Elevate Your Stay: Central Portugal's Premier Slow Down Hospitality Resorts

 *This article is in partnership with the CENTER of PORTUGAL Tourism Board. I was hosted on a 2nd press tour in exchange for honest reviews & content.  All opinions are my own

This Image: Credit- The Vagar

Are you looking for "off the beaten path"  slow hospitality experiences ? The CENTER OF PORTUGAL offers premier slow-down resorts, blending luxury with sustainability. Visiting and reviewing these properties, was an amazing experience in slow travel! 

All of these properties offer  "slow down hospitality and premier experiential stays," in the Center of Portugal. The use of natural resources and cuisine sourced from regional ingredients are a common factor with all.  These 4 resorts offer exciting activities and tours, you don't want to miss!  Some are included in the reservation; others incur additional charges.

Come along  & explore the Premier " Slow Travel" Resorts in the Center of Portugal

This image: Credit- The Vagar

The Vagar Country House

Arrival at THE VAGAR in Belmonte Portugal, is an experience in itself ! The drive up the mountain, and the beautiful country road is stunning! Lodging at The Vagar, is one of the  most unique stays I've experienced.

Definition of "Vagar': to wander and go from place to place with no definite destination in mind. This is exactly what staying at THE VAGAR embodies: wander to your hearts content!

This luxury property is located in the heart of another park in the CENTER OF PORTUGAL: the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela.  Here you'll bask in the surroundings of a purist environment. The staff at The Vagar will invite you to slow down, experience the mountain, the minimalist feels and nature in this beautiful haven.

This image: Credit- The Vagar

SUITES: The moment I opened the door to my room, all cares of life faded into the distance. The panoramic views of the mountains took my breath away!  The suites boast modern luxury with all comforts of home. My room had a cozy fireplace, and a loft for additional sleeping space or quiet reflection. 

Most of the suites include a deck. Take your coffee outside and enjoy nature and the stunning 

view. I took full advantage of drinking my morning brew with the birds chirping !

DINING: Upon waking we were served a delicious breakfast made with wholesome local ingredients. The best part: sitting outside under a huge trellis cascading with gorgeous ivy!

Evening meals can be served inside the mother house or outside.  Guests can choose from two selections on the menu. I especially enjoyed the garden salad and dessert with my meal.

BAREFOOT TRAIL: The opportunities for exploration and enjoying vacation are endless. If you love sensory experiences, the Barefoot Trail at THE VAGAR  is for you! I suggest trying the smooth portion of the trail first.

INFINITY POOL:  Relax after exploring, with an incredible view at the infinity pool.  Soak up the sun and later at dusk, enjoy the hot tub with the same stunner scenery!

The pool is the first place I find when on vacation.  The infinity pool at The Vagar is the most beautiful pool I've seen!  I had time for a short dip, wish I could've stayed longer. This charming space is what DREAMS are made of!

JEEP RIDE: This is an exciting adventure to experience at the Vagar! We hopped on the jeep with Andre for a ride to the top of the mountain!  He told us stories of the property, plans for the future, and showed us amazing scenery.

Marta and Andre

On the jeep ride you will also see the Ruins of the fortified Roman Villa of Fornea. We took a look and found where the spa was located from hundreds of years ago.

Do you want to experience a mixture of emotions and fun? If so, then book the 60 min Vagar Jeep Ride, when reserving a room. Can you imagine a picnic on the cliff of this mountain? 

AMENITIES & EXPERIENCES

• 6 Suites called: Hope, Balance, Simplicity, Light , Peace & Essence
• Balcony Views
• Outdoor dining
• Infinity pool
• Hot tub
• Pedestrian trails
• Sensory paths
• Forest Bathing
• Sunset Ritual ( Firepit)
• Contemplation House ( Multi-Purpose Space)
• Yoga & meditation Classes
• Jeep tour
• Glamping on the mountain ( coming soon)
• Picnics

Marta and Andre, the owners of THE VAGAR spoil their guests with warm hospitality and attention to fine detail. This is slow down travel in Portugal at its finest!

