Why We Started Casa Carvalhal – And Why We Chose to Be Different
One of the questions our guests often ask is what makes Casa Carvalhal different from other B&Bs.
The honest answer?
Not one big thing, but hundreds of small, thoughtful choices.
A Place Where You Can Slow Down
When we left Belgium to start a new life in Central Portugal, our dream wasn’t to create the biggest or busiest accommodation.
Instead, we wanted to create a place where people could slow down.
A place where silence is still truly silent.
Where nature sets the pace.
Where, for a little while, you don’t have to do anything at all.
Intentionally Small-Scale
From the very beginning, every decision we made was deliberate.
We chose to create a small-scale, adults-only B&B.
Not because children aren’t welcome, but because many adults are looking for a few days of complete peace and relaxation.
Imagine:
° enjoying a leisurely breakfast with no rush;
° reading a book by the pool;
° listening to birdsong instead of traffic;
° simply having the time to unwind.
Hospitality with Respect for Nature
We also made a conscious commitment to sustainability.
Not because it’s fashionable, but because we believe true hospitality goes hand in hand with caring for the environment.
Our Green Key certification reflects that commitment.
More importantly, it’s visible in the everyday choices that often go unnoticed:
° sourcing locally whenever possible;
° using water and energy responsibly;
° working with local businesses;
° helping preserve this beautiful region for future generations.
Why Central Portugal?
Perhaps our most important decision was choosing this region.
Not the busy coastline.
But the authentic heart of Portugal.
Here you’ll discover:
° centuries-old schist villages;
° hidden river beaches;
° spectacular hiking trails through the mountains;
° small family-owned wineries where the owner still has time for a personal conversation.
This is the Portugal we fell in love with.
And it’s the Portugal we love sharing with our guests.
Personal Recommendations Instead of a Guidebook
We want to offer more than just a comfortable room.
We’re always happy to share our favourite restaurants, hiking trails, wineries and hidden gems.
Not recommendations copied from a guidebook.
But places we’ve discovered and genuinely love ourselves.
It’s like visiting friends who know the area inside and out.
Not for Everyone… And That's Perfectly Fine
If you’re looking for entertainment, crowds or a packed activity schedule, you’ll probably feel more at home somewhere else.
But if you’re looking for:
✓ peace and quiet
✓ personal attention
✓ beautiful nature
✓ quality over quantity
…then you’ll understand exactly why Casa Carvalhal came into being.
Our Definition of Luxury
We believe luxury isn’t about marble bathrooms or golden taps.
Luxury is waking up to the sound of birds singing.
Luxury is having time for a long, leisurely breakfast.
Luxury is enjoying a glass of local wine while the sun slowly disappears behind the hills.
And luxury is leaving with the feeling that you’ve truly been away.
Welcome to Casa Carvalhal
That’s the experience we strive to offer every single guest.
Peace. Personal attention. Authentic Portugal.
That’s Casa Carvalhal.
