Lodge Casa Palmela is a gem of a lodge with so many great attributes that it’s troublesome to know the place to start. A member of Small Luxurious Accommodations, this beautiful retreat might be discovered within the coronary heart of the gorgeous Arrábida Pure Park, simply south of Lisbon and 10 minutes from Setúbal, a captivating coastal metropolis with gorgeous views of the Sado Estuary. In actual fact, it’s the solely 5 star lodge in Portugal to be situated inside a pure park.
Initially a seventeenth Century farmhouse, the property has remained in the identical household since 1826, making its debut as a luxurious lodge in 2016. And it retains a standard household really feel to this present day, adorned with interval furnishings, pictures, work and sculptures, in addition to intricate tiles which are emblematic of Portugal’s inventive legacy and cultural identification.
The grounds of the lodge embody 170 acres of vineyards and rolling forested hills which are protected land inside the Arrábida Pure Park. This contains cork oak bushes which are native to the Mediterranean and an necessary a part of the native ecosystem. For hundreds of years, Portuguese ‘tiradores’ have harvested the bark of those bushes in a sustainable approach, on an roughly 10-year cycle, really selling the longevity of the bushes which might dwell for over 200 years.
The welcome
A delayed flight and a damaged down bus at Lisbon Airport weren’t the right begin to our journey to Portugal. Fortunately, Lodge Casa Palmela saved the day by arranging our 40-minute switch from the airport which was, in distinction, clean and seamless. The 24-hour reception was an added bonus, making certain that our 1.30am arrival was not an issue and we may check-in rapidly and nonetheless be nicely rested for the subsequent day.
At the moment of the morning we had not totally appreciated the 2 sculptures that flank the doorway to reception, the spectacular work of famly member Maria Luísa de Sousa Holstein Beck, relationship again to the late nineteenth Century.
The room
We stayed in Room 21 of the lodge on the nook of this historic constructing, with views north down the tree-lined entrance to the lodge, and west over the vineyards – good for watching the setting solar. The room blends its interval attraction with fashionable comforts, that includes a pleasant mixture of conventional decor and modern facilities.
The dual beds, adorned with a floral bedhead, guarantee a restful night time’s sleep, whereas a central desk and chairs present visitors with a spot to dine or work in consolation. Fashionable fitted wardrobes harmoniously complement a interval chest of drawers, offering ample cupboard space.
Visitors can benefit from the room year-round with air con for the warmer months, and a Pur Line hearth providing heat and ambiance for these chillier evenings out of season. In the meantime, an ornamental coach decoration on the mantelpiece serves as a nod to the intricate craftsmanship and inventive heritage of Portuguese coach-making.
There’s additionally free WiFi all through the lodge, a room service menu, DeLonghi espresso machine, plush bathrobes and slippers, a protected and complimentary bottled water (though the faucet water is protected to drink), whereas laundry and ironing companies additionally assist to make sure a hassle-free keep.
The lavatory
The en suite lavatory blends fashionable facilities with traditional magnificence. Adorned with high-quality fixtures and a spacious format, there’s an ample provide of fluffy towels, expansive mirror and separate shaving mirror. The walk-in bathe, enclosed with a glass panel, supplies each rain and handheld showerheads.
Premium Rituals toiletries imply that recent eucalyptus and rosemary scents permeate the bathe with the offered shampoo and bathe gel, whereas the hand basin is stocked with natural mandarin and mint cleaning soap and hand lotion.
Visitors will even discover a Lodge Casa Palmela branded field containing quite a lot of different facilities, together with a stitching equipment, conditioner, bathe cap, shoeshine sponge and vainness equipment.
The services
Visitors can unwind at lodge’s bar and lounge, the previous being open from 11am to midnight.
For us, the lodge’s Zimbral restaurant – which attracts on Portuguese, African and Asian delicacies – was a real spotlight, with a relaxed and casual ambiance complemented by distinctive delicacies.
The Salmon Tartar and the Partridge, Foie Gras and Apple each made for wonderful starters, the previous sure with guacamole and topped with delicate crostini.
The mains have been equally scrumptious, and included essentially the most tender octopus, served with greens, inexperienced peppers and candy potato.
