SPA BARROCAL

The middle of the countryside is not your typical destination where to beautify. On the other hand, everything about Spa Barrocal, and the resort that hosts it, the Hotel São Lourenço do Barrocal, in the enchanting Portuguese region of Alentejo, is out of the ordinary. Located in the vicinity of the Alqueva lake, and set amidst olive groves, vineyard and ancient oak trees, the resort is hosted by a former farming village, part of a grand estate in the same family for 8 generations. Oozing understated luxury, the hotel features a winery producing premium wines, a restaurant serving fresh organic farm-to-table cuisine (the resort has its own organic garden), stables with a riding ring (but rides across the estate are recommended), a bar in a former olive mill, an outdoor pool, and a boutique selling local crafts. The farm rooms, suites and cottages are exquisitely designed in rustic-chic style, equipped with luxury fittings (Egyptian cotton linens are a must) and private terraces with pergola shading, for undisturbed views of the serene countryside. If the abundance of fresh air and blissful sleep don’t do the trick, a perfect outdoorsy glow can be achieved at the Spa, the real surprise in such a rural setting. Hosted in a monastic-style structure, and boasting saunas, a hydrotherapy room with a cedar bathtub and a studio for Pilates and personal training, the wellness centre is the brainchild of Austrian beauty guru Susanne Kaufmann, known for her luxury organic line of products formulated with rare plants and herbs. Unmissable her gentle yet effective anti-aging facials, enhanced by ultrasound therapy, that wipe away any sign of dullness even from the most stressed complexion. The most indulgent? The Anti Aging Signature Treatment, that involves, apart from deep face cleansing, mild peel, deep fascia massage and a concentrated lifting mask, an aroma footbath, a soothing hand pack and a head and hand massage, for an overall sense of wellbeing (115 min, euro 219). An array of body scrubs and massages, as well as de-luxe mani-pedi treatments are also available. The One Day Beauty program, including a facial, a manicure, a foot massage and a body scrub will get you in tip top shape for the pool (euro 267). As in this highly Instagram-friendly location, you’ll always want to look your best.