Mrs. O Around the World
  • Home
  • Travel Destinations
    • Africa
    • Asia & Australasia
    • Central & South America
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
  • Guides
    • Airlines
      • American Airlines Reviews
      • British Airways
      • Qatar Airways Reviews
      • Qantas Airlines Reviews
    • Countries
      • United States
        • California
        • Florida
  • Topics
    • Airlines
    • Cruises
    • Hotels
    • Skiing
    • Trains
    • Villas & Vacation Homes
    • Thoughts & Plans
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Shopping
  • Who is Mrs. O ?
    • Who is Mrs. O ?
    • Working with Mrs. O
    • Contact
  • Contact
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
RSS
Mrs. O Around the World
Mrs. O Around the World
  • Home
  • Travel Destinations
    • Africa
    • Asia & Australasia
    • Central & South America
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
  • Guides
    • Airlines
      • American Airlines Reviews
      • British Airways
      • Qatar Airways Reviews
      • Qantas Airlines Reviews
    • Countries
      • United States
        • California
        • Florida
  • Topics
    • Airlines
    • Cruises
    • Hotels
    • Skiing
    • Trains
    • Villas & Vacation Homes
    • Thoughts & Plans
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Shopping
  • Who is Mrs. O ?
    • Who is Mrs. O ?
    • Working with Mrs. O
    • Contact
Hard to beat this...
  • Europe

My secret place: Fazenda Nova, Algarve

  • FIRST POSTED: 27th July 2012 | LAST UPDATED: 18th July 2019
  • 3 minute read
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

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 :)
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!

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!
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
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
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...
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
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

Like 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Total
0
Shares
Like 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Like 0
Share 0
Previous Article
This is what I call a room with a view (photo by SPG.com)
  • Europe

A luxury weekend in Barcelona

  • FIRST POSTED: 8th May 2012 | LAST UPDATED: 15th September 2015
View Post
Next Article
This was my welcoming view at Herdade do Esporão
  • Europe

Wine, sun and lux in Alentejo, Portugal

  • FIRST POSTED: 7th August 2012 | LAST UPDATED: 18th January 2021
View Post
Fortnum & Mason
Recent Posts
  • Airplane Activities for Toddlers: How to Entertain the Kids during a Flight
    • 24th March 2023
  • From Miami to Palm Beach Day Trip: The Best Things to Do in 1 Day
    • 23rd March 2023
  • The Best Designer Beach Bags For Every Budget
    • 15th March 2023
  • Some of the best hard body scrubs
    • 10th March 2023
  • The Best Boutique Toddler Girl Clothes Essentials
    • 15th March 2023
Most read today
  • British Airways European flights earning 160 BA tier points
    British Airways European flights earning 160 BA tier points
  • From Miami to Palm Beach Day Trip: The Best Things to Do in 1 Day
    From Miami to Palm Beach Day Trip: The Best Things to Do in 1 Day
  • From Miami to Fort Lauderdale Day Trip: What to See and Do
    From Miami to Fort Lauderdale Day Trip: What to See and Do
  • Where to See Almond Blossom in California
    Where to See Almond Blossom in California
SAY HELLO
Instagram
How interesting is @mercatometropolitano in @mayfair_ldn? Previously a church, it’s now a place where you can shop sustainably and dine. I loved the concept and looking forward to some cocktails on its rooftop terrace (when Summer comes).
Ad • Our Florida day trip concept was tried and tested again, this time to @palmbeachesfl which really left us wanting to stay a lot longer.
Spring is around the corner - and so is Mother’s Day in the UK this weekend (and Father’s Day in most Catholic countries).
What every beach holiday needs?
Follow

UK Storefront | USA Storefront | EU Storefront

How interesting is @mercatometropolitano in @mayfair_ldn? Previously a church, it’s now a place where you can shop sustainably and dine. I loved the concept and looking forward to some cocktails on its rooftop terrace (when Summer comes).
Ad • Our Florida day trip concept was tried and tested again, this time to @palmbeachesfl which really left us wanting to stay a lot longer.
Spring is around the corner - and so is Mother’s Day in the UK this weekend (and Father’s Day in most Catholic countries).
What every beach holiday needs?
AD • If you are thinking of heading to Miami or somewhere in South Florida, may I recommend a day trip Fort Lauderdale?
Spring is almost almost here (for some!).

Please note that some of the links on this website are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link.

Mrs. O Around the World
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy & Cookie Policy
  • Advertising & PR
  • Contact

Input your search keywords and press Enter.