Introducing Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, One of Portugal’s Best-Kept Secret
December 14, 2022 by Perrie Hartz
A land of endless horizons and rich history, Baixo Alentejo is one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, proud members of Relais & Chateaux, sits right in the heart of this stunning region in the charming village of Albernoa.
The perfect escape for wine and art lovers, this family-owned hotel and estate is surrounded by 450 hectares of vineyards and rolling fields. Malhadinha welcomes guests into a world of modernity, uniqueness, charm and refinement. Between its walls, contemporary decor combines uniquely with the traditional and the rural aesthetic of the Alentejo plains.
Malhadinha is a true passion project for the Soares family. In 1998, the Portuguese owners, João, Paulo, Rita, João and Maria Antónia, began their journey to create a sustainable property that was living in harmony with nature, its bucolic scenery and producing local products and wine from the region. Being deeply connected to the natural beauty of Alentejo, they are committed to its regeneration and designed every detail of Malhadinha as a beacon to preserve its land, history, culture, and community for future generations to enjoy.
Inside, handcrafted marble details and pieces mingle with contemporary artwork. There is a working Stud farm dating back to 1998 when the property was built where guests can try Malhadinha’s wine and other local Portuguese products, along with lush vineyards, olive groves, and a vegetable garden from which the hotel’s restaurant gathers its fresh produce. The stunning panoramic pool offers guests a relaxing afternoon of languid sunbathing against incredible views of the countryside.
The rural Alentejan inspiration is evident in original furnishings and decor found throughout the property that were all designed by local artisans— from handmade chairs, to the use of willow and stones collected on the estate, as well as the local regional marble. These more traditional aspects coexist alongside Portuguese and internationally-designed objects by Olaio, Vista Alegre, Marcel Wanders and Alvar Aalto, along with lighting by Philippe Starck, Charles & Ray Eames and Mariano Fortuny.
Malhadinha offers five different spaces comprising of 26 rooms, which include 14 suites, 7 double rooms plus two villas, all reflecting the natural beauty and minimalist aesthetic of Alentejan architecture.
Each accommodation has white-washed walls and tiled floors, reflecting the natural beauty of the surrounding land. Suites have private terraces and balconies, as well as common areas including a library, wine bar, fireplace and kitchen/dining area, while villas offer more exclusivity, with private pools and spacious living quarters. Bathrooms come equipped with Claus Porto and Hermès toiletries. Accommodations are filled with crafts made by local artisans, including handmade chairs, and use regional materials found on the estate.
Monte da Peceguina:
Designed as a Alentejo farm just steps away from 7 hectares of vines, Monte da Peceguina is a serene oasis with two pools (one heated). Built in 2008, it is home to the first accommodations on property and conveniently located just a 3-drive from Reception.
(7) Double Rooms-344 sq. ft. (2 Adults + 1 Child)
(1) Junior Suite-430 sq. ft. (2 Adults + 1 Child)
(2) Suite-538 sq. ft. (2 Adults + 2 Children)
Room Amenities:
• Claus Porto bathroom amenities
• Room service available for every meal (rate on request)
• 2 Shared Swimming pools (one heated)
• Full bathrooms with Duravitt fixtures and bathtub
• Library, Wine Bar and Living room with fireplaces
• Television, Ipad and Bose speakers in every room
• Terraces and porches with sun loungers
Casa do Ancoradouro:
Located in Herdade do Ancoradouro, Casa do Ancoradouro is set at the highest point of the estate. An icon of Alentejan architecture, its terracotta floor was created from the soil on which the house stands by a master artisan from Beringel. It also offers amble space for families and is located a 10-minute drive from Reception.
(7) Suite-1,076 sq. ft. (2 Adults + 2 Children)
Room Amenities:
• Claus Porto bathroom amenities
• Room service available for every meal (rate on request)
• Complimentary mini bars (water and 2 bottles 375 ml of wine) refilled on request only
• 1 shared swimming pool
• 1900’s Steinway & Sons Grand Piano
• Full bathrooms with an Agape bathtub and walk-in shower
• Kitchen, Library, Wine Bar and Living room with fireplaces
• Television, Ipad, Harman Kardon speakers in every room
• Terraces and porches with sun loungers
Casa das Pedras:
For those seeking more privacy, Casa das Pedras is the perfect hideaway. It is comprised of four suites with private pools and is more contemporary than the other spaces with a heavy focus on design, the mixture of mortar and wood imbue minimalism and individual character. These suites are a 5-minute drive from Reception.
