Discover Real Portugal and the Best Places to Stay

Situated above the fishing town of Setúbal in the Arrábida Nature Reserve overlooking the River Sado Estuary and close to some beautiful beaches, this property is located 50km south of Lisbon, 346km south of Porto and 244km north of Faro.

Accommodation: Self-catering Windmill, 2 apartments, one double room and a little wooden cottage all sleeping 2 guests and a log cabin which sleeps 4 guests.

The title of this property ‘Há Mar ao Luar’ literally means ‘There is Sea in the Moonlight’. It is a reference to the magical effect of the moonlight over the River Sado Estuary which can be seen on a clear night from its magnificent vantage point. It also rather beautifully encapsulates the overall romantic atmosphere of this special place.

The property is set high above the busy fishing town of Setúbal in the peaceful seclusion and compact vegetation of the protected Arrábida Nature Reserve. From the many priviledged viewing points of this house, guests can enjoy the unfolding scene of lush green, tree-clad slopes dropping down to the crystal clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Spectacular panoramic views of the River Sado Estuary below and of the Tróia peninsula beyond leave a lasting impression.

The accommodation offers guests the opportunity to sample a touch of authentic Portuguese rustic charm by staying in a beautifully converted old windmill. The mill has a cosy feel and has been carefully and cleverly furnished to make the most of the space and original shape of the building. The views from the upstairs bedroom balcony should not be missed. The terrace, which goes all the way round the mill, enables guests to choose the perfect spot from which to enjoy the view, a romantic dinner or a good book.

Alternatively, guests may choose to stay in one of the tastefully presented apartments, each one named after the predominant colour of decoration and furnishings within. The apartments are located in what resembles an old fashioned coach house or stables building which has been constructed more recently while still maintaining the rustic charm of the rest of the property. Each apartment has a small private terrace from which guests can enjoy alfresco eating or a glass of wine while marvelling at the view.

Finally, there are two charming, rustic log cabins hidden away in the gardens for guests who prefer a little more privacy.

The owner, Maria João Pereira Caldas, has succeeded in creating a wonderfully relaxed, romantic, rustic ambience in this property. Her clever use of washed paint effects on walls and woodwork and her use of natural colours and artefacts in all the accommodation complement and enhance the rustic feel of this location and its natural surroundings, thus leaving one feeling calm and refreshed.

Maria João lives on the premises and she and her friendly and attentive staff are always on hand to welcome you and offer help and advice.

Há Mar ao Luar offers guests the opportunity to choose from the following accommodation:

1.The Windmill: sleeps 2 with an open plan living room and kitchenette with woodburning stove, satellite TV, radio and CD player on the ground floor, a double bedroom with small balcony and bathroom upstairs and an outside terrace.

2.The Blue and Green Suites sleep 2 and are all on one level with a living room with satellite TV, radio and CD player, a kitchenette, a double bedroom and bathroom with hair dryer and a small outside terrace.

3.The White Room sleeps 2 with a double bedroom, bathroom, TV, radio, CD player and a small outside terrace.

4.The 'Cabana' or 'log cabin' sleeps 4 and is on 2 levels.

5.The 'Casinha' or 'little wooden cottage' sleeps 2 and is on one level with a kitchenette, living room, bedroom and terrace.

Swimming Pool:
All guests have at their disposal a beautiful, elegantly shaped swimming pool with wooden decking surround and set in the perfect spot for enjoying a refreshing dip and soaking in the panoramic views.

Guests are asked to pay a deposit of 30% in order to secure the reservation. Payment can be made by cheque or bank transfer.

Guests are asked to send proof of payment within 3 days of the starting date of the reservation period. The balance is due on arrival.

For last minute reservations, guests are asked to make a payment no later than 24 hours before the start of the reservation period.

There is no credit card facility at this property.

All payments are made directly to the property owner.

For cancellations with more than 7 days notice, 50% of the deposit is forfeited. For cancellations with less than 7 days notice, 100% of the deposit is forfeited.

Meals:
Breakfast provisions will be left in your accommodation on your arrival and fresh bread will be delivered each morning or evening, whichever guests prefer.

Pets:
Pets are made welcome and are free of charge.