The most isolated & scenic location that you could ever wish to stay in. The Quinta is arrived at via a 4k dirt road and sits on a hill gently sloping down into the lake where a small jetty with sun loungers awaits. The location is as stunning, isolated and romantic as you could ever hope for - this is a place to relax & soak up the views as much as possible - the Andorinha suite with its own private garden is well recommended to give even further seclusion

We went in search of wildlife (particularly birds and dragonflies) and with Franks expert help we found plenty. Our stay at the Quinta was truely enjoyable and we were always made to feel welcome as if part of the family. Not really on the tourist trail (but adds to the sense of adventure) you can still reach the west coast and plains without too much difficulty. We will go back to see our new friends at the Quinta and sample once again Daniella's great cooking.

We wanted to be alone but also have a friendly, family atmosphere close at hand that included good home cooking. We were seeking plenty of varied wildlife in an unspoilt part of old sunny Southern Europe. Fussy? Sure we were fussy. Why? Because we were on our honeymoon! We worked hard to find such a place where the locals were friendly and the host was an expert on the best places to see birds so that we could book three of our days to go with him or her. Lastly, we wanted somewhere reasonably remote and where we, ourselves, could also discover some of the wildlife for ourselves as well. We wanted a break from the strictly organised group tours that often seem to just tick off species. We wanted time to watch and take in what we saw. Our two weeks at The Quinta with Frank, Daniella and family as hosts was beyond our wildest dream. Our first day out with Frank McClintock at the end of March on the plains of Alentejo round Mertola was unbelievable. Montague Harriers had arrived and were seen hunting at close quarters. He took us to where he had recently seen Great and Little Bustards and Black-bellied Sand grouse (and this varies from year to year). Not only did we have excellent views but some of the bustards were displaying and the sand grouse flew close by. Also we saw Calandra larks, Lesser Kestrel and so much else. With Frank we never felt hurried. It was often our decision to move on. It was a refreshing change. There were many surprises. On our days to the South we were equally successful, not just with birds but with dragonflies and butterflies. These were our speciality, to give him something back, so to speak, for his efforts on our behalf. He now Emails me to say he’s got the dragonfly bug! Then there were the days when we went on our own, with a lot of help planning our route from Frank and Daniella. A lot could be found within walking distance of the Quinta. In a small valley with a stream we discovered the Afro-endemic One-Leafed Squill and Lorquin Blue butterflies fluttering low round our feet. Other flowers were Green Winged Orchids and Western Peony and butterflies included Marsh and Provencal Fritillaries, Spanish Festoon, Brimstone and Cleopatras. It was Spring and we felt it all around. Subalpine Warblers had arrived and their song blended with Woodlarks and Nightingales. Beeeaters suddenly called overhead. A Western Clubtail dragon landed beside us. The place stays in our hearts. We thoroughly recommend it and not just for honeymooners. It gives something back to you. It’s like love.

Paradise in Portugal is marketed as peaceful, idyllic, beautiful and a perfect 'get away from it all' destination - it is all of these things and more. The surrounding countryside is stunning and filled with wild flowers and wildlife. The owners are just great! They provide a brilliant service, great food (and loads of it!) and treat you almost like family. If you want rowdy night life and 5* luxury then this isn't the place for you, but if like us you enjoy great company, wildlife, walking and a waterside location then look no further! WE'RE GOING BACK!!!!

This is a wonderful, small, intimate retreat - a special world created by owners Frank and Daniela. The rooms and public areas are great and the food (served family style) is wonderful. Breakfast includes a wonderful selection of cheeses, and fresh orange juice pressed minutes before it is served. It is a place to relax, but also a good base for great side trips. The hotel is at the end of an unpaved, but well-maintained 4 km road. If your idea of a side trip is to hit the autoroute and burn up the miles, this place is not for you. But if you want incredible views of hills, lakes and wildflowers, you will love this entrance road and the countryside all around. You can go east to the incredibly beautiful and under-populated plains, west to the coast and great seaside towns, or south to Monchique and the mountains. It's a beautiful part of Portugal. Frank will give you all the driving directions, and you will discover beautiful country roads - paved, but with almost no traffic. A Portugal you would probably not discover on your own. I highly recommend a one-day birding trip with Frank. He knows and loves his birds, their habits and habitats. He's also full of knowledge about the countryside, its ecology, its flowers and its history. We had an unforgettable day.