Companhia das Culturas

A few miles from the Spanish border, on Portugal’s southern coast, where the Atlantic edges ever closer to the Mediterranean, is the municipality of Castro Marim. It’s here that a writer/farmer and his wife have turned a working family farm (still growing olives, quince, oranges and figs) into Companhia das Culturas, a nine-room, four-apartment escape tied intimately to the land.

A charming homeyness pervades, with a design so subtle that it hardly feels designed at all. Pared-down spaces in whitewashed wood exude a certain rustic calm, and while you’ll find none of the extravagances of a luxury hotel, it’s hard to argue with the simple comforts of these thoughtful rooms (not to mention the pool). Comfort your stomach at Alma Brava ("brave soul"), a hyper-local eatery with nods towards Portugal's singular climate — a medley of Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Continental sensibilities. Breakfast is a particular treat, accompanied by fresh fruits and jams from the hotel’s organic farm.

The farm also yields the aromatic herbs in their signature oil infusions, which (together with Herdade Vale de Covo products) heighten the tactile and medicinal benefits available at the on-site spa. The Cork Box, spacious and outfitted eponymously, hosts yoga or meetings with equal aplomb. You’re not far from the town, or from the beach, more Mediterranean than Atlantic in aspect (read: not so cold), but en suite, without a television, life here is as quiet as you could possibly want it to be.

Please note: Companhia das Culturas requires a 2-night minimum stay.

How to get there: Companhia das Culturas is located 50 km from the Faro International Airport, and just 300 meters from the Castro Marim train station.