Stay at This Luxury Portuguese Resort Hotel Created from a Monastery

Évora, Portugal is an ancient walled Portuguese city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its ancient Roman temple and volume of historical white-washed Baroque churches. After a day of delving into the past and wandering the winding cobblestone lanes inside the 14th-century walls, retreating back to a relaxing and comfortable accommodation is a must. Enter the Convento do Espinheiro, a new 92 room resort hotel that was created from an 1834 monastery just on the outskirts of town. Pairing a cultural discovery and luxurious holiday, you can enjoy a huge outdoor pool, tennis court, indoor salt-water pool, jacuzzi, and full spa after a day of discovering all Évora and the Alentejo region has to offer. 

The excitement of staying the Convento do Espinheiro lies in not only the five-star amenities but also the intriguing history of the hotel. The property was originally built in the 1400s by monks in honor of the Virgin Mary after she was reputed to have appeared there years earlier. Since then, the convent has been visited by Portuguese monarchs, spiritual groups on pilgrimages, several foreign kings and queens and now, yourself! Starwood Luxury Collection purchased the unused property and converted it into the culturally rich and luxurious five-star resort experience guests can enjoy today. The impressive property was even named one of the Top 3 Spain and Portugal Resort Hotels in 2019 by Travel + Leisure Magazine. 

The resort hotel has 92 rooms, including 5 suites, that are divided between “heritage” rooms in the old monastery and newer rooms located in the newer spa building. The “heritage” rooms are created from old monk’s cells and are furnished with dark-wood furniture, oil paintings, and the luxuries that mirror those the Portuguese Royal Family experienced during their stays at the property. The rooms maintain a luxurious and historical feel in conjunction with its surroundings while also incorporating modern glamour design. The rooms maintain a lovely historical charm, garden views, and easy access to the property’s chapel dating back to 1801. 

The hotel offers a few dining options including Restaurant Divinus, which serves classic Alentejo cuisine using simple ingredients as well as indigenous products—creating meals in which the pleasure of eating simultaneously feels like a cultural act. A crowd favorite is also the hotel’s Cisterna Wine Bar which is located in an ancient gothic water deposit from the 15th century, where you can sit in candlelight and enjoy nightly tastings of the region’s superior wines. Excellent dining options paired with friendly and accommodating staff makes for a lovely Portuguese culinary experience. 

During the day, enjoy a nature walk along Aqueduct de l’Agua de Prata, visit a cork factory and savor local wine and a picnic under cork wood trees. On the grounds of Convento do Espinheiro, explore their sweeping gardens, take a dip in one of the pools, and maybe indulge in a treatment at the hotel spa. The gorgeous town of Évora and the charms of the Alentejo region is brought to the next level with a stay at the Convento do Espinheiro—the cultural significance, luxurious treatment, and attentive service are unparalleled. 

For a chance to stay at the top-rated Convento do Espinheiro, take a look at our Portugal Culture + Walking tour, or give Classic Journeys a call at 833.387.1210 to hear more about opportunities to travel to the Alentejo region of Portugal and indulge in the luxury of this property.