Very near Coimbra, the 5-star Quinta das Lagrimas is part agriturismo, part Royal Palace, and part luxury spa hotel.
It had been a quiet sanctuary for Kings and Emperors for centuries before recently opening its doors to paying guests.
It is also the place where one of Portugal’s most infamous love stories took place: the story of Pedro & Inês.
This was the XIVth-century love affair between Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro which lurched, as they all do, from deep romance to deep tragedy when Inês was murdered on the orders of King Alfonso, Pedro’s father.
This famous story inspired the name of the property: Quinta das Lagrimas or The Estate of Tears. These days it offers superb luxury in a setting that is uniquely atmospheric and compelling.
THE ACCOMMODATION:
There is a great choice of B&B rooms and suites, ranging from more standard doubles to superb, top-of-the-range, suites. Even the most ‘basic’ of the rooms are lovingly styled and come with a real touch of class.
It is a five-star hotel and you can expect the best in comfort and facilities but Quinta das Lagrimas differs in that it is a grand, stately property with a romantic, cultured, air that is impossible to find in more modern hotels.
It is a joy to just wander around and soak in the atmosphere, especially that of the extensive botanical gardens with many rare plant species from around the world.
Add this to excellent spa facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the nine-hole on-site golf course, and the two award-winning gourmet restaurants, and you really have a break to remember.
The seasonal restaurants serve up organic food that is locally sourced as much as possible.
Here, they call it ‘Market Cuisine’, but many of the herbs, vegetables, and fruits are sourced even closer, from the grounds themselves, picked fresh from the organic ‘Chef’s Garden’.
THE LOCATION:
Quinta das Lagrimas is just outside the charming university city of Coimbra, in the centre north of Portugal, roughly halfway between Lisbon and Porto.
Coimbra was once Portugal’s capital and has an enormous wealth of medieval history, including Quinta das Lagrimas itself, which dates back to the 14th century.
While staying at the Quinta you may feel you are in the heart of the countryside, but the city centre is just a few minutes by car, and less than twenty minutes walk away.
There are many sights along the way, too, including the medieval convent of Santa Clara-aVelha just 300 meters away.
You’ll also find some tremendous views of the old town from the crossing point of the River Mondego.
The centre itself is a labyrinth of cute little streets where you can sample inexpensive local food and drink and on many evenings catch some of the Coimbra version of Fado music sung in local taverns.
The city is packed with historic sights, too many to mention here, but the ever-helpful staff at the Quinta will have plenty of good advice about where to go and what to see.
There is also a concierge service to be availed of, which can arrange all sorts of urban recreation as well as tours and excursions into the countryside including on horseback.
WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY:
“A fairytale stay. The hotel is part of a palace which guests cam roam around. The artwork and objects d’art throughout the hotel’s corridors and open spaces are fabulous. The gardens are beautiful as is the love story in the palace’s history…..”
“The entire property is amazing; ,we especially enjoyed walking through the gardens. Breakfast offered lots of options—all excellent. We ate in the dining room one night—unique with interesting sauces and sides—all delicious! But, best of all was the staff, always eager to help with a smile. Quinta das Lagrimas definitely deserves five stars!…”
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