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.