Header: Quinta do Paral
Quinta do Paral is a wine estate located in Portugal’s Alentejo region, an area renowned for its rich wine flavours, a culture deeply rooted in making the best out of what nature gives us, and a vibrancy that can only be encountered by those who meet its people and try their food. Set on a historic Portuguese estate surrounded by vineyards stretching over 85 hectares, the hotel was established in 2017 after entrepreneur Dieter Morszeck acquired the property. A passionate pilot since an early age, he is the grandson of Paul Morszeck, who founded the luggage brand Rimowa in 1898.
Morszeck collaborated closely with oenologist Luís Morgado Leão to ensure the estate’s wine and olive oil would respect the region’s traditional flavours while also being of the utmost quality. However, and perhaps more importantly, the pair also focused on environmental sustainability and preserving the traditions of Alentejo when creating the hotel. Within the thick, ancient walls, guests are now met with a blend of modern and traditional design elements that honour the region’s heritage while also seeing no luxury spared.
The hotel, part of the larger Quinta do Paral estate, features 21 distinct rooms, each tailored to meet a wide range of guest needs. Decorated in earthy tones, natural wood finishes, and simple textures, the rooms immerse guests in the natural yet refined ambiance that defines Alentejo.
The rooms
Superior Room
These 24 m² rooms are located on the upper floor of the courtyard in the property’s historic wing. The interiors are decorated with natural materials, using earthy colours and minimalist furniture crafted from different woods. The rooms come with either a queen-size bed or twin beds and include a fully equipped bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Deluxe Terrace Room
Situated on the ground floor of the same historic wing, the 30 m² Deluxe Terrace Rooms are similarly designed with earthy tones and minimalist wooden elements. These rooms feature queen-size or twin beds, and fully equipped bathrooms, and some units offer seating areas. A key feature is the outdoor terrace, which opens up to the property’s gardens and the immense vineyards that spread ahead.
Privilege Junior Suite
These 80 m² suites are large open spaces located in the central atrium that draw inspiration from local architectural styles and offer amenities that mirror an apartment setup, including a living area with a modular sofa, a dining area with a large wooden table, and a bathroom with both a bath and shower. The suites also include a vertical wine cooler, allowing guests to enjoy the estate’s wines in private.
Charm Apartment
The Charm Apartment consists of three units measuring between 30 and 50 m². The spaces feature Roman-inspired arches and an overall design that evokes a wine barrel room. The apartment includes two rooms with queen-size beds, one of which has a living area, and a third room with twin beds. Each unit includes an equipped bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Manor House
Dating back to the 19th century, the Manor House has been renovated while preserving its historic features. The property includes four bedrooms, one with a private furnished deck. The house is centred around a large living room with a fireplace, a dining area, and an equipped kitchen featuring a Bulthaup island. Guests of the Manor House have access to exclusive services such as private chef dinners and chauffeur service.
Signature Terrace Suite
At 100 m², the Signature Terrace Suites feature some of the best architectural details in the estate, due to the handcrafted celosia structures and, one could argue, the views of either the gardens or vineyards. Each suite includes a queen-size bed, a double-sided fireplace, and a separate living room with a work area. The bathroom features double sinks, a walk-in shower, and an outdoor shower, but the centrepiece is an Italian Travertino marble bathtub.
Across all accommodations, guests can expect custom-designed furniture, luxury textiles, and amenities such as Amouage products, Miele coffee machines, and Sonos wireless sound systems. Additional facilities include an infinity pool, a fitness centre, and various outdoor spaces, such as gardens and walking paths through the vineyards, offering multiple ways to enjoy the estate’s natural surroundings.