Meraki #1 EN - L'AND Vineyards

MERAKI Hotels & Fine Dining

L’AND VINEYARDS Unique tranquility retreat Visual Stories by Carla Branco | Story #1

L’AND VINEYARDS Unique tranquility retreat

L’AND Vineayrds is undoubtedly one of the most unique spaces that I had the opportunity to visit. A five-star wine resort that functions as a genuine homage to the Alentejo landscape and the eternal magic of wine. Noteworthy is the Sky View Suite concept, the spa, the wine tasting and a unique gastronomy made by chef Nuno Amaral.

I am a few kilometers from Montemor-o-Novo, in the heart of Alentejo. In the air you can feel the tranquility and a breeze that announces the arrival of a spring time. Before my eyes, the castle of the medieval village, a stream of vineyards, olive groves and an artificial lake in the background, complementing a perfect setting.

The contrast with the rural world is made through modern architecture with a vintage touch, by the Brazilian architect Mรกrcio Kogan, evident in the interior and exterior spaces, decorated with original pieces of art that translate into a sober and simple luxury decoration in detail.

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As I strolled around the grounds in the late afternoon, a gentle harmony invaded me. In the distance the sound of nature, the song of birds and in front of us a small rabbit keeps me company. How many times do we have the opportunity to stop for a while and live these little moments? Mid-afternoon was held at the L’AND VinothÊrapie spa and the end of the day was reserved for the L’AND restaurant.

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Chef Nuno Amaral, who has 15 years of experience, is a gastronomic genius who embraces Portuguese culture through the use of unique products from the region, land and sea. The L'AND Tasting Menu is truly creative and talented and gives its own identity and a true experience that is told as if it were a story - with beginning, middle and end - where all the pieces interconnect in a natural and with meaning.

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All the dishes, carefully elaborated and visually appealing, have a rich, distinct and balanced flavor, with some of the ingredients coming from Organic Agriculture.

Noteworthy are Mackerel with dill, fennel and caviar, Mullet with white asparagus, saffron and mint from the riverside and São Tomé and Príncipe Chocolate with biscuits, peanuts and raspberries. Also of note is the professionalism and friendliness of the sommelier Gonçalo Mendes, in charge of Wine Harmonization.

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And this being a space where the vineyard is predominant, covering six hectares of production, we could not fail to visit the Adega L'AND and the Wine Club, a very original project that allows all owners and guests of the hotel to become wine producers with bottles and respective personalized labels.

And it was with the winemaker Margarida Barrancos Vieira, responsible for Wine Tasting at the winery, that I had the opportunity to carry out an unprecedented experience for me, making my own wine through the mixture of different grape varieties: Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Syrah. It was a good time for relaxation and learning. But there are other experiences at L’AND such as a balloon trip in the Alentejo sky, trying a glider flight or taking a horse ride on the estate.

Upon returning home, after an excellent breakfast, we feel renewed energies, a unique experience that is worth repeating. This is undoubtedly a special place that embraces nature and deserves to be visited at different times of the year.

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SPA L’AND VINOTHÉRAPIE

By Caudalie

It is set around a central vineyard valley and is surprisingly relaxing, just as a good spa should be. There are 800 square meters of serene environment where the ingredients based on vine and wine predominate, valued for their antioxidant properties that contribute to beauty, well-being and vitality. I went to try one of the signature treatments, the Caudalie Massage, which lasts 50 minutes.

We enter the spa and immediately feel a very pleasant aroma that attracts us. Therapist Sofia Tapiço, explained to me that it is the Fleur de VigneŽ aroma, based on toasted wood and organic essential oils. Designed by the Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the atmosphere is low light and the decoration based on soft natural stone and wood predominates, giving it a warm and luxurious atmosphere.

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We feel good energy. The tranquility of the Alentejo helps us to feel even more relaxed. We know that in the middle of the rush that we walk every day, these little pieces of time in which caring for us can be highly decisive in our health and wellbeing. It may be just for an hour or even an entire day but the important thing is to relax. Leave worries behind and enjoy true zen moments in what are considered the best spas in our country and this is undoubtedly one of them, nominated for the World Luxury Spa Awards in 2017.

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The spa oers several à la Carte Treatments, which are divided into excellent body and facial treatments, all in an atmosphere of tranquility, luxury and sophistication.

During my stay, I took the opportunity to get to know the Caudalie Massage, which lasts 50 minutes.

This is a signature massage par excellence, based on the best pressure and modeling techniques, it can be relaxing or invigorating. We let ourselves be involved by the touch and the relaxing music and in the end the objective was fulfilled, I was able to relieve tensions and energize the energies. We can also complement the treatment with the sauna or a relaxing bath in the heated indoor pool.

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It is not surprising that, while we are surrounded by vineyards, the use of grape-based ingredients is prevalent in the treatments and some of them arouse a lot of curiosity: Honey and Wine Wrap, Grape marc bath, Red vine bath, Vinoperfect treatment or Crushed Cabernet Exfoliation - an exfoliant based on grape seeds, honey, dark sugar and essential oils, among others.

But there is much more to discover in this space of tranquility: a romantic massage for two, relaxing in the vineyard garden and in the outdoor pool, yoga, pilates, reiki, sound sessions with Tibetan bowls, try a meditation session or a detox program exclusive and adapted to each person.

On my part, the desire was to return, but next time, ensure that I can extend the stay for longer.

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MERAKI Hotels & Fine Dining

Text CARLA BRANCO Photos L’AND VINEYARDS Story #1 July 2020 www.l-and.com

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