Whitewashed Algarve farmstead turned relaxing design hotel filled with unexpected vintage features

Casas Quinta de Cima / Vila Nova de Cacela / Algarve / Portugal

We weren’t really supposed to stay at this hotel. We were vacationing in the Algarve and were originally supposed to be staying at the sister property, Pensão Agricola. Unfortunately they had just experienced water leakage so we were rebooked to the second sister property, Hospedaria. And one day when we were lounging by the pool M ran into the owner of the hotels, Rui Liberato de Sousa. He shared that he had just (almost) finished his third hotel project and invited us to come by for a drink, some nibbles and a viewing. We did, and after we had the chance to see the amazing hotel we asked to move out so we could stay our last night there, at the beautiful Casas Quinta de Cima.

The hotel is located in the more unspoiled Eastern Algarve, a short walk from the beach, in the middle of a massive orange, almond and avocado grove. When we stayed here the orange trees were blossoming so the scent that filled the car as we drove up to the hotel was literally breath taking.

This old farmstead is huge with several separate buildings. The 9 hotel rooms, or suites which is maybe more accurate way to describe them, are all facing each other, lining a central courtyard. The suites are like small apartments with a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge, bedroom, spacious bathroom and a private patio in the back with lounge furniture and an outdoor shower. The walls are all white-washed walls both on the inside and outside, complimented with vintage furniture, vintage accessories and vintage art work. This is all framed by tiled floors in classic red and bamboo covered ceilings. Together this makes for a really unique kind of design. Rui shared that he had been inspired by Masseria Moroseta when creating this hotel, and I can fully see that, although this is with a Portuguese twist instead of an Italian one.

The central building is the old barn that has been turned into a kind of common room, bar and restaurant. You can come here for a game of pool or to hang out in the vintage sofas. It is in the barn where the breakfast is served if the weather doesn’t allow you to have it by the pool. Luckily that doesn’t happen to often in this part of the country.

Nestled into the greenery at the back of the hotel, among the greenery is a pool (that is not officially a pool but a ”water tank”) and sun loungers placed far enough from each other in small islands to create as much privacy as possible. And almost within arm’s reach there is a really well-stocked honesty bar where you can just have whatever you fancy. This is truly a place where you come to rest, relax and where you are allowed to forget about your troubles for a day or two. The only trouble you might encounter is when deciding what to chose from honesty bar.

Welcome to Casas Quinta de Cima! The driveway takes you through fragrant orange groves.

For a northerner such as myself, this is such an exotic treat. To live in an orange orchard.

At Casas Quinta de Cima it is all about whitewashed walls, green fruit trees and pale blue skies.

The nine suites are facing each other in the central courtyard. We stayed in suite number 7. Lucky number 7.

The suite was all white walls, red tiled floors and bamboo ceiling. Furnished with quirky vintage finds sourced from all over Portugal. The wooden features on the wall might look like traditional religious icons at first…

…but they are actually vintage kid’s games. So clever!

The bathroom is open plan. Could be good to know for the traveller that likes to be able to close around them when in the bathroom. But it looks really good!

The pool is surrounded by orange, almond and avocado trees, embedded in greenery.

Right next to the pool there is a honesty bar where you are invited to help yourself to whatever tickles your fancy.

The main building at the hotel is a converted barn and this was also my favorite object to photograph when staying here. there is something about the geometry of the building. And the stark white against the blue Portuguese sky.

This is how the old barn looks on the inside. A huge room with pool table and several different seating areas to hang out in if the weather forces you to be indoors.

Vintage pieces are to be found all throughout the hotel.

The sun is setting over the living quarters.

M is sneaking around exploring all the different rooms and spaces at the hotel.

Ok, just one more photo of the barn so you have seen photos of it in sunrise, during daytime as well as at sunset.

M contemplating whether or not to go for an evening dip or not. He decided to do it. And me too.

Night is over and the sun is rising over the Casas Quinta de Cima.

Breakfast is served outside in the morning sun.

Just down the road from the hotel there are several different beaches, or to be honest it is the same beach but with different sections. Our favorite was this one, Praia da Manta Rota.

If I may say so myself, this photo looks really tempting. The light, the reflections in the water and the soft coastal haze.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are looking for tranquility. If you are searching for a place drenched in sun (most of the time) with impeccable design full of curious vintage finds framed by fragrant orange groves. If this sounds appealing to you, book a stay at Casas Quinta de Cima.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is level of detail and taste that has gone into creating this hotel. Combining some of these vintage pieces is something I think many would never ever consider, but here it makes for an eclectic and fun mix. And then there is the breakfast! So delicious! Especially when you get to enjoy it outdoors, by the pool as the sun rises.

What not to miss when staying here is…

…to explore the area. Like go down to nearby Cacela Velha and watch the sunset from the church by the cliff. Or enjoy the amazing beach with the same name which is basically a sandy peninsula where you can escape some of the crowds otherwise usually found along the Algarve.

If you like this hotel you might also like…

Hospedaria, Tavira, Algarve, Portugal

Masseria Moroseta, Ostuni, Puglia, Italy

Dexamenes, Kourouta, The Peloponnese, Greece