The Nest by Cooking and Nature

The word "NEST inspires an aura of warmth, comfort and safety. THE NEST BY COOKING AND NATURE  HOTEL is located in the heart of a gorgeous Natural Park: Serras de Aire e Candeerios. (a 70 min drive from Lisbon Airport ) The park was the inspiration for the rooms: "the nests." This is the place to enjoy stupendous views in Portugal!  

Cooking and Nature Hotels are TWO SPACES WITH TWO CONCEPTS: " a place to fall in love." The EMOTIONAL HOTEL  is located 200 meters from the Nest.  All experiences and amenities are available to guests at either location. We were excited to stay at The Nest and experience a night in the midst of an alpine wonderland.

This country house is in the traditional village of ALVADOS. The village is small but doesn't lack in charm or things to do. This is a beautiful oasis surrounded by ancient olive trees.

RESTAURANT: Our first stop was terrujah, a nature based restaurant located at the Nest.  Diogo, the chef and owner, offers a unique gastronomic experience. The cuisine expresses the best of this region, where he grew up. The presentation and tastes were top quality.  It was an honor to have this experience!

 

Recommended dishes:

• Couverts: Breads with locally sourced olive oil, cow butter, lard w/herb emulsion
• Starters: Burnt carrots w/creamy barley & yogurt sauce
• Snack: Crispy rice w/octopus salad & kimchi mayo
• Main Course: Beef loin, broccoli gratin with fermented peppers
• Dessert: Strawberries macerated in elderflower, cream, ice cream & vinegar gel

ROOMS: My room was so cute and the cool bathtub was elevated on its own platform. How wonderful to wake up to gorgeous views and sounds of nature. I welcomed the sound of a rooster crowing; my alarm clock!

My room had a view of the pool and the mountains close behind. The scenery around the nest is incredible.

 

BREAKFAST:  Morning eats are delivered to your door in the most adorable basket ( Victoria Handmade)... YES PLEASE!  We ordered breakfast choices the night before at reception at the Emotional Hotel. 

We opened our room doors upon waking, the basket of yummies were waiting!  We brought our baskets to the deck to enjoy breakfast with a view.

AMENITIES AND EXPERIENCES

• Eight double rooms & 2 apartments
• Balcony rooms with views
• Onsite restaurant
• Breakfast Room Delivery
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Unique cooking lessons
• Lawn games
• Hiking & walking trail network
• E-bike trails ( bikes can be rented at the lodge)
• Horse riding
• Pottery workshops

*Tour located closeby : Unesco Triangle World Heritage Sites, The Sanctuary of Fatima and the iconic Nazare Beach.

COOKING CLASS: Lastly, dinner was a fun and exciting night! We were treated to a cooking class with a personal chef. We learned recipes and techniques for popular Portuguese dishes.  

We prepared:

•  Cod fish loin w/almond & herbs crust
• Vegetables bras and serra d'aire olive oil
• Alcobaca apple tarts, onion jam & rice blood pudding
• Chocolate lava cake w/raspberry sorbet

*Recipes developed by Chef Nuno Barros

* I invited Eugenia to join as a guest  on my 2nd press tour with the Center of Portugal. It was fun to meet in person after connecting virtually on instagram, a few years ago.

Casa da Cisterna

Can you imagine sleeping in a village of a centuries old castle ? We did, and it was so much fun! CASA da CISTERNA is everything you dreamed of in a slow hospitality experience in Portugal.

This hilltop bed and breakfast is located in the beautiful historic village of  Castelo Rodrigo, overlooking Ribcoa Plateau. Casa da Cisterna is a hidden gem in the Center of Portugal.  A  unique stay awaits you at this premier slow down hospitality resort.

  

The owners Antonio and Ana, are warm hosts and create an "over the top experience" for their guests. This quote from the website sums up our amazing stay at Casa da Cisterna:

"In Castelo Rodrigo, the beautiful fortified village where they live, the walls are centuries old and are open to anyone who wants to enter.  The neighbors are people whose smiles haven't been robbed by the hardships of country life. The swimming pool is a monument-the old cistern that in times gone by served as a water reservoir for the village and which today gives its name to the house.  In short ... different perspectives ...different rhythms of life."

BREAKFAST is served buffet style inside, fill up your plate and head to the deck! Wholesome and fresh are the perfect words to describe the morning meal.  The yogurt with fresh made preserves on top was a big hit.

