São Lourenço do Barrocal Launches New Nature Programme in the Alentejo

Luxury

A landscape of ancient holm oaks, olive groves and wildflowers, the new experience will showcase the natural wonders on the historic family estate’s doorstep, from the breathtaking array of birdlife to the flourishing native flora.

Guests will begin with a birding tour, guided by resident ornithologist Nuno Guégués. With three hours to discover a world of colours, chirping and flight modes, guests will have the chance to spot the 75 species of resident birdlife, including the azure-winged magpies, cranes, lapwings, goldfinches and hoopoes.

São Lourenço do Barrocal Launches New Nature Programme in the Alentejo 4

Birds being the best barometer of seasonal change in the Alentejo, guests will also spot various migrating species from Northern Europe and North Africa. The experience will take guests through Barrocal’s 780-hectares, before heading out of the estate to the surrounding ‘montado’ landscape and vast Alqueva Lake.

São Lourenço do Barrocal Launches New Nature Programme in the Alentejo 5

To uncover the diverse flora on the estate, the next day Nuno will take guests on a seven-kilometre ethnobotanical hike, discovering local medicinal, aromatic and edible plants, including blue hound’s tongue, Spanish lavender and wild leek.

São Lourenço do Barrocal Launches New Nature Programme in the Alentejo 6
An opportunity to discover a world of colours.

The walk will also introduce guests to the Alentejo’s most beautiful flowers, such as the pink butterfly orchid and the laudanum. Thanks to his upbringing, Nuno is in a great position to talk guests through the ancestral regional uses and customs of each species.

As dusk falls, guests can unwind in the Susanne Kaufmann Spa for an indulgent, results-driven spa treatment, using the local herbs and flowers seen earlier in the day. Guests also have access to the monastic relaxation room, hydrotherapy room with cedarwood bathtub, dry saunas and fitness studio.

On the last day, guests will emanate Barrocal’s farm-to-fork philosophy through a foraging experience of their own. Taken out by the resident chef, guests will collect an array of vegetables, fruits and herbs all grown in the estate’s organic garden, before returning to the restaurant for a private cooking lesson, using the ingredients they find.

To book: The Wildlife Wonders of the Alentejo package starts from £1,435 for two people including three nights accommodation in a Farm Room, daily breakfast, three-hour birding tour, ethnobotanical hike, one spa treatment and a culinary foraging experience.

São Lourenço do Barrocal Launches New Nature Programme in the Alentejo 7

For more information visit www.barrocal.pt.

For more travel articles similar to this, visit our dedicated section here.

Luxurious Magazine luxury travel

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

Homelessness charity faces £2m council funding cut
Girlguiding to continue overseas activities
Business Charity Awards shortlist 2024 announced
Actor/Author Todd Bridges Guests On Harvey Brownstone Interviews
Charity Finance Group ‘turns corner’ after three years of deficits

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *