With four private self-catering guesthouses and its own organic farm, Quintamar provides a true getaway in Portugal’s stunning Algarve region. The estate is surrounded by the Ria Formosa nature reserve, sprinkled with olive and almond orchards, close to the sea and even boasts its own freshwater swimming lake. The reserve is home to numerous bird species, including spoonbills, storks, avocets, grey geese, flamingos, egrets, moorhens, Kingfishers, doves, house martins, hoopoes and bee-eaters.

Quintamar © Philippe Welti

Originally built more than 150 years ago, the estate includes a private farm called Quintamar Pomar, where organic fruits, vegetables and nuts are produced, along with products from the farm’s herds of goats and sheep. Nearby salt extraction processes follow a 2,000-year-old tradition. Young guests can enjoy a wide playground with swings and a sandpit, or visit the small, on-site farm zoo’s resident pigs, chickens and peacocks.

Houses have two or three bedrooms each along with private baths. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, dishwashers, washing machines, SKYTV, DVD players and WiFi. Bicycles, kite surfing boards and paddleboards can be reserved.

Nearby activities include boating and dolphin watching expeditions. Visitors can also explore the cafés, restaurants and shops in the historic town of Tavira, or choose from four golf courses. Rates vary with the season.