freshly-squeezed juices; a regional cheeseboard; fresh, handmade, soft white cheese wrapped in ginger-lily leaves; homemade jams; and local specialties such as picos and bolos lêvedo.

After filling up, so to speak, enjoy a wander through the countryside or a dip in the pool, or try your hand at one of the many activities on offer: swimming with the dolphins, whale-spotting, a drive in a jeep, cycling and horse riding, or a scuba-diving course.

The hotel lies in 20 hectares of grounds set in an ecological reserve with the sea as a backdrop and guests have the option of helping out with the daily tasks around the farm, such as jam-making and fruit-growing, and the privilege of feeling nature in the air they breathe and the sounds they hear around them an integral part of the project, the scuba-diving school gives you the chance to try a first-ever dive or take a course.

There is a range of programmes available taught by P.A.D.I. (professional association of diving instructors) qualified instructors. The farm is five minutes from santa barbara beach, a magnificent surfing venue.

Authentic environment Design Great for kids Natural beauty Panoramic views Simple pleasures

Availability

= available

Location

View hotels on a map

Good To Know

Rates from   125.00 EUR
Book by Phone
+351 214 647 430 or +44 203 286 46 43

Transport / Distances

City Centre: 0
Shops: 0

Reviews

Beautiful appartment in amazing location
start start start start start
Date of stay 12/10/2018
We had a great time at Pico do Refugio! The apartment was supercosy, on top of a beautiful hill with great view of the surroundings. The dive school and dive instructor are the best! We did some amazing dives with probably the best instructor we ever had. So diving here is highly recommended. We would definitely book this accommodation again in the future.

Need advice?

Lets us help you find the perfect
place for your holiday
Ask our advice

Best For

  • Country hotels and holiday homes
  • Family friendly hotels
  • Holiday homes and villas
  • Surf and kitesurf hotels

To add to your wishlist, sign in or login now

LOGIN SIGN UP