TheVagar: boutique hotel & “Slow travel hospitality”

TheVagar Country House is a unique hotel with 6 exclusive suites and 3 mountain shelters. With its minimalist charm, the hotel is set in a pristine environment that you have to experience to understand. You’ll find yourself here in Belmonte, in the heart of Portugal’s central interior. In a rural and historic setting, with endless landscapes, it’s a magical space that pays homage to nature and well-being. Vagar literally means “to wander” or “to roam.”

TheVagar Country House: Born from a Love Story

TheVagar Countryhouse was born out of a beautiful love story. Marta and André met while studying tourism and chose to settle in André’s beautiful hometown in the peaceful Portuguese countryside.

Together with André’s sister, they built their dream home in 2019. The Vagar is perched atop a mountain in the Serra da Esperança. With their two children, Marta and André are now the wonderful hosts at The Vagar. They make sure you feel right at home. The hotel embodies respect, inclusion, and sustainability.

Mindfulness and Local Delicacies

TheVagar Country House offers all the amenities of a boutique hotel: suites with fireplaces, panoramic balconies, mindful walking trails, a heated infinity pool, and much more!

The delicious breakfast features a combination of regional and seasonal flavors and is included in the price. You decide when and where you’d like to have breakfast: in your bedroom, the common area, or by the pool. All ingredients are sourced from the immediate area and prepared with passion.

In the afternoon, tea is served with homemade cookies or cake. Get ready for the sunset ritual during the golden hour. While enjoying some cheese and a glass of wine by the fire, you can savor this wonderful moment of the day by the pool.

Belmonte in the Serra da Esperança, Mountain of Hope

The Serra da Esperança is home to the cradle of Belmonte’s history, one of Portugal’s twelve historic cities. Serra da Esperança literally means “mountain of hope.” In addition to The Vagar, you’ll find the ruins of Castro da Chandeirinha, a small village dating from the late Bronze/Iron Age. The Fórnea ruins—now known as Villa da Quinta da Fornea—are also located near The Vagar. This is a Roman farmstead from the^2nd century AD that belonged to a wealthy family.

• The main building features a communal living area where you can have a bite to eat, relax by the fireplace, read, play cards, taste wine, or meet people.
• At the Contemplation House, you can relax, celebrate, get a massage, or take a workshop.
• At the bathhouse, you can enjoy a wonderful bath, either alone or with a partner.

The suites at TheVagar Country House: exclusive and unpretentious

Each suite is unique—more than just a place to stay. It’s a cozy retreat that lets you enjoy the heart of Serra da Estrela, the highest point on mainland Portugal.

New at Thevagar Country House: the Mountain Shelters

New at The Vagar are the mountain shelters. And I got to try them out! The three shelters are located at the summit of Serra da Esperança (700 meters), overlooking the majestic Serra da Estrela. It’s the ideal spot for a retreat surrounded by the beauty of nature and the most stunning sunsets. They’re located 1.5 kilometers from The Vagar Countryhouse itself, positioned to ensure optimal privacy.

The shelters are surrounded by imposing granite boulders and are accessible only on foot or by 4×4 jeep transfer—an adventure in itself. You’ll be picked up and dropped off, and you can also have breakfast, lunch, or dinner delivered to your shelter. With the convenient WhatsApp service, you can easily place an order or request a jeep transfer back down.

Inspired by the region’s traditional shepherds’ huts, the Mountain Shelters pay homage to local history and culture. The design combines simplicity (no TV) with modern functionality. Cozy stoves provide warmth and charm. The hot tub on the terrace invites you to enjoy the silence or gaze at the stars under a clear night sky. It’s truly a fantastic experience. This accommodation is perfect for those who love peace and quiet.

Barefoot trail and 15 km of marked hiking trails

Discover the nature, history, and culture of this fascinating region. Explore on your own or set out on the Belmonte Trail, which is part of the hiking trails of Portugal’s historic villages.

“Sensory trails” have been created in the Serra da Esperança—routes that wind through all kinds of natural landscapes and across different types of terrain. Each trail offers a unique landscape experience. You can walk barefoot here…

In addition, the Belmonte hiking trail runs through here; it is part of the hiking trails of Portugal’s historic villages.

TheVagar Country House: Active and Relaxing

Take an ice bath or go on a jeep tour with André to explore the stunning surroundings and hear stories about the area’s landscape, flora, and fauna.

Immerse yourself in Portugal’s most Instagrammable infinity pool (now heated). Enjoy an aromatic bath or a relaxing massage. Have a picnic basket prepared for your exploration of the Belmonte area. You can take yoga and meditation classes.

Wedding or event in unspoiled nature at TheVagar Countryhouse

At TheVagar, you can also make your dream come true. You can reserve the main building, the Jardim das Heras, the pool, the surrounding area, and the Glamping area for your party or wedding, all set amidst unspoiled nature.

Because the philosophy is minimalist and focused on quality, events are limited to 30 people. The venue can accommodate up to 15 people, and there is a chapel for a civil or religious ceremony.