Although the estate now welcomes guests instead of agricultural workers, much of its original character has been preserved.

Set within a 50-hectare estate, the property is just a short drive from Tavira, Cacela Velha and the beaches of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Football player wedding

The property has recently attracted extra attention after Portuguese footballer Gonçalo Ramos and Margarida Amaral Domingues chose the estate for their wedding reception following their ceremony in Faro. While the celebration put the boutique hotel in the spotlight, the estate has quietly been welcoming guests looking for a slower pace of life and a more authentic Algarve experience.

Unlike many hotels built specifically for tourism, Casas da Quinta de Cima has a long history. The 50-hectare estate has belonged to the same family for six generations and was originally a working farm. Rather than replacing its past, the renovation focused on preserving it, with many of the original buildings carefully restored and given a new purpose.

Original building remains intact

Many of the farm's original buildings remain part of the hotel today. What were once storage areas are now used as a dining room and lounge, while the former office has been turned into a reading room where guests can sit with a book or catch up on some work.

Accommodation is spread across nine spacious suites, including a loft suite, each created inside the former farm workers' houses. The interiors combine traditional Algarve elements with contemporary design, featuring natural materials, high ceilings and large windows that bring in plenty of daylight.

Each suite offers around 70 square metres of space and includes a separate living area, a fully equipped kitchenette and a generous bathroom finished with marble, underfloor heating, a bathtub and a walk-in shower. Every suite also opens onto a private terrace surrounded by gardens, providing the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee or unwind in the evening. Guests will also find beach towels and baskets ready for a day by the sea, as well as outdoor showers for cooling off after returning from the coast.

Independent villas

For families or groups looking for more privacy, the estate also offers two independent villas. One has two bedrooms and the other three, both featuring fully equipped kitchens, spacious living rooms with fireplaces, private gardens, outdoor dining areas and their own swimming pools. These villas are also the only accommodation on the property where children under the age of 12 and small dogs are welcome.

Although the beaches are only a short drive away, many guests spend much of their time enjoying the facilities within the estate itself. Two outdoor swimming pools provide plenty of space to cool down during the summer months, including a 25-metre pool designed for those who enjoy swimming lengths. There is also a heated pool, an honesty bar and several peaceful corners shaded by mature trees, creating an atmosphere that encourages guests to slow down and relax.

Sports facilities

Those who prefer to stay active can make use of the on-site gym, while massages can also be arranged for anyone looking to switch off completely. The experience here is intentionally low-key, with the emphasis placed on nature, comfort and privacy rather than organised entertainment.

Breakfast celebrates local flavours and seasonal ingredients. Freshly squeezed Algarve orange juice, organic eggs, homemade cakes, local bread, fresh cheese, homemade preserves and granola are all part of the morning spread, which can be enjoyed outdoors beside the pool whenever the weather allows. For lunch and dinner, guests can either enjoy light meals at the hotel or explore the restaurants of Vila Nova de Cacela, Cacela Velha and Tavira, with the hotel able to arrange transport if needed.

Discovering the Algarve

The hotel's location makes it easy to discover one of the Algarve's most beautiful and less crowded regions. The whitewashed village of Cacela Velha, with its panoramic views over the Ria Formosa, is only a few minutes away, while nearby beaches such as Praia da Fábrica and Manta Rota are regularly ranked among the finest in Portugal. Tavira, known for its historic centre, riverside cafés and traditional architecture, is also within easy driving distance.

Guests can also explore the surrounding landscape by bicycle, on horseback or by boat, with excursions available throughout the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Birdwatching, kayaking and guided nature tours offer another way to experience this protected coastal lagoon, which is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife throughout the year.

While much of the Algarve's accommodation is centred around the coast, Casas da Quinta de Cima offers something different. Set among orchards just outside Vila Nova de Cacela, it provides a peaceful base for exploring the eastern Algarve at a slower pace.