The location was perfect for getting away from it all, a real off the beaten track retreat. The bumpy, dusty track to the house is well worth it. The house stands high surrounded by the slopes that are farmed for aromatic herbs and shrubs - lavendar, rock roses, fennel, rosemary, thyme. When we were there in mid May a lot of the herbs and wild flowers were in full bloom. (Make sure you remember your anti-histamines if you get hay fever.) Plenty of uninterrupted tracks for walking, some quite steep so you get a good work out whilst enjoying the views. Great if you're into wildlife photography, plenty of butterflies attracted to the herbs as well as quite a number of birds. You might want to stock up on picnic stuff at the supermarket before heading into the hills, the nearest one is at Mertola (about 12km). Francois made us feel very welcome and at home, taking time to show us the distillation process etc. We are already thinking about our next visit.

Elaine, United Kingdom

A little paradise but, thank god, not for everybody

Nicolas, Switzerland

A truly peaceful place with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The owner couldn't have been more helpful and made our stay an excellent experience. Don't expect a load of facilities, this isn't a high rise apartment block. But enjoy the breakfast, wander around the paths leading to the river and make sure you take a dip in the swimming pool where you can float amongst hills and sky. If you're the sort of person who doesn't like the adventure of driving down a 4 kilometer dirt road (with wonderful views all round) then Herdade de Vale Covo isn't for you: but if you enjoy wild flowers, birds and complete relaxation in peaceful surroundings then don't miss it!

Kate, United Kingdom

Francois was a fabulous host. He was so calm, helpful, interesting & made our stay wonderful. The setting is so peaceful, tranquil & quiet. We loved it, wish we'd stayed longer & would definitely return! The property is very secluded so a car & arriving in daylight would be recommended. Everything was spotless, refreshing pool & breakfast lovely simple local produce. Francois has done amazing things to his land & is quite an inspiration. We loved the honey from his beehives & essential oils from the plants/trees that he also produces. You can take the long walk down the road (he built!) to the river/water supply & take a swim. This is a simple, calm & understated B&B in the middle of the country.........so yes down dirt tracks with wildlife! This all adds to it's character & charm. Our family thank you Francois & we hope to see you again in the future!

Sara, United Kingdom

A calma e o silêncio do Guadiana em estado puro, os sons das aves, o cheiro a plantas medicinais, o céu límpido e estrelado, os banhos na piscina com vista para o parque, a visita à destilaria de óleos essenciais. A Herdade é uma exploração agro-florestal complementada com 4 quartos. O François é uma pessoa excepcional e um hóspede atencioso. Aconselho levar ou fazer refeições no local para aproveitar a herdade com o tempo devido que esta merece.

Rui, Portugal

Do espaço em si. Do local e do repouso e tranquilidade que oferece. Das experiências de contacto com a natureza e paisagens do vale do guadiana.

Luisa, Portugal

La casa preciosa, en un lugar increíble, aislado, muy tranquilo, con un río maravilloso cerca para bañarte con la única compañía de los pájaros, peces y libélulas de colores preciosas, una piscina muy agradable entre eucaliptus, la casa rodeada de plantas aromáticas, con muebles antiguos bonitos y unos cuadros increíbles. Muy agradable y mágico.

Aa, Spain

Na Herdade de Vale Covo fomos surpreendidos dia após dia. Desde a tranquilidade e a paz que se sente em cada passo que damos, ao François (coração-cabeça-braços) que nos inspirava a cada conversa. O sentido de liberdade, o aroma tão característico das plantas autóctones, sentido em cada milímetro da herdade, a juventude rebelde do Guadiana, as paisagens típicas desta tão bonita reserva alentejana. Um autêntico paraíso. Um agradecimento especial por toda a hospitalidade e amabilidade do François que nos acolheu em casa. Ate breve!

Diogo, Portugal

un luogo in mezzo al nulla, rilassante e tranquillo, ideale per fare una tappa all'insegna del silenzio e della natura. L'escursione al fiume è molto bella, il proprietario, Francois, molto disponibile e simpatico.

Scatti, Italy

La Reception aimable de Francois, le service agréable le petit déjeuner , la maison entre ciel et terre, le silence on attend que le bruit de la nature, vent oiseaux , un coin ou nous pouvons encore respirer les senteures de plantes . MERVEILLEUX.

João, Portugal