Hills, plains, cork forests, dramatic coastlines, whitewashed villages and medieval towns define the lovely Alentejo region of Portugal. Central to the Alentejo is the Baroque city of Évora, where visitors can marvel at an ancient Roman temple, Gothic cathedral and crumbling ramparts.

A selection of new hotels recently opened or are scheduled to open during this year, adding to the region’s already substantial allure. Among them are Hotel O Cante in Évora, where a contemporary design features wood accents, natural textures and soothing earth tones. The hotel’s Alma Spa & Wellness area provides guests the option of indulging in holistic massages and therapies, while dining at the Ponto Alto restaurant means enjoying local cuisine specialties.

A luxury eco-hotel is planned for Santiago do Cacém, which saw the recent opening of a theme park dedicated to all things gin. is Located at the Black Pig gin distillery, Vila do Gin is billed as the world’s first gin theme park.

The first luxury wine hotel in Vidigueira will open this year at Vidigueira winery. Owner and wine maker Dieter Morszeck plans a 23-room luxury boutique property on the site of existing ruins. Guests will arrive via private plane, and the property’s restaurant will be under the direction of Chef José Júlio Vintém.