Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa

The approach to the gleaming, whitewashed Convento do Espinheiro is via a wide cobblestone driveway, punctuated with a single ancient olive tree, and surrounded by tall cypresses and bright-pink bougainvillea cascading over a white wall. A large cross sits outside the main building, and through an archway in the wall lies a cobbled courtyard, with entry to the hotel through an unassuming doorway in the vast facade. 

Stepping inside onto the original flagstone floors, guests will find religious artifacts and gilt thrones that point to the hotel's history, while the dark wood of the front desk is illuminated by ornate, gilt candelabras. Exposed stonework, vaulted ceilings, candlelit corridors, and many antiques are present throughout the original part of the building, and an internal courtyard is bordered by the ancient cloisters. In stark contrast, the one- and two-story modern extensions have sleek contemporary interiors, clean lines, and floor-to-ceiling windows. 

The extensive grounds are bordered by low walls and feature olive groves and a vineyard, as well as an attractive outdoor pool and many secluded seating areas. The building was once a 15th-century monastery that purportedly gave refuge to the Portuguese royal family fleeing the plague. Today the hotel attracts a mix of families and couples, as well as business travelers who make use of the extensive conference facilities. With its beautiful historic church, the hotel is also a popular wedding venue. 

The hotel's extensive grounds are located off a quiet country road surrounded by the a rural and peaceful plains of Portugal's Alentejo region. A 90-minute drive east of Lisbon, it's not an easy place to reach without a car. The nearest town is Canaviais, which is small but has a couple of cafes and is a five-minute drive away. It's also just 10 minutes to the ancient city of Evora -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved architecture, a Roman temple, and medieval walls, along with  shops, bars, and restaurants serving excellent food and wine. The hotel is about an hour's drive from the Spanish border, while Lisbon Portela Airport is about an 80- to 90-minute drive away.

The Convento do Espinheiro has 90 rooms (including five suites), some in the original 15th-century building and others in the stylish modern extension. Heritage Deluxe Rooms and all suites are located in the old part of the hotel and are similarly styled with heavy drapes, ornate headboards, patterned rugs on wooden floors, and period furniture. Most bathrooms have tubs and separate walk-in rainfall showers. Some of the rooms in the older section can seem a little gloomy, with small windows that don't open. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and movies on demand.

The Royal Suite has a huge separate living and dining area, two bathrooms (one with a freestanding whirlpool bath), and a magnificent vaulted ceiling over the bed. Stairs lead up to a private roof terrace with lovely views over the countryside. Deluxe Garden Rooms are found in the contemporary wing but have traditional styling with balconies overlooking the pool or gardens. Design and Grand Deluxe rooms are sleek and impressive, and their modern decor has a retro-1950s edge and designer touches such as Philippe Starck lamps. Design Rooms also feature luxurious modern bathrooms in local white marble with a raised whirlpool tub and separate walk in shower. Higher-end bathrooms also provide Bulgari toiletries. 

An excellent buffet breakfast (included in the rate) is served in one of the hotels two on-site restaurants. A blend of local Alentejo and Mediterranean food is served in the Divinus Restaurant, which is in the original wine cellar, while in the warmer months, lighter meals and snacks are available in the courtyard of the Claustrus Lounge and at the Aqua Lounge Pool Bar. Guests report that the food at the Pool Bar is excellent. Evening drinks and relaxed, comfortable seating are available in the Pulpitus Bar. A daily guided tour of the monastery and chapel ends early evening with free wine tasting in the dramatic, Gothic Cisterna Wine Bar (which was once a medieval underground water cistern). 

An outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by lovely gardens and includes a kids' splash pool, while a deluxe spa features an indoor pool, saunas, and massage and acupuncture treatments. The hotel's historic chapel is still functioning for mass on Sundays and for religious ceremonies such as weddings.There are also a children's playground, a multi-sports court, and a tennis court. Wi-Fi is free throughout.