Places 46 Gourmet Getaway A Little Taste of Heaven One of Portugal’s most acclaimed chefs, José Avillez has poured his love for the hidden region of Alentejo into Casa Nossa, a private estate nestled beside the shimmering expanse of Lake Alqueva, Europe’s largest man-made lake. By Debbie Pappyn CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
47 Just a two-hour drive from Lisbon, the massive pastoral area of Alentejo, roughly the size of Belgium, offers a complete change of scenery. Rolling hills carpeted with cork and oak trees give way to charming white villages, many featuring historic castles that tell tales of a rich past. The Alentejo’s cultural and rural traditions remain vibrantly alive, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into authentic Portuguese life. Fans of this region are even talking about forgetting Tuscany – the Alentejo might just be Europe’s next secret, albeit delightfully rural, sanctuary. Running a culinary empire like Lisbon’s two- Michelin-starred Belcanto (the 25th best in the world, according to 50 Best) and the vegetarian one- Michelin-starred Encanto next to the newest one- Michelin-starred Tasca in Dubai, José Avillez rarely finds moments for a real break amid the demanding world of fine dining. “When I needed an escape on my free day,” he muses while sitting in the comfy living room of Casa Nossa, fire crackling in the background, “my wife, Sofia Ulrich, and I would often drive to Alentejo to recharge and get away – until, in 2018, we started thinking of buying a family home here.” But in 2023, Avillez’s personal escape turned into a shared experience. Initially envisioned as a family retreat, its prime location – close to the charming hilltop village of Monsaraz and boasting absolutely stunning scenery – pushed Avillez and Ulrich to open the house to other guests, even if it meant exceeding their initial budget. Casa Nossa isn’t just a luxury escape; it’s a testament to the transformative power of the wild nature of the Alentejo and the desire to disconnect and recharge in a very remote setting. Casa Nossa also embodies another dream of the chef. “Here, my team can truly take care of guests, offering an immersive 24-hour experience that extends far beyond the two to three hours of a restaurant meal. We take the concept of ‘hospitality’ and ‘taking care’ to the highest level,” Avillez explains. PHOTOS BRUNO CALADO From left: the estate’s guest boat, moored at its own private dock; the scenic terrace of one of Casa Nossa’s ten guest suites; opposite page: guests enjoying a meal in the property’s main dining room
