Casa Grande Do Bachao

This was our last stop in a road trip between Portugal and Spain. As we left the main road a fearful feeling came over us! It was like “where are we going?”. It seemed it was taking us to nowhere. But, we are glad we chose this place. It’s beautiful and peaceful! It’s is surreal to be so close to a 1700/1800’s house. I hope this beauty finds its way into the future.

We booked the dinner service at Casa Grande do Bachao expecting a quality, relaxing meal to match the peaceful surroundings. Unfortunately, the experience was both disappointing and upsetting, particularly due to the unprofessional and aggressive conduct of the manager (who also works as the chef) and the waiter. When we made the dinner reservation, we clearly informed the staff in advance that one of our guests does not eat meat. Despite this, both of us were served bleeding beef roast with no acknowledgment of the dietary request. After raising the issue, the staff took the plates back, and we were left waiting for 20 minutes. When the food was eventually brought out again, the results were dismal. The fish served to my guest was the same as what had been offered the day before, and the beef on my plate was now cold and overcooked. I politely sent the dish back, only to be met with a deeply unprofessional response: the waiter took the plate away without offering an apology or alternative. The chef came out of the kitchen and shouted at me, insisting there was nothing wrong with the food. His tone and body language were clearly meant to intimidate, and it left us shaken and extremely uncomfortable. This was not just poor service—it was a total failure of hospitality. No apology, no alternative offered, and no accountability taken. Given the remote location of the hotel, being left without a meal after this ordeal only added to the distress. I cannot recommend this property to anyone who values basic courtesy, professionalism, or dietary respect. What could have been a lovely experience was ruined by negligence and hostility.

Such a beautiful, peaceful location. Very friendly and helpful staff. Amazing dinner, actually I think it was the best meal we had during our holiday. We only wish we could have had sunshine the entire time in this stunning location. We would love to go again.

We absolutely love this hotel. We first visited in 2014 and have dreamed of returning, having had to cancel in 2020 and 2021 owing to Covid. We were delighted to finally return in 2023 to find it was just as good as we remembered, it is an absolute gem. The place is beautiful, the staff are friendly but relaxed, the little touches like the honesty bar and pool are really welcome, and in general we love the feeling of luxurious escape but without pretension. Also importantly, the breakfast and dinner are absolutely delicious every time. Thank you for this truly wonderful place, we hope to return sooner next time!!!

This is a converted former monastic settlement tucked away inside a dense serene forest location 3 Kms from its nearest neighbour and some 14 Kms from the city of Santiago. Blessed with fine weather and blissful calm the main sounds of the day are the buzz of insect life, the rustle of trees and the rippling pool and fountains. The place is a small hive of walkways and buildings dedicated to various uses from accommodation to lounges and dining. There are multiple coves and groves to find your own quite space and in any case there are only 13 bed rooms throughout the complex so it's never too busy. The landlords keep a soulful cat and two gorgeous sweet and friendly dogs. The rooms and common areas are delightfully decorated with old and antique furnishings, the beds we had in a room over an orchard were excellent for a comfy sleep crisp sheets, fluffy big towels, strong shower water in a really good sized bathroom and lovely rituals soaps. The breakfast is an array of delious cured meats, cereals, fruits, juices, copious hot coffee, and truly sublime moist and tasty cakes and pastries...in fact the breakfast offering is really a great surprise. You can also dine at 9.30 at night with a fixed menu based on available ingredients. We dined both night chose excellent wines from a short but sufficient wine list. The food offerings including langostine salad and a saffron infused mussel soup, mains of fresh cod with a potato fondant and entrecot of slow roast beef on a jus of redberry fruits with forest shrooms were wonderful meals to enjoy each day after touring the coastal villages. Honestly, this place is so charming, peaceful and relaxing I wish I could keep it a secret. Will definitely come back..I'd love to experience it in winter. And there is one other matter..the hotel runs an honesty bar policy. If you take a drink, you just record it in a book and pay when you settle the full bill. This approach tells you something about the culture of this place... valuable and really special. And it is also worth acknowledging the fact that the chef maitre gives individual attention t the guests while Vicente and his colleagues provide outstanding professional service. I've read some of the very few negative reviews and I can honestly say these must be from people who can never be pleased...if u venture to this location with an open heart and an appreciation for evidence of hard work and passion, this place simply cannot disappoint. A treasure.

Absolutely lovely country retreat 25 minutes away from Santiago. Set on a large estate in beautiful rolling countryside, we had 3 nights and ate dinner on 2 of them. The food is lovely, and great value at €25 each, for three courses, fixed menu but both nights it was excellent. Breakfast also substantial and delicious. Stayed in a superior room - quiet and spacious with great views from the balcony. Pool was very quiet and we were lucky to able to use it during some warm sunny afternoons. Lots of other areas including honesty bar with pool table and various lounges with antiques and books. Staff are friendly and helpful. Great place to stay, we plan to return.