August 8, 2025 | VOL 15
FLOW into L’AND
words Onur Basturk
photos Courtesy of L’AND
After a fast-paced, art-filled weekend in Lisbon (take note: Lisbon Art Weekend is amazing!), I leave the city behind and head toward Alentejo. My destination: L’AND Vineyards. Less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon, the shift in atmosphere is immediate. Everything slows down. The last rays of sunlight paint the lake in front of L’AND in shades of deep orange, creating an incredible view. Even more mesmerizing is the futuristic, prism-like architecture of the retreat, which transforms under the shadows of the trees and the warm hues of the sunset. I later learn that this striking design was inspired by Alentejo’s traditional white-walled courtyards. Designed by Promontório, the building features four distinct cut-outs, creating different spaces—reception, lounge, restaurant terrace, and an industrial courtyard. The inspiration behind the architecture isn’t far away either. The town of Montemor-o-Novo, known for its whitewashed houses, is just four kilometers from L’AND.
EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT STAYING, TRY MAPA
L’AND Vineyards Relais & Châteaux is more than just a hotel—it’s an experience built around multiple themes. The first, of course, is wine. Surrounded by six hectares of organic vineyards, the estate cultivates Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet, and Syrah for red wines, as well as Gouveio for whites. Wine lovers can tour the vineyards, visit the cellar, and join guided tastings or workshops on grape varieties and winemaking. I even participated in one and crafted my own red wine!
Another defining theme at L’AND is gastronomy. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or not, there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss: MAPA, the restaurant. Chef David Jesus curates a tasting menu that feels like a carefully researched culinary journey. Every dish tells a story, every plate is a work of art. And despite the number of courses, you leave the table feeling surprisingly light—thanks to the menu’s focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
One standout feature of MAPA, aside from its understated ambiance, is the spectacular Tom Dixon pendant lights that cover nearly the entire ceiling.
THE MÁRCIO KOGAN TOUCH
Design is an integral part of L’AND’s identity. The interiors are the work of renowned Brazilian architect Márcio Kogan, known for projects like the Fasano Hotel in São Paulo and La Península in Mexico. The hotel’s furniture collection includes pieces by celebrated designers like Tom Dixon, Vladimir Kagan, Jorge Zalzuspin, and George Nakashima. The wool rugs in the suites are handmade by Fabricaal in Reguengos de Monsaraz, and an extraordinary, almost spiritual painting by Michael Biberstein graces the hotel’s lobby.
A BED WITH A SKY VIEW
One of my favorite things about L’AND was my room—with a skylight right above my bed, I fell asleep gazing at the stars. Another moment of deep relaxation? Naturally, at the hotel’s spa. The Vinotherapy Spa offers facials, body treatments, and massages using wine byproducts—grape seeds, skins, pulp, and stems.
