M'AR De AR Aqueduto ★★★★★

Évora is a mysterious city. It's one of those destinations off the beaten tourist track that you can't help but feel provides you with a more intimate experience of a country and its culture. Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rises from the beautiful plains of Alentejo, clustered on a gentle hill. Within its protective city walls lie clues to its eventful past; Roman temples, late Gothic composite architecture, and hints of its Moorish era. It started to become the preferred site of the Royals during the 15th century, during which time many convents and palaces were built. One of these, the M'ar De Ar Aqueduto *****, was our destination.

The decorative wrought iron which is so common in this region greets you at the gates. The hotel's arched doorways and Manueline windows hint at its regal DNA. The whitewashed walls gleamed under the generous Portuguese sun in that distinctively Mediterranean way. However, the main thing that impresses you and catches your eye is the enormous elegant arches of the aqueduct that line the boundary of the property. As well as this unique feature, the green gardens with herbs and flowers, clear blue swimming pool and white sun loungers together make a picturesque setting.

We were welcomed warmly by staff who obviously enjoyed working in this beautiful establishment. We were escorted to our room, beneath vaulted ceilings and through historic hallways that were furnished with an imaginative mixture of the modern and colourful, and rustic and antique pieces. We were invited for complimentary welcome drinks, but first we wanted to settle in and unwind from our journey! Our room was lovely – it was really bright, light and fresh-feeling. It had an almost French country house ambience, in baby blue and white wood. Everything felt beautifully old-fashioned, but in a timeless way rather than an outdated one. There were little five-star touches too, including fresh flowers and gossamer fabrics floating around the bed. The bathroom was really spacious and modern, with a claw foot bath and separate shower with deep green tiles. Wood and porcelain created a natural and relaxing feeling. We each took a shower and I made us coffee, then we sat on the plush sofas with the floor-to-ceiling windows open, absorbing the beautiful view and the birdsong.

Though Évora is awash with characterful cafés and lucky enough to have gourmet food as standard, we both really loved the atmosphere at the hotel bar. It had a sultry chocolate-orange interior in places, and opened out under the expansive arches in others. Eating or drinking out on the terrace was just magical, with the aqueduct illuminated and the balmy breeze heavy with fragrances. The food was a perfect interpretation of regional delicacies.

M'ar De Ar Aqueduto is an inspiring and beautiful place from which your appreciation of Évora begins and ends. It’s a place where history and modern innovation come together. For me, it's these hidden gems of places and palaces that make travelling so enriching.