My recent visit to Central Portugal was hectic and full of great surprises. Not only did I get to see the beautiful landscape of the region, drink some really good local wine and meet some incredible interesting people. I also got the chance to stay in these people’s hotels and hear their inspiring stories.
One of them is Paulo Romao, the owner of the beautiful hotel Casas do Coro, who seems to be a natural with anything that has to do with fine cuisine, great wine and the art of hosting. He is also a full time businessman and a family man who travels everyday from the hotel and back home to be with his family.
Casas do Coro is located in the Historical Village of Marialva; a hilltop Medieval village with a Medieval Castle from the 16th/17th centuries which used to be a strong military base. When we got to Marialva it was already late. I couldn’t see what was around us but by the bumpy drive uphill I had a feeling we are on our way to a quite high and rural location.
I was right!
When I woke up the next morning and went for my morning run, I was breath-taken by the beautiful views of the valley, the cobble stone roads, the stone-village houses surrounded by light pink almond trees and the simple yet friendly local people. I felt as for a second I was transported to a different time in life.
A different era.
Casas do Coro is definitely a good reason to stay in Marialva Village. Built in the year of 2000, the resort is actually a handful of restored homes that make up to a charming and luxurious rural tourism unit down the hill of the Medieval Castle. Each house unit is quite spacious and very welcoming. It is like your ‘Home away from Home’ experience. It is fully equipped with king size beds, marble baths, linen sheets, comfy sofas in the living room, TV, sound system, free WiFi and a modern kitchen where guests can cook all kinds of meals.
During Summer times the guests can enjoy the terraced gardens that lend themselves to picnic areas under the shade of olive trees and heavy vines next to the pool and jacuzzi. By this coming December a new SPA will be ready for the guests’ services.
If you don’t feel like cooking, you can always enjoy the home made gourmet cooking at the Casao prepared and cooked by Carmen. But remember to ask for it in advance. The dishes are inspired by the traditional and regional Portuguese cuisine, using fresh and local grown ingredients. And let Paulo choose the wine for each dish. He is an expert. The wines he drinks are produced in the Douro Valley and Dao. I completely surrendered to Paulo’s choices and ended up drinking three different wines in one dinner. (It was a first for me).
But the highlight of Casas do Coro is the Eco Suite. Located on a resorted hillside overlooking the village, in the middle of nature, the Eco Suite can be a perfect setting for a romantic getaway, enjoying all the services offered by the hotel, and yet, being secluded.
The Eco Suite, which was designed by the well known winning interior designer Tomás Alía, consumes less energy than a conventional suite thanks to solar panels built on the outside of the suite. The solar panels heat the water and allows a 65% reduction of CO2 emissions. The materials used in both the constructions and the interiors are mostly natural, ecological and recycled and guaranteeing maximum comfort, calmness and well-being.
The Eco Suite is equipped with a king size bed with fresh white organic linen, private bathroom with a glass shower, bath in open space with a great view of the vertical garden of the suite, private deck surrounded by olive trees where the guests can enjoy the great Nature.
I only wish to see more of this Eco trend suite in more hotels throughout the World.
For booking the Eco Suite, please visit the link.
