Reviews
"Adventrous Kate" writes about the Quinta
"Q
uinta Do Barranco da Estrada is a special place ..." Latest press article, this one from the On-Line Travel Journal
July '10
After we dropped Ewa on the plane to Poland, Maia Tobie and me had another four days (we just got back) in Portugal, two in the East near Mertola and two at the coast East of Faro, near Tavira. So we had in total four different flavours of Portugal: a little fishing village (Burgau, before we went to you), a luxury hotel in the hills, a touristy place at the coast and...the winner is...the Paradise at the Lake. No surprise that -although the other places were nice too-, your place was by far the best, in terms of the whole "package" of nature, peace, atmosphere and personal welcome feeling.
Ewa & J, M & T
July '10
What can I say? It has all been wonderful, fantastic and the best time of my life. I will remember you all with love and laughter. Thank you!
Steve
June '10
Thank you so much for your warm hospitality. It has been amazing to be back here after 18 years and to see how this beautiful place has fulfilled all its promise. Congratulations on so much hard work, you must be very proud of it all, but the best thing about it is you guys! I certainly hope it won't take me as long to come back again!
Krisztina
April '10
This is just about as good as it gets. Good birds, good food and wonderful hosts. We've had one of the best "get away from it all" holidays ever. See you again!
S & G
Aug '09
Thank you so much for our wonderful stay - it really is Paradise here!
We loved everything, the beautiful view, the garden, the lake, your kind hospitality and the great food. We'll be back with the children!
Obrigado, obrigado, obrigado!
"Top ten European rural hotel"
Good Hotel Guide 2003
featured in The Guardian, January 11th 2003
July '09
Quinta do Barranco da Estrada has everything: sun, shade, quietness,
laughter, delicious food and a selection of wines that celebrate the owner's
fascination with ornithology. There are a thousand places to get away
in the paradisical terraced garden which leads down to a lake which is
more of a playground; with canoes, sailing boats, pedaloes, and gentle
swimming to nearby islands. We especially loved the dogs:
Sideways,
Molly,
Pesca,
Meiktila and
Honey. Once you're there - why leave?
"Best 5 Portuguese Retreats"
The Independent, May 2007 See Picture Of Article| Read Full Article
June '09
Paradise in Portugal is marketed as peaceful, idyllic, beautiful and a
perfect 'get away from it all' destination - it is all of these things
and more. The surrounding countryside is stunning and filled with wild
flowers and wildlife. The owners are just great! They provide a
brilliant service, great food (and loads of it!) and treat you almost
like family. If you want rowdy night life and 5* luxury then this isn't
the place for you, but if like us you enjoy great company, wildlife,
walking and a waterside location then look no further! WE'RE GOING
BACK!!!!
D&S
April '09
Our two weeks at The Quinta with Frank, Daniella and family as hosts
was beyond our wildest dream. Our first day out with Frank
at the end of March on the plains of Alentejo round Mertola was
unbelievable. Montague Harriers had arrived and were seen hunting at
close quarters. He took us to where he had recently seen Great and
Little Bustards and Black-bellied Sand grouse (and this varies from
year to year). Not only did we have excellent views but some of the
bustards were displaying and the sand grouse flew close by. Also we saw
Calandra larks, Lesser Kestrel and so much else. With Frank we never
felt hurried. It was often our decision to move on. It was a refreshing
change. There were many surprises. On our days to the South we were
equally successful, not just with birds but with dragonflies and
butterflies. The place stays in our hearts. We thoroughly recommend it and not just
for honeymooners. It gives something back to you. It’s like love.
D & A H.
Great Setting
The Quinta, run by irrepressible Old Etonian Frank McClintock, is a unique place in a totally unspoilt part of southern Portugal. You can birdwatch, windsurf, walk, swim, play badminton, or simply lie around - it's an idyllic existence in good company - more like a house party than anything else. I would recommend it to my friends.
Review by James on 6 August 2007
"Why not try one of our Well Being Weeks in Spring or Summer"
Sunday Telegraph July 2002
"The most perfect hideaway at any price"
TATLER
"Dinner is usually served to overtures from tree frogs and arias from nightingales."
Country Life
"More like a house party than a hotel"
Destination Portugal
February 09
Stunning scenery, superb food, great hosts ... why are we going? Back as soon as we can!
A & J C. (+ Fudge)
Feb 09
Wir haben ein wunderschoenes Wochenende bei euch verbracht. Wir haben hier in der Mitte von Portugal ein kleines Paradies gefunden, mit fantastischem Essen, herzlichen Leuten und interessanten Geschichten. Wir kommen zurueck!
T.B.
Jan 09
Simpatia, Hospitalidae, Simplicidade, Gastronomia, Natureza, Actividades, Lazer, Partilha de Experiências .... Classificação: Muito Bom. Adorámos.
G & C S.
Dec 09
Thank you for your hospitality!
We just had 4 amazing days, full with adventures, super fun and in the best possible company - You!
Thanks to your hospitality we were able to take our first weekend off with Isis, and, trust us, she loved it as much as we did.
One final word to tell you that you're a very special family - with a capital F!
P & P + Isis
Nov 08
Fabulous time - perfectly looked after and entertained. The setting is stunning and the work that must have gone into it unimagineable.
Oct 08
Thank you so much for another wonderful stay in Paradise. We've had a fantastic time. The mushrooms were divine.
L, A, F, J, T & E L.
September 08
Thank
you so much for everything you did and the lovely hospitality to make
our stay extra special and so romantic! It was the perfect place to get
engaged!
S & P C.
August 08
It was one of those shakes of fortune
that we found you at the last minute, and stumbled into the warm glow
of your welcoming hospitality. You have created magic here, and
continue to do so with each guest that arrives. How refreshing is the
human and personal touch that brings many strangers together and have
them feel like old friends within a couple of days! Keep doing what
you´re doing, we´ll spread the word! Many thanks and see you again!
S,S,S,F,B & F
August 08
Frank,
Just a quick note to
thank you and your team for a wonderful 2 days. It was the highlight of
our stay in Portugal and look forward to staying with you again. Hope
the dogs are as active as ever!
Best,
Toby
August 08
Needless to say we
are missing the Quinta very much having returned to a rather gloomy UK!
However we had such a gorgeous holiday it will keep us going through
the autumn months, so a big thank you again to you both for such a
tranquil and interesting stay. We look forward to returning soon.
Dod & Helen
July 08
It was an extra-ordinary
experience spending a couple of days in such a lovely and peaceful
environment! We wish you all the best in the future. Keep the place
running!
June 08
Fantastic to find you
and there will be plenty of recommendations from us to our friends.
Love the room, adore the view and would love more of the food!! Thanks
so much.
J & H
May 08
Five rolling rollers, four Montagu harriers, mating Black winged kites, two black storks and a partridge in a pear tree .... Thanks for all these presents Frank.
Our second visit; another very special time
L & D P
April 08
Thanks to all for a sublime 10 days. I can't bear to leave - it's just too sad!
Ps Frank cheats at cards!
S & T S.
March 08
What
a beautiful, inspiring place! Am feeling refreshed and invigorated
after my 48 hours here. And you gave me the best birdwatching I've ever
had in my life - spotting that Bluethroat is an experience I will never
forget. Big thank you
H.O.
Feb 08
Rooms immaculate - starlings spotless!
S & C