Evora, Portugal
Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa - Évora
Restored Hieronymite convent
Restored Hieronymite convent
The former 15th-century royal monastery runs as an expansive country estate, bordered by manicured courtyards and ancient olive groves.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Fifteenth-century Hieronymite monastery and royal residence, classified as a Portuguese national monument.
Notable
Manueline cloister galleries and stone vaults dining beneath the monks' former refectory.
Notable
Alentejo wine tastings inside the Gothic cistern, amid twenty-three acres of countryside.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The rooms here fall into two categories, traditional opulence and contemporary opulence. In the former, the color scheme alone — red and gold — offers some indication of what you’re in for.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Évora's Roman ruins and historic center sit four kilometers south, with Alentejo wineries scattered across the surrounding countryside.
The rooms
Rooms in the historic convent keep their carved headboards and vaulted ceilings, looking out across the rolling countryside.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor infinity pool stretches beside wide lawns and cypresses, looking across to the convent's historic facade.
The spa and gym
Candlelit treatment rooms use local rosemary and olive oil, and the gym overlooks the gardens through floor-to-ceiling glass.
Divinus Restaurant
Chef Duarte Batista prepares regional Alentejo dishes with local olive oil, served beneath high Gothic stone vaults.
Aqua Lounge Pool Bar
The timber terrace sits beside the water, serving seasonal cocktails and light snacks under a shaded pergola.
How it began
The convent was founded in the 15th century after an apparition at a burning hawthorn bush, later hosting Portuguese monarchs.
Evora
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.