Perched atop a serene hill in Portugal's Alentejo region, Dá Licença emerges as an artistic sanctuary where ancient olive groves meet pristine marble landscapes. The 300-acre Herdade das Freiras estate, dating back to 1830, once thrived as a prominent olive oil production center. Today, it stands transformed—13,000 olive trees rise majestically from the distinctive white and pink marble terrain, creating a mesmerizing tableau that shifts with the changing light. Here, beneath spectacular sunsets and star-filled skies, time seems to stand still, inviting guests to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with the rhythms of nature in this thoughtfully crafted utopia.

Vitor Borges and Franck Laigneau : Photo by Francisco Nogueira and courtesy of Dá Licença

FROM LUXURY FASHION TO ARTISANAL HOSPITALITY

Vitor Borges and Franck Laigneau abandoned successful careers in Paris. Vitor was managing director for textiles and silk at Hermès, Franck was a gallery owner in Paris and leading expert in Scandinavian Jugendstil and anthroposophical design. Their professional backgrounds equipped them with refined aesthetic sensibilities and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship that now infuses every aspect of Dá Licença.

"It was love at first sight," they explain, "and we decided to bring back life to this vernacular and untouched hamlet on the top of an hill with panoramic views and incredible sunsets."

For Vitor, stories told by his mother created an inexplicable sense of belonging to this land, while Franck was captivated by rolling hills and ancient fortifications that resonated with the Jugendstil/Art Nouveau movement's harmonious blend of natural forms and geometric precision.

Their vision was clear: to create "a secret place, a silence retreat" where art, beauty, and nature converge—a haven where guests could escape the noise of modern life and experience authentic tranquility.

"It was love at first sight and we decided to bring back life to this vernacular and untouched hamlet on the top of an hill with panoramic views and incredible sunsets."
— Vitor Borges and Franck Laigneau, Owners

ARCHITECTURAL REVIVAL WITH ARTISTIC VISION

Working with local craftsmen and architects, Vitor and Franck meticulously restored the traditional buildings of this once-abandoned hamlet. "As part of a national ecological reserve, we restaured the traditional houses and their local topics which we twist with Japonism influence," they share.

The restoration process wasn't without challenges. "300 acres of land which had been abandoned during more than 40 years required a lot of energy and passion in order to revive mediterranean and cactus gardens thought like landscapes," they explain. Their commitment to preservation extended beyond architecture to the surrounding ecosystem, with careful attention paid to the property's olive groves and cork forest.

LUXURIOUS SIMPLICITY IN DESIGN

Dá Licença exemplifies understated luxury through its five exquisite suites, ranging from 50 to 180 square meters. Each space serves as a canvas for artistic expression, adorned with unique art pieces that reflect the owners' sophisticated tastes. Spacious bathrooms crafted from local marble feature individually sculpted washbasins, while two exceptional suites offer private marble pools treated with saltwater, the ultimate indulgence for discerning guests.

Four additional junior suites boast private pergolas and patios that frame panoramic vistas of the organic landscape, encouraging contemplation and connection with the surroundings. Throughout these spaces, the boundaries between interior and exterior blur, with large windows capturing the changing light and spectacular 360-degree views of Serra d'Ossa forest and the medieval castles of Evoramonte and Estremoz.

The aesthetic draws heavily from both local traditions and the art movements that have influenced Franck's curatorial vision, particularly the anthroposophical approach that seeks to imbue everyday objects with beauty and meaning. Natural materials predominate, with marble serving as both structural element and artistic medium, a tribute to the region's rich geological heritage.

"The location of the property is magical, hidden among 120 hectares of olive groves and marble rocks, extremely sunny during the day and exposed at night at a majestic milky way. It has been crafted like an utopia."
— Vitor Borges and Franck Laigneau, Owners

Photo by Francisco Nogueira and courtesy of Dá Licença

CULINARY CELEBRATION OF LOCAL BOUNTY

Dining at Dá Licença offers another dimension of sensory pleasure. The ever-changing menu showcases seasonal ingredients sourced from the property's organic garden and trusted local producers who prioritize quality above all else. Each dish celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Alentejo, complemented perfectly by a thoughtfully curated selection of regional wines.