The monkfish rice can also be to die for.
Different dishes we are able to heartily advocate are the Wild Sea Bass, Roe and Coriander and the Lamb Rack with Curry, plus don’t miss out on the delectable Chocolate Mousse with River Mint for dessert!
The restaurant is to not be missed and combines beautiful flavours with a dedication to sustainability on the similar time, for the reason that produce is sourced from the lodge’s personal vegetable backyard and native suppliers.
Past its culinary delights, the lodge additionally homes a captivating chapel on the primary ground – a spot of prayer that’s open 24 hours a day.
Then there are additionally two out of doors swimming pools and a spa.
The spa goes by the mantra of “Inhale happiness, exhale stress”, selling gradual wellness and the chance to easily be in concord with nature, surrounded by the Sierra d’Arrábida. Along with an array of therapeutic massage remedies, you too can get pleasure from different actions similar to Pilates, Yoga and stretching.
As a part of the As soon as Upon a Home Group, the lodge additionally enjoys the posh of having the ability to organise actions by its personal Vacation spot Administration Firm, As soon as Upon a Day (extra on this in one other publish). For instance, although the neighbouring Quinta do Esteval property, visitors can journey on horseback although Arrábida with skilled bilingual guides from Cavalos Na Serra, taking in excellent views as nicely the distinctive aromas of the forests.
The situation
Having fun with a picturesque setting inside Arrábida Pure Park, Lodge Casa Palmela finds itself in a privileged location amidst rolling hills and plush vineyards, the place grape varieties embody Syrah, Castelão and Touriga Nacional, the latter thought of by many to be Portugal’s most interesting pink grape selection.
In addition to vineyards, the property covers an expansive space of forest which is simple to discover by way of marked paths.
There are breathtaking views of the Arrábida Mountains and an actual sense of peace and solitude, making it the right location for leisure and rejuvenation, and the best environment for out of doors actions similar to birdwatching, horse driving and biking.
Past its pure splendour, Lodge Casa Palmela is only a quick drive from the historic city of Setúbal, famend for its wealthy cultural heritage. Visitors can discover the city on foot and go to the historic sixteenth Century fortress, Castelo de São Filipe. From Setúbal, you too can take the ferry to Troia, recognized for its pristine seashores and archaeological websites relationship again to historical Roman instances.
Different good touches
A keep at Lodge Casa Palmela is just not with out an array of considerate extras. Visitors are invited to have a complementary drink on the bar on arrival, while in our room we have been greeted with recent juice, a heat welcome word and a basket of native farm produce. A night turn-down service contains some candy treats.
The lodge’s dedication to sustainability can also be evident in plenty of methods, similar to by its use of renewable vitality for heating water and the availability of an electrical automobile charging level, reflecting its mindfulness of its location inside the Arrábida Pure Park.
The fee
The lodge’s Arrábida Rooms begin from 182 euros per night time out of season, and from 400 euros per night time in peak season, inclusive of breakfast.
The lodge’s solely Grasp Suite, which features a balcony, backyard and Serra da Arrábida view, is obtainable from 455 euros out of season, if booked by way of their web site utilizing their Early Reserving Provide, and in peak season from 609 euros on the identical foundation.
One of the best bit
While there are such a lot of positives to share in regards to the lodge, the overriding feeling of being made to really feel actually welcome, in a approach that was seemingly so easy and unobtrusive, stood out to me. However make no mistake, each effort is happening behind the scenes to make sure your keep is a memorable one, with no element left unturned.
The ultimate verdict
My utmost respect goes to everybody concerned within the administration of Lodge Casa Palmela. Creating an ambiance that’s so inviting and stress-free, and a lodge expertise that’s so flawless, isn’t any small feat. And to make all of it look so easy is nothing in need of outstanding.
It is a shining instance of what 5 star hospitality is all about. If our go to is something to go by, anybody who can also be lucky sufficient to remain right here will remember to be left with cherished recollections and an enduring impression of unparalleled excellence.
Dislcosure: Our keep was sponsored by Lodge Casa Palmela.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Finest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s greatest journey blogs” and “greatest for luxurious” by The Day by day Telegraph.
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