Madre De Água Hotel Rural De Charme

“Came for the dressage, pleasantly surprised by the food, wine and staff!”

While I chose MdA primarily for the opportunity to ride Lusitano in dressage, my husband (not an equestrian!) and I enjoyed ourselves much, much more than we dreamed. First, the Lusitanos and the trainer, Nuno, are truly remarkable. Not only I was able to engage in Grand Prix dressage, the mounts w… more

While I chose MdA primarily for the opportunity to ride Lusitano in dressage, my husband (not an equestrian!) and I enjoyed ourselves much, much more than we dreamed. First, the Lusitanos and the trainer, Nuno, are truly remarkable. Not only I was able to engage in Grand Prix dressage, the mounts were charmers, including a delicious stallion I had the honor of riding. Second, the food at the farm is all farm-to-table, much of it grown or produced right there, including the delicious balsamic vinegar, the zucchini jam, very worthy wines, sheep’s cheeses and the olive oil! If dressage or trail riding is not your thing, a short river up the road will take you into one of Portugal’s national parks, where the staff at the MdA can recommend hikes, drives or bicycle rides to please any fitness capability, including walks from the front door! Third (and definitely not least), the staff at the MdA is exceptional. They were always there with a helping hand, a warm smile or a recommendation, including wine & cheese tastings. Extras — If you’re an animal lover, there are more than 100 rescue dogs on site, a few of which can be found hanging around the hotel, with temperaments as sweet as pie. In addition there are two resident cats who are happy to purr you to sleep in one of the comfy reading chairs in the original, stone “living room.” The rooms are spacious and nicely appointed, with lovely views of the pool and beyond to the mares’ pastures. I didn’t know what to expect, and I could not have been more pleased with the quality of the food, the accommodations, and the staff.

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“Would book again”

this hotel was a good location for our wine trip though DAO wine area. Very friendly reception, clean room with a nice view to the horse paddock and vineyard. Good breakfast but dinner was a bit below our expectations, would rate with 8/10. But with a good glas of wine in front of the open fire pla… more

this hotel was a good location for our wine trip though DAO wine area. Very friendly reception, clean room with a nice view to the horse paddock and vineyard. Good breakfast but dinner was a bit below our expectations, would rate with 8/10. But with a good glas of wine in front of the open fire place in the evening we had a nice and romantic evening. Location is a bit off the main road and grocery shop is a short drive away. Would book again.

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“Country Escape in a Modern Small Hotel”

Madre de Agua is a small modern hotel on an active farm. The overall facility, rooms and staff are excellent. The restaurant is beautiful and although it was quiet the weekend we were there the food was excellent on both nights. The farm has vineyards, horses and a dog shelter. It is a perfe… more

Madre de Agua is a small modern hotel on an active farm. The overall facility, rooms and staff are excellent. The restaurant is beautiful and although it was quiet the weekend we were there the food was excellent on both nights. The farm has vineyards, horses and a dog shelter. It is a perfect escape from busy city sightseeing.

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“Excellent from start to end”

Fantastic couple of nights spent here with the family. Can't fault any part of the stay. See less check in (were greeted in the car park to help with our case), room was large and immaculate, and all staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Farm itself was fun to explore with our daughter, loved… more

Fantastic couple of nights spent here with the family. Can't fault any part of the stay. See less check in (were greeted in the car park to help with our case), room was large and immaculate, and all staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Farm itself was fun to explore with our daughter, loved going to see the animals and dogs as we wandered past all the vines. The 2 cats inside were so friendly, and whilst they would try sneak in the restaurant they were always promptly chased out! The photos really don't do this place justice. Food and drink was top notch. Breakfast was a great way to start any day- so much food, but all so fresh so wanted to eat it all. Had lunch once which was equally tasty; just went for the bread and cheeses to accompany a few glasses of wines. Dinner both nights were full 3 courses, and I think that for the 2 of us with plenty of wine was in the ball park of €90 per night- amazing value for all that we had. Best part of it all though we're the staff. As said above all were friendly and helpful, but for us we saw Pedro and Vanessa the most so big thanks to them for making our stay so memorable and enjoyable- couldn't have done more for us if they tried. So we can't recommend a visit here enough, well worth making a trip. 5*

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