Set in the heart of the Alentejo, Quinta do Paral offers an exquisite experience to ease the mind; a place where you can escape to the peaceful countryside
If there is one luxury the Alentejo is known for, it is its peace and tranquillity. With vineyards, cork forests, and olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see, this region is where those in the know escape to enjoy a slower pace of life.
The need to add discreet luxury to this simplicity to create the ultimate countryside retreat was evident to German businessman Dieter Morszeck. The former president and grandson of the founder of the luxury suitcase brand Rimowa (now part of the LVMH group) divides his time between business in Switzerland and the United States and, more recently, winemaking in Vidigueira.
An entrepreneur with an innovative mind and a great passion for aeroplanes and wine, he fell in love with the Alentejo, where he acquired Quinta do Paral in 2017.
With this 85-hectare estate, he made his dream come true: combining vineyards, nature and luxury wine hospitality in the heart of the region.
Dieter Morszeck started with the wine production, redesigning the property’s existing winery with the support of winemaker Luís Morgado Leão.
From the onset, preserving the Alentejo and Vidigueira’s wine culture drove the Quinta do Paral project, focusing on sustainably producing unique wines as well as excellent olive oils.
With 56 hectares of vineyards, 13 of which are old vines, Luís Leão produces superior wines that express Vidigueira’s unmistakable character.
To do so, he blends national varieties such as Arinto, Antão Vaz, Perrum, Aragonês, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Grossa that grow alongside international varieties such as Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Vermentino.
Once the wine production was established, the Quinta do Paral Boutique Wine Hotel was created.
The entrepreneur envisaged it as “a place for wine lovers to discover the unique Quinta do Paral wines in an environment of beauty and tranquillity”.
The project comprises 22 luxurious rooms, three distinct gastronomic spaces, an infinity pool, a boutique fitness centre with state-of-the-art machinery, a large events room, and vast gardens to stroll through.
Inaugurated last June, the hotel soon integrated the Leading Hotels of the World chain. “From the beginning, the Quinta do Paral project was designed with great care to maintain respect for traditions and our local culture. In wine production, we care for our old vineyards and preserve biodiversity. We are sustainable and support the healthy development of agriculture, vineyards, and olive groves,” explains the hotel’s General Manager, Sofia Moreira.
“When we started the hotel project, it was no different; everything was well thought out. We sought to maintain the structure of existing buildings and minimise human intervention as much as possible,” she explains, particularly the 19th-century manor house and its charming interior patio with a fountain.
The architectural refurbishment and interior design project, created by Lisbon’s renowned Saraiva + Associados architects, focuses on sophistication, serenity, balance, and freshness.
The project highlights some identifying elements of Alentejano architecture, such as Roman-style brick arcades, whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles, and traditional geometric trellises, in a harmonious symphony between contemporary and local culture and tradition.
“We believe true luxury lies in simplicity and small details,” explains Sofia. Every room, from the Superior rooms, with expansive panoramic views of the estate, to the Signature Suites, with a fireplace and separate living room, was carefully designed to provide excellent comfort and deep relaxation.
The decoration is based on neutral tones, predominantly wooden furniture, some leather details and other noble materials, exclusive design pieces, and unique wine-inspired works of art personalised by the artist David Reis Pinto.
Complementing this understated luxury are amenities such as a Sonos wireless sound system, exquisite toiletries from the iconic Omani high perfumery brand Amouage, luxury textile bedding, and even a tea blend tailor-made for Quinta do Paral, which combines the prominent aromas of the Alentejo.
Reflecting the region and its culture, the hotel’s gastronomic offer was developed to celebrate the traditions and flavours of the Alentejo, with black pork and lamb and herbs such as pennyroyal and coriander used in dishes such as açorda and gaspacho.
It offers three different settings where guests can enjoy meals in tranquil and sophisticated ambiances.
The Estate Lounge, in the hotel’s old manor house, overlooking the pool, is where breakfast is served, and guests can enjoy snacks and light meals throughout the day.
The Grape Rooftop is where you can enjoy exquisite sunsets over the vines whilst savouring regional bites accompanied by Quinta do Paral’s unique wines.
The Wine Restaurant, in the hotel’s modern wing, is led by consultant chef José Júlio Vintém. Its intimate and welcoming environment, decorated in earthy tones, rattan chairs, low lighting and terracotta pots in little nooks, sets the tone for a leisurely meal. For this unique setting, the Alentejano chef created a menu based on seasonal ingredients that highlight the region’s typical flavours and elevate Portuguese comfort food to another level. Every dish was created to be paired with a Quinta do Paral wine, all of which are displayed in a massive floor-to-ceiling glass wine cellar.
Making a stay at Quinta do Paral even more unforgettable are its incredible experiences centred on wine, gastronomy, and the region’s culture.
These include classic wine tastings, private dining experiences, cooking workshops, and picnics in the countryside, as well as unique experiences in the vineyard, such as horse riding or stargazing on an idyllic Balinese bed.
And if that was not enough, going beyond its five-star status, the hotel offers guests unique services: a personalised butler throughout your stay and an exclusive shuttle service on the estate’s private jet.
The stylish Pilatus PC-12 is on call to pick guests up anywhere and fly them to the Alentejo, where it lands at Beja Airport, just 20 minutes from Quinta do Paral.
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