United’s New Direct Flight to Faro Makes Portugal’s Hidden Gem More Accessible Than Ever

April 9, 2025 by Hidden Doorways

Portugal’s Alentejo region, with its rolling countryside and unhurried pace, has long been the insider secret of seasoned travelers. Now, thanks to United Airlines’ newly announced direct service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Faro International Airpot (FAO), this remarkable destination is poised to welcome more American visitors seeking authentic Portuguese experiences beyond Lisbon and Porto.

Launching May 16, 2025, and running through September 23, this seasonal service will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The new route offers seamless connections from major U.S. cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Denver, Houston, and Washington, D.C., making this lesser-explored region suddenly much more accessible for your clients.

If you have clients who have already experienced Portugal’s better-known destinations or those looking to combine beach time in the Algarve with cultural immersion, now is the perfect moment to introduce them to Alentejo before the secret fully escapes.

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova: A Family Estate Redefining Portuguese Luxury

A little over an hour’s drive from Faro International Airport sits Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, a Relais & Châteaux property that embodies the soul of Alentejo. This 1,100-acre family-owned estate in combines vineyard, working farm, and luxury accommodations in a seamless expression of Portuguese rural elegance.

The owners have created a sustainable ecosystem where everything – from the wines produced in their state-of-the-art winery to the organic vegetables in their garden and the indigenous cattle, sheep, and prized Lusitano horses grazing the property – contributes to an authentic sense of place.

Spring and Summer Experiences for 2025

With the new United flight schedule aligning perfectly with Alentejo’s most pleasant seasons, your clients can experience this remarkable region at its best. Spring brings milder temperatures ideal for exploring the countryside, while summer offers long, sunny days perfect for embracing the region’s distinctive rhythm and outdoor activities.

Adventurous clients can explore the estate on horseback, embark on hot air balloon rides over the vineyards, or canoe down the Guadiana River. Those seeking cultural immersion will appreciate the bread-baking workshops, pottery classes, and opportunities to learn about traditional Alentejan music through Campaniça guitar workshops.

Wine enthusiasts will particularly value the estate’s regular tastings, which range from single variety explorations to vertical tastings and special editions. The property’s winery tours provide context for understanding the distinctive terroir that makes Alentejo wines increasingly sought-after by collectors.

For wellness-focused travelers, the M Wellness Spa offers treatments using IGNAE products from the Azores, alongside yoga sessions, sensory showers, and sauna experiences with panoramic views of the countryside.

Exclusive Villa Accommodations with Limited-Time Savings

For families or close-knit groups of friends, Malhadinha’s villas provide the ideal blend of privacy and service. Now through April 30, the property is offering an additional 10% discount on villa bookings for stays through December 1, 2025 – perfect timing for clients looking to take advantage of the new direct flights.

Casa das Artes e Ofícios offers artistic inspiration with two bedrooms, living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, private pool, and sweeping views of the Alentejo plains. For larger groups, the three-suite Casa da Ribeira embodies “slow living” with its spacious layout, private terraces, and similar amenities.

Both villas feature design elements that celebrate local craftsmanship, from handmade chairs to regional marble and objects crafted from materials found on the estate.

A Moment of Opportunity

As Portugal continues to gain momentum among American travelers, the addition of direct service to Faro creates a perfect opportunity to introduce clients to experiences beyond the typical tourist circuit.

With the combination of new flight access and limited-time villa savings, there’s never been a better moment to propose Alentejo as either a standalone destination or a thoughtful extension to an Algarve coastal holiday or Lisbon city exploration.

Contact:

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

Email: reservas@malhadinhanova.pt

Website: malhadinhanova.pt/en/