• Explore the countryside on foot while vacationing in Alentejo.alentejo landscape image by Jorge Casais from Fotolia.com
  
  Located in south-central Portugal, the Alentejo region is swathed in soft rolling countryside and granite hills. The area is replete with megalithic monuments, including the Anta Grande do Zambujeiro and the Almendres Cromlech Megalithic Complex, and other historical attractions, such as the Palacio de Duques de Cadaval and the Aqueduct Agua Da Prata. Hotels throughout Alentejo offer accommodations in modern and historic buildings with on-site amenities that include swimming pools, spa facilities and Mediterranean dining venues.
  
  

Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa

• Originally a 14th century convent, the Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa in Evora has 92 smoke-free guestrooms that come with a separate sitting room, mini-bar and private terrace. On-site amenities include a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a children's playground and the Kids Club Espinheiro, which provides a variety of children's activities throughout the year.
  
  The on-site Divinus Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine throughout the day, and the Aqua Lounge Pool Bar has cocktails and beverages. Meeting facilities can accommodate up to 300 people for business and personal functions.
  
  Convento do Espinheiro
  
  7000 Evora
  
  Portugal
  
  011-351-266-788-200
  
  starwoodhotels.com
  
  

Convento de Sao Paulo

• The Convento de Sao Paulo, built in the fourth century, was destroyed by earthquake and left in ruins until it was rebuilt in the 12th century. The structure that exists today was last reconstructed in the 18th century after another damaging earthquake. Today, the hotel offers 32 guest accommodations with antique furnishings and Estremoz marble bathrooms in rooms that once sheltered Portugese monks.
  
  The on-site O Eremita restaurant serves local cuisine throughout the day, and the A Cascata Bar is equipped with a billiards table and serves a variety of alcoholic beverages. Other on-site amenities include two outdoor swimming pools, a poolside bar, tennis court and complimentary mountain bikes for exploring the more than 1,480-acre property. Jeep safaris, boat tours, balloon rides and other activities can also be arranged through the hotel.
  
  Convento de Sao Paulo
  
  Aldeia da Serra
  
  7170-120 Redondo
  
  Portugal
  
  011-351-266-989-160
  
  hotelconventospaulo.com
  
  

M`AR De AR Aqueduto

• The M`AR De AR Aqueduto hotel is a combination of historic architecture in the 16th century Sepulveda Palace and modern construction in the hotel's new wing. The hotel offers 64 guest accommodations that include double, superior, spa rooms and suites. Spa rooms are located next to the hotel's spa and include equipment for in-room couples massage and body treatments, with a hydro massage tub and outdoor terrace. Every suite comes with a separate living room with LCD television and a canopy bed.
  
  The on-site Spa Aqueduto is also equipped with treatment rooms to provide a variety of massage, facial and body services. The Degust`AR restaurant serves a variety of Mediterranean dishes for lunch and dinner each day, and the on-site bar serves drinks in the lounge and outdoor terrace. Amenities also include a reading room and outdoor swimming pool, and tours throughout the area can be arranged through the hotel. Cooking classes are offered on a regular basis, where guests learn to create dishes such as chocolate soup with green tea.
  
  M`AR De AR Aqueduto
  
  Rua Candido dos Reis, 72
  
  7000-782 Evora
  
  Portugal
  
  011-351-266-740-700
  
  mardearhotels.com