Casa das Penhas Douradas

Three nights, 4 days at a restful retreat at 5000' in the Serra da Estrela Mountains of Portugal was a nice way to recharge after Lisbon, Cascais, & Sintra. We had hoped to hike as we were told that there are wonderful hiking trails leading to panoramic vistas, a lake, and waterfalls.    However, hiking plans were curtailed due to rain & fog each day.  So instead it was massage, time at the pool, reading, and enjoying our nightly gourmet dinner preceded by an aperitif.  Our chef, Jorg, was also the valet and bell hop when he wasn't being chef.  The first night we were so entranced by his food we were practically crying over the delicious salmon ceviche with strawberries, leek cream soup, and duck breast.  When we asked the chef if he had a cook book, he replied, "others write, I cook;  I just use common sense, that's all."   He definitely had some interesting and for us, unusual pairings and although the first dinner was our favorite, we generally enjoyed each dinner.   The hotel owner, who used to be a corporate attorney in Lisbon, also owns the local burel wool factory in Manteigas.  We visited the factory one morning, impressed by the production of blankets, carpets, upholstery, clothing, hats, satchels, purses, stuffed animals, and more.  Many of these items are part of the furnishing of the Casa das Penhas.  Service and attention to detail were remarkable at this hotel and the accolades given on tripadvisor are certainly deserved.