“A place of utter stillness set within the raw, authentic countryside of the Alentejo which will pull you back time and time again.”

Hotel review

Some two hours east of Lisbon, through countryside of wide, open plains dotted with olive groves and ancient, white-washed, hilltop towns graced with nesting storks, Dá Licença has brought a completely new level of lodging to this raw, authentic, corner of Portugal’s Alentejo.

A cluster of 19th century buildings stand at the heart of over three hundred acres of land, where 13,000 olive trees grow and corners of the region’s underground marble rocks, in soft pink and luminous white, push through the ground like snowdrops in springtime. In the main house, there are three spacious suites, one of which opens out onto an emerald green infinity pool. Outside , between fig and olive and rust-red cork trees, there are five more suites; two are in standalone buildings with private pools, the remaining three stretch out from the house between fig and olive and rust-red cork trees and come with roof top terraces and large courtyards.

Owners Vitor and Frank have created this little gem in order to pay homage to the arts and crafts, drawing widely on the region’s artisans to fill their rooms with woven rugs and and their bathrooms with white marble, green-veined, bath tubs and hand carved basins in neighbouring Estremoz’s palest pink marble. All of which sit against art pieces from the Jugendstil and Anthroposphical Design movements that Frank championed in his gallery in Paris in a previous chapter of his life.

Breakfasts are brought to you under an olive tree, in the cool of the house, or within view of the huge round swimming pool; freshly squeezed orange juice and eggs and homemade jams for the still warm, just out of the oven bread. Dinner could be cod with white bean puree and vegetables from the garden in front of the house, washed down with a local wine. Before bed, take a stroll outside and look up at the starry skies, famous here for their lack of light pollution.

Mary Lussiana
Mary Lussiana Review published: 21/12/2023

Recommended for

  • Great walks

    • The region invites walkers to amble through historic villages and over rolling hills through olive groves and rugged landscapes
  • Restaurant

    • Meals available in the Art Gallery (located in the rennovated olive pressing room), cooked by in house chef upon prior request
  • Romantic Break

    • Discerning couples with an eye for art and architecture will find here the perfect romantic setting for a countryside getaway
  • Remote

    • Set in the Alentejo region, Portugal's rugged yet serene and inviting landscapes are displayed to their full, tranquil beauty
  • Artworks

    • The Parisian gallery of owner Franck Laigneau provided many of the exclusive artworks on display in the property and gallery
  • Outstanding location

    • In Upper Alentejo, amid olive groves under vast blue skies near Eztremoz, a historic and charming town hewn from pink marble
  • Museums

    • The propert features its own art gallery, displaying Jugendstil and Anthroposophical design pieces to be truly immersed in
  • Total relaxation

    • Resplendently peaceful, the eye is drawn to exquisite design and architecture against a tranquil backdrop of olive groves
  • Hills & mountains

    • The rolling hills here are not sheer mountains to be strenuously scaled, but that may be exactly what you are looking for
  • Historic

    • The property is made up of a converted farmhouse, with the art gallery housed in an olive press constructed in the 1840s
  • Sights nearby

    • The nearby town, as well as the region itself, offers exquisite rural charm, particularly the pink marble architecture
  • Owner managed

    • Owners Vitor Borges and Franck Laigneau run the propery and provide guidance on local wines, cuisine and scenery
  • Country Escape

    • Set in rural Alentejo, perfect for those who want to get under the skin of the country and enjoy rural peace
  • Organic food

    • The seasonal fare is sourced from local farmers and the property's gardens, with quality their watchword
  • Good wine list

    • The owners, Franck and Vitor are happy to make wine tasting suggestions, and keep a few bottles handy
  • Farmhouse

    • A reclaimed and rennovated farmhouse, restyled in the Scandinavian Jugendstil school of design
  • Wine tasting

    • Owners Franck and Vitor recommend local wines for tasting, enjoyment and pairing with meals
  • Local markets

    • The nearby town of Eztremoz hosts a busy Sunday market with local produce and crafts
  • Views

    • Beautiful views of the surrounding olive groves and countryside abound
  • Disabled access

    • One of the property's 7 rooms has been adapted for disabled access
  • Restrictions on children

    • Adult only
  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

Facilities

  • Rooms

    7 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

    Meals available in the Art Gallery (located in the rennovated olive pressing room), cooked by in house chef upon prior request
  • Good wine list

    The owners, Franck and Vitor are happy to make wine tasting suggestions, and keep a few bottles handy
  • Views

    Beautiful views of the surrounding olive groves and countryside abound
  • Swimming Pool

    Pool available, with 2 rooms also featuring their own, private, pools
  • Disabled access

    One of the property's 7 rooms has been adapted for disabled access
  • Massage

    Massage available on request
  • Laundry

    Laundry services available
  • Adult Only

    Over 16s only
  • Restrictions on children

    Adult only
  • No pets

  • Outdoor dining

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Parking

  • Wifi

  • Room service

  • Air conditioning

Activities

  • Great walks

    • The region invites walkers to amble through historic villages and over rolling hills through olive groves and rugged landscapes
  • Museums

    • The propert features its own art gallery, displaying Jugendstil and Anthroposophical design pieces to be truly immersed in
  • Sights nearby

    • The nearby town, as well as the region itself, offers exquisite rural charm, particularly the pink marble architecture
  • Wine tasting

    • Owners Franck and Vitor recommend local wines for tasting, enjoyment and pairing with meals
  • Local markets

    • The nearby town of Eztremoz hosts a busy Sunday market with local produce and crafts

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
It is the perfect place to enjoy nature and art, a retreat that evoques the vernacular arts and crafts of the untouched Alentejo.
What is there to do in the area?  Enjoy the silence, take time to relax with a protected and still wild nature, watch the incredible and romantic sunset. Visit historical villages and excellent wineries just nearby.
Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?  Yes we do on reservation (48hours) we have a seasonal daily set menu. We can as well suggest good restaurants in the region depending on the wish of our guests.
Which are your most popular room types, and why? MOON Cube room (direct access to the main pool and orangerie) and the 2 suites with marble private pools : MY Pool and SKY Pool suites 
What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We are an adults only guest house.
What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Dá Licença is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic moment and to escape from the busy life of the city.

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