About: Monte da Estrela is a secluded eco-lodge in Alentejo, set on a working farm by the shimmering Alqueva reservoir (Europe’s first “Starlight” Dark Sky reserve). This contemporary country house has just a handful of suites, ensuring an exclusive and tranquil experience amid olive groves and the rolling plains of Moura. Sustainability drives every aspect. The property is Green Key certified and adheres to the Biosphere Hotel framework, committing to “the smallest possible environmental impact”. Solar panels generate a significant portion of energy needs, and solar thermal systems heat water for guest rooms and the spa. All lighting is low-energy, and smart sensors help minimize electricity waste. Water conservation is vital in this dry region – Monte da Estrela employs rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse for garden irrigation, and all taps and showers have reduced flow without sacrificing comfort. The estate’s organic farm and orchard produce fruits, vegetables, and olive oil that feature in the honest Alentejan cuisine served on-site. Guests can taste homemade olive pâté, figs, and estate wine during meals, truly experiencing the local terroir. Food waste cycles back into the land through on-site composting, which nourishes the soil of the vegetable gardens (closing the loop as part of their carbon footprint mitigation). No chemical pesticides or herbicides are used – natural pest control and crop rotation keep the gardens healthy, preserving biodiversity and the wildflower meadows that attract pollinators. Wellness & Nature: The small spa offers treatments using regional ingredients like olive oil and rock salt, and has a panoramic sauna where you can sweat while gazing over the lake. There’s an outdoor saltwater pool as well, treated with minimal chlorine, perfect for cooling off under the vast Alentejo sky. At night, Monte da Estrela truly shines: with almost zero light pollution, guests often gather for guided stargazing sessions – the Milky Way is spectacular here, and the hotel provides telescopes and blankets for an unforgettable astronomy night. Back on earth, guests can hike or bike the trails around the estate (bicycles are provided), fish in the lake, or even help out in the garden if inclined. Community: Though remote, the Monte engages with its local community. It supports nearby village schools (rewarding top students annually and organizing environmental education outings) and works with local artisans – from pottery to cheese – to provide authentic workshops for guests. Most staff hail from the surrounding area, and the hotel contributes to regional projects like tree-planting in Alentejo’s montados (oak forests). Impact: Monte da Estrela strives to do “more than our obligation” – aiming to fully offset its carbon footprint through tree planting and soil regeneration, and involving guests in sustainable practices like the “Green Room” initiative (incentivizing reduced linen changes and energy use). Guests frequently comment on the serenity and how “time slows down” here – the only sounds the breeze and goat bells. By combining modern comfort (plush beds, Wi-Fi, AC that adapts to need) with age-old practices (siestas under cork oaks, farm-fresh picnics), Monte da Estrela offers a rejuvenating escape that is both luxurious and light on the planet. Whether watching a spectacular sunset over Alqueva or marveling at Orion’s belt, visitors feel reconnected – to nature, to local culture, and to themselves.