Meraki #2 EN - Convento do Espinheiro

MERAKI Hotels & Fine Dining

CONVENTO DO ESPINHEIRO Heritage of luxury and tradition Visual Stories by Carla Branco | Story #2

Convento do Espinheiro Heritage of luxury and tradition Fascinating for its history and authentic for its charm. This Historic Hotel & Spa has won numerous awards and is clearly one of the best luxury hotels in the world! The space is blessed by the beauty of the landscape that surrounds it, by its people and by the tradition that happily insists on resisting time. It is located just two kilometers from Évora and is an old 15th century convent, currently classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

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Convento do Espinheiro Historic Hotel & Spa is undoubtedly a national and international reference in luxury hospitality. When we enter this five stars we feel the magnificence of the space that carries a whole experience over several centuries.

The comfort and well-being in Alentejo thus reaches an authentic and inspiring level.

With a total of 90 rooms, including historic, modern, junior suite and master suite.

Customers can select their favorite ambience and decide between a new wing room, with modern decor inspired by the fifties or a luxuriously decorated convent room.

The common denominator is the comfort and refinement of each space. A true passion for excellent service that culminates in exceeding our expectations.

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The hotel also offers a wide range of facilities such as the Divinus Restaurant, former monks' cellar where we can taste delicious Alentejo specialties, a Bar next to the magnificent Manueline cloisters and a wine cellar, “Cisterna Wine Bar”, located in the former cistern of the convent where the sommelier Álvaro Grilo conducts free wine tasting for guests.

There we find over 250 different wine references, including sparkling wines, champagnes, rosés, whites and reds.

For other leisure moments, the hotel also has the Diana SPA, whose treatments provide tranquility and well-being.

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Also not to be missed is the indoor pool overlooking the garden, the Gym, the Sauna, the Tepidárium, the Jacuzzi and an outdoor pool that includes the relaxed Aqua Lounge Pool Bar. During the stay we took the opportunity to stroll through the eight hectares of endless landscape and discover some corners that do not cease to amaze us, such as the case of an olive tree that is over 1000 years old and that still supplies olive oil today! After the tour, there is nothing like a late afternoon at the “Pulpitus” Bar where we can enjoy a generous wine list, gins, whiskeys, liqueurs, caipirinhas, margaritas and refreshing champagne cocktails such as “Kir Royal” or “Rossini ”.

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In view of all this involvement, there is a lot of curiosity in knowing the history of this place and discovering who spent there many centuries before us. For example, to know that the current Piano Room was once the monks' banquet room.

Here we travel back in time and we are lucky to be able to visit magnificent historic areas classified as a National Monument: the Church of Nossa Senhora do Espinheiro and the Chapel of Garcia de Resende (where the poet is buried), which in addition to deserving a mandatory visit, today it is still the stage for some classical music concerts and the chosen place for mass and wedding celebrations.

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We learned that the Convent of Nossa Senhora do Espinheiro was frequently visited by our kings, who were very devoted to the Virgin and therefore gave her great gifts and privileges. That devotion is still visible today in this grand chapel that is part of the convent, abandoned from 1850 until 1955, when it was the target of a major restoration and which is currently recovered almost entirely for the benefit of all who visit it.

Enjoying the presence of the convent of Nossa Senhora do Espinheiro in Portuguese history, we find that those stones that still contemplate us today in the solitude of the plain, saw many illustrious characters parade and witnessed the longings and behavior of many who preceded us. Kings, princes, prelates, great lords and great ladies of the court, who for their devotion and generosity, made the convent a center of irradiation and refuge, so we can consider it inextricably linked not only to the city of Évora, but also and with greater breadth to the life of the Portuguese court. And how lucky we are to be able to visit and enjoy these spaces that are part of us and illustrate our historical greatness in the most diverse senses.

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DIVINUS The freshness of Alentejo We went to the Divinus restaurant to try Chef Jorge Peรงas's Tasting Menu which makes a brilliant use of traditional Alentejo products with Spring / Summer notes, creating an authentic magic of flavors that even the most demanding palates will not be able to resist.

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It is not the first time that we have visited Divinus and each presence is highly justified because it is always worthwhile. This is undoubtedly one of the best Alentejo cuisines where all prepared dishes require love, imagination and art. In this sense, chef Jorge Peças and his team prepared a menu where simple products and traditional dishes intersect with the taste and pleasure of eating in a full cultural act. A menu that rewards fresh and aromatic flavors without losing the essence of Alentejo.

The atmosphere is elegant and has a privileged location within a historic place, Convento do Espinheiro, built in the 15th century.

They are memorable spaces, spaces with history and spaces that tell stories that go on for hundreds of years and that span multiple generations of dedication and passion.

The space provides a current perspective that perfectly combines the Portuguese tradition and the sophistication of enjoying a memorable meal with family or friends, where “The Usual Snacks� never fail and reflect the genuine flavors of Alentejo cuisine.

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Feel the freshness on the palate, ideal for the hottest days to come. Never losing the authenticity of Portuguese cuisine, the Divinus menu leaves nothing to chance and surprises by the freshness and acidity at the right point with a perfect balance of flavors.

There are many options and it is diďŹƒcult to choose. Whatever the option, you will certainly not be disappointed. If you are a vegetarian, know that you also have several options available.

Authenticity is maintained throughout the tasting. White wines, fresh, and reds, intense, will be present and intensify the flavors.

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Each time you visit the Divinus, it is essential to save a space to taste the magnificent desserts. Any of them is to eat and cry for more! There are classic combinations that do not change over time for the simple reason that they are perfect. With each spoonful we discover surprises, new textures and flavors.

The menu brings together perfect symbiosis, with an intensity and variety of unique aromas and flavors. We leave the invitation to embark on this traditional and author's gastronomic journey and taste the traditional flavors of local cuisine. It is guaranteed that each meal will become a “Divinus� moment!

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MERAKI Hotels & Fine Dining

Text CARLA BRANCO Photos CONVENTO DO ESPINHEIRO & CARLA BRANCO Story #2 August 2020 www.conventodoespinheiro.com

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