Villa Extramuros
Minimalist design-forward countryside retreat with a Parisian sensibility. Think Le Corbusier meets Alentejo farmhouse: waxed concrete floors, cork-lined walls, 1950s-to-present designer furniture, and a patio full of orange trees.
Book room 5 if you can — it has two terraces, a big Estremoz marble shower, and the best views of the castle and countryside
Why It Matters
One of the first contemporary boutique properties in the Alentejo, opened 2012. Awarded a Michelin Key in Portugal's inaugural Michelin Keys list. The architecture — by Vora Arquitectura and Alepo Arquitectura — is genuinely striking: a brilliant-white cubic structure built around a central courtyard, using only local materials including cork, Estremoz marble, and waxed concrete.
Seven-room contemporary villa built into a 5-hectare olive grove outside the village of Arraiolos, about 15 minutes from Évora. French owners François and Jean-Christophe designed the whole place themselves — minimalist white cubic architecture inspired by Roman villas, interiors packed with mid-century design pieces, local cork and Estremoz marble everywhere. No restaurant, no spa, no fuss. Just a very good breakfast, a 15×6m infinity pool overlooking olive trees, and a level of personal attention that feels more like staying with friends than checking into a hotel. It earned one of Portugal's first Michelin Keys.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Junior Suite Cabanon Jaune
From EUR220 / nightIdentical in layout to Cabanon Rouge but with a dominant yellow color scheme. Same independent cork bungalow structure among the olive trees, same 50m2 footprint with king-size bedroom, sofa/bed lounge, kitchenette, walk-in shower opening onto a private patio, and a large sunny terrace. Two minutes on foot from the main villa and pool. Complete privacy — you won't see another room from here.
King · 50 sqmJunior Suite Cabanon Rouge
From EUR220 / nightOne of two independent cork cubic bungalows located among the olive trees and rocks, a 2-minute walk from the main villa. Full privacy and total immersion in nature. Inside: king-size bedroom, a lounge area with sofa/bed, kitchenette for self-service breakfast, and a walk-in shower bathroom that opens onto a private patio. Large terrace with sunbeds and outdoor furniture. Decoration is 'eco-pop' — natural materials and local handicraft with a 1960s design influence, all in a dominant red color scheme. No TV; Marshall sound system instead.
King · 50 sqm
Standard Double Room
From EUR140 / nightThree rooms on the upper floor, each different only in orientation and views. The 60m2 total includes a 24m2 private terrace. Each room has a separate dressing room and a bathroom fully clad in Estremoz marble with a shower and natural light from a roof skylight. All three look out over the olive groves and meadows. Two of the rooms connect via a communicating door to a master bedroom — ideal for families.
King or Twin (convertible) · 60 sqm
Superior Double Room
From EUR180 / nightTwo rooms with a 250° panoramic view of the Arraiolos castle, village, and countryside. Total 80m2 including 45m2 sleeping space with king-size bed and linen sheets, a dressing room, and a large bathroom with heated floors. One of the two rooms has a rainshower in Estremoz marble. The 40m2 of private outdoor space opens to both south/west and north.
King · 80 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bicycles available at the property for exploring the olive groves and surrounding countryside roads.
5-hectare grounds of oaks and olive trees are yours to wander, run, read, birdwatch, picnic, or simply do nothing in. The estate borders the National Ecological Reserve — sheep, rabbits, and birds are regular sightings. The garden is kept as close to nature as possible, with local Alentejo-variety plantings. An orange and citrus orchard fronts the villa.
Visits to local farms and artisan producers in the region arranged on request. Hosts are enthusiastic local curators — they'll tell you where to find the blankets, wines, and ceramics you notice in the villa.
Private guided tours of Évora, Estremoz, or Lisbon, including coffee breaks. Also countryside discovery tours covering landscapes, short nature walks, and rural traditions. Walking trails with optional picnic. English and German-speaking guides available. Pickup and drop-off on request.
The Alentejo is the heartland of the Lusitanian horse. The villa books rides in the countryside and dressage or horseriding lessons with English-speaking professionals at high-end horse farms 10–15 minutes away. Sessions run 1.5–2 hours.
Balloon rides over the Alentejo landscape can be arranged on request.
15×6m infinity pool on the west side of the villa, sunny all day, with olive grove views in every direction — perfect for sundowners. Separate small children's pool alongside. Vast deck with daybeds, sun chairs, and umbrellas. Drinks service available poolside.
From April through early summer, the villa's partner organises river water sports 30 minutes away: canyoning, canoeing, raft, hydrospeed, hike & swim. Available for children aged 8+. Boat trips and sailing at Lake Alqueva (near the Spanish border, 1 hour away) also arrangedable through the villa.
Arraiolos sits on the Alentejo Wine Road. The villa arranges guided or self-guided visits to local 'adegas' for wine tours and tastings — some wineries also have restaurants. English-speaking guide options available with advance booking.
Yoga mats are provided in every room. No formal classes, but the private terraces and olive grove make for a very good self-guided practice space.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Courtyard patio at the heart of the villa with orange trees, a water basin, and comfortable outdoor seating.
Three shared terraces on two floors, each with views over the olive groves and countryside.
Communal living room with a working fireplace stocked with books for colder months.
Free Wi-Fi throughout all public areas and guest rooms.
Grounds of 5 hectares including olive trees, cork oaks, meadows, and an orange/citrus orchard. Borders Portugal's National Ecological Reserve.
All rooms have air conditioning and heating. Cabanon suites feature a new-generation system with heated floor and ceiling.
All bathrooms stocked with Australian brand Aesop toiletry products.
Marshall sound system in all 7 rooms and bungalows.
Complimentary espresso machine and tea set in all rooms.
Minibar in all rooms. Cabanon kitchenettes include a fridge with ice maker.
Satellite TV with wide international channel selection in standard and superior rooms. Note: Cabanon junior suites have no TV.
15×6m infinity pool with olive grove views and sunny exposure all day. Includes a separate small children's pool.
Vast deck surrounding the pool with daybeds, sun chairs, umbrellas, and a drinks service.
Laundry service available 7 days a week.
Small shop in the lobby selling local Alentejo products, crafts, and items noticed around the villa.
Airport transfers to Lisbon airport and transfers to Évora arranged on request.
Electric vehicle charging station available in the shaded parking area.
Free shaded parking on-site for all guests.
BUILD YOUR VILLA EXTRAMUROS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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