The high altitude, 1200 m above sea level, set in a quiet location provided fresh air and a tranquil atmosphere of care. Originally built in the 1920's over an 8 year period it then served all needy patients in 50 beds available to the National Association of Tuberculosis. The building later passed ownership to the National Institute for TB Care. It closed down in 1969 but re-opened in 1974 for 700 returnees from the former Portuguese colonies.
In 2011 restoration of the building began by the Pestana Group of Hotels and it opened in 2014 offering 92 rooms which were beautifully furnished, plain simple gardens, an indoor and outdoor pool and spa facilities.
My stay here was one of respite from the on/off coach travelling and sanctuary from the torrential rains, low clouds and fog of May, watering the earth for its long hot summer ahead. The hotel was clean and fresh, comfortable, very spacious and 'grand'. It felt a real privilege to be there.
The corridors were long and I felt the serene hospital atmosphere through the pictures on the walls of my room. I imagined the coughs and breathing difficulties of former residents and rather than it being a place of convalescence it felt like a restorative place physically, mentally and spiritually. (Read Blog on Healing Waters and The Gym). Here I had time to think more clearly, absorb the 'now' and not worry about time schedules other than planned meal times.
Some of our travelling companions complained that the food was not up to standard but this was not my experience. The Mediterranean diet is so much healthier than the British based diet. The colour and variety both at breakfast and evening meal gave choices for all tastes. By now I was beginning to weary of the negativity of several of the group and had to avoid being seated with them at meal times. I would rate this hotel 5 stars out of 5. A wonderful place in the mountains, a place I would return to, perhaps in better weather days to sit outdoors and bask in the pure air.
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