For years, I have traveled across Europe in search of the most fascinating accommodations, exploring places where hospitality blends seamlessly with the charm of the local territory. I have had the privilege of immersing myself in the timeless beauty of Italian, French, and Northern European destinations, discovering the talent of local entrepreneurs who transform their passion into spaces where elegance, warmth, and altruism coexist in perfect harmony.

This time my journey took me to Portugal, specifically the Alentejo region, a land I know well. While in the past I had mostly explored the coastal side, the Alentejo Litoral, this time I ventured inland and discovered new nuances of this region steeped in tradition and history. The name “Alentejo” literally means “beyond the Tejo”, the great river that separates Lisbon from Almada, where the statue of Cristo Rei stands tall as a symbol of protection and hope for the city. Two majestic bridges connect Lisbon to the Alentejo: the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the 25 de Abril Bridge. The journey began at Lisbon Airport and just an hour later, after crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge, I found myself in the heart of the Alentejo, at my destination–the exclusive country estate Castelo Ventoso.

Castelo Ventoso is a place imbued with history and transformation. Once a monastery, its ancient church, which once welcomed monks, now serves as an elegant living room. When I arrived, I realised this experience would be unlike any other. What made it truly unique was the warm welcome I received from the owners, who decided to share this experience with me, making my stay truly magical. It’s here that the concept of “A Place We Like”–a format I’ve been promoting for years with C41 Magazine–finds its most authentic expression. It embodies the very reason I began this journey: the sheer pleasure of sharing time with strangers who, like me, have a deep respect for beauty, architecture, and nature. Tomas, Vicky, and Annabelle made me feel completely at home from the beginning. Needless to say, Castelo Ventoso reminded me of a ‘Masseria’, which is the traditional rural estate of Italy’s Puglia region.

However, the estate is surrounded by three hundred hectares of cork trees, reflecting the predominant agriculture of the Alentejo, in addition to its renowned wine production. Tomas, with his elegant charisma, is a true agricultural entrepreneur and passionate hunter. During my stay, he shared the history of the monastery and explained how his love of hunting inspired him to invest in this extraordinary land. His family, the Ramos, has been one of Portugal’s leading wine producers for decades. Annabelle, Tomas’ wife, adds an artistic dimension to the experience. A French artist with Sicilian roots, she allows us to see Castelo Ventoso through her eyes, with her artwork adorning the walls of this magnificent estate. The property has only eight rooms, each with unique historical elements, creating a balance between tradition and comfort. Then there is Vicky, a Dutch woman who is at the heart of the estate hospitality. Here, welcoming guests is not just a business –it is a family affair where every detail exudes authenticity and warmth. It is this family touch that makes this place special.

To make each experience unique, they rent the estate as a whole, like a private property where you can stay with friends, family, and groups. The owners live their business with passion, creating an authentic space where the lives of travelers and locals intersect. Together, they craft days filled with wine, culture, and gastronomy, enriched by a genuine sense of connection. What struck me most, however, was the involvement of the owner’s children, who offered a refreshing contrast to typical modern adolescence. They roamed the fields with their hunting dogs and engaged in games that evoked a rural world, pretending to be hunters. Through this, I came to understand that hunting here is not viewed negatively, as it often is elsewhere, but rather as an ancestral practice. It is a tradition that binds generations together, a rite that transmits family heritage and values. We could only respect this culture, deeply rooted in centuries of tradition.

This experience captures the essence of “A Place We Like.” As a traveller, I found myself in an exclusive country estate that felt like true home. I ventured out only briefly to visit the nearby city of Évora. The capital of the Alentejo region and central Portugal, Évora is known for its scorching summer heat and unique charm. It is a city where Portuguese culture and tradition meet a small but curious segment of tourists–enough to keep it lively, but not overwhelming. Adding to its appeal is its proximity to the sea: just a 30-minute drive brings you to the coast, making the Alentejo a mosaic of diverse experiences.

“A Place We Like” A Place We Like exists to tell the stories of places like this that become much more than just a destination. It is a refuge that blends seamlessly with local culture. At Castelo Ventoso, this spirit is palpable in every moment, making the experience not only memorable but deeply
authentic.