MONTE VELHO EQUO RESORT – PORTUGAL

Finding a nice centre-based place with great interiors and good packages is difficult. Monte Velho Equo resort has it all!

Set up in the heart of Alentejo, Portugal, Monte Velho is a family-owned boutique horse-riding hotel made with love & tasteful design. With limited spots for small groups of friends, couples, solo travellers, and families, Monte Velho takes excellent care of every guest and makes them feel part of a unique experience.

Monte Velho can cater for every riding level and has five different riding programmes (week and weekend). The programmes consist of either dressage lessons, trail rides in the countryside or a mix of both. You can ride once or twice daily, depending on your chosen programme. There are also two packages mixing either yoga and seat training (one time per year) or dressage and yoga, both with Pia Wallberg (2 times a year). These two packages can only be booked via Horsexplore.

The dressage lessons are semi-private, with a maximum of two people having lessons at the same time to benefit the most from the dressage instruction. The instructors are excellent; they speak fluent English and will make you feel safe, allowing the development of your riding skills. The horses are well-schooled Lusitanos, primarily homebred, well suited to dressage due to their gentle character and elevated movement.

The trail rides last 1.5 hours each and navigates through extraordinary surroundings. You can ride for several hours without crossing paved roads or a single car, going through various lakes and experiencing a typical Alentejo landscape.

Good to know: the property is also very appealing for non-riders. Guests can spend their days relaxing by the pool with panoramic views, ride a bike or canoe on the lake. There is also a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a spa, a sauna and a spa where guests can enjoy a relaxing massage.

FACTS

  • VIBE: modern comfort meets world-class champion dressage
  • HORSES: Lusitanos
  • RIDING TYPE: centre based with dressage and trail programmes
  • SADDLE TYPE: dressage saddles, double bridles and traditional Portuguese saddles
  • LEVEL: all. Min requirements: be competent in walking, trotting and cantering
  • BEST RIDE: May
  • CROWD FACTOR: low
  • FACILITIES: outdoor Olympic-sized arena (30m*60m) and two small arenas, including one in line with the stables
  • SOLO TRAVELER: yes, very! Single rooms can be booked with a supplement. 
  • CLOSEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Lisbon (~130km – you can either rent a car or book a transfer)
  • ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE DAY: the rooms are ready for check-in at 4pm and must be left at 12am on departure day. The reception closes at 6pm.
    • Week programme: arrival Sunday afternoon/evening, departure the following Saturday after breakfast
    • Weekend programme: arrival Thursday at 2pm at the latest for your first lesson, departure on Sunday after breakfast
  • PRICING: from $1,020
  • CURRENCY: Euro / CREDIT CARD: accepted / TIPPING: not necessary but appreciated
  • WIFI: Yes / ELECTRICITY JACK: EU standard

FEATURES

INSIDE

The owner of Monte Velho is a leading architect, and the accommodation has been designed to a very high standard. There are seven premium rooms with en suite bathrooms, furnished balconies with a fantastic view and two standard twin-bedded rooms looking out over the lake.

OUTSIDE

This area of the Alentejo is just stunning! You will enjoy its cork and holm trees and the various herds of cattle. For those who appreciate sightseeing, the city of Évora – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is only 30 km away!

FOOD & DRINK

The dining and guest lounge area is spacious and comfortable, with views over the estate. The food is just excellent! Wine is included in packages. If you are a solo traveller, they will pair you with other solo travellers, a perfect way to meet new people.

LOCATION

PERSONAL REVIEW

Riding
Accommodation
Food

The beautiful horses and luxurious accommodations make Monte Velho a relaxing haven for dressage and trail lovers. I went there in August 2021 for less than a week and enjoyed daily semi-private lessons with Lorena and Nuno in the morning and trail rides in the afternoon. I felt nervous about the lessons at first. Surprisingly, they were the best part of the stay for me. Nuno and Lorena are such excellent instructors. Friendly, patient, there for you to help you grow as much as possible. Everything was perfect, from the lessons to the accommodation to the food. I highly recommend it!

msprecetti

, , , ,

Laisser un commentaire