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As is often the case in sun-drenched regions, the villages and houses here are dressed in white to protect them as much as possible from the intense heat. Convento is no exception to this rule and adorns itself with dazzling white on both the outside and the inside. The variety of semi-circular arches and vaults, and the arrangement of the house around a courtyard that looks up to the sky, are reminiscent of a riad designed to circulate the air and the fragrant scents of sea and flowers. Renovations that have benefitted the property were carried out with the upmost respect for its natural elegance and have only made it more attractive. The invitation is clear and undeniable: time spent here is reserved for idleness, just as Madame de Sévigné, who elevated idleness to a noble status, intended it.
At the time we were a couple of Franco-Portuguese architects living in New York. We fell in love with Olhão, a place which still featured buildings of great originality (often in a state of abandonment) from its glory days. As we set to work, we enjoyed the locals' simple way of life, living to the rhythm of the tides and the seasons, and shared this discovery with our family and friends. My brother and my sister-in-law came from Shanghai to join us in managing Convento and giving it new life.
Convento is one of the largest old buildings intended for residential purposes in Olhão. Behind an austere whitewashed façade hides a harmonious courtyard inspired by Moroccan architecture. It reflects the economic and cultural influence that North Africa had on older generations of Olhão fishermen, traders and entrepreneurs. This influence can also be seen on the roof terraces of Convento and the surrounding houses, and gives the old town its unique medina character.
Before it was abandoned around fifty years ago, Convento was inhabited for more than a century by several generations of women who lived here as a community. These women, originally from the hinterland, worked in the city's salting and canning factories. The property served as their haven of peace, a uniquely feminine environment, where the high walls protected them from the somewhat harsh society dominated by sailors. Although secular, with their sober black dresses and white headdresses, they gave the property its name "Convento", meaning "convent" in Portuguese. In their memory, the rooms bear their poetic first names such as Sezaltina, Odelinda, and Edvirgem.
A haven of peace centred around a courtyard, close to the Olhão market and the boats that depart to the islands. From the top of the terraces, guests can admire the spectacle of the tide transforming the Ria Formosa daily. Generous and colourful breakfasts, inspired each day by the nearby market, are served around a long communal table.
Sit in one of the market cafes on the edge of the lagoon at sunrise, from there you can observe life on land and at sea. At noon, grab a table at Vai e Volta in the small square near the church and feast on grilled fish. Ask Rui from Rota das Ilhas to take you on a boat trip to the lagoon, followed by lunch on the island of Culatra with his parents (who are fisherman); a truly unforgettable experience. Visit Monterosa, an elegant olive grove where one of the best oils in the world is produced.
115 € - 215 € per night
The bedrooms and rooms of Convento all overlook the central courtyard, except for the two rooms located on the roof terrace. Each bedroom has an adjoining bathroom and an area with armchairs or sofas. The bedrooms have ceiling fans but no air conditioning. The underfloor heating operates in cooler periods. The roof terrace has a swimming pool and the common areas are laid out on several floors.
ref 385281
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