Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa
Grand historic monastery meets Alentejo countryside resort. Feels genuinely old — stone arches, painted frescoes, cloisters — but with modern comfort layered in. The Design wing is polished and contemporary (1950s-inspired palette), while the Convent rooms are straight-up regal. Quieter and more retreat-like than a city hotel; you can easily spend two days without leaving the grounds.
The complimentary afternoon wine tasting in the gothic cistern is genuinely one of the best free hotel experiences in Portugal — don't skip it. Ask concierge to book you in.
Why It Matters
One of Portugal's most significant historic hotel conversions. The convent dates to 1458 and hosted the Portuguese royal court for centuries. The church still contains one of Portugal's most prestigious noble family pantheons. Accommodation vouchers start from €190/night, with the 110 sqm Royal Suite named after King João II.
A 15th-century Hieronymite convent turned five-star hotel, sitting on 23 acres of Alentejo countryside about 5 km from Évora's UNESCO-listed city center. The building is a certified national monument — Portuguese kings including João II held court here, and King Sebastian used to walk from Évora just to sleep in a monk's cell. Today there are 92 rooms and 10 suites split between the atmospheric historic wing and a more contemporary Design wing. The Convent's gothic church, frescoed ceilings, and original cistern are still intact, and you can wander through them daily on a guided tour that ends with a wine tasting.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Deluxe
Same footprint as the Deluxe Convento but with private terraces looking out over the gardens or pool. The outdoor space is the real draw here — Alentejo light in the morning is something else. King or twin beds with Simmons mattresses. Walk-in shower and separate bathtub standard.
King or Twin (Simmons) · 32 sqmDeluxe Convento
Located in the original 15th-century convent building, these rooms lean hard into the heritage aesthetic — classic décor, ornate red headboards, and thick stone walls. The bathrooms are genuinely spacious with both a walk-in shower and a separate bathtub, which is not a given at this price point. King or twin configuration available.
King or Twin (Simmons) · 32 sqmDeluxe Suite
Back in the historic convent wing, where Portuguese kings once actually slept. Spacious living area in addition to the bedroom, plus a well-appointed bathroom. The DVD/CD player and radio feel like a throwback, but the king Simmons bed and walk-in shower/separate bathtub are firmly 21st century. Genuinely feels like royal accommodation.
King (Simmons) · 59 sqmDesign
These rooms are in the contemporary wing and take their visual cues from 1950s design — warmer palette, cleaner lines, more of a resort feel than a monastery one. Ground floor rooms have private terraces; upper floors have balconies. Bathrooms use locally sourced white marble throughout. The only rooms that accept pets (ground floor only).
King or Twin (Simmons) · 35 sqmGrand Deluxe Design
The largest non-suite rooms and some of the best value for families. Same 1950s-inspired aesthetic as the Design rooms but with nearly 50 sqm of space and views of the Garcia de Resende Chapel and the oldest olive tree in Alentejo. The bathroom upgrade is meaningful — the bathtub here is a separate whirlpool, and toiletries step up to Bvlgari.
King or Twin (Simmons) · 49 sqmSuite Real (Royal Suite D. João II)
The flagship suite, named after King João II who literally held Parliament here in 1481. At 110 sqm it has a full master bedroom, a sizeable living room with red velvet sofas, and a 17 sqm private terrace with views over Évora. The bathroom is memorable — a Philippe Starck-designed bathtub plus walk-in shower. This is as good as it gets at Convento do Espinheiro.
King (Simmons) · 109 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
6 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
One hour of babysitting available for families. Requires prior booking through the hotel.
A family-oriented treasure hunt/scavenger game on the convent grounds. Requires prior booking.
Complimentary afternoon wine tasting held in the hotel's original Gothic 15th-century rainwater cistern. Led by the hotel sommelier with local Alentejo wines. Requires prior booking through concierge.
Hotel guests receive a 25% discount voucher for a visit and tasting for 2 people at Adega Ervideira, a nearby Alentejo wine estate.
Guided treks through the Alentejo's cork oak forests, arranged through local operators Herdade da Maroteira, Cortiçarte, and Cork Tour. A genuinely distinctive regional experience.
Every afternoon the concierge leads guests through the historic parts of the convent — frescoed ceilings, the Gothic cistern, the church with its noble family pantheons, royal chambers. Ends with a complimentary wine degustation in the 15th-century Gothic cistern, led by the sommelier. This is the single best free thing the hotel offers.
Concierge can arrange horse riding at nearby schools including Campus Riding School, Mata Estate, and Supóneis e Cavalos. Bookings via hotel reception.
20 acres of marked jogging trails through the convent grounds. Easy, flat terrain through the olive groves and formal gardens. A rare luxury — running in actual nature rather than on a hotel treadmill.
On-site padel/paddle court. Note: guest reviews mention the courts need some maintenance work.
On-site tennis court available to guests.
A guided cycling experience combining accommodation in the 15th-century convent with visits to 4 family-run projects in the Évora region, each with its own history and distinct character.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Property is a Virtuoso-affiliated hotel, offering travel advisor benefits.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the property.
The convent church (with original frescoes and Gothic architecture), courtyard, and multiple event spaces available for weddings and corporate meetings. The church ceiling features a fresco of the Madonna and cherubs.
Outdoor playground area visible in property photos.
Fully equipped gym with Technogym machines, treadmills, ellipticals, cable machines, free weights, and garden views. Not permitted for children under 12.
Electronic room safe in all room categories.
Coffee machine with capsules available in all rooms.
Minibar with premium products available in all room categories (on request).
Large outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers and the Alentejo countryside. Seasonal. Reports of insufficient sun loungers during peak season.
17-metre heated indoor pool with garden views and adjacent jacuzzi. Year-round. Children under 16 not admitted between 1pm–7pm. Swim cap mandatory.
Hot tub adjacent to the indoor pool with views over the convent gardens.
Gift cards available for stays, spa treatments, and dining at all hotel outlets.
Property holds Biosphere Tourism sustainability certification.
Electric vehicle charging available on-site.
Complimentary on-site parking for guests.
Steam room / Turkish bath adjacent to the spa and indoor pool.
On-site sauna available to hotel guests.
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