All photos by Francisco Nogueira and courtesy of Dá Licença

Dá Licença

Santo Estêvão, Portugal
www.dalicenca.pt

Set within the sprawling olive groves of Portugal’s Alentejo, on the 300-acre Herdade das Freiras, Dá Licença offers a serene retreat steeped in history and natural beauty. Enter its grounds, where ancient stone meets the rustle of leaves, and you’ll feel an urge to return before unpacking. Dá Licença is more than a stay; it’s a sanctuary that connects you to the land’s timeless charm, leaving a lasting imprint.

Perched atop a hill near Estremoz, Dá Licença commands sweeping views of 13,000 olive trees rising from white and pink marble rocks, with the Serra d’Ossa forest and castles of Evoramonte and Estremoz in the distance. The estate, once a thriving olive oil hub since 1830, glows under vibrant sunsets and a star-filled Milky Way—a haven near town yet shielded from its noise. Facing groves, cork forests, and medieval landmarks, it offers vistas that blend intimacy with grandeur, a quiet escape carved from the landscape.

“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

Vitor Borges and Franck Laigneau revived this 1830s hamlet, blending restored stone houses with Japonism-inspired design. Five suites, ranging from 50 to 180 square meters, feature marble bathrooms with sculpted washbasins and curated art reflecting Scandinavian Jugendstil. Two suites include private saltwater marble pools, while four junior suites open to pergolas framing hilltop views. Large windows capture the shifting sunlight, wooden beams add warmth, and every detail exudes refined calm. Mornings carry citrus scents from the garden, meals showcase local produce, and the spaces feel woven into the olive-strewn terrain.

Dá Licença is a place of calm, where time slows. Days unfold by the circular pool as sunlight warms the marble, or in the cactus garden as dusk settles—each moment feels deliberate. Designed to honor Alentejo’s heritage, Dá Licença blends artful luxury with the land’s quiet splendor, offering an escape both historic and personal.

ALENTEJO RECOMMENDATIONS
Vitor and Franck share the region’s highlights: guests receive tips for nearby attractions, from historic sites to local gems. Favorites include Estremoz’s Museu Berardo, showcasing vibrant tiles, its marble quarries, and restaurants serving regional wines. Explore Alentejo’s undiscovered villages, wineries, or castle grounds, where authentic experiences—savoring local dishes or strolling medieval streets—reveal the area’s rich heart.

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