Arganil, PortugalCerdeira
Quinta da Palmeira
Olive-grove country house
Olive-grove country house
A restored nineteenth-century manor where days slow down between the saltwater pool, orange groves, and surprise garden dinners.
What it’s good at
Notable
Garden-harvested produce shapes the nightly dinner, served with regional Portuguese wines.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
an airy eight-room country house in the quiet hills between Porto and Lisbon… surrounded by orange trees and olive groves.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Trails lead into the Serra do Açor mountains, and the tiered stone village of Piódão sits a short drive away.
The rooms
Superior rooms occupy a detached annex with private terraces, keeping to simple, uncluttered contemporary furnishings.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool
The saltwater pool is set with sun loungers and parasols, looking out across the quiet hillside.
Restaurant
Restaurante Quinta da Palmeira
Aubergine velvet chairs surround glass tables beside a stone fireplace, opening onto a veranda overlooking the village.
At the table
Velvet armchairs and an honesty bar furnish the indoor lounge, which opens directly onto the internal courtyard.
How it began

Dutch founder Jack Brouns restored the 1890 country house in 2011, swapping the Netherlands for central Portugal's quiet hills.
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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.