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
| www. portugal-life. net | Summer 2012 | 37