In recent years, luxury hotels have increasingly integrated exceptional culinary experiences, a pairing that feels obvious today, though until recently, it was anything but.
Casa Nossa has become a European beacon for this exact combination. The estate is a passion project born to Sofia and Chef José Avillez, a dream they brought to life in the heart of a breathtaking rural countryside, a two-hour drive from Lisbon.
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Their vision began taking shape a decade ago when Avillez, the legendary chef behind Lisbon’s acclaimed Belcanto, and his wife purchased a lakeside estate in southern Portugal’s Alentejo region, near the Spanish border.
Following years of extensive renovations that added a private boat dock, an outdoor swimming pool, a high-end gym, and a kitchen equipped to full Michelin standards, the property was unveiled as Casa Nossa – "Our Home" In Portuguese. And what a home it is.
A Secluded Oasis in the Wild
Tucked away within thousands of acres of wild pasture, the secluded estate features just 10 rooms and operates on a unique model: exclusive, full-property rental on an all-inclusive, full-board basis. Almost everything is covered, from wines and cocktails to curated activities.
Throughout the year, the space functions as a private getaway (or an upscale venue for weddings and events hosting up to 100 guests), an ultimate buyout for families or groups of friends looking to escape mid-summer or during holidays.
One exception comes two weeks out of the year, when lucky travelers can book individual rooms on a space-available basis. And lucky is an understatement; staying in Casa Nossa offers a world-class experience helmed by a World's 50 Best chef whose global culinary empire holds 5 Michelin stars.
Avillez’s team, alongside front-of-house staff and sommeliers from the Belcanto group, tailors every single meal to the guests' exact preferences throughout the day.
Looking for local cooking masterclasses and a yacht tour across the lake? Want an a-cappella performance by Cante Alentejano, a traditional singing choir, performed without instrumentation, paired with an open-fire whole roasted lamb, wood-fired salt-baked lake fish, or a completely vegan, gluten-free birthday picnic? Consider it done – and then some.
A Wellness Pinnacle
The Alentejo region retains an untouched, rugged authenticity that is increasingly rare in Portugal. Located only 2 hours from Lisbon, it has rightfully become a pilgrimage site for wellness tourism, where travelers pair hikes through breathtaking nature and historic villages with authentic local cuisine.
Casa Nossa bridges these two worlds with an unparalleled fine-dining touch, securing its spot on the prestigious 50 Best Discovery list.
The property itself is surrounded by vast expanses of pasture, ancient oak trees, and historic ruins scattered within walking distance across the grounds. To this, they have added fruit orchards, an organic vegetable garden for daily harvesting, padel and tennis courts, a sauna complex, a beautifully appointed gym, and a massive swimming pool complete with a dedicated bar and jacuzzi.
Its main house was redesigned by the couple to honor traditional Alentejo architecture. Now overlooking the lake, the structure seamlessly integrates regional materials like clay and slate with sleek, modern minimalism.
The 10 rustically styled suites are remarkably spacious, each featuring a sun-drenched bathroom, a private patio, and premium amenities. But that’s not really why you came.
The common spaces are where Casa Nossa shines: a grand living room with a fireplace, a grand piano, and an expansive patio; a fully staffed, hidden basement speakeasy where cocktails, like everything else, are included; a dedicated wine-tasting room; a private cinema and karaoke lounge; and grand dining tables built to comfortably host at least 20 guests.
Furthermore, the estate boasts direct access to Lake Alqueva, a private river beach, and a private dock stocked with paddleboards and kayaks. For an additional fee, guests can take out the estate’s motorboat with a professional skipper for water skiing or sunset cruises. And all is far more stunning than pictures can convey. True story.
Michelin-Starred Dining, Countryside Style
The food served at Casa Nossa, ranging from traditional local fare to dishes inspired by Avillez’s haute cuisine, is the pinnacle of the estate's experience.
The kitchen turns out soulful, moving dishes crafted with that distinct, heartwarming delicacy characteristic of Portugal, executed by a rotating team that arrives each week from one of Avillez’s Michelin-starred establishments.
Guests enjoy customized breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. You can collaborate with the chefs in advance to design menus centered around fresh fish, open-fire grills, local charcuterie, and artisanal cheeses, or opt for entirely plant-based spreads.
Alternatively, you can simply let the team surprise you with regional specialties sourced directly from the estate's vegetable garden and small neighboring producers.
The estate's wine cellar houses thousands of bottles, showcasing 120 labels from Portugal’s premier vineyards. Most are entirely included in the stay, while ultra-rare vintages pulled from Belcanto’s private archives are available for a nominal supplement.
At the guests' request, the staff coordinates bespoke dining experiences throughout the property. Poolside lunches? Effortless. Guided wine tastings or elaborate picnics served on the boat deck or on one of Lake Alqueva’s tiny, uninhabited islands? Done. Worth the trip? Absolutely.
Casa Nossa. Nightly rate for 6 rooms: starting at €4,200. For more details: casanossajoseavillez.pt
