Convento do Espinheiro, a haven of peace in the heart of Alentejo

Just a 10-minute drive fromÉvora, the Convento do Espinheiro is one of Portugal's best-kept secrets. Although the Alentejo region is attracting more and more visitors, it is still largely untouched by mass tourism.

Built in a former convent, the five-star Convento do Espinheiro does everything possible to guarantee guests a calm and relaxing stay. Once inside, the place is dazzling. Although the architecture is original, the convent has been brought up to date while honouring its classical heritage. The reception rooms and drawing rooms are tastefully decorated, while the church impresses with its grandeur and gilded ornamentation. The church impresses with its grandeur and gilded ornamentation, and is a popular venue for luxury weddings every weekend in spring and summer.

The hotel has 92 rooms, including 10 suites. The rooms are very spacious, quiet and have all the necessary comforts: bathrobes, slippers, samples, nail file and shoe polish.

When it comes to decor, the owners wanted to create very distinct atmospheres. Some rooms pay homage to Portuguese traditions with a very classical style, while others have a modern decor that sometimes mixes with a glamorous design echoing the 50s.

To get the day off to a good start, the hotel's breakfast has something to make its competitors pale in comparison. The hotel's all-you-can-eat buffet offers an exceptional choice of fresh products, both sweet and savoury. With breads of all kinds, jams, honey, bacon, eggs, yoghurts and homemade Portuguese cakes, it's impossible to leave the room hungry. I personally had a soft spot for the fruit bar, which offers a multitude of fresh fruit to be enjoyed without moderation.

For dinner, guests have two options. On the one hand, the Italian restaurant Olive has something to delight pasta and pizza lovers. On the other, the Divinus, located in a former wine cellar once used by monks, offers more upmarket dishes featuring Portuguese cuisine. To round off the evening, oenophiles can satisfy their taste buds in a wine bar with an intimate, uncluttered decor.

Wellness is not an option at Convento do Espinheiro. Set in relaxing surroundings, the hotel is nestled in eight hectares of parkland, where rabbits love to run around at sunrise. To make the most of the sunshine, the outdoor swimming pool is well equipped and even has a bar.

Inside, guests can take a relaxing break in the hammam, sauna or second pool, or enjoy a massage in the hotel spa. The spa was voted Portugal's best spa in 2009. The hotel also has a gym and tennis court.