Herdade do Vau

We had a lovely stay. It is a comfortable and welcoming place. We particularly enjoyed meeting other travellers and sharing meals with them The only thing we felt was lacking was an opportunity to learn more about the estate and their wines.

A special mention for the receptionist, who was charming and spoke perfect English making Check-in and check-out seamless. The property is surrounded by miles of olive trees and grape vines as far as the eye can see. The location of the hotel is superb. Pre-dinner appetisers and free wine were taken by a roaring fire before moving to the restaurant for the main event. The main course and homemade dessert were again accompanied by free wine. Dinner was eaten in traditional Portuguese style, sharing a long table with other guests. Chatting with the other guests made dinner a perfect evening. Our room was spotlessly clean, and the ensuite had free toiletries and a good supply of hot water. We had a good night's sleep on comfy beds and an excellent breakfast served at 9am with panoramic views of countryside. The wine was so good we ended up purchasing 12 bottles. We are so glad we chose to stay at Herdade du Vau instead of a miserable corporate hotel.

Herdade do Vau is truly an oasis tucked away in the heart of the countryside. While the journey to get there is a bit of an adventure—4 kilometers along a rocky road (more rock than dirt, despite the hotel’s prior description)—the effort is well worth it. It took us about 20 minutes to drive the track, so a car is essential, and once you arrive, it feels like a secluded escape, making leaving feel like a challenge in the best way. The hotel offers the option to pre-order dinner if arranged in advance, but we chose to dine at O Adro near Serpa, which we highly recommend. The hotel itself is set on a charming wine estate, with just a few rooms that make for an intimate and peaceful stay. The staff were warm and welcoming, adding to the overall relaxing atmosphere. Breakfast was delightful, featuring fresh bread, jams, cereal, eggs, tea, and coffee. The rooms were tastefully rustic, simple yet comfortable, blending perfectly with the countryside charm. The views across the valley were stunning, and we enjoyed the added amenities like the swimming pool and the tennis court, complete with rackets. It’s a perfect retreat for anyone looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.

The property itself is nice and room was large k

Our brief stay was a wonderful experience of the Portugal countryside on a large farm with rolling hills, lakes, a pool and other modern amenities while maintaining an exquisite, rustic and bucolic environment. The staff was extraordinarily friendly and inviting. We loved staying there.

5 star place with 10-star staff (Theresa and Inez) and Assistant Manager (Luis)! It was beyond our dreams. Outstanding care and food and location and views. I have nothing more to say. Stay a week or more!