Escape to the Portuguese countryside to relax and explore the stunning scenery of the region; stay at spa hotel of Quinta dos Machados Country House in Barras Azueira, Portugal for the best in Portuguese hospitality and relaxed luxury.
Location
The hotel is tucked away a convenient 20-minute drive from Lisbon Airport and yet you are surrounded by nature and everything here is geared to you resting and relaxing. This beautiful hotel is located on a seventeenth century farm and there is evidence of its past and its agriculture importance everywhere you look. Discover centennial sidewalks, sit by the rare “Bela Portuguesa” rose bush, visit the main building which has been declared of architectural interest and wander the 12 hectares of forest. During their stay guests can also enjoy the Bosque, a 15-hectare space which features an ancient road of the Royal Palace of Mafra set amongst cork oak, pine and cypress trees with chairs and rocking beds for visitors to recline on; it’s a unique and serene place. This area is ideal for walking, hiking and biking with several trails leading from the hotel, the staff will happily prepare a picnic basket for you, packed with regional delicacies for you to enjoy while you explore. There are several renowned wineries in the area too and the nearby city of Mafra is definitely worth a visit.
Style & Character
One of the real charms of this hotel is the mix of old and new; there are both historic and brand new modern-designed buildings that sit perfectly alongside each other and the theme continues inside too. A lovely harmonious combination of contemporary and vintage gives a casual elegance to the place.
Service & Facilities
The spa is heavenly and includes a sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi, relaxation area and solarium and of course a resident masseuse is on hand to tend to those aching limbs; book a treatment as soon as you arrive and they’ll set you up for lots of hiking and biking. There’s also a mini gym, an outdoor pool with a bar and a children’s play area. The grounds themselves are worth exploring too, there’s a large lawn that’s surrounded by woods and a beautiful recently-created winter garden. The staff here are welcoming and accommodating, nothing is too much trouble.
Rooms
After a recent extension project, there are now 29 double rooms and 2 family houses which are ideal if you have small children and want your own separate space. The rooms are divided into Classic, Deluxe, Premium and Superior. The Premium Rooms or Superior rooms would be my choice but to some extent your room choice depends on your taste, there are more traditional rooms and more contemporary, funky rooms. Let them know your preference and they’ll ensure you’re placed where you’ll be most comfortable.
Food & Drink
The hotel is home of the sophisticated “Cantinho dos Sabores” restaurant where you can dine al fresco or indoors depending on the seasons and your mood, the décor is a charming combination of contemporary architecture and vintage accessories. Here they serve traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist and pride themselves on using regional and seasonal produce. The breakfast is notable, the tapas are fabulous and the wine list extensive and reasonable.
Quinta dos Machados Country House & Spa
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