03 JUL 2019: It seems everywhere you turn these days someone is talking about Portugal. They’ve been. They’re going. They’re planning on going. Short stays. Long stays. Snowbirds. Great food. Good wine. Port (of course). Music. Lisbon. Porto. The Algarve. Cities. Countryside. Beaches. Great value. Portugal. Portugal. Portugal.
So, when invited recently to a reception at the Consul General of Portugal’s offices in Toronto, there was no thought of declining. It was an opportunity to learn more about this suddenly oh-so-hot destination and also to meet a Count – who does that every day?
But first, I should correct myself – Portugal is not suddenly ‘hot’ – Canadians know this is a destination that has been heating up for some time – for all the reasons I touched on above, and also for the friendliness of the people and the warm welcome Canadians receive.
Count Francisco de Calheiros is president of Solares de Portugal – a network of 120 Manor Houses that offers something different when it comes to accommodation for travellers. He’s everything you would expect of a European Count – suave, sophisticated and charming – he admitted that this was his first visit to Canada (though he promised to visit again) and that his purpose here was to convince Canadians to visit his home country.
The countries are ‘so close’ he said, vaguely indicating a distance of about two feet, and the number of flights between Canada and Portugal so frequent, that getting there is easy and is all the more reason we should visit each other more often.
Solares de Portugal, the Count explained, has been offering Manor House accommodation for about 30 years. These are not hotels or inns, as we could see clearly from the slide presentation. They are family homes that have been meticulously renovated and maintained.
Situated throughout Portugal including the Algarve, Maderia and the Azores, these are beautifully decorated homes that showcase the country’s history, art and architecture.
The homes are divided into four groups, which reflect differing experiences for their guests. All offer house-keeping and breakfast.
Guests can choose from:
Casa Antigas
These are elegant manor houses and country estates most often originating from the 17th and 18th Centuries. Their architecture is of great heritage significance and the various styles reflect distinct chapters in the history of Portugal. Casas Antigas offers period furniture, family heirlooms and several well-known and valued works of art. Guests may stay in the main house with the host family, or if preferred, some houses have adjacent cottages where visitors may still enjoy the family atmosphere.
Quintas e Herdades
These agricultural farms and estates, within a rural setting and atmosphere, offer main houses with architectural styles that range from the classic to the rustic.
Casas Rústicas
Casas Rústicas are distinguished by their simple architectural style, which uses regional materials. Usually smaller than some of the others, they are simple and practical, yet comfortably furnished. Located in the heart of rural villages or within farms, they offer an excellent opportunity to appreciate the peace and tranquility of country life.
Casas no Campo
These carefully selected country houses and villas in stunning locations have been painstakingly restored, converted and updated to high standards – this is an opportunity for a more private, intimate, bespoke holiday. To the standard provision of house-keeping and breakfast, the exclusive services of driver, cook, babysitter, massage, restaurants and a wide range of activities can be arranged.
Activities that can be organized include, horse riding, golfing, canoeing, rowing, sailing, sea-angling, garden visits, local cookery or folk dancing, walking or cycling off-road treks. There are also popular and innovative activities for children and teenagers.
Count de Calheiros explained that the Solares de Portugal is not for everyone; they are not a mass-market product. These are customized, personalized experiences for travellers and small groups wishing an exceptional and unique experience as they discover Portugal.
Perhaps it’s time for a visit!