Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa

Santar, a place rich in history and heritage. That’s where our journey took us. In Beira Alta. To the Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa, a member of the Relais & Châteaux association – a haven of history, peace and comfort. It was without a doubt a weekend for two in which relaxation reigned supreme. The hotel is located near the Serra da Estrela mountains and it is surrounded by vineyards which colour the town’s landscape – a town that boasts a wealth of heritage, including palaces and residences that once housed aristocrats.
We were welcomed by smiling faces. Every member of the young and dynamic team made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. After checking in, as we made our way to our (elegant and classic) room, we were shown every corner of this stately 17th century house, built at the behest of Domingos de Sampaio do Amaral. Right from the outset, we were enchanted by its history. This is a house that has been passed down from generation to generation. Until, in 1975, Pedro Brum da Silveira Pinto donated his inheritance to the representative of the Portuguese Royal House, Dom Duarte Pio, and his brother, Dom Miguel de Braganza, Duke of Viseu. These were the last inhabitants of the house.
And then...? We were then delighted with the care that had gone into restoring the space. Very tastefully done. A job worthy of the highest praise, which was carried out by José Pedro Vieira and Diogo Rosa Lã, from Bastir. Antiques, original collections, art works, carved ceilings (the private dining room has family porcelain sets mounted on the ceiling) and shelves full of old books in one of the cupboards are some of the hotel’s features. These details catch our eye, as we are floored by the opulence of the objects, leading us down the path of the memories that still seem to live in the walls of this house. There are a total of 21 exquisite and extremely comfortable rooms, as well as socialising and lounge areas and a quiet terrace – where the close ties with nature prevail, while breakfast or afternoon tea are served.

Santar boasts a wealth of heritage, including palaces and residences that once housed aristocrats

The hotel is among the Relais & Chateaux association’s top choices. Casa das Fidalgas has been transformed into a magnificent 5-star boutique hotel, and set amidst vineyards and gardens it’s the perfect refuge for a two- or three-night break that will inspire you for many days to come. Whether you are enjoying a lively chat by the fireplace, playing a game of dominoes (and preferably winning) or having your five o’clock tea, you will certainly want to stay a little longer, especially if you’re with the right person.
During our stay, which was short but left us wanting to return, we took the time to take a tour of the post-Renaissance gardens. We visited five of the town’s gardens, which are part of properties whose architecture reflects the long history of the buildings. We recommend this visit, which is a way of experiencing the area to the full, through the trees and flowers you see. Right on the grounds of Valverde, we had the opportunity to stroll through the property’s gardens and the vineyard (planted in waves that follow the curves of the land), designed by Spanish landscape architect Fernando Caruncho.
Oh, and the spa..., with its heated pool where you can stay for many hours, before or after a pleasant massage for two, was inspired by the vineyards and nature.
When the day comes to an end, there’s nothing like sitting in the elegant Memórias. To feel the flames of the wood burning and the warmth of the fireplace, while being charmingly attended to and served. Enjoying a local wine called Memórias, while chef Luís Almeida’s flavours surprise us with each reinterpreted Portuguese dish served. We made the most of our time in Santar, and have once again made memories, memories that we will treasure for a lifetime.