Monte Velho Equo-Resort — Hotel in Arraiolos

This family-owned and run property shows how this wonderful family took a raw canvas 25 years ago and have painted a masterpiece of a property and resort for lovers of dressage and the Lusitano horse. We were attracted to the combination of old world feel and modern accommodations when we first researched the property. The Owner is an architect who has seamlessly blended the transformation of the ruined farmhouse they started with and the modern pods that house the bedrooms. One of the first things you come across when entering the property is the brilliant views in all directions. As you drive up to the parking area you are surrounded by dressage arenas and stables housing some magnificent horses. Further views of the surrounding fields yielding an array of pregnant mares. In fact, one night after arrival we were blessed with the site of a foul who they day before we walked among its pregnant mother. The experience of standing amongst this newborn, its mother and the other one and two-year-old Lusitanos was one of the highlights of the visit. We checked into our spacious and modern room with a sweeping view off the balcony. The dining room was a warm, and welcoming room where we dined three times a day on some great food surrounded by other wonderful guests. The conversations almost always revolved around each person's dressage lessons that day or their trail ride around the property. Adjacent to one of the room pods and across from the dining room is a common space in the form of a very comfortable and spacious living room with an honesty bar that is available to guests 24hrs. From the sliding doors of the common living room, you step out onto patios which look out to the swimming pool and acres of stunning scenery laced with the famous Portuguese cork tree and a small lake where you can take out a canoe. Also in that area is the gym, sauna, and massage room. The staff is all exceptional from the kitchen staff who greet you and cater to your appetite to the riding staff who work with you to better your dressage level. We can attest to the fact that after a week we left far better riders than when we arrived. The property is also a breeding facility where currently one of Portugal's entry into the upcoming summer Olympics in Tokyo and his stunning stead are training. One suggestion I would make to future guests is this. If you are a fairly new rider or you want the full attention of the instructors during your lesson, make sure you book the lessons in that manner. Otherwise, you may find that you will have one instructor to two people and they have to balance the time of the lesson between the two. Other than that, it was a great week and we hope to be back in the future. You won't be disappointed at Monte-Velho whether you are...

Stayed for about a week and overall this is a wonderful boutique resort.||The rooms are clean, comfortable and quiet. We stayed in the slightly larger rooms and glad we did as the extra space was nice. Everything was spotlessly clean. Enjoyed the outdoor shower. The glass between the bedroom and bathroom can be blocked by lowering the shade. The AC worked great (which was nice with 90+ F temperatures). Nespresso machine in the room. TV had lots of channels. One day hot water was in short supply and we spoke with the staff and it was rectified. Food was served family style meaning we all ate together and you were served what was cooked vs. ordering off a menu. They were happy to accommodate special requests (like vegetarian) but you need to let them know in advance. I took a day trip and they prepared a bag lunch for me with sandwiches and fruit. Every meal was tasty and wine, water, etc was all there. The grounds were lovely and scenic. There are a few bicycles in OK shape (I rode one day) and there are couple canoes too. The real focus is on riding Dressage and trail. I'm not and riding expert (ridden about 50 times in my life) but my traveling companion is an accomplished equestrian with 25 years hunter / jumper experience and in the process of switching her focus to Dressage. I only did one trail ride and had a great time. The horse was well trained and having taken a few lessons before the trip my limited skills were less rusty and I was able to walk trot and canter with the other riders. I can't personally attest to the Dressage experience but my partner gave feedback as she took two lessons a day. You will ride multiple horses and have multiple instructors. Depending on your ability, experience and how you sync with the horse and instructor your experience will vary. Some lessons seemed great others were a chore. I'd imagine it is tough to get it right for everyone every time as people come and go and the horses / instructors have to deal with varied skill levels. I'd recommend you communicate with your instructor, give feedback and if a horse doesn't (or does) work for you let them know. The ground are nice for walking, the pool isn't large but more than big enough to cool off in. All in all we had a...

Me and my husband had a four day stay in Monte Velho. I booked three hour long lessons and a trailride for me and my husband.||First of all, Mariana’s assistance in booking the trip is outstanding. She truly helped in making this dream come true with checking available rooms within our timeframe, taking away our worries about travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic and being elaborate and patient with answering all my questions. She is an angel. ||Monte Velho is such a beautiful, tranquil place. The horses look picture perfect. You get such a sense of freedom when you stay at Monte Velho, it’s hard to put into words. You don’t feel restricted, you can go to the stables whenever you like and explore the beautiful surroundings without limitations. ||As a novice rider I felt nervous for the lessons. The lessons, surprisingly, turned out to be the best part of the stay for me. Nuno Nunez is such an amazing instructor. Friendly, patient, skilful. You get the feeling that he is there for you, to help you grow as much as you can in that set amount of time, instead of just giving a generic lesson. He is a gem. ||I think for the most part the combination of riding daily, being surrounded by beautiful horses, the tranquility, style of architecture and the surroundings make for a unique experience. ||What I wished for to be differently? |A bigger pool. The pool is tiny and therefore more of a place to cool down than to do actual swimming. |More variation in breakfast and a good cappuccino. |And finally: an option for dinner instead of a fixed, three course meal. The meals were plated perfectly and were tasty but I hoped for some sides like some rice or potatoes and some fresh vegetables. That would really make a big difference for me. ||However, these are just minor comments. I recommend you go and stay at this beautiful place if you love horses and riding. The trail rides are something to...