Monte Do Casal by Mary Lussiana

Proving that an English man’s home is indeed his castle, Monte do Casal (meaning the Hill of the Couple) in Estoi, Portugal has had over 20 years of devotion from owner Bill Hawkins. A simple, rural boutique hotel has been gradually transformed into an oasis of comfort and calm (note the no children policy) and plans continue with an over-water spa and meditation centre.

The facilities

The charming 18th-century house, hung with honeysuckle and bougainvillea, offers a cosy sitting room and library (with computer and internet access) where in winter a roaring fire keeps out the sea chill. The bar and dining room at this boutique hotel are equally inviting; typical Portuguese pottery decorates the walls and impressive cane ceilings soar above you. Outside, surrounded by the lush gardens, you can eat on the terrace and enjoy both the clear blue water of the swimming pool beneath you and the ocean in the distance.

The rooms

All the 18 rooms and suites in this boutique hotel have their own individual character and décor with large, private terraces where your breakfast (home-made muesli, hams, cheese and fresh bread) is thoughtfully placed at 9 a.m. without the need to disturb you. None of the rooms are small and the large price difference between suite and standard room is not reflected in size. Muted colours in all the rooms enhance the peaceful atmosphere.

Beds are firm with comfortable duvets and a choice of pillows. All rooms in the boutique hotel are equipped with CD players (bring your own CDs) and the suites and junior suites have desks as well. Surprisingly, for one of the hottest regions in Europe, no rooms have mini-bars. Bathrooms are ample in size with rainforest shower heads over the bath for shower junkies and delicious Molton Brown toiletries to wash and soothe sun-kissed skins.

A few minutes stroll up the hill behind the main house a new villa has been built which houses a further six of the bedrooms and suites. The views are magnificent, over the unspoilt landscape to the sea beyond. In the forefront lies a swimming pool for residents of the boutique hotel villa– allowing the possibility of private parties taking over the whole house.