Just over an hour from Lisbon, away from the hustle and bustle just outside the whitewashed town of Arraiolos you'll find this 'pousada' nestling in valley overlooked by a fort and flanked by a lake, hills, trees, sheep and vineyards . It was glorious.

Having been to a few Paradors (Spain) and Pousadas (Portugal) we were more than impressed with the twist taken with this hotels meticulous restoration. As with all the Pousadas, it still maintained the unique feeling of staying in somewhere different (in this case a former nun's convent), but unlike many of the other renovations it took a risk and combined a very modern feel with the 'olde world'. Big flagstones, but modern smooth cuts, whitewashed, with deep blues picking out quirks in the architecture, lovely comfy beds, but not a creek of age. But what probably hasn't changed much in the 100's of years since the Pousada was built are the panoramic views. Breathtaking.

The food, again in keeping with Pousada tradition was from the area and the staff are keen to share it's history, encouraging tastes (even for different breakfast experiences). Local wines are also very reasonable in taste and price. Nothing disappointed.

The bar had all the cocktails you need and if there was a small hangover to be had, you can always pray for it to disappear in the wonderous chapel that sits close by the door.

This is an adult's hotel, but we brought our small baby and were not made feel bad. We were given a cot and all the doting attention that made our welcome just that bit more special. Older kids would love the wild rambling of the surrounding countryside and of course the pool overlooking it all.

This is a special place to stay and the price is unnaturally reasonable for such quality.