When we think of Alentejo, we imagine the fields landscape, the tranquility of the days, the friendliness of its people and obviously the good cuisine combined with the good wines of the region. Herdade da Malhadinha Nova – Relais & Chateaux – is all this and much more, it is owned by the Soares family, who welcome us in an exemplary way in their home. Comfort and pure nature are the starting point for a memorable stay.
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is a property that provides luxury experiences in an exclusive environment. Its excellent location, close to the village of Albernoa and about 20 kilometers from Beja, allows it to become a retreat that awakens our senses. Upon arrival, we are invaded by tranquility, the smell of the land, the singing of birds and the beauty of landscapes as far as the eye can see. There are 450 hectares of pure nature, in communion with the offer of different spaces – accommodation, spa, restaurant and bar – wisely spread around the property so that we have the maximum comfort and privacy.
The Herdade has six accommodations, all distinct and with a unique personality, adapted to the most different tastes and needs, ideal for families but also for a romantic experience for two. All are elegantly decorated, in a perfect harmony that combines local crafts and rural inspiration with international works of art – Olaio, Vista Alegre, Marcel Wanders, Alvar Aalto, Agape, Philippe Starck, Charles & Ray Eames or Mariano Fortuny – always giving primacy to quality and comfort.
We took the opportunity to relax for a few days at Monte da Pesseguina Countryhouse. In front of us are seven hectares of vineyards and a typical hill of Alentejo moth, and the first stone of this family project was built in this original house. The spacious suite measuring 90 square meters provides peaceful nights and when waking up, always in the company of birdsong, a hearty breakfast awaits us with a view of the infinity pool and a verdant sea as far as the eye can see.
The end of the morning takes place in the library, where we get lost in time and travel through the pages of each book. We then head to the “M Wellness Spa”, intimate and minimalist, for a relaxing massage in full communion with nature. Everything at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova revolves around wine and it is important to know it, understand its origin and treatment. Knowing how to taste with calm and skill. Nuno Gonzalez, winemaker of the Herdade, leads us through a Wine Tasting that opens the doors to a complex world where we could taste the different wines produced on the property, either in the cellar or in the extensive wine cellar.
But if wine is a passion, Malhadinha’s gastronomy is one of its strengths. Chef Joachim Koerper (awarded with a Michelin star and owner of the Eleven restaurant in Lisbon) created the entire gastronomic concept, to which is added the mastery of traditional Alentejo cook Vitalina Santos. Organic and seasonal products prevail – olive oil, vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs or honey – which arrive on our plate in a careful but very genuine way, flavors that we recognize and that we identify as “comfort food” and here, in the heart of Alentejo, it wouldn’t make sense to be otherwise.
We want to return to this huge paradise, lose ourselves in its unique landscapes of incalculable beauty. Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is synonymous with hospitality, excellent wines and gastronomy, immersive experiences, respect for environmental sustainability and the preservation of ancestral traditions and customs that guide the universe of Alentejo.
By Carla Branco
INFO: www.malhadinhanova.com