Why we picked this hotel
Few countryside hotels give you this much reason to stay put: two pools, a proper spa, horses, wine, archaeological walks and 780 hectares to explore.
Hotel description
São Lourenço do Barrocal is a rural retreat on a 780-hectare working estate below Monsaraz, with vineyards, olive groves, farmland, horses and cattle surrounding a restored Alentejo farming village. The estate has been in the same family for more than 200 years, while architect Eduardo Souto de Moura spent seven years rejuvenating its historic buildings for their new use as a hotel. The estate is large enough to become the trip itself. Guests can ride horses, cycle through the property, visit the winery, taste estate wines, explore archaeological remains, swim among granite and olive trees, or spend time in the Susanne Kaufmann spa. Monsaraz and Lake Alqueva are close by, but Barrocal works particularly well when you leave time simply to stay put.
Hotel location
This is great
A family estate since 1820
The 780-hectare property has remained with the same family for over 200 years, with eighth-generation José António Uva leading its revival.
A farm village carefully restored
Eduardo Souto de Moura converted former barns, workshops, stables and agricultural buildings while preserving the structure and character of the historic monte.
The farm is still productive
Vineyards, olive groves, a large organic vegetable garden, cattle and an active winery make agriculture part of daily life here.
Food begins on the estate
The main restaurant draws on Alentejo ingredients, while seasonal Hortelão serves grilled produce beside the pool and organic kitchen garden.
Granite shapes the swimming pool
Souto de Moura designed the main outdoor pool around a natural granite outcrop, directly connecting it to the estate’s distinctive barrocal landscape.
The spa goes beyond treatments
Susanne Kaufmann treatments are joined by dry saunas, a hydrotherapy room, relaxation space and a properly equipped fitness studio.
Our take on the stay
The granite rock rising from the main pool was not added for effect. It is part of the barrocal landscape the estate is named after.
Curated by
Bob
What guests loved
The exceptionally attentive staff
The peaceful working-estate setting
The thoughtful architecture and interiors
The food, wine and breakfast
The pools and expansive grounds
Best for
Alentejo farmland • Couples • Wine • Architecture • Stargazing
Good to know
40 accommodations: 22 rooms, 2 suites, 16 cottages
Check-in from 15:00
Check-out until 12:00
Rooms 50–70 m²; suites 90 m²; cottages 135–220 m²
2 outdoor pools
Susanne Kaufmann spa, dry saunas, hydrotherapy and fitness studio
Main restaurant plus seasonal Hortelão
Family-friendly; playroom, children’s pool and free cots available
Pets accepted; maximum two per accommodation, fee applies
Lisbon Airport around 2 hours 5 minutes by car
Amenities
Yoga
Spa
Pet friendly
Sauna
Poolside bar
Breakfast included
Gym
Free cots available for children
Free parking
About the destination
Monsaraz, Alentejo
Monsaraz rises above the Alentejo plains, a tiny medieval hilltop village surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and sweeping views towards Lake Alqueva. Beyond its fortified walls, the landscape is quiet and expansive, dotted with whitewashed villages and historic estates. São Lourenço do Barrocal sits just below Monsaraz, set within a centuries-old farming estate surrounded by vineyards, cork oaks, and open countryside.
