Octant Évora, situated on 27 acres within UNESCO-listed Évora in Portugal’s Alentejo region since 2021, is opening its doors to the Perdiganito Reserve. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the largest reservoir in Europe, the expansion project will span six hectares and offer an array of new features designed to preserve the natural reserve’s authenticity while offering unique experiences for couples, families, and children.

The Land of Explorers
The first stop in the newly announced expansion project is the Land of Explorers, an imaginative space dedicated to the hotel’s youngest guests and designed to help foster a deeper connection with nature.

This area offers interactive experiences such as stargazing to explore the mysteries of the night sky, benches in the story tree, swings, wooden houses, suspension bridges, and hammocks.

Further enhancing the immersive natural experience, the grounds will contain an on-site farm where animals roam freely, encouraging children to observe and interact with them when visiting.

In July and August, children can participate in dam tours, knot workshops, archery, pottery, ropes courses and yoga during the day. At night, guests can experience flag hunting, night orienteering, and moonlight movies.

Sunset Trails and Swing Cabanas
Adults can enjoy a variety of trails, each offering a unique way to experience the reserve: the Western Trail, leading to the adults’ area, is perfect for early morning tranquillity; the Eastern Trail is ideal for capturing stunning evening views; and the Lake Trail offers a scenic path along the reservoir, perfect for leisurely strolls.

Nestled in the middle of nature, guests can find three wooden swing cabanas designed as resting areas, ideal for picnics and nature observation, and perfect for those who want to ask a very special question.

Reservoir Deck and Observation Towers
The centrepiece of the Perdiganito Reserve is the 110-square-meter Water Dam Deck, a versatile space ideal for a range of activities.

It serves as a venue for memorable picnics, weddings, safari breakfasts, or casual lunches, with guests able to order picnic baskets in advance to enjoy drinks and nibbles in the heart of the Alentejo landscape.

The deck also features sofas and loungers for relaxing and enjoying typical Alentejo siestas. Additionally, the hotel can arrange on-demand yoga and personal training sessions on the deck.

Further down the path, guests can find the five-meter-tall Observation Tower, which provides a unique vantage point across the Alentejo plains for observing the night sky.

Home to Portugal’s “mountain of stars” and some of Europe’s least polluted skies, the Alentejo region is a must-see at night.

“The new Perdiganito Reserve is Octant Évora’s new natural refuge for the whole family, and it reinforces our commitment to nature preservation and respect for the traditions that shape this region. We invite you to come create lasting memories and rediscover the connection with the land in these six hectares where we preserved the fauna and flora of Alentejo,” says Sérgio Duarte, General Manager of Octant Évora.

Designed by architect Teresa Barão, Octant Évora’s latest outdoor space emphasises authenticity with its choice of materials and offers a serene retreat from urban life, encouraging guests to reconnect with nature and admire the expansive plain leading to the Monte Novo reservoir.

To enhance guests’ stays, Octant Évora recommends activities such as horseback riding, bird watching, exploring the Perdiganito ruins, and indulging in wine and local delicacies.

Additionally, guests can enjoy hot-air balloon rides, explore the surroundings by bicycle, and take part in an array of learning experiences at the hotel.

Nestled just outside the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora, the hotel honours its surroundings by seamlessly integrating contemporary living with rustic charm. It fosters a harmonious environment where humans, flora, and fauna coexist.

The hotel features 56 rooms, including three family rooms with bunk beds, private outdoor spaces with pools and gardens, and sixteen spacious villas with private pools for exclusive use.

Guests can enjoy a wide range of amenities, such as five outdoor pools (including two for families and three for adults only), a gym, and a spa offering an indoor pool, sauna, two treatment rooms, and a Turkish bath.

At À TERRA restaurant, seasonal dishes are crafted from locally sourced ingredients, many of which are harvested on-site from the educational farm, vegetable garden, olive grove, and orchard.

About DHM – Discovery Hotel Management
DHM—Discovery Hotel Management is the management brand created within the Discovery Portugal Fund to manage a set of hotel units. It integrates a team of qualified professionals in the different areas of the sector.

DHM hotels’ concept is based on authenticity, informality, and respect for the unique characteristics of the places where they are incorporated.

Each hotel has its own identity, privileging experiences in tune with the region and its natural surroundings. DHM—Discovery Hotel Management aims to achieve financial sustainability and optimise the performance of its units through management models and innovative concepts.

For more information, visit https://evora.octanthotels.com/en/.