Home Away From Home: Inside Da Licenca, a boutique rural retreat in Portugal

Journey just a few kilometres outside of Portugal’s historic city of Estremoz, and you’ll stumble upon Da Licenca, a boutique rural retreat where you’ll be reminded of life’s true pleasures – the simple beauty of time and space.

Arriving at the 120-hectare property, the sensation of space provides a breathtaking first impression. Wind down the window and the scent of fig trees envelops you, with views of 13,000 olive trees stretching out over the hills.

What was once a farm owned by nuns from a nearby convent, then later used by a commune of farmers to produce olive oil, the structures on which Da Licenca was built have existed here since the 1840s.

After partners Vitor Borges and Franck Laigneau acquired the land, five years went into the retreat’s making, until it eventually opened in late 2018.

The imposing whitewashed structure consists of three buildings; the main house containing a suite and two bedrooms, the second building housing another two suites and a bedroom, while the remaining building features a further two suites – each with their own picturesque and private swimming pool.

Reiterating the beauty of space, the interiors are minimal and monastic, designed with no doors to allow each room to flow from one into the next. But the bathrooms are hard to miss with hand-sculpted marble sinks and two boasting grand marble bathtubs.

Outside the privacy of the bedrooms, there is still much ground to cover, beginning with private gardens and lovely terraces. Then there are the communal spaces, such as the living and dining rooms, a scenic porch for breakfast, and a choice of two swimming pools surrounded by nature.

Art is also deeply ingrained in the heart of the hotel and proudly present throughout. Acquired all over Europe, the owners’ collections take guests on a journey through France, Norway, Finland, Italy
and Portugal.

Da Licenca is a place where time slows right down.

While in Portugal:

1. Marques de Pombal Square

Home to one of Portugal’s largest farmers’ markets, spend your Saturday morning strolling the marble cobblestone streets of Rossio Marques de Pombal Square.

2. Estremoz Castle

In the city of Estremoz, only a 15-minute drive away, the castle dominates the rustic medieval town and offers stunning vistas over the Alentejo landscape from Menagem Keep.

3. Alentejo

The Alentejo wine region ranks among the world’s best, producing ripe and fruity reds. Take advantage of your stay and visit some exceptional local wineries.