LUX Hotel & Spa Awards 2016

http://lux.acquisition-intl.com/ 28 LUX - Hotel & Spa Awards 2016 Best Country House – Portugal & LUX Award for Best Relaxation Concept - Health through Water With a property comprising ten thematically-decorated cottages, each outfitted with air-conditioning and enough home facilities to make a self-catered getaway possible, the Monte do Giestal is appropriately suited to honeymooning couples, or to holidaymakers hoping to make a break from the busier tourist areas further north, especially around Lisbon. The Giestal Estate itself extends across 71 hectares and is completely surrounded by oaks, offering clients an effective cut-off switch, where they can while away the hours channel-surfing, basking in the sauna or reading on the balcony in the soft evening sun. At the heart of the estate, nestled between the houses, is a spacious pool for those balmier Iberian days. While such an idyllic spot seems to be untouchable, it has seen subtle improvements and enhancements over the years, thanks to an emphasis on customer satisfaction. “For us,” explains Guida Silva, “the opinion of our customers is very important, and so all their suggestions are taken into account. We have been successfully growing year after year, by listening to our customers’ suggestions and then implementing them to enhance the hotel.” Being so focussed on customer satisfaction, for some, might bear the risk of deviating from what makes a rural Portuguese holiday retreat so quaintly attractive, but Guida is well-prepared for this and demonstrates how well she can adjust to the circumstances. “We must be aware of the market and their changes, but we always try to go in our way and show what is most characteristic of the Alentejo region.” Indeed, the locale has a lot to offer any prospective visitor to the Monte Do Giestal, especially those Best Country House – Portugal & LUX Award for Best Relaxation Concept - Health through Water The ‘Monte do Giestal – Casas de Campo & Spa’ is a well-established tourism hotspot in lush rural space in Southern Portugal’s Alentejo region. Everything is prepared and made with the principal concern in mind being about the wellbeing of the customer. Priding themselves on a main goal of making guests feel as if they were at home, the Monte do Giestal immerses visitors in the rugged terrain with comfortable homely accommodation. HS160039 Company: Monte do Giestal – Casas de Campo & Spa Prose Email: geral@ montedogiestal.com Phone: +351 269 902 068 Web Address: www.montedogiestal.com Address: Monte do Giestal Casas de Campo & SPA, BRIC 801 – Cova do Gato Monte do Giestal – Casas de Campo & Spa Prose discerning visitors looking to spend a while in isolation. In the municipality of Santiago do Cacém and the parish of Abela, influence from the outside world is practically non-existent. This has allowed the people of the region to forge their own path, continuing as they have done for generations in traditional crafts – most notably, cork production is a regional symbol here. Venture out into the rolling countryside, and the fragments of a varied history are lurking behind the bougainvillea. Palaeolithic carvings show that humans have lived in this part of the world since society first started; Roman structures still hold some of the mysticism of Antiquity; Visigothic churches, in their austere gloom, paint a picture of the important role of faith in the history of this land. Beyond the sights, the smells and taste of the region are in abundance. Owing to the region’s colloquial name as the ‘bread-basket’ of Portugal, gastronomic tourists to the Awill find pork and wild game, balanced with breads, cheeses and world-famous wines find their roots here, and while the locals almost take them for granted, their availability makes for a delightful tourist experience. The Monte do Giestal stands to benefit hugely from a new influx of tourism into this docile region at the literal corner of Europe, and Guida also demonstrates how the Giestal is preparing to take advantage of new-fangled digital marketing as a means of expanding their clientele. “Soon we will have available a mobile App to show not only the Monte do Giestal, but also our natural and cultural heritage, the activities and cuisine of the Alentejo region, so that the customers may enjoy an unforgettable stay.” The spa, too, is in keeping with this relaxed touch, being conceived to complement the accommodation and a good meal, or even as an opportunity to relax after all the energy spent on outdoor activities. With its Vichy showers, Turkish bath and Ofurö whirlpool tub, no expense has been spared in granting customers the height of luxury. Rather than going against the rustic charm of the surroundings, it lends itself to the relaxed atmosphere of the Alentejo. These subtle enhancements to the way that Guida is able to interact with her client base, coupled with a noted increased appeal in the rural charms of Portugal, give ample cause for optimism in the future of the Monte do Giestal. “We will grow step by step, in a sustainable way, and we will watch the Alentejo growing up, too.” About the prospect for future tourism to the area, Guida places great faith in the natural attractions of the region to continue drawing in customers. “There are many people who knows the Alentejo, but there are so many more who have not yet had this opportunity. “All of this has to be well-thought out and planned, but we hope that in a few years we will be in a position to increase the number of houses. That way we will be able to receive more guests, and share with everyone what the best of the Alentejo has to offer.” As a message to these prospective future visitors, Guida has a simple message: “For those who would like to know the Alentejo region, the “Monte do Giestal” is the right place to visit. We will wait for you and ‘let the countryside look after you’; this is our slogan – let us prove it to you.”