Pousada Mosteiro Amares - Gerês
Monastic minimalism meets Pritzker-caliber architecture. Stone walls, natural light, and spare but deliberate furnishings. Serious atmosphere — contemplative, calm, and genuinely historic without being stuffy. Popular for weddings and architecture pilgrims alike.
Set GPS to 'Santa Maria do Bouro' not 'Amares' — many guests end up 15 km off course using the latter
Why It Matters
One of the most architecturally significant hotels in Portugal. Eduardo Souto de Moura — winner of the 2011 Pritzker Prize — restored the 12th-century Cistercian ruin starting in the late 1980s, deliberately preserving the skeletal character of the ruins rather than a clean reconstruction. Rooms were furnished by Álvaro Siza Vieira, another Pritzker laureate. The combination of two of Portugal's greatest architects under one roof is genuinely remarkable. Former member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (since 2015).
A 12th-century Cistercian monastery turned hotel, its real distinction is the 1997 restoration by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Eduardo Souto de Moura — he kept the ruins rather than masking them, threading glass, iron, and wood through the stone skeleton with remarkable restraint. Rooms are furnished by fellow luminary Álvaro Siza Vieira, and the restaurant occupies the original convent kitchen, still presided over by Souto de Moura's reconstructed chimney. It sits in the Vinho Verde hill country, 17 minutes from the Peneda-Gerês National Park, between Braga and the mountains.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Classic Family Room
Configured for up to three adults, with two separate beds plus a double bed option. Same monastic stone aesthetic as the Classic Room, with marble bathroom and nature views. Siza Vieira furnishings throughout.
Classic Room
The entry-level rooms, converted from the monastery's former cells. Original stonework features alongside simple, modern wooden furniture designed by Siza Vieira. Choice of double or twin beds. Large windows frame views of the surrounding nature. Marble bathrooms with bathtub. Cable TV, minibar, safe, and free Wi-Fi included.
Large Family Room
The largest room category, configured for up to six adults. Features multiple beds with the signature Siza Vieira tall wooden headboards, nature-facing window, and marble bathroom with bathtub. Ideal for large family groups.
Standard Suite
The property has two suites in total. The Standard Suite adds a separate living room with red sofas — a welcome luxury given the otherwise spare aesthetic. Double bed, large nature-facing window, marble bathroom. Sleeps up to 3 adults and 1 child.
Superior Room
A step up from the Classic, accommodating two adults and one child. Larger footprint with a more prominent window offering panoramic mountain views. Marble bathroom with bathtub. Siza Vieira furnishings, cable TV, minibar, and safe.
The Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A walking trail around the monastery grounds and abbey. Complimentary for guests.
A full-day guided off-road tour through the Peneda-Gerês National Park hitting the Arado Waterfall, Pedra Bela, and the Boneca Lookout. Includes a packed picnic and lunch. Available year-round.
Explore the Albergaria Forest on two wheels. Includes a road book guiding you to the Albergaria Forest waterfalls, plus a packed picnic. Contact the pousada directly to arrange.
Bird watching available in the surrounding landscape and near the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
At the Gerês adventure park: children's circuit (8 bridges, abseiling, rock-climbing, slide) at €12/child; adult circuit (20 bridges, abseiling, rock-climbing, slide) at €17/adult. Book through the pousada.
Fishing activity available in the area. Contact the pousada for arrangements.
On-site games room for guest entertainment.
A guided ride through Peneda-Gerês National Park, including a simple picnic. Contact the pousada to book.
A marble-lined outdoor pool set in a sheltered meadow, with a separate smaller children's pool alongside. Pool bar and changing rooms on site. Seasonal and weather-dependent.
The National Park is 17 minutes from the pousada and offers a network of signposted pedestrian routes with map or GPS guidance. Contact the pousada directly to arrange guided excursions.
On-site outdoor tennis court available for guests.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Wheelchair accessibility available throughout the property, including an elevator.
4 meeting and event spaces available. Includes the old refectory and granary for dinners and parties, the Winepress Room (Sala do Lagar) for presentations and buffets, the orange tree cloister for outdoor summer receptions, and the monastery church for religious ceremonies (wooden vaulted ceiling, 17th-century gilded altarpiece).
Complimentary high-speed wireless internet throughout the property, including all guest rooms.
Medical assistance available on call.
A rooftop terrace offering mountain and valley views.
The original monastery cloister with centuries-old orange trees. A striking space for quiet relaxation. New orange trees in the adjacent courtyard. Guests can take complimentary oranges during the season (May–August).
Free parking available both in front of the hotel and behind it (rear lot has more space). No reservation needed.
EV charging point available in the car park.
Dogs up to 15 kg accepted on payment, restricted to certain room types. Dogs reportedly welcomed with their own bed and treats.
Entirely non-smoking hotel with designated outdoor smoking areas.
All 32 guest rooms are air conditioned. Note: some reviews mention inconsistent performance.
Round-the-clock reception and concierge service.
Luggage storage available at the property.
On-site concierge can help arrange activities, restaurant reservations, and local excursions.
In-room dining service available. Room service menu available as a PDF on the official website.
Holder of the Green Key sustainability certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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