Bougainvillea and oleander line the drive so you arrive to a burst of colour. The rooms in this lovely old farmhouse hotel are richly coloured and rustic too; most have their own balcony or courtyard and some have wood-burning stoves. It’s a family-friendly place – there are eight interconnecting suites, and children will love the nature trails and animal petting farm with plenty to pat: pigs, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, peacocks and turtles. There’s a games room, table tennis in the garden, and a natural pool too – fenced off for safety and surrounded by willows, waterfalls and lily ponds. Food is local, home-grown, seasonal, often organic; dinners are served three times a week and children’s meals are half price – in the restaurant or out on the terrace. Guests are given passes to the sister hotel Vivenda Miranda – 10 minutes away – where you can use the pool, spa and restaurant and book yoga classes. The helpful staff can book nearby activities of all sorts – sailing, golf, kayaking, fishing, museum or marine zoo trips. Return for drinks in one of the many comfy living areas or shady spots under the trees.
