Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal

Thanks to Pedro Ornelas and his recommendation (I`ll get to Pedro later), we were delighted to be able to book this fantastic rural location on the outskirts of the Peneda Gerês National Park near Arcos de Valdevez.

GET GROUNDED

Originally from a quite different background to Ecotourism, João Serodio has successfully and almost single-handedly converted a wild plot of land into a peaceful haven for all guests looking to visit this beautiful region of Portugal. Up until a few years ago, João was in the Textile Industry (possibly the reason why he is so good at making beds ) when he quite rightly made a wise decision. The realisation, that there is more to life than racing the stressful FAST LANE in which he was previously encaptured.

This is surely one of the many reasons why Quinta Lamosa is not simply your typical holiday location. The secluded but central position and the personal treatment you receive here, make this destination so special.

If Quinta-Hopping as we were, it`s also an excellent homebase for visiting many of the – highly recommended – Wine Producers in the Vinho Verde Region of Portugal. 

See my winery recommendations below, for more Info.

 

A visit to the nearby waterfalls at Pogo Negro and/or a drive to Sistelo are worth at least a small mention. We did both, thanks to João`s recommendations, and we had a lovely day out. Before jumping into the freezing but clear spring waters, we visited – also on recommendation – a small but very friendly and uncomplicated restaurant nearby.

The service and food at Restaurante Saber ao Borralho owned by Pedro Oliveira were super, also notably well priced for both quantity and quality. A must visit, if you are in the area .

Quinta Lamosa is great for all travellers: whether you are single, on a honeymoon, a family of four or a digital nomal looking for a place to work and connect with likeminded human-beings, here, you can and will relax.

João personally makes sure you are comfortable, have everything you need and will happily point you in the right direction – be it for sightseeing, walking, swimming or dining. There`s loads of information on his
Homepage and if you don`t find what you are looking for, all you need to do is ask. He even has a boat which unfortunately whilst we were there, had just done its final flight of the year, but if you show an interest, he will gladly take you out on the high seas of Portugal and beyond – food and wine inclusive. This is on my personal Bucket-List for 2025 – CHECK!

The accommodation itself is a real home from home. With a kitchen, your own lounge, bathroom (in some cases,two) and huge balcony you can really spread out. There`s even a wood burner if you are staying “out of season”. In comparison to those en-suite hotel rooms where you can`t even turn around in the toilet, let alone have enough room to put your suitcase down, or a wardrobe in which to empty it, at Quinta Lamosa chances are, you`ll get lost! The same applies for the grounds.Each house, be it a treehouse or a lodge has loads of outdoor space and hence, plenty of privacy.

We loved the garden around our treehouse, the calming sound of the stream, nature saying good night in the evening and the bird-call greeting early morning. We grounded here, even in the bow of the hammock and yes, despite my weight…

Although João doesn`t run a five-star restaurant on the premises, breakfast and snacks are easily organised and delicious!

Our breakfast, ordered in advance for two guests, was delivered to the treehouse daily, punctually and more than ample. There are at least two good restaurants within a ten-minute drive who serve tasty food. Our favourite was Bar do Rio – a lovely setting by the river.

Our waiter – he served us on more than one occasion – possibly had a split-personality but was very entertaining and obviously desperate to teach us Portuguese. More importantly: the wine-list came up trumps .

Although immersed in rural charm, Quinta Lamosa is neither naff, nor rustic. Fixtures and fittings are of a high and tasteful quality, a combination of modern comfort and the warmth of natural materials and pricewise, highly reasonable. The pool, although not heated, is a cooling welcome both at the crack of dawn, as of an evening. We loved it here and I am seriously considering spending some off-season writing time there. João, be warned!

Appetiser: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvV9swwsxMbBtrUgeG7L7YQ

Dear João, thank you so much for your genuinely warm welcome and for being so accommodating. I can`t wait to come back!

For more information, please contact João directly at: Quinta Lamosa
João Serodio
Lugar da Zebra, Gondoriz
4970-182 Arcos de Valdevez
Tel.: +351 914 509 049

He will answer almost immediately, presuming he isn`t hoisting his sail!

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