The first three times I went to Lisbon I saw ads and brochures for L’AND Vineyards in Portugal, and serious FOMO kicked in! So the next time I had a conference in Lisbon, I planned a weekend to visit L’AND. L’AND is in the Alentejo region and markets itself as an 5 star exclusive getaway with only 26 suites and a Michelin starred restaurant. I was so excited to check it out!!!
I have to say that the rooms were nice (ok very nice), the service was decent but, overall this was a very a average and disappointing experience and I really felt like I fell for the marketing. I hate it when that happens! L’AND vineyards doesn’t really have vineyards, they have a couple of vines on the resort. So, you can take pictures to look like you are in or near the vineyards. The Michelin starred meal was not at all memorable, I say that because I honestly don’t remember a thing and my notes had nothing but a couple pictures, which tells me nothing impressed. The wine tasting was over priced and included wines that I have and did again easily taste in Lisbon for much less. So… if you are thinking of going to Portugal and want to go wine tasting and stay at or near a vineyard. I have MUCH better places for you to stay and recommendations to give you, many many of which are much cheaper and much more rewarding.
I’m sure more posts are coming on specific places, but one of them is Pousada Castelo Estremoz. In fact, I suggest the whole Pousada network; Pousadas of Portugal! In order to save and restore historical buildings the Pousadas de Portugal has taken over old convents, monasteries, palaces, and castles and turned them into absolutely beautiful and many of them reasonably priced hotels. I’ve stayed in several and every single time I feel like I’m staying somewhere special, unique, and fancy!
