Solar Da Fornalha by Mary Lussiana

If ever there was a bolthole to escape from the stresses of our hectic modern existence, this is it. Rather like stumbling into a forgotten children’s playground, the old stones and mature trees sit silently under the harsh Portuguese sunlight. Once used as an olive oil press – evidence of which can be admired in the hall – the building was turned into a private hotel six years ago, resulting in 32 bedrooms in the main house and seven suites dotted around the garden.

Although the sea is just visible in the distance, closer to hand is an attractively designed swimming pool tucked away amongst the many palm trees and rampant bouganvilleas.

Inside the main building the polished tiled floors and stone niches evoke past times. Despite a feeling that the 20th - and certainly the 21st - century have passed Solar da Fornalha by, each room has air conditioning. The restaurant only serves breakfast, (any other meal being on special request) has a view onto the neighbouring orange groves somewhat spoilt by the cheap white plastic tables and chairs on the terrace outside.

The rooms
Most bedrooms have the same solid, simple style, perfectly comfortable but with no luxurious touches. Adjoining bathrooms are clean and functional. The Honeymoon Suite, though, with its beautifully gleaming wooden floor laid in 1868, offers a Jacuzzi in the bath to soothe the ragged nerves of newlyweds. Colours are harmonious with a predominance of Portuguese ochre. The garden suites are large (good for families requiring an extra bed) and offer value for money with their simple comfort, but would benefit from having their own terraces.