Pousada de Estremoz

Once upon a time, in a faraway and sunny land there was a town all made of a gleaming soft marble that glistened in the golden light and glowed at night under the moon and stars. Overlooking this magical town there was a 13th Century castle, which was once home to Kings and Queens and yet was now a regal museum and National Monument. A place of historical pride for its country, the rich and verdant land of Portugal. But the castle missed the hum of life in its corridors, of lovers stealing kisses amongst its ramparts, of the joyful laughter and happy well-being that its majestic walls could provide its privileged inhabitants. One day it was chosen, amid a list of exceptional, historical sites across Portugal, to be brought to life once more, this time as a modern day luxury hotel and from that time on it has lived very happily ever after.

So ends the tale of the Pousada De Estremoz for the time being and so begins our own, as we, along with the once Queen Elizabeth of Portugal, become part of its rich tapestry of characters that have slept in its magnificent rooms, strolled through its gorgeous gardens and eaten at its fine table. Our experience is a somewhat modern fairytale, for along with the antique, authentic setting and furnishings that hurl us back centuries into a royal past, there is a refined décor that very much belongs to the 21st century. Our room is a princely boudoir with stunning views and a canopy bed worthy of Sleeping Beauty, yet it also boasts a slick flat-screen television complete with satellite channels, air conditioning, safe and minibar. The bathroom is a glossy, all marble affair with bathtub and fluffy dressing gowns and there is an overall air of profound calm that envelopes us, beckoning us into our magical new world and accompanying us for the rest of our stay.

Beyond the realms of our sumptuous love's nest we discover further prime examples of contemporary luxury in the medley of hotel facilities available, from the exquisite restaurant serving classic, local dishes cooked to perfection, to the snooker room and azure swimming pool. This glittering stretch of turquoise, with its fantastic panoramic views and decadent deck chairs in which to soak up the sun, whilst sipping a delicious cocktail from the bar, bewitches me completely. I cannot resist spending my first afternoon here in relaxed splendour. The radiant hills of vineyards, olive groves and golden fields of the beautiful region of Alentejo is sometimes called the Tuscany of Portugal and I can see why, as I gaze out at a horizon dotted with aged stone and romantic villages set in rolling pastures of a myriad of colours. The fresh, wild scents in the air, the hum of spring, birdsong and apart from that silence... Pure peace and harmony reign here and I cannot think of a more idyllic song to waltz to with my love through our hazy days of fairytale bliss at the Pousada De Estremoz.