Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
suit of armour in the front parlour, and a 19th-century chapel. The rooms, while comfort-
able, are blandly modern by contrast.
Quinta de Santa Isabel
( 936 452 043; www.quintadesantaisabel.com.pt ; Santo Estevão; self-catering 2-/4-person apt €60/90; )
This cluster of lovely stone houses - some dating back to the 16th century and converted
from haylofts or stables - sits at the foot of a vineyard- covered hillside in the tiny town of
Santo Estevão, 7km northeast of Chaves. The five apartments - each with a fireplace or
woodstove, plus kitchenette or kitchen - are filled with historic charm, including ancient
wood floors, stone walls and antique furniture.
The common rooms, including billiards and foosball tables, are built around the
massive, old wine press downstairs. Pets are welcome, there are hiking trails out the back
and the proprietor speaks flawless English.
RURAL INN €€
Forte de São Francisco
( 276 333 700; www.fortesaofrancisco.com ; s/d/ste from €75/85/145; ) For stylish digs in
downtown Chaves, look no further than this remarkable historic inn. Housed in a 16th-
century convent within the walls of the city's 17th-century fort, this extraordinary blend of
four-star hotel and national monument has flawless rooms, tennis courts and a sauna, plus
a rare-bird aviary, a centuries-old private chapel and an upscale restaurant and bar.
LUXURY HOTEL €€
Pedras Salgadas
CABIN €€€
(
259 437 140; www.pedrassalgadaspark.com ; Bornes de Aguiar; 2 people €180, 3-4 people €190;
)
Seven fully equipped eco-bungalows are scattered around the woodlands of a spa
park on the edge of Bornes de Aguiar, 30km south of Chaves. Shaded by tall trees, each
spare and stylish cabin comes with grey slate tiled walls, private decks and lots of glass
surfaces. Take to the waters at the spa or grab a free bike to explore the forest trails.
Breakfast (extra charge) comes delivered in a basket.
Vidago Palace
( 276 990 920; www.vidagopalace.com ; Parque de Vidago, Apartado 16; s/d €220/240; ) This
recently opened salmon-pink grand palace in the spa town of Vidago, 12km south of
Chaves, quickly shot up to the top rungs of Portugal's luxury hotels. The Belle Epoque
grand dame showcases opulent rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant in a ballroom, an
18-hole golf course and a white-marble spa for taking in the natural spring waters.
LUXURY HOTEL €€€
Search WWH ::




Custom Search