The drive from Faro airport to the hills around Moncarapacho, in Portugal’s Algarve, takes about half an hour. Humble little towns give way to seemingly endless groves of olive and citrus trees. Traffic thins to practically nothing; pedestrians simply vanish.
The countryside is that peculiar south-Iberian mix of dusty orange soil and lush green vegetation, juxtaposed against each other as far as the eye can see. Suddenly, a sharp turn sweeps into the long and winding driveway of the Octant Vila Monte farmhouse; rustic fields give way to manicured lawns, and the deserted local roads now feel manic when compared to the supreme tranquillity of this extraordinary estate.
That villa has exclusive use of one of three outdoor swimming pools
Why stay here?
Simply put, peace and quiet. Octant Vila Monte is mostly surrounded by agricultural land, with views sweeping down to the distant Atlantic ocean, glinting in the year-round sunshine. The 55 rooms and suites on offer are spread out across several different buildings – this was once the country retreat of an artist, and was gradually expanded to serve guests at his parties – and ranges from double rooms to an exceptional private villa. That villa has exclusive use of one of three outdoor swimming pools; of the other two, one is adults-only and heated only by the sun, while the second is kept at a steady temperature to cater to families with children.
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Families are made very welcome here, with plenty of room for the kids to run around and an outdoor cinema showing a different movie every night. A tennis court at the back of the property can be reserved by the hour, for players of all ages.
One of the main benefits of the farm location is the space – even when the place is full, it is easy to find your own little corner. Sit by the pond and watch the koi carp, wander through the kitchen garden and enjoy the scent of the herbs which will be used for your meals, or recline under a tree and simply embrace the silence of your surroundings. If fitness is your thing there is a well-equipped gym open 24/7, while lovers of spa treatments can book a range of massages and classes to be held across the grounds.
Laranjal is where breakfast is served every morning
Eating and drinking
There are two restaurants on-site, both very much dedicated to offering the best of local produce to guests. Laranjal is where breakfast is served every morning, either within a stylish, high-ceilinged dining room or outside on a terrace with magnificent vistas of the ocean. The menu is packed with traditional Portuguese treats and breakfast classics – the avocado toast is terrific – with most of the produce drawn from local businesses.
Lunch and dinner are both served at À Terra. Tables outside on the grass among the trees make for a wonderfully relaxed setting to enjoy daily specials based on the market’s offerings that morning. As one would expect of a locale so close to the sea, fresh fish is a specialty, but the seasonal menu has something to offer any palette.
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Both locations are overseen by head chef Marco Alban, an Italian native who has made his home here on the Algarve. In addition to the two restaurants, guests have the option of accompanying the chef to the market in the morning, choosing their favourite ingredients and having a bespoke meal prepared for them that evening at the Chef’s Table. The table itself is located just at the end of the herb garden, filled with the evening aromas of the plants and the gentle sound of a nearby fountain. Alban will take you through the specifics of the meal, which is prepared in the adjoining outdoor kitchen, while a sommelier presents local wine pairings and you marvel at the beauty of the hillside in front of you. The team at Vila Monte pride themselves on offering personal touches which make your stay truly memorable – this meal is the epitome of that practice.
Fuseta Island
(Image credit: Octant Hotels)
What to do
The remote location of the Vila Monte farmhouse does not mean that activities are restricted to those on-site. Octant Hotels is the custodian of eight luxury properties across Portugal. Each property champions its own “local hero” artisans – Vila Monte works with a local potter to create all the tableware, and a basket weaver who makes the beach bags found in every room – and visits to see them work their magic can be organised by the hotel. Visitors to Vila Monte can also take a guided horseback tour of the surrounding mountains, spend an afternoon with a local goatherd, or venture into the Atlantic for some deep-sea fishing.
The Atlantic also plays a part in one of the more relaxed excursions the hotel can set up: about 20 minutes back down the hill by car, then five minutes in a quaint little boat, will bring you to Fuseta Island. This wonderfully isolated little sandbank looks onto nothing but the mighty ocean, offering the perfect opportunity to alternate between unwinding on a lounger and cooling off in the water. A luxury picnic, with more local wine and fresh seafood, will be provided; sweet treats can be procured from the merchants who pop by on their boats to deliver their delicacies straight to the beach.
Lunch and dinner are both served at À Terra
The verdict
The prevailing impression of Octant Vila Monte is of complete and utter comfort; of a place which really does feel like home. The team will find you anywhere on the grounds to drop off a cocktail – just pop a quick WhatsApp to reception, if they haven’t already strolled by to offer you one.
Fire pits are scattered throughout the grounds, lit every evening in case you feel a little chill when stargazing at the breathtaking night sky. Whether you choose to remain on site or take advantage of the activities which can be arranged in the surrounding area, a stay here will feel like a break at your own little farm on the Algarve.
Octant Vila Monte,Caliços Site, Moncarapacho, Olhão, Portugal.Doubles rooms start from £142;vilamonte.octanthotels.com
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