Blogopmaak
Boat trip is the new road trip
Luxury travel isn’t always about thread count, pillow menus and egg-white omelets with organic spinach. Sometimes luxury lies in the uniqueness of the destination. In absence of other people. In connection with nature.
The river boat named Monsarraz, soon baptised as floating caravan, was ours to enjoy. It had everything, yellow plastic chairs, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, be it all in the tiniest form – matchbox size – possible. Beds were really uncomfy, this is mere about waiting for the night to pass than get an 8 hour beauty sleep. But the funny thing is, it didn’t matter much.
We ticked all these boxes on a floating short break along the Guadiana river shores in Alentejo, the beautiful region North of Algarve. Together with friends and their two teenage sons we rented a river boat at Amieira Marina in Moura.
Maneuvering our boat along a buoy in the middle of the river mattered. Boys diving from the roof and yours truly down the boarding ladder for numerous swims in the river. With absolutely nobody in sight. Lost in time sums it up, this is how we roll in high season in Alentejo!
A sunrise balloon flight over Alentejo Baroccal and Monsaraz, is one of the many activities from Sao Lourenco do Barrocal eco rural luxury hotel.
The Beach Club (beds, parasols, beach bar and restaurant) is the latest addition to the continuously innovating Sublime Comporta resort family . At the same time that Covid-19 restrictions are released, the beach club opened late June. Not re-opened, but opened. Good timing. As expected, this place is in style with the hotel: minimalist eco chic. Who says no to lunch with sea view, especially the widely stretched pristine beaches along this particular part of the Portuguese west coast? Carvalhal Beach is only 10 minutes away from Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & Spa .
In the midst of a 17-acre dune sand area surrounded by umbrella pines and cork trees, lies Sublime Comporta Hotel. Close to the rice fields and small fishing village of Comporta . This is quite an unspoiled destination and favorite of locals and many – famous – international guests alike. Portugal’s rustic Alentejo region hides its secrets very well. If you wouldn’t know, you will easily drive by the gated entrance. The atmosphere is relaxed because both staff and buildings radiate a zen calmness. This ethnic, understated chic rural retreat is where interior flows seamlessly into exterior. Nature is the great connector and the consistent use of wood proves that point. Just an hour drive from Lisbon or 1,5 from Algarve.