Imani Country House: An Authentic Alentejo Farm Stay Experience
- Sea & Skye Travel
- Apr 26
- 4 min read
Nestled amongst rolling hills of cork oak trees, Imani Country House provides a memorable, authentic Alentejo farm stay experience. What was recently a farm fallen into disrepair is now a lovingly restored homage to the original property. The 11-acre farm was previously known as Quinta de Montemuro, and was a productive agricultural property since the early twentieth century. Dozens of workers once nurtured the orange and olive groves, gardens, and livestock. Today, remnants of this past are visible in the remaining orchards, gardens, and paddocks where two darling donkeys and a herd of sheep graze lazily.
When the current owners took over the farm, they were determined to once again make Quinta de Montemuro a vibrant, working property, this time as an understated yet thoughtfully-designed country house hotel. We stayed at Imani Country House with our 1-year-old for three nights in February, and had the entire property to ourselves.
As you approach the outskirts of Évora, you’ll turn off the main highway and make your way along small country roads. You’ll pass through a pocket-sized village before winding your way up into hills dotted with cork oaks, cows, and olives. After you pass through the gate to Imani Country House, you’ll make your way up a gravel driveway lined with orange trees. Depending on the season, the trees may be in full fruit, with glowing oranges adorning the branches.
Upon arrival, you’ll find your way to the white-washed building housing the lobby. The entire property, including the lobby, has been tastefully decorated with antiques, giving it a stylish, creative flair that complements the historic property. If the season is right, you’ll be treated to a brimming glass of freshly squeezed orange juice before making your way to your room.
The rooms and suites at Imani Country House are situated in one of the restored farm buildings, each with its own terrace overlooking the orange groves and valley to the East. We stayed in a Junior Suite that featured a bedroom and a separate sitting room. This configuration provided plenty of extra space for our baby’s crib in the connected sitting room, and made it comfortable for family travel. The room featured minimalist, vintage decor and all the necessary amenities, including a coffee bar, mini fridge, tub, and fireplace.
Breakfast is included for guests, so each morning you’ll make your way to the on-site restaurant, Improvável. Breakfasts are fresh and hearty, as are all of the à la carte meals offered for lunch and dinner. The menu features a mix of traditional and international dishes. The Cheese & Meat board is excellent for a light lunch or hearty starter, while the dinner menu features traditionally-inspired dishes like Game Sausage and Asparagus Migas. Some ingredients are sourced onsite from the hotel’s organic garden, while others come from the surrounding area. After eating, peruse the antiques filling the dining room, play a round of pool, or lounge by the crackling fire on the overstuffed, leather loveseat.
During your visit, be sure to spend some time wandering the property. The restoration of the farm was done with ultimate sustainability in mind, and you’ll sense the respect for nature and the region’s agricultural history as you trek about the grounds. No pesticides or chemicals are used on the property, wood to feed the fireplaces comes from fallen trees on the property, and hot water is preheated by solar panels. As you walk, stop to sample a ripe orange from a tree, visit the gentle animals in the paddock, and keep your eyes peeled for a wily fox roaming through the orange groves. If you visit during the warmer months, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the property’s pools or a garden-side drink from the funky outdoor bar. Amidst the trees, gardens, and rolling hills, you’ll find yourself slowing down, appreciating the peacefulness of the countryside setting.
Beyond the gates of Imani Country House, the Alentejo Region provides ample opportunities for activities and outings. The region is the world’s most productive cork-growing area and employs around 60,000 workers to grow, tend, and harvest the cork. Take a cork trekking tour to learn about the local industry, or opt for some wine tasting, countryside walks, horseback riding, or visits to any number of storybook villages. Just up the road from Imani Country House, you can visit the Almendres Cromlech, a megalithic complex featuring cromlech and menhir stones thought to have originated in 6000 BC. Reminiscent of a miniature Stonehenge, you have the privilege of circling the perimeter of the stones on foot from just a foot or two away. Be sure to stay on the path and refrain from touching the stones.
Whether you’re looking for a rejuvenating retreat or a small taste of the Alentejo region’s agricultural riches, Imani County House offers a tranquil getaway for travelers of all types. While the country’s bustling cities get much of the attention and glory, the Portuguese countryside is truly not to be missed.
When to Visit:
The inland zones of Alentejo get quite hot and dry in the summer months, with temperatures often reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For more temperate weather, consider traveling in the winter or during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. If you’re comfortable with a bit of rain, winter can be a very pleasant time to visit Alentejo. Winters are mild, and while days can be cool and wet, sunny days are often interspersed.
Getting to Imani Country House:
Imani Country House is an easy one-and-a-half-hour drive from Lisbon, meaning the easiest way to reach the hotel is to fly into Lisbon, rent a car, and make the short trip out to Alentejo.
Comments