CARMO ’ S BOUTIQUE | LUXURY HOTEL
“ The project has been designed and built to the highest specification ”
Eating is always enhanced by environment , so at Carmo ’ s you can be refined or informal . Take your breakfast à la carte and al fresco , by the pool or in the garden . Dine on the terrace under soft lights , but off classic Vista Alegre porcelain and locally embroidered napery . You expect room service at an hotel , but here you can enjoy space service , too !
All this is defined by a selective wine list , concentrating on the Douro and Dão regions of the North , and the Alentejo in the South , and featuring some lesser known gems like Crooked Vines and Vale de Poupa . Of course , there ’ s also a choice of the best vinhos verdes , Quinta do Ameal being one . The region of Bairrada is sometimes overlooked . In fact , it produces some very good espumantes ( champagne type ) wines . Filipa Pato is a young , up-and- coming winemaker , and her métode tradicional whites and rosés are a case in point . Drinking them in the ambient of Carmo ’ s is very appropriate .
Carmo ’ s is very proud of its programmes , offering guests a range of activities during their stay . There is the integrated programme , which includes visits to the Unesco world heritage sites at Porto , Guimarães and Santiago de Compostela . Lunches in Braga , Ponte de Lima , and Viana do Castelo , taking in historic buildings , quintas , manor houses and ancient villages . Each night , back at Carmo ’ s there is a themed dinner featuring vinho verde , Portuguese cheese and porco preto ; olive oil and Minho smoked foods , and , of course , fish and seafood . These dinners are accompanied by wine tastings , and you can also try a sparkling sangria and local malt beer . The visit to Porto , includes a cruise on the Douro , and a visit to one of the famous port cellars . The programme culminates with a spectacular Lusitano Horse Night , a gala of Portuguese equestrianism .
On offer , too , is The Equestrian Experience , which includes riding and training at the Vale do Lima Centre , the themed dinners , and , naturally , the Spa and massage rituals .
There is also the Golf programme , playing on three local courses , visiting the sights , and enjoying the sumptuous hospitality of the
hotel and its facilities . Other programmes are in the pipeline , and they are available as short breaks or over weekly stays .
In many ways , the word service sums up the Carmo ’ s experience . They pick you up and deliver you to the airport of your choice . Both Porto and Vigo are less than an hour away . Filipe is much more than front of house . He ’ s probably the most helpful major domo we ’ ve ever met , and Francisca and Opus are always courteously on-hand , adding colour and ease in their traditional dress . Then there ’ s the discreet , but pervading presence of Dona Maria . She ’ s living her dream , and is determined that visitors will enjoy every moment of their stay . Her dedication is inspiring , and her energy and eye for detail will ensure Carmo ’ s future . Get there before it becomes too popular .
For further information go to : www . carmosboutiquehotel . com Tel : + 351 914 715 989
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