Since I enjoyed my recent trip to India so much, I have been more enthusiastic than ever to visit destinations that I haven’t been to before. Visiting Portugal has been on my list for a while now, so when the weather in Amsterdam got its usual November horrible, I jumped at the invitation to visit Fazenda Nova. Situated in the heart of the Eastern Algarve countryside, this beautiful hideaway is everything I could have asked for.
The Eastern Algarve is nothing like the Algarve I had heard of and dreaded, with touristic places like Albufeira and Portimao. On the contrary: Fazenda Nova is based in the authentic side of southern Portugal, with cute small towns in rolling hills and characteristic fishing ports along the famously stunning coastline. I had originally planned to use Fazenda Nova as the base to explore the entire area, even taking longer trips, like the two hour drive to Sevilla in Spain. But the moment I drove through the gates at Fazenda Nova I loved it so much that I never wanted to leave!
After driving just 30 minutes from Faro airport and parking the car, the first thing I noticed walking up to the main house was the beautifully landscaped garden full of wild flowers around the lovely old olive trees. I learned that Fazenda Nova was originally a family home and farm, that the owners Tim and Hallie spent no less than 7 years on to turn into a carefully created luxury country house.
Fazenda Nova has only 10 spacious suites, that are surrounded by over 400 olive trees, carob trees and almond trees, on a 10 hectare estate. Most suites have their own private yard, although I also enjoyed spending time relaxing around the wonderful pool and the quaint seating area outside the main house.
As you can tell from the pictures, Fazenda Nova has a real personal style and touch, that is exemplified by the detailed decorations in the main house and the suites. I also really loved the fragrance, the delightful scent, that you smell the moment you enter the main house.
Our suite was decorated beautifully, with earth tones colored walls that matched the vibe of the Algarve countryside we could enjoy through the windows. It was also very spacious, with a comfortable bed, lots of closet space (which I always adore!) and a huge bathroom stacked with Ren toiletries, a fantastic brand. Talk about a destination with all the finishing touches!!
Still, the more I travel, the more I realize that the people you meet are at least half the joy of traveling. I have noticed that the best hotels usually employ the nicest staff and in that respect Fazenda Nova really struck a nerve with me: everyone was so genuinely friendly and eager to help out. For example, staff members went out of their way to point us to the nicest restaurants in the nearby coastal towns of Tavira, Santa Luzia and Olhao, going as far as to recommend specific dishes to try, based on our preferences. So definitely visit the Eastern Algarve, check out Fazenda Nova, follow their tips and then have the polvo. It’s Portuguese for octopus and it is heavenly!
X Merel
Hi Merel!
I have been to Algarve around 10 years ago together with my school friend Dana. It was amazing and I enjoyed everything. Only the food wasn’t really my taste but the problem was that we didn’t really know where to go out for lunch and dinner.
You look very happy and relaxed. Aww, the breakfast bowl looks so delicious! I love fruits for breakfast 🙂
I wish I could be there at this very lovely place! The personal style is top!
Have a great day Merel.
Jasmin
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Looks and sounds amazing! It’s def on my list of places to go! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful photos! Love all your outfits, especially your floral pants!
xo, Jennifer
http://www.publicistinpearls.com
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BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS !! U LOOK AMAZING ❤
http://WWW.OANNAFASHIONSIMBOL.COM
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Wonderful! A great place to escape!
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Another lovely trip in a pretty hotel! Hope you had an amazing time!
http://violettedaily.com
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Wow love this blogpost and also the pics. Thank u for your inspiration 🙂
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i was just looking at a trip to Faro. this looks like a perfect spot!
Xx
Kali
http://www.lovelaughexplore.com
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Wow! This place looks absolutely gorgeous. I love the bathroom and the very homely decorations in the house. It really does have a personal and comfortable vibe. Good staff really does help to make your stay more enjoyable as well!
Thanks for sharing, I will definitely be adding this to the list of places to travel & stay!
Lindsey Elyse | lindseyginge
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Looks so amazing! Love your photos. And all your outfits are fabulous.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
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Ah wow it looks amazing!
moorizZLA xx
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Love the look! http://www.portiastylebook.com/
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So many gorgeous photos! Love the outfits too! 🙂
Really love the coloured dress! 🙂
YouTube | Blog: Geekette in High Heels | Instagram
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Great post!
Much love,
Hadasah | http://www.styletolove.com
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Great post! Your pictures are wonderful!
Darriyan xx
http://www.darriyancateland.co.uk
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Total gorgeousness darling! Love your pictures so much.
Happy Holidays!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
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So beautiful!! I love Portugal and hope to live there some day. I still haven’t been down south but it always looks so lovely.
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
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cutest outfits ever! I love that denim dress so much!!
kelseybang.com
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Oh my my…these all photos are so gorgeous and You look so stunningly beautiful hun….Great post …..as olvz….luv…xoxo, Neha
http://www.theinstylejournal.com/
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Such gorgeous photos! I’ve always wanted to visit Portugal, now I want to even more!
Annessa
http://www.seekingsunshine.com
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Love that denim jumper- and Portugal looks gorgeous!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
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These are amazing photos. I have heard from many people that Portugal is very beautiful and it really is, in these pics.
Nina
Nina’s Style Blog _ enter to win $60 Giveaway
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Such a nice place to stay at! I love Portugal and I want to see more of this beautiful country.
ANOUK
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Beautiful post!
Kisses!
http://www.alasdeangel.net
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Sounds like a great place to be! Trust you had an awesome time.
Ps; you look beautiful.
Funmi x
http://www.funmialabi.co.uk/blogmas-day-1-gift-guide/
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This place totally matches your lovely summery outfits. You look so pretty.
Happy Holidays!
http://www.fashionradi.com
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You look amazing! Love your style!
http://curlyjosephine.blogspot.ba/
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Hi Merel, this looks so lovely! I would love to be somewhere warm right now. I love all your outfits here too especially the pretty floral trousers.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
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Portugal looks absolutely gorgeous and I’d love to visit someday! That pink wall is amazing too!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
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This denim dress is so cute!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
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It looks like you had an amazing time! Gorgeous photos and gorgeous outfits! Happy Friday!
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
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Wow the suite looks really nice and luxurious! I really like how rustic it looks. The colorful touches are also so pretty as well. Definitely looks like a place worth checking out. I agree that the people are half the charm of a place. A location can look super pleasing and beautiful, but if the people are indifferent and unwelcoming, it really takes away from the experience.
~Andrea Tiffany~
aglimpseofglam.blogspot.com
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Portugal is on my list of places to visit, possibly this year! Definitely going to circle back to this post when planning the trip. Thanks for the inspiration babe!
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
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I’ve never been to Portugal and it has always interested me but I wouldn’t say it was ever on my top 10 ten list. However, your trip sounds wonderful, looks very picturesque and I love the sound of the venue you picked. With a lot of things in life, the people really do matter and I hear you when you nod at the great staff. The same goes for being in a boring place but with great company. Thank you for sharing your experience, I shall be adding Portugal to my list 🙂 xx
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Oh this place looks so lovely! Portugal definitely comes onto my bucket list 🙂 And this denim dress looks so pretty on you. I wish it was so warm here in Switzerland as well 🙂
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
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Wow you found such a great spot to stay!! This place is gorgeous! And how thoughtful of them with the Ren products too! I love Ren! We stayed in a couple of hotels, which were nice enough, but nothing sweet and personal like this.
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com/
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