Meals become moments of connection with the land, its flavors, and the cultural heritage that infuses every bite. Whether enjoying breakfast on a sun-dappled terrace or lunch amidst the tranquil landscape, guests experience food as an essential component of Dá Licença's holistic approach to hospitality.

ART AS LIVING EXPERIENCE

The spiritual heart of Dá Licença beats within its art gallery, housed in the original olive press building dating back to 1904. Here, Franck Laigneau's visionary concept comes to life, creating a bridge between past and present, tradition and innovation. The gallery showcases pieces that marry Scandinavian Jugendstil with vernacular arts and crafts, reflecting the owners' belief that art should provide a complete sensory experience.

This philosophy manifests in countless thoughtful details throughout the property, from custom furniture pieces to the careful placement of sculptures that dialogue with the landscape. The collection evolves continually, ensuring returning guests discover new treasures with each visit. This dynamic approach to curation ensures that Dá Licença remains not just a place to stay, but a living, breathing artistic environment that stimulates the senses and nourishes the soul.

THE IDEAL GUEST EXPERIENCE

This extraordinary retreat naturally attracts those seeking something beyond conventional luxury, travelers who value natural beauty, serenity, and authentic experiences over ostentation. "We aim to attract people looking for natural beauty, serenity and calming soul, those who want to run away from massification," the owners explain.

"At Dá Licença, there is the opportunity to stop time; the guesthouse is completely tucked away from the outside world."
— Vitor Borges and Franck Laigneau, Owners

The property's intentional isolation and limited accommodation ensure an intimate experience where guests can truly disconnect. "At Dá Licença, there is the opportunity to stop time; the guesthouse is completely tucked away from the outside world," the owners reflect.

Days unfold organically here, perhaps beginning with coffee by the circular pool as the morning light illuminates the marble landscape, followed by a leisurely exploration of the olive groves, or simply reading beneath the shade of a centuries-old tree.

The owners describe it as "a place for romance, laying down by the circular pool, catching the scent of the citrus garden and being surprised by the sound of silence or of the bells of the 400 sheep crossing the property once a day."

This emphasis on sensory experience extends to every aspect of a stay, the coolness of marble underfoot on a warm afternoon, the fragrance of native plants carried on the breeze, the perfect stillness of starlit evenings unmarred by light pollution. It's a place where luxury is redefined as the space and freedom to fully inhabit the present moment.

ALENTEJO'S HIDDEN TREASURES

While many guests find themselves reluctant to leave the property's embrace, Dá Licença sits within a region rich with cultural and natural attractions. Just seven kilometers away, the historical town of Estremoz offers exploration of its medieval streets and renowned marble quarries. "Estremoz welcomes the Museu Berardo with its incredible tiles collection, offers the visit of its marble quarry, wineries and trendy restaurants," the owners recommend.

"The Alentejo region in itself is still mainly undiscovered," they note, suggesting that part of the area's charm lies in its authenticity and lack of overwhelming tourism. Each local experience, whether visiting artisans' workshops, dining at emerging restaurants, or simply wandering ancient castle grounds, adds dimension to a stay at Dá Licença, connecting guests more deeply to this remarkable corner of Portugal.

INSPIRED BY GLOBAL EXCELLENCE

Vitor and Franck draw inspiration from select properties that mirror their commitment to exceptional, place-based hospitality. They cite Villa Mabrouka in Tangier, 7132 Therme in Vals, and Atrio in Cáceres as influential references, each destination notable for its strong architectural identity, cultural resonance, and harmonious integration with its surroundings.

These influences inform Dá Licença's essence without diluting its originality. The property stands as a singular expression of its owners' vision and the distinctive character of the Alentejo landscape, a place where the boundaries between art gallery, luxury retreat, and private sanctuary dissolve into something entirely unique.

AN INVITATION TO DISCOVER

Dá Licença offers a rare opportunity for genuine disconnection, a chance to immerse oneself in the timeless beauty of the Alentejo landscape while surrounded by thoughtful design and artistic excellence. Whether swimming in marble pools that reflect the ever-changing sky, meditating amid ancient olive trees, or simply watching the spectacular pageant of sunset give way to a dazzling display of stars, each moment contributes to an experience that transcends ordinary notions of luxury hospitality.

For those seeking to escape the noise and pace of modern life, this hidden paradise where art, nature, and refined comfort converge offers more than just accommodation, it promises a profound reconnection with beauty in its most essential form.