L’AND Vineyards – Relais & Châteaux

First Impressions

When I first drove up to L’AND Vineyards – Relais & Châteaux, honestly, I wasn’t prepared for just how stunning this place would be. Set among rolling vineyards in the Alentejo region, this five-star luxury retreat feels like someone’s incredibly sophisticated private estate — which, in many ways, it is. The contemporary architecture blends seamlessly with the ancient landscape, and you know what? It actually works better than those glossy photos suggest.

Location & Setting

About an hour’s drive east of Lisbon, Montemor-o-Novo sits in Portugal’s wine heartland, and L’AND takes full advantage of this. The property sprawls across 66 hectares of vineyards, cork oak forests, and olive groves — it’s the kind of place where you lose track of time just wandering the grounds. What I really appreciated was how they’ve preserved the natural landscape while creating something undeniably luxurious. The views from almost everywhere on the property are just… well, they’re pretty spectacular.

The Accommodations

Each room here is actually more like a private villa, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the vineyard views perfectly. The interiors strike this perfect balance between modern design and Portuguese heritage — think sleek lines mixed with traditional azulejo tiles and locally crafted furniture. Most suites come with private terraces and some have their own pools, which honestly feels a bit indulgent but in the best possible way. The attention to detail is impressive, from the premium linens to the locally sourced bath products.

Culinary Excellence & Amenities

The restaurant showcases what Alentejo cuisine can be when you have access to the finest local ingredients and serious culinary talent. Chef José Julio Santos creates dishes that feel both innovative and deeply rooted in the region — the wine pairings alone are worth the trip. Beyond dining, there’s a world-class spa that incorporates local wine therapy treatments (I mean, when in wine country, right?), and the infinity pool overlooking the vineyards is where you’ll probably spend more time than you planned.

Why Guests Love It

What sets L’AND apart isn’t just the luxury — though that’s certainly present — it’s how they’ve created this sense of place that feels authentically Portuguese while maintaining international sophistication. The horseback riding through the vineyards and cork forests is absolutely magical, especially at sunset when the light hits those rolling hills just right. It’s the kind of experience that makes you want to extend your stay, and honestly, most guests do exactly that.