Parador de Casa de Insua

Location: Portugal

Portugal´s first Parador hotel, the Casa de Insua building is a stunningly maintained 18th century manor house with baroque features. From the tastefully decorated bedrooms and suites to the small chapel, museum, the blacksmiths workshop, a proper wine cellar, two outdoor pools, a gym and wonderfully romantic gardens that boast a magnificent magnolia from the mid 19th century and an important variety of centennial camellias – you will feel you have been transported to another time. The restaurant offerings reflect this heritage with a modern twist. Look out for the hotel’s own orchard and olive grove produce on the menu, taste the wonderful cheeses produced on site and of course, the Dao wines from the hotel’s own vineyards on the grounds. Don’t forgot to try goat which is a local specialty and is brilliantly prepared. Gastronomy fans can book into workshops and tastings from everything from wine, cheese and jam-making. You’ll find dozens more activities here too including tours of the ice-maker and forgery. And the very extensive gardens and grounds offer plenty space for rambles and strolls.

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