Serene, beautiful and fun. Surrounded by a lovely old garden and enclosed courtyard, with water gushing from tanks and springs, this handsome former convent has been in Isabel’s family for three generations. Inspired by her passion for yoga, she’s created peaceful spaces indoors and out, cushioning guests from the built-up local area. Behind an attractive grey granite, large-windowed façade, the décor’s a wonderful mix of traditional, fresh and funky. The light, comfortable bedrooms, with their equally stylish bathrooms (one bath was once a cattle trough), are on two floors separated by a vast granite stair. The sitting room mixes old and Eastern furniture to great effect. The meditation room leads out to the saltwater infinity swimming pool overlooking the estate’s prizewinning vineyard. You can take Isabel’s advice on the best places to eat, but do try her excellent local and homemade food, served at the big dining room table. Tour their bodegas, visit Guimaraes, hop on a train to Oporto and explore the Douro valley. Or simply stay put on a summer yoga retreat.
Stayed here the week before Xmas and had the best possible stay at Quinta de Freixieiro: splendid house, terrific rooms (4 nights in the magnificent Old Room), wonderful breakfasts and of course Isabel: impressively generous and delightfully elegant to get along with.