(4) Suite-1,076 sq. ft. (2 Adults)
Room Amenities:
• Claus Porto bathroom amenities
• Room service available for every meal (rate on request)
• Complimentary mini bars (water and 2 bottles 375 ml of wine) refilled on request only
• 1 heated pool with exterior views overlooking the Alentejo landscape
• Full bathrooms with an Agape bathtub
• Television, Ipad and Harman Kardon speakers in every room
Each villa reflects a different inspiration, from bucolic Alentejan culture to modern art, and they all portray various chapters in the history of this unique family-owned estate. Villa rentals include the art-inspired Casa da Artes e Ofício, and the “slow living” Casa da Ribeira.
Casa das Artes e Ofícios (Villa):
Set on the banks of the Ribeira de Terge, Casa das Artes e Ofícios has a storied history. It was once a ruin that was a communal space where clothes were washed and bread baked. Today design aficionados will appreciate this two-bedroom villa’s beautiful interior touches and pieces designed by local artisans. It is located a 7-minute drive from Reception.
(2) Double Room-1,937 sq. ft. (2 Adults + 1 Child)
Room Amenities:
• Claus Porto bathroom amenities
• Room service available for every meal (rate on request)
• Complimentary Electrolux mini bars (water and 2 bottles 750 ml of wine) refilled on request only
• 1 private swimming pool
• Full bathroom with an Agape bathtub
• Library and kitchen with 1 SMEG fridge
• Television and Harman Kardon speakers in every room
• Terraces and porches with sun loungers
Casa da Ribeira (Villa):
Standing almost perpendicular to Casa das Artes e Ofícios is Casa da Ribeira, whose name derives from its close proximity to Ribeira de Terges. The blue hue of the river is a unifying color theme in each of the three suites. This villa offers private terraces for each suite, which extend along a corridor paved with oak flooring. It is located a 7-minute drive from Reception.
(3) Suites-3,982 sq. ft. (2 Adults + 2 Children)
Room Amenities:
• Claus Porto bathroom amenities
• Room service available for every meal (rate on request)
• Complimentary mini bars (water and 2 bottles 375 ml of wine) refilled on request only
• 1 private swimming pool
• Full bathrooms with Duravitt bathtub
• Kitchen, Living and dining room
• Television, Ipad and Harman Kardon speakers in every room
The property’s airy and welcoming reception area also acts as a wine bar and communal tasting space.
While the farm-to-table restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Joachim Koerper offers a menu of traditional Alentejan dishes made with produce from the estate’s organic farm, from honey and eggs to fresh vegetables, olive oil and bread. The estate’s Alentejo cattle, black pigs and lambs are also all local breeds.
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova recently unveiled its new spa designed by Aires Mateus studio, which carries exclusive facial treatments by the Azores-born brand IGNAE. The M Wellness Spa marks this family-run property’s exciting venture into the wellness space, which reflects Malhadinha Nova’s deep connection with nature and will strive to unearth different atmospheres through a journey where interior and exterior merge, celebrating the surrounding beauty of the vineyard landscape.
The 110-m2 spa includes a sensory shower, three treatment rooms and a sauna, all boasting tall windows that overlook the stunning Alentejo landscape.
The treatments at the new M Wellness Spa are divided into IGNAE experiences, focused on specific facial products, and body treatments using wine, honey and rosemary, three primary ingredients of Herdade da Malhadinha Nova. The body massages mix vino-therapy baths, grape-seed oil and wine tasting or tea rituals; there are also Lomi Lomi massages inspired by traditional Hawaiian medicine, Indian massages, and lymphatic drainage. The spa also offers experiences combining yoga classes, sensory showers, a sauna, nutritional lunches with organic ingredients produced on the estate paired with wine, relaxation therapies, and chakra alignment.
There are a multitude of incredible one-of-a-kind experiences and activities to discover and explore at Herdade da Malhadinha. Offerings include a romantic hot air balloon ride, an adrenaline-inducing skydive, a peaceful canoe ride down the Guadiana River.
Indulge in an intimate picnic in the vineyards, or a fun-filled day with the family that includes a cooking lesson, treasure hunt with the children or chocolate tasting – alongside traditional bead breaking, learning artisanal techniques or even plucking the Campaniça viola, a traditional Portuguese string instrument from Vila Verde de Ficalho, Serpa. All of these possibilities are available both in and outside Herdade da Malhadinha. Other activities include horseback riding, archery, pottery workshops, and much more.
Contact:
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova
7800-601 Albernoa, Beja, Portugal
Telephone: +351 284 965 432
Reservations: reservas@malhadinhanova.pt
Website: https://www.malhadinhanova.pt/en/