Up in the air at the crack of dawn
Some things are worth setting the alarm at 05.30 am for. A hot air balloon sunrise flight over the plains of Alentejo definitely is! The perfect (I would say) 15th wedding anniversary surprise for mr. B. during our stay at Sao Lourenço do Barrocal estate.
The pick-up by the guide from Up Alentejo
is at 6 am sharp, think Defender jeep, and with a cute small breakfast bag from the hotel, off we go.
Rise and Shine
When we arrive at the field the team is already busy for one hour (their alarm must have sounded at 03.00 or so) and we witness the final shots of hot air in the balloon. After safety instructions we climb into the woven basket, take in our starting position (bend your knees and hold the leather rail) and of we go. Easy as that. Let the magic begin.
Floating above Alentejo in perfect silence
Who needs a drone when you can have this view yourself? The tranquility of drifting slowly above the earth really changes your perspective and gives new views of iconic Alentejano landmarks
like olive trees or the (man made) Lake Alqueva. It all looks in perfect harmony.
Soft landing ...
All good things come to an end. I could have stayed up in the air all day. It's almost a meditative feeling, seeing the world below in such a tranquility. Apart from the now and then necessary shot of hot air from the burner into the balloon.
Thanks to skilled pilot Hugo, we slowly get back on the fields - picked out by his mates on the ground who are awaiting us with the jeep. It feels funny to be with two feet on the ground again. As for a longtime tradition which started with the first French balloon ride back in 1783, Hugo celebrates our safe landing with a glass of bubbles. Not bad at 08.30 am.
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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.
A floating short break along the Guadiana river shores on lake Alqeva in Alentejo feels like a