L'AND Vineyards

A sophisticated distillation of family history, design, architecture, the indigenous raw beauty of the Alentejo and viniculture form the founding pillars of L'AND Vineyards – a lakeside hotel and villas, a vinotherapy spa, and a 66-hectare estate of vineyards, oak and olive orchards. Located on the fringe of Montemor-o-Novo, L'AND is just under an hour from urban pitstop Lisbon, an hour from the beaches of Comporta and is conveniently close to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora (a 20-minute drive). 

Created and owned by the Sousa Cunhal family, which has been rooted in this corner of Portugal since the 18th century, the family took its cues from the wild palettes and identity of Alentejo. L'AND hotel is a creative camouflage of its surroundings, a canvas of considerate thought, where sustainability is the norm, respect for the land is second nature, and a way of life that is preserved for future generations. 

Wine, good agriculture, treading lightly, making a positive contribution to the region and being anchored to the local community are the modern dialogues and philosophy of family protege José Cunhal, the estate's CEO and pioneer in creating L'AND. 

Beginning the story just over ten years ago together with award-winning firm Promontório, the architectural blueprint was conceived as a series of clustered townhouses and villas – a nod to the region's typical vernacular of whitewashed patios - overlooking the local medieval Montemor castle skyline from their south-facing vantage point, the natural lake and the infinity of vines. The central architectural axis (housing the reception, winery, spa, restaurants and club lounge) was conceived as a hinged prism from which its four corners were cut off, creating a dramatic silhouette; topographically, the build was carefully positioned to meet the ground's contours with the slightest alteration.

Brazilian architect, Márcio Kogan of Studio MK27 (who designed the Fasano Hotel in São Paulo and is the winner of more than 250 awards, including the prestigious Wallpaper Design Award and Prix Versailles), translated the concept through his approach to art, architecture and interior design. Lisbon-based PROAP Landscape Architecture reinterpreted the traditional Mediterranean landscape by weaving the vineyards, olive and orange orchards, and oak and pine trees together. Surrounding are the vineyards growing red grape varieties Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet and Syrah, and the white grape variety of Verdelho. 

A cohesive blend of wine culture, raw nature, commitment to the environment and design are the quintessential hallmarks of family-run L'AND, which gives the retreat a sense of belonging and an original bond to oenology. 

Tom, João, Michael & George

The L'AND's interiors are deliberately simple, borrowing from the doorstep outdoors, nothing too complicated nor over fancy; it is structural yet soft, muted yet rich in texture and firmly married to nature. Márcio Kogan's genius use of light, wood, and contemporary elements are fused with modern interpretations of traditional crafts and a rural accent that mutes the bold architecture and converses with the landscape. Hand-tufted carpets handmade (recognised by the New York Times as one of only three original secular wool handicrafts to still exist in Europe) are by Fabricaal in Reguengos de Monsaraz, heavy-cut black slate floors, typical of Alentejo, oak wood fluted wainscots and eucalyptus wood frame statement design pieces like the Void lights by Tom Dixon and chairs by João Serodio and João Santa Rita and furnishings by Vladimir Kagan and Jorge Zalzuspin. Bespoke wooden pieces designed by George Nakashima and meticulously placed ethereal artworks by Michael Biberstein are throughout the hotel and photographers, including Blaufuks, Fernando Marante and Marcio Villela, complete the curatorial ambience. 

There are 45 spacious, private, and elegant suites and luxury villas in total; the über comfy suites and houses speak of Kogan's smooth design. The 'Sky Suites' sport private patios with outdoor fireplaces, plunge pools, and, as the name suggests, a retractable roof, affording a fantastic vista of the stars and sky from the bed "under the starry sky of Alentejo. "

Grape Seed Wellness by the Ancients

Wellness at L'AND is a crucial element of the hotel; fittingly, the 800m² Vinotherapy Spa is by Vinoble Cosmetics, founded by Austrian natural skin guru Luise Köfer. Vinoble shares the cornerstones of an all-natural and sustainable approach to life, and Köfer is a guardian of well-sourced products. The company still grows its own herbs and works alongside vineyards. A perfect partnership. The ancients have long lauded the skin benefits of using grapes, seeds, pulp and stems. Márcio Kogan designed the space holistically, conscious of using only natural materials and textiles from the land. Wood dominates the serenity and connection to the outside. The spa is complemented by an indoor heated pool (adults-only), sauna, hammam and treatment rooms. Within the grounds, an outdoor pool sinks into the terrain, and there is a bathing platoon lakeside.

Voyages and the Flavours of Humble

Portugal's rich food culture, fed by its maritime voyages of past times and its bountiful lands and seas, provides Chef David Jesus with an imaginarium of taste and flavours. Sourcing from the hotel's own organic estate, local biodynamic farmers and the seaport of nearby Setúbal set the origins of dining in the gourmet restaurant MAPA and the casual tones of the Café da Viagem. 

Chef David Jesus conjures the traditional essence of Portuguese cuisine in a contemporary style, capturing the purist flavours with creative panache. He unfolds a journey through his life experiences and memories, supported by meticulous research. His unique sense of playfulness makes each dish a destination on the map. He praises the language enriched by the identity of Alentejo, the first and central point of the openness portrayed in this journey.

"Since I was a child, I have always loved cooking and being in the kitchen. It was in the home kitchens of my parents and family that encouraged and awakened my love for cooking. For me, the kitchen is a symbol of love and comfort."

Given the restaurant's connection to the winery estate and exceptional Portuguese wines, Pedro Durand, the Head Sommelier, escorts the culinary journey with an illuminated passion.  

Café da Viagem is where you sit back, relax and let the world go by before you. The café with an informal atmosphere comprises a wine bar and boasts an outdoor area under a pergola for al-fresco dining during spring and summer.

The Scents of Slow

The sights, sounds and scents of Alentejan wilderness and its undulating landscapes with a transcendental, soulful beauty make it a precious corner of Portugal. One of the best-preserved regions in Europe, L'AND Vineyards is a natural basecamp to savour Portuguese life in the slow lane of consummate design.