House

Chao do Rio

Travancinha, Centro Region, Portugal

Six sparkling clean houses made of light natural stones stand around a gracefully designed natural pool with a light pebble beach. With their scruffy roofs, they look a little like little sheep standing on the green meadow. Inside, all are decorated a little differently and designed in color. But they are all comfortably furnished with sofa corners, large kitchens, wood-burning stoves and many amenities.

In the morning the bells of the small village church ring over here and the Kikeriki of the rooster mixes with the twittering of birds. In the area of Chao do Rio, which was formerly a family weekend retreat, there is now a playground, some animals, the vegetable garden and many different tree species.

And a large part of the area is still overgrown with original forest, in which walkers can encounter all kinds of animals and bring their soul into harmony with nature. By the way, swimming between water lilies in the natural pool has a similar effect. As a greeting, guests also receive a map with many excursion options in the near and far surroundings.

We also featured this accommodation on our blog at Five places with a natural pool.


Rooms + Rates

per night
Cottagefrom108 €

Sustainable

ArchitectureThe guest houses are built from regional and recycled materials. The natural stones used have a second life because they were reused from old demolition houses. Together with the wooden structure and the roofs that are traditionally covered with hay, they provide such good insulation that the houses can be comfortably inhabited in summer and winter. A fan in the heat and a wood stove in the cold are sufficient. Electricity-consuming air conditioning systems are not necessary.

FoodThe breakfast basket at Chao do Rio is filled with products from their own garden, eggs from the happy chickens, local cottage cheese and bread and other regional products. Vegetarian and vegan products are possible on request. Even shopping is possible in the nearby village. Guests can also collect vegetables and fruit in the garden of Chao do Rio. All of this can be prepared in your own well-equipped kitchen. There is even a juicer here, with which you can squeeze fresh juice from the fruit in the breakfast basket. In the garden there is also a barbecue area for common use by all guests. And there is a restaurant delivery service that brings the most delicious dishes directly to the door of the holiday home, where you can then enjoy them on your own terrace right by the natural pool.

The Chao do Rio works with several social institutions for training for the disabled or caring for the elderly or people in need of support and offers products from a neighboring workshop for disabled people at the reception. The employees at Chao do Rio themselves receive regular training and are lucky enough to be able to organize their working hours relatively flexibly.

EnvironmentWell-insulated guest houses and water warmed by the sun contribute to the economical use of resources. Waste prevention and waste separation as well. Guests and employees of the Chao do Rio are informed and encouraged to consciously deal with the environment.

Well-BeingChill out in the hammock after a bath in the mild, soft water of the natural swimming pool between water lilies and iridescent dragonflies. Relax in the middle of nature. If you can't “do it” on your own, you can book various types of massages and wellbeing therapies with your hosts in your own holiday home or in the shade under the trees.


Characteristics

  • Cuddly stone houses near the Estrela Natural Park
  • Eggs from happy chickens, vegetables from the garden, fruit straight from the tree
  • Bathing in the natural swimming pond between water lilies and dragonflies
  • Massage under the trees
  • Horse riding, guided hikes / snowshoeing possible
  • Many excursion destinations, picturesque villages nearby
  • River beaches for swimming

Cottages6 housesOwn cooking facilities + breakfastChildren welcomeWi-FiDisabled accessPoolPets allowed

Features

  • Five houses for 4 and one house for up to 6 people
  • All houses with their own kitchen
  • Large garden with fire place and picnic area
  • Natural pool with a pebble beach and sun loungers
  • Sun terrace
  • Free parking
  • Daily cleaning service
  • Family room + playground
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Laundry
  • Massages can be booked

Certificates + Awards

Biosphere

Responsible Tourism Zertifizierung

Premio Cinco Estrelas

5-Sterne-Preis Portugal 2018

Visit Website

Rooms + Rates

per night
Cottagefrom108 €

Location + Directions

By car

The Chao do Rio is less than 2 hours away from Porto (160 km). Lisbon can be reached in about 3 hours (282 km). The exact address and directions can be found on the hotel website.