The Portuguese Country House Fazenda Nova justly deserves its new accolade, “Luxury Country Hotel Europe”, which was awarded to this quirky luxe establishment by the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2015 in late October. Baroque Travel finds out all about this sumptuous Algarve retreat
Photo credit: British Airways High Life
Located near the historic coastal town of Tavira in the Eastern Algarve, the stunning Fazenda Nova Country House is renowned for its luxury, simple style and country warmth. So it’s no wonder that it won this famous award, which is considered the Oscars of the hospitality industry. The World Luxury Hotel Awards were initially established in 2006 and nominees are chosen according to a stringent set of rules and 50 distinct categories.
Photo credit: Fazenda Nova
This sumptuous, secluded country house only opened three years ago, in September 2012. It’s situated in one of the most picturesque areas of the Algarve, where stunning coastline and magnificent golden beaches reign supreme. Fazenda Nova is one of the original country farmhouses in the area and dates back to the 19th Century. Before the hotel opened, the structure was meticulously refurbished to its former glory and now boasts every possible modern facility and luxury. There are only 10 guest rooms, a mixture of garden suites, apartments and a spacious terrace suite. The hotel itself nestles in 10 hectares of lush green gardens, and even boasts its own orchard, vegetable and herb gardens. In springtime, colorful wildflowers abound, popping up amongst almond, olive and carob trees.
Benagil sea cave, algarve
The Algarve is one of the most idyllic holiday settings, with blue skies all year round, even in winter. This luxurious country hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the stunning surroundings, go shopping at local markets, or just laze on the beach. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, cycling, horse riding, boat trips, a variety of water sports, quad biking and much more.
New features that give the hotel a stylish boutique edge include a saltwater swimming pool, superb dining facilities (the restaurant is excellent), a library of DVDs and books to enjoy, not to mention a selection of sumptuous facilities in the guestrooms, including flat screen TV, iPod dock, free WiFi, bathrobe and Ren toiletries. Some of the rooms have their own terraces, and the terrace suite on the top floor offers a magnificent, spacious terrace with scenic country views.
Photo credit: Fazenda Nova
Of course, if you want to laze on the beach, it’s just 15 minutes away by taxi, and if you really want to be pampered, book an in-room spa, or a private yoga class with your own instructor. Another bonus of staying in this gorgeous location – the hotel is completely eco-friendly: most of the food, including fruit, vegetables and herbs, are grown on the premises and the rest is sourced locally. The stylish décor is mainly hand crafted from items sourced from the original building: tables and headboards had a former incarnation as the farmhouse’s original shutters and all the outdoor furniture was handmade using century-old pine from trees grown on the property.