CorkShack Marvão Ecolodges

A modern take on a traditional Portuguese roundhouse set in a protected nature reserve, with views of the Monte Roxo hills.

The perfect setting to recharge those batteries, CorkShack Marvão Ecolodges promise to take you back to gentle times past - without compromising on luxury.

You'll be surrounded by sweet-scented fruit trees in the traditional Portuguese village of Escusa, on the border of Portugal and Spain, and part of a protected nature reserve. Here the pace of life is blissfully slow and relaxed, ideal for couples looking to reconnect with life and each-other.

The eco-friendly roundhouses you'll find here are based on choças, the traditional dwellings of Portuguese people over two thousand years ago. Created from natural materials, the walls are covered in 100% cork, with thatched conical roofs.

Each 25sqm roundhouse sleeps two people in idyllic comfort, with luxury bedding, heating and air-conditioning, and a fully-equipped bathroom to freshen up in. You'll also discover a kitchenette, perfect for whipping up romantic snacks. Take them out to your private deck, where you can also enjoy a glass of wine as you chat the afternoon away in the sunshine.

While this is supremely relaxed living, you'll still have Wi-Fi access if you really need to keep tabs on life back home. There's also a Bluetooth speaker to help you set just the right mood, and a selection of books and games to help keep you entertained.

Later on, why not take a refreshing dip in the chlorine-free swimming pool, or use one of the self-guided maps to hike through the surrounding hills? If you prefer, a selection of activities can be arranged for you, from railbiking (pedal-powered bikes along railroads) and horse-riding, to kayaking, paddle-boarding, and jeep tours.

But if that all sounds too energetic, you could always meander into the sleepy, walled town of Marvão, just a few minutes away. You'll feel as though you've travelled back in time as you travel through its cobbled streets, gazing at the whitewashed houses and magnificent Gothic arches.  

Don't forget to pay a visit to the Castle of Marvão, a remarkably well-preserved medieval castle that dominates the village.  Standing at 843 metres above sea level, the views from its battlements are truly spectacular.

Nearby lie the historic town of Castelo de Vide, and the museum-city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just over an hour away. Yet you may simply opt for a sizzling barbecue back at your beloved CorkShack, watching the golden sun disappearing over the olive trees.

Things to note

Pets are not permitted. A laundry service is available on request, along with additions including wine and tapas. Inclusive two-night packages are available, involving a guided mushroom tour and a ‘hygge' evening experience by the firepit. If required, 1 extra put-up bed can be supplied in each shack for an extra 50 euros (only for children 12 years+).