My secret place: Fazenda Nova, Algarve
It doesn’t matter how many trips I have booked or intend to book each year, one is absolutely non-negotiable (or even sacred!) – and that is my week in the south of Portugal, which includes at least a day in the Alentejo, and the rest of the week in the Algarve. It was part of my pre-nuptial agreement with Mr. O (he didn’t really argue – I suppose he was glad I am not from a cold country).
This year, we were in for a treat. There had been rumours for months – “where is it”? “it’s supposed to be amazing!” or “when does it open?” All questions I had been asking myself – and couldn’t be happier when Hallie and Tim invited me to have a look at Fazenda Nova before it opened.
Welcome 
When we got there, I had the weirdest feeling ever – I felt that I had been there before. I know now why – and I shall tell you in a minute.
You know things are going to go very well when you are welcomed with sparkling sangria on arrival – I keep saying this: the Portuguese know a thing or two about this drink!
This is my summer drink of choice.. and always reminds me of Portugal
Fazenda Nova is a very special project. I call them “labour of love projects”, because I really admire people who have the courage to leave their lives behind and pack up their jobs and suitcases and are willing to set up shop in a foreign country. I particularly admire those who choose Portugal to do so.
I always say, highly influenced by my Portuguese mother, that if one leaves home, it has to be better. I seriously needn’t have worried. What do you think?
Simple, understated but stylish – my cup of tea for sure!
I particularly loved the bathrooms and noted the Hansgrohe rain showers, just like home, and loved the REN toiletries, which aren’t easy to find in Portugal. I thought it was a nice touch.
I am seriously obsessed with grey bathrooms
It was time for lunch, and this is one of the best parts of this stylish guest house. The food was incredible. Stunning. As Portuguese as it could possibly get – we were treated to the best gaspacho of my life, followed by red mullet (which they didn’t know, but is my favourite fish in the world) and an obscene dessert indulgence. With incredible wine pairings. We were absolutely lost for words, which doesn’t happen very often.
Fazenda Nova’s interpretation of this classic, based on the Algarve chopped salad
After lunch, it would be rude not to spend a bit of time at the pool.. it was all mine anyway and at peak times, with only 10 suites, it will never be crowded anyway.
Hard to beat this…
All of a sudden, I realised why this place was so special and familiar – it was a very strange feeling. It felt like… home, which is something I don’t feel a lot, except, you know, when I am home. Some years ago, Mr. O and I toyed with the idea of having a house in the Algarve – not by the beach, but somewhere in the countryside, exactly like Fazenda Nova. And the place looked exactly the same – of how we wanted it to be.
Happy at Fazenda Nova
Life, for me, is all about the simple things – great comfort (and as understated as possible. I honestly don’t think places like Dubai are for me), peace and quiet (so I can sleep and read while I sunbathe, which is something I love) and great food. As simple as possible – no sauces are needed. And, I almost forgot, some Portuguese sangria.
So what am I going to do? Go back as soon as possible. Octobers in the Algarve are wonderful – no crowds, lovely weather and we now have Fazenda Nova as our home away from home.
To find our more about Fazenda Nova, visit fazendanova.eu
Até breve,
xo
Mrs. O
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Oh, we will check this place out if we are ever back to Portugal. Haven’t been for a few years, but your recent post on the Algarve tempted us.
I am very pleased! It is a lovely part of the world and this hotel was fab
Looks beautiful! I love the Algarve so it’s great to find out about hidden gems! Is it child friendly or more of a grown up weekend away?
I think it is a more grown up place. This is where I would go for peace and quiet
Looks amazing, our crew will probably spend 3 weeks there 2013. we spent last October in Albufeira at a villa in Olhos d’Agua one of the best times ever, visited Tavira, Loule etc. I must say Miss O, we want to retire in Portugal! your country of birth is very special and so are the portuguese!
And surely they will welcome you with open arms
Seems we share our passion for luxury travel AND the Algarve! You’re right, October is a great month for a vacation to the south of Portual. I also want to mention I had sunkissed days with a galao or two near the beach in November and February!
Aloha Jeanette!
Hi Jeanette, thank you so much for stopping by! Sadly it seems that October is not going to happen
not enough weekends. I am thinking March 
i’m in. I’M ALL IN! bring it PORTUGAL.
lola recently posted..i spy eye candy! – Miami
You will love it!
I think your husband really lucked out with your agreement. This place looks like a slice of complete heaven. You had me at sangria, but the rest of your pictures absolutely sold me on it. Can we go with you next time?
Tawny- Captain and Clark recently posted..Travel Gear. Never drop your iphone again! [Video Review]
You totally can
we could have a tweet up there? 
I think he got a great deal indeed 
The decor is perfect, the scenery is stunning, and the food looks amazing! I would love to have Fazenda Nova be my home away from home.
Emily in Chile recently posted..Saturday in Santiago: La Boquería
Thank you, Emily. It felt so comfortable – loved it!
This place sounds idyllic, in every way! Now I need to come visit…just say when?
Erika says hello!
Charu recently posted..How Does a Broadway Star Like to Travel? An Interview with Tony Award Nominee, Laura Osnes
2013, worry not!
What is not to like about sangria, an empty pool, and a delicious chopped salad. Looks like home to me too.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Wawel Castle in Krakow, Poland
Sadly, in England I don’t have a pool
but if some guaranteed sun came with it..
Once again, another awesome accommodation from the legendary Mrs. O. Please tell your friends you have a hotel junkie friend in the states!:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Check Out Time – The Week in Travel
I will
but you now know where to go if you ever go to Portugal 
Mrs. O.!
Many thanks for the visit.
See you soon!
Pleasure
look forward to going back and for some more of that delicious sangria 
I’m with you, Mrs. O: stylish and understated is the way to go. Fazenda Nova looks gorgeous and like a place I’d love to visit one day! I mean, it doesn’t take much more than sangria and rain showers to lure me in.
Francesca recently posted..Capturing the colour of my travels
Imagine a tweet-up at this place… so amazing!
I am thinking you could arrange that… a tweet-up there. If so, count me in for next summer, or even next october. Perfect. Just let me know.
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Tips on the Four Ways to Tour Amsterdam
I really could. How amazing would it be? Very exclusive as only 10 suites!
So, is this the place you’re taking Lola and I next summer? You had me at the sparkling sangria. The rest is just icing on the cake.
Leah Travels recently posted..Highs and Lows in Rio
Yup, I think you ladies will love it. And may never want to leave!
A true summary of our amazing visit. Very peaceful and the modernisation has been undertaken with great love and care with huge attention to detail. Really a home from home. And those bathrooms ….. Fab! The food was so good, with a great little white wine from Douro, what more does one want? A place to return to and soak up the sun, relax and yet close enough to go to the beach and sea.. and, of course, the shops for Mrs O!
Oh, the shops just for Mrs. O? ha ha ha Glad you enjoyed it, I can’t wait to go back!
you should never swim on a full stomach! I totally loved that bathroom, amazinggggggggggggggggggggggg!
I wouldn’t want to leave that bathroom, I have a terrible obsession with hotel bathrooms…
Nikos recently posted..Austrian
I waited 2h, as my parents always told me
the bathrooms were seriously seriously fab!