Monte da bela Raposa

We have left the beautiful medieval town of Estremoz in the Portuguese Alentejo and are heading west. Endless forests of cork oaks and olive trees line the road. Shortly before the small town of Pavia, we turn right onto a dusty road. Suddenly, in the middle of a beautiful meadow, you see the "Monte da Bela Raposa", the estate of the beautiful vixen, a luxurious rural hotel within 60 hectares of land. It is the realisation of a lifelong dream of its owner Françoise of Belgian origin, who has been living in Portugal for more than 35 years.

Monte da Bela Raposa is more a home than a hotel. Situated besides a small lake, it consists of a main house and six rooms housed in small independent bungalows. The very spacious rooms, all with a private terrace, are tastefully decorated in subtle pastel shades. The decorator Françoise has furnished them with unique objects that she has collected throughout her life and which make this hotel a very special place. They have a large double bed which can also be divided into two separate beds. Coffee and tea making facilities, free Wi-Fi, safe and minibar, as well as air conditioning in summer and central heating in winter ensure a pleasant stay. Each room has a spacious bathroom with a rain shower. There is also the possibility to add a baby cot.

Although we are delighted with the comfort and beauty of the rooms, it is the common areas that surprise us most. A huge kitchen with antique cupboards and several antique paintings of maids await us for breakfast. From there, we enter a beautifully decorated living room with high ceilings, fireplace, grand piano and elegant furniture. A large terrace overlooking the lake invites you to relax. It is perfect for watching the breath-taking sunsets over the Alentejo. Those who prefer absolute tranquillity can retreat to the large library.

The fantastically situated swimming pool is framed by a large wooden deck overlooking the lake and the surrounding forest dotted with huge granite boulders. Please note that the pool can only be used by children with parental supervision.

In spring, at Monte da Bela Raposa, one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in Portugal can be seen: the blooming of thousands and thousands of wild flowers of different colours, forming beautiful country tapestries ranging from yellow to red to an intense cobalt blue.

However, it is the service that makes this oasis so special. Françoise wants her guests to feel really comfortable and relaxed. She offers breakfast if you wish in your room, by appointment, which is delicious with produce from her orchard, poultry and chickens. Dinner is on request and you can even accompany your preparation together with the owner. They also help you to choose the best excursions, guided tours and restaurants. Cleaning service and breakfast are included. All rooms are at ground level, making them easily accessible for people with reduced mobility. 

The inland Alentejo is a surprisingly undiscovered gem in the southeast of Portugal. The rolling hills, with their cork oak forests and endless olive groves, stretch as far as the eye can see. From time to time, this enchanting landscape is dotted with well-kept villages with small whitewashed houses and pretty gardens. Towns such as Évora, Estremoz or Borba have renovated their centuries-old historic centres and present themselves with renewed pride to the visitor. There is no shortage of churches, castles and Roman aqueducts, as well as wine cellars and farms that invite you to taste wine and olive oil. 

In short, an ideal place to recharge your batteries.