Agua Hotels Mondim de Basto
Think of northern Portugal, and your mind is drawn to the vineyards of the Douro Valley or the bustle of historic Porto. Yet beyond these popular destinations lies a rugged landscapes of granite peaks and river valleys, where nature and tradition remain closely connected.
From its lofty location high on the summit of Monte de Paradela, the Agua Hotels Mondim de Basto acts as both a quiet country retreat and the gateway to Parque Natural do Alvao. This is the region of Tras-os-Montes – located Behind the Mountains which have helped to isolate this part of Portugal, and despite its proximity to Guimaraes and Vila Real, it’s a region which still offers an appealing sense of remoteness. The landscape feels wild in places, but still bears the imprint of the close-knit communities who’ve lived here for centuries, and their traditional farming practices have helped to maintain a rich diversity of wildlife and plant species.
Taking full advantage of its surroundings, Agua Hotel’s contemporary architecture is simple and uncluttered, opting for large windows and unrestricted views wherever possible to allow nature to take centre stage. The hotel has standard, deluxe and premium rooms, peaking in size with the super-spacious suites – and all rooms have balconies. There’s also the opportunity to either self-cater, or simply opt for a little more privacy: the Mountain House and the Espigueiro Villa are both two-bedroomed, and have kitchenettes for an independent stay. Whatever your preference, the Tamega Restaurant, the Figas Bar, and the indoor and outdoor swimming pools are available to all.
Including a hire car during your stay is recommended, to allow you to explore the nearby Tamega Valley and beyond. The small rural town of Mondim de Basto and the Sanctuary of Senhora da Graca are close by – ancient destinations for pilgrims which are now equally popular with road cyclist and hikers. Further afield, the aforementioned Vila Real and medieval Guimaraes are north and south of you, as is the pretty riverfront town of Amarante.