LUNCHES at Casa da Cisterna were incredibly delicious: farm to table presentation and ingredients. Ana and Antonio source and produce their own brand of olive oil, to include with meals. How cool is that?! The charcuterie board was my favorite- so much yummy on one plate!

I loved everything about the stay. A favorite activity we enjoyed; eating on the deck with stupendous views! Your soul feels at rest with no distractions. This setting is where you can enjoy meals with no cares in the world.

PORTO TONIC drink  is a must with your lunch or dinner, it's divine! The backyard is a gorgeous oasis, with a pool and swinging bench for lounging.

ROOMS: at the guesthouse are beautifully designed and comfortable. Suites are available for families or large groups.  I loved my room, ( pictured below)  with a direct view of the "Mother Church of Costelo." Waking up to history was a dream come true!

                                                     This image: Credit-Casa da Cisterna

We also experienced two rare excursions-off site tours, hosted by Ana and Antonio. Both tours were mind blowing and are available to book with your stay.  Let's just say the 1st tour really raised our hair and got the adrenaline going!

WAIT FOR IT...and stay tuned ! I'll be sharing exciting details about the excursions soon!

AMENTIES & EXPERIENCES

• 9 Rooms/suites, 2 guesthouses & church villa 
• Outdoor swimming pool & Swing
• Picnics
• Tours/Excursions
• Donkey rides
• Off-track rides
• Village store w/locally sourced products
• Castle Rodrigo Tours

The Pedra Nova- Turismo d' Aldeia

There are 12 HISTORICAL VILLAGES in Portugal. THE PEDRA NOVA Guest House is located in the beautiful Village of Costelo Novo.  This was the first Historical Village visited on the tour.  (article coming soon about the villages.)

The Pedra Nova-Turismo d'Aldeia is born; what an unforgettable experience!  Miguel the host, owns a a beautiful restored guest house in the heart of Costelo Novo. The house is a family property, passed down through three generations. 

 Miguel is a talented interior designer. He directed the entire restoration project and decor of the house & grounds. I was in awe of his remodeling skills!

Miguel felt the need to frame memories and provide an experience in absolute well being and pleasure; in the context of a Historical Village.  

Unfortunately our itinerary didn't allow an overnight stay. We toured the village with guide Marta (Fundao Tourism) ; and stopped in for lunch and tour of Pedro Nova.  Miguel creates an awesome personal dining experience; by preparing and serving the meals. We tasted the traditional dishes of the Fundao Region:

LUNCH: 

Appetizers: green eggs, sliced pumpkin, & green beans in tempura batter, and bread with locally sourced olive oil

Main dish: Chicken with rice and bean soup

Dessert: Pastel da Nata ( Custard tarts - the official dessert of Portugal)

POOL: We toured the entire guesthouse,  ush yard and terrace! The pool area was lovely and captured my attention fast.  I wish I could've jumped in- it looked divine! Across from the pool is a spa/bathhouse where you can get pampered with massages etc.

Many opportunities for moments of relaxation and rejuvenation await you at Pedra Nova Village Tourism. I especially loved the orange trees in the backyard.  A hammock in the trees invites you to kick back and lounge. It doesn't get ANY better than this!

DONKEYS: Behind Miguel's guesthouse, are furry pals waiting to greet you! Eugenia and I had fun interacting with the donkeys enjoying life in the village!

AMENITIES AND EXPERIENCES

• Air Conditioned Rooms
• Private bathrooms
• Bar
• Relaxing common spaces
• Terrace
• Internet
• ATM
• Home cooked local cuisine
• Babysitting ( When scheduled)
• Pool
• Spa & Sauna

IN SUMMARY :

The trend of " Slow Hospitality " has become increasingly popular, and accelerated immensely . It has become the new norm without people even realizing.  Slow down Travel is forecasted to continue to grow in popularity; as an alternative to traditional vacations: at 10% (compound) annual growth rates.

.....which makes the CENTER OF PORTUGAL the ideal destination for YOUR NEXT TRIP ! To stay current on what's happening in this region, follow the tourism board on Instagram.

*I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Center of Portugal,  all 4 resorts, restaurants  and tour guides for their warm hospitality: and for hosting my 2nd press tour! 

LOVE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER