são lourenço do barrocal / portugal

a couple of weeks ago i took julia and my friend for a quick getaway to São Lourenço do Barrocal – it was a gift i got from my besties and i was really looking forward to staying there.

we first stopped in monsaraz, the quaintest little medieval town, where we had lunch at sabores, a restaurant recommended by the hotel – featuring local dishes, everything we had was insane!

the hotel is so welcoming and peaceful, we knew, once we arrived, we wouldn’t want to leave. the service was seamless and every detail in the property, featuring the estate’s history and the local traditions are incredible. the estate, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and holm oaks, has been in the family for over 200 years.

there are guest rooms and cottages, known as ‘casinhas” and we were lucky enough to stay in one :)

it was really hot and there was no other way than spending the afternoon by the pool. julia is back to being a water toddler (!), but she definitely has more energy than me!! i was exhausted by the end of the day, and when we saw a herd of cows nearby it was the perfect timing to get out.

we hit the herd of cows, the sunflower field and the stables to greet the horses, and then ready for an early sunset dinner.

we had cold soups (my favourite in the summer), the tomato and goat cheese salad, the lamb chops and the shrimp rice, which had been recommended by a friend. our dinner was delicious, with locally sourced produce and home grown veggies. they also grow their own olives and grapes for the estate’s wine and olive production.

dining al fresco, with a view, with lots of space (for julia) to run around was the perfect end to our day.

the restaurant inside is gorgeous, look at all these details, so were the hotel’s outlets, spa, bar and gift shop. we had a good look around the next day, before hitting the pool again.

we totally missed the kids playroom and the treasure hunt, so that’s something to look forward to next time we go – also on my bucket list a spa treatment at the Susanne Kaufmann Spa and a sunset horse back riding tour around the estate.

what i brought with me – a totally relaxed self + the most gorgeous bottle of olive oil (i have cheeky friends who sneak surprises in my luggage!) + i might’ve bought a few too many bottles of wine.