Sleep Like a King in a Portuguese Pousada

 

What is a Pousada?

Pousadas of Portugal, Paradores of Spain, and French Chateaux are all essentially the same thing: palaces, castles, convents and other historic buildings converted into luxury hotels. You can literally sleep like a king in one of the palaces or castles turned into hotels. I’ve recently come to the conclusion that this category of hotels is my absolute favourite and I’m here to tell you why.

 

 

Pousadas are usually small to medium-sized, giving an intimate, exclusive feel. More than a bed to sleep, they curate the best the region has to offer. From the location, service, tours and activities, to the food and wine. Aiming for the perfect balance between past and present, old and new, quality and value.

 

 

This wonderful concept emerged in the 1920s in Spain as a way to preserve important historic buildings that would otherwise have deteriorated into ruin. Specifically, by repurposing and converting them into hotels, they are able to finance their preservation, and also share them with visitors from around the world.

 

 

It was formally set up in Portugal in the 1940s and in France in the 1950s. Over time, the concept has evolved from preserving historic structures to include the preservation of local heritage, culture and environment.

 

 

The Pestana Group

Portuguese pousadas were state-owned until 2003 when the Pestana hotel group bought the concession. Today, there are 34 pousadas across Portugal divided into four categories: historic, design, charm and nature.

 

 

Historic and design refers to the type of renovation, from restoration to full redesign. As well as the interior decoration, ranging from antique to more artistic and contemporary. Charm and nature refer more to the atmosphere and location. Such as unique towns, nature retreats, countryside or coastal locations.

 

 

You can find information about Portuguese pousadas on the Pestana website. Including different deals for the length of stay, early bookings, half board, and seniors. In fact, the prices are better than you might expect.

 

 

There are many different pousadas throughout the country, from the wine valleys of Porto in the north all the way down to the Algarve in the south. A road trip is one of the best ways to discover Portugal. You can drive from Porto to Faro in just five hours, with much to see along the way.

 

 

Choosing a Pousada

Luxury hotels come in all shapes and sizes, which can be a bit like comparing apples with oranges. There is no global standard for awarding stars. Most countries set their own guidelines, based on things like room size, provision of 24-hour room service or business facilities.

 

 

As a result, I’ve come to find that hotel chains and associations are a far better and more useful differentiator than stars. The Palacio de Estoi, for example, is both a Pousada and member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World – accreditations I look for when choosing a hotel.

 

 

In France, the pousada equivalent is privately managed by Relais & Chateaux, (which if you’re a reader of my blog, you’ll know I swear by) as well as a few other independent companies. Of course, many European countries are also well-known for their centuries-old historic hotels. But their ownership and management structures are usually different and not under a single group like in Portugal and Spain.

 

 

The right hotel also depends on whether you are traveling for business or pleasure. Although big hotel chains fit my business travel needs perfectly, they don’t even come close when it’s for pleasure. When I travel to a new place, the last thing I want is a replica of the place I’ve just left. I travel to experience the country I’m visiting and to immerse myself. In the culture, heritage, landscape, architecture, and cuisine. That is exactly what a pousada stay is all about.

 

 

Photo Credits: Pestana Group