Are you looking for “off the beaten path” slow hospitality experiences ? The CENTER OF PORTUGAL offers premier slow-down resorts, blending luxury with sustainability. Visiting and reviewing these properties, was an amazing experience in slow travel!

All of these properties offer “slow down hospitality and premier experiential stays,” in the Center of Portugal. The use of natural resources and cuisine sourced from regional ingredients are a common factor with all.

Come along & explore the Premier ” Slow Travel” Resorts in the Center of Portugal

The Vagar Country House

Arrival at THE VAGAR in Belmonte Portugal, is an experience in itself ! The drive up the mountain, and the beautiful country road is stunning! Lodging at The Vagar, is one of the most unique stays I’ve experienced.

Definition of “Vagar’: to wander and go from place to place with no definite destination in mind. This is exactly what staying at THE VAGAR embodies: wander to your hearts content!

This luxury property is located in the heart of another park in the CENTER OF PORTUGAL: the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela. Here you’ll bask in the surroundings of a purist environment. The staff at The Vagar will invite you to slow down, experience the mountain, the minimalist feels and nature in this beautiful haven.

SUITES: The moment I opened the door to my room, all cares of life faded into the distance. The panoramic views of the mountains took my breath away! The suites boast modern luxury with all comforts of home. My room had a cozy fireplace, and a loft for additional sleeping space or quiet reflection.

Most of the suites include a deck. Take your coffee outside and enjoy nature and the stunning
view. I took full advantage of drinking my morning brew with the birds chirping!

DINING: Upon waking we were served a delicious breakfast made with wholesome local ingredients. The best part: sitting outside under a huge trellis cascading with gorgeous ivy!

Evening meals can be served inside the mother house or outside. Guests can choose from two selections on the menu. I especially enjoyed the garden salad and dessert with my meal.

BAREFOOT TRAIL: The opportunities for exploration and enjoying vacation are endless. If you love sensory experiences, the Barefoot Trail at THE VAGAR is for you! I suggest trying the smooth portion of the trail first.

INFINITY POOL: Relax after exploring, with an incredible view at the infinity pool. Soak up the sun and later at dusk, enjoy the hot tub with the same stunner scenery!

The pool is the first place I find when on vacation. The infinity pool at The Vagar is the most beautiful pool I’ve seen! I had time for a short dip, wish I could’ve stayed longer. This charming space is what DREAMS are made of!

JEEP RIDE: This is an exciting adventure to experience at the Vagar! We hopped on the jeep with Andre for a ride to the top of the mountain! He told us stories of the property, plans for the future, and showed us amazing scenery.

On the jeep ride you will also see the Ruins of the fortified Roman Villa of Fornea. We took a look and found where the spa was located from hundreds of years ago.

Do you want to experience a mixture of emotions and fun? If so, then book the 60 min Vagar Jeep Ride, when reserving a room. Can you imagine a picnic on the cliff of this mountain?

AMENITIES & EXPERIENCES

• 6 Suites called: Hope, Balance, Simplicity, Light , Peace & Essence
• Balcony Views
• Outdoor dining
• Infinity pool
• Hot tub
• Pedestrian trails
• Sensory paths
• Forest Bathing
• Sunset Ritual ( Firepit)
• Contemplation House ( Multi-Purpose Space)
• Yoga & meditation Classes
• Jeep tour
• Glamping on the mountain ( coming soon)
• Picnics

Marta and Andre, the owners of THE VAGAR spoil their guests with warm hospitality and attention to fine detail. This is slow down travel in Portugal at its finest!

The Nest by Cooking and Nature

The word “NEST inspires an aura of warmth, comfort and safety. THE NEST BY COOKING AND NATURE HOTEL is located in the heart of a gorgeous Natural Park: Serras de Aire e Candeerios. (a 70 min drive from Lisbon Airport ) The park was the inspiration for the rooms: “the nests.” This is the place to enjoy stupendous views in Portugal!

Cooking and Nature Hotels are TWO SPACES WITH TWO CONCEPTS: ” a place to fall in love.” The EMOTIONAL HOTEL is located 200 meters from the Nest. All experiences and amenities are available to guests at either location. We were excited to stay at The Nest and experience a night in the midst of an alpine wonderland.

This country house is in the traditional village of ALVADOS. The village is small but doesn’t lack in charm or things to do. This is a beautiful oasis surrounded by ancient olive trees.

RESTAURANT: Our first stop was terrujah, a nature based restaurant located at the Nest. Diogo, the chef and owner, offers a unique gastronomic experience. The cuisine expresses the best of this region, where he grew up. The presentation and tastes were top quality. It was an honor to have this experience!

Recommended dishes:

• Couverts: Breads with locally sourced olive oil, cow butter, lard w/herb emulsion
• Starters: Burnt carrots w/creamy barley & yogurt sauce
• Snack: Crispy rice w/octopus salad & kimchi mayo
• Main Course: Beef loin, broccoli gratin with fermented peppers
• Dessert: Strawberries macerated in elderflower, cream, ice cream & vinegar gel

ROOMS: My room was so cute and the cool bathtub was elevated on its own platform. How wonderful to wake up to gorgeous views and sounds of nature. I welcomed the sound of a rooster crowing; my alarm clock!

My room had a view of the pool and the mountains close behind. The scenery around the nest is incredible.

BREAKFAST: Morning eats are delivered to your door in the most adorable basket ( Victoria Handmade)… YES PLEASE! We ordered breakfast choices the night before at reception at the Emotional Hotel.

We opened our room doors upon waking, the basket of yummies were waiting! We brought our baskets to the deck to enjoy breakfast with a view.

AMENITIES AND EXPERIENCES

• Eight double rooms & 2 apartments
• Balcony rooms with views
• Onsite restaurant
• Breakfast Room Delivery
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Unique cooking lessons
• Lawn games
• Hiking & walking trail network
• E-bike trails ( bikes can be rented at the lodge)
• Horse riding
• Pottery workshops