Pedra Nova — Hotel in Fundão

I stayed at Pedra Nova in early June and it was the best four days I could have asked for. Pedra Nova is a very special place, one that connects guests with nature and the natural surrounding beauty of Serra da Gardunha. There's so much to do, or nothing at all. The design of the interiors is immaculate and well thought out offering diverse areas to lounge about or socialize with other guests. The exteriors are equally thoughtful offering various levels of privacy and seclusion. The salt water pool was a welcome refuge from the summer heat. There's even a dry/wet sauna available and massage service upon request. My favorite two moments may have been listening to the church bells while dozing off on their hammock and on a different morning listening of the rain drops fall on their reservoir tank while reading a book by their gigantic bay window. The detail was overlooked in this well thought out oasis in Gardunha. The hosts Miguel and Inês make sure your every wish is fulfilled and they are as visible or as invisible as you wish them to be. I highly recommend Pedra Nova and will surely return soon. ps. ask to see and meet the four legged friends of Pedra Nova... "Castelo" "Pedra" and...

I stayed at Pedra Nova in early June and it was the best four days I could have asked for. Pedra Nova is a very special place, one that connects guests with nature and the natural surrounding beauty of Serra da Gardunha. There's so much to do, or nothing at all. The design of the interiors is immaculate and well thought out offering diverse areas to lounge about or socialize with other guests. The exteriors are equally thoughtful offering various levels of privacy and seclusion. The salt water pool was a welcome refuge from the summer heat. There's even a dry/wet sauna available and massage service upon request. My favorite two moments may have been listening to the church bells while dozing off on their hammock and, on a different morning, listening to the rain drops fall on their reservoir tank while reading a book by their gigantic bay window. No detail was overlooked in this well thought out oasis in Gardunha. The hosts, Miguel and Inês, make sure your every wish is fulfilled and they are as visible or invisible as you wish them to be. I highly recommend Pedra Nova and will surely return soon. ps. ask to see and meet the four legged friends of Pedra Nova... "Castelo" "Pedra" and...

Our second stay was as good as the first. A family home, slowly renovated by a clever interior designer. Small touches everywhere, from a recessed nook by the bed for your book or phone, with outlet and light switch right where you want it. The upper suite where we stay has a wood stove, a picture window so you can see an 12th Century castle, and views of the mountains from a wall of windows in the adjacent sitting area. Breakfast features an apple/orange smoothy that tastes great, and fresh bread from Inez. You are wonderfully taken care of.

Castelo Novo is a historic village, very close to a major highway, beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and a seriously medieval feeling village...that happens to have great hiking/biking access. I only knocked it one star as they only have one place to eat in town, only open 12-3.

Bonus: the owner, Miguel, has a mom/dad/baby donkey he tends. They have a great multi-teir pen, and are super friendly. Nice to see all the neighbors and tourists on walks stop to...