The Little Orange (2025)

18/01/2025

’s breathtaking landscapes and year-round mild climate make it a haven for and enthusiasts.

We dare fans to explore the “Island of Eternal Spring” on foot with these top trails:

🥾 Ponta de São Lourenço: Dramatic coastal scenery on the eastern tip of the island, which can easily be combined with a kayaking experience or a boat cruise.
🥾 25 Fontes: Lush forests and cascading waterfalls are a constant in this hike, which makes up a great morning or afternoon to get immersed with the Laurissilva forest.
🥾 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: Demanding hike that offers spectacular mountain views and allows you to walk above the clouds!
🥾 Levada dos Balcões: An easy trail with panoramic viewpoints, perfect for families with young children.

Let's go?

14/01/2025

At The Little Orange, we believe the perfect stay combines three essential elements: location, atmosphere, and service. Madeira offers a selection of exquisite accommodations that embody this philosophy.

Whether you prefer timeless elegance or contemporary charm, here are some of our top recommendations:

🛎 The Reserve: A boutique retreat offering privacy and unparalleled views of the Atlantic.
🛎 Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel: Iconic luxury with a blend of history and modern sophistication.
🛎 Casa Velha do Palheiro: A serene country-house hotel surrounded by lush gardens and an 18-hole golf course.
🛎 Les Suites at Cliff Bay: Contemporary suites with exclusive amenities and breathtaking ocean vistas.
🛎 Quinta da Casa Branca: A refined boutique hotel with a design-focused ethos, nestled in a botanical haven.

Which of these stunning stays would you choose for your Madeira escape?

06/01/2025

break and holidays are around the corner, and we can’t think of a better way to spend them than electing a in to call home.

Portugal is worth exploring from north to south, and these villas are the perfect hideaways. To add to their architecture style and interior design, they offer great service and allow guests to really feel at home, ensuring privacy, seclusion and peace of mind.

There are options for all sorts of travelers, from manor houses located in the countryside to coastal villas offering direct access to pristine beaches, such as the ones below:

🏠 Villa na Ria, Algarve (6 bedrooms; 12 guests) - Idyllic coastal retreat including meals prepared by a chef and a private skipper to access a dessert beach inside Ria Formosa Natural Park. (📸 1 & 2)

🏠 Quinta de Cima, Douro Valley (6 bedrooms; 12 guests) - A historic family-owned winemaking estate offering a cozy and familiar setting, and spectacular river views. (📸 3 & 4)

🏠 Villa Colina, Algarve (7 bedrooms & 2 studio apartments; up to 18 guests) - Contemporary villa in a secluded location, featuring plenty of space to entertain, inside and outside, and a beautiful panoramic pool. (📸 5 & 6)

🏠 Casa Meia Lua, Minho (7 bedrooms & 2 studio apartments; up to 18 guests) - A place for exclusive holidays, retreats, and residencies, providing accommodation and promoting experiences that highlight the local culture, community, nature, and its products. (📸 7 & 8)

🏠 Casa na Falésia, Algarve (5 bedrooms; 10 guests) - Modern whitewashed villa with tasteful design and breezy feel, offering gorgeous ocean views and direct access to the beach. (📸 9 & 10)

Don’t wait until it’s too late to find your little piece of paradise in Europe’s westernmost point!

02/01/2025

🌿 Experience through the seasons in 2025 ⛱️

Portugal offers unparalleled experiences year-round, with each season unveiling unique charms across its diverse regions. From verdant landscapes and blooming flowers in the spring to the festive spirit of winter, embark on a journey that celebrates the best of Portugal’s culture, nature, and gastronomy.

🌻 Spring in - As the sun warms the vast plains, Alentejo transforms into a springtime paradise. By the coast, relax on wild beaches, ride the Atlantic waves, hike along the fishermen's trail and enjoy the boho-chic vibe of . Inland explore the charming medieval villages, embark on culinary and wine-related experiences, and try hand's on arts & crafts workshops. For those seeking authenticity, Alentejo delivers unmatched charm.

🐳 Summer in - The Azores beckon adventurers with lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant flowers in bloom. trails weave through volcanic landscapes, while long days allow for endless exploration. Summer is also a great time for -watching and , offering glimpses of majestic marine life along the Atlantic. Let the islands’ tranquility and untamed beauty recharge your spirit.

☀️ Autumn in the - The Algarve sheds its summer crowds, revealing a serene side perfect for autumn exploration. Stroll through picturesque small towns, bike or hike under sunny skies, try world-class , and enjoy calm beaches and islands. in the Ria Formosa lagoon offers a unique connection to nature. This is the Algarve as few have experienced it: peaceful, mild, and mesmerizing.

🎇 Winter in - Madeira Island glows with festive cheer in winter. Stroll through enchanting Christmas markets, then welcome the New Year with its world-renowned fireworks display. Mild, sunny weather makes and enjoyable year-round, while Madeira wine tastings invite indulgence. This island is a winter escape like no other.

Start 2025 planing your next incredible holidays in Portugal!

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19/12/2024

Wrapping Up 2024 in Style: Our Team-Building Adventure in the Algarve ✨🌊

As we bid farewell to a positively challenging year, our team came together in the stunning Algarve for an unforgettable team-building trip. Over three full days, we immersed ourselves in incredible experiences that celebrated connection, creativity, and collaboration.

From hands-on cooking classes and delightful wine tastings to crafting ceramics with local artisans, we explored the richness of the region while strengthening our bond as a team. Along the way, we visited our trusted partners and local suppliers, reaffirming the relationships that make our work so special. And, of course, we had the privilege of staying at some truly fabulous hotels that epitomize Algarvean hospitality.

This trip was more than just a celebration of 2024 - it was a moment to reflect, recharge, and look forward to another amazing year of curating unforgettable travel experiences for our clients. Cheers to the year ahead! 🥂

31/10/2024

Treat yourself this holiday season with an exclusive shopping tour in Portugal’s capital city. Dive into the typical neighborhoods and discover the most emblematic stores, learn about brands with centuries-old history and understand the power of shopping locally and responsibly. 🎁

28/10/2024

This holiday season, escape to Portugal’s most luxurious spas and wellness retreats for some well-deserved relaxation. 🧘‍♀️✨

Whether it’s the calming landscapes of the Douro, the tranquil plains of Alentejo or the sunny Algarve, we’ll take you on a journey of rejuvenation.

Indulge in spa treatments, yoga retreats, and serene moments in some of Portugal’s top wellness destinations!

23/10/2024

Step into the holiday spirit with a visit to Portugal's charming Christmas markets and festive towns, and end with a bang on New Year’s Eve! 🎄

From the fairy-tale Christmas Village of Óbidos to Lisbon’s vibrant Praça do Comércio, enjoy local crafts, traditional foods, and holiday cheer at every corner. From the breathtaking fireworks over the sea in Madeira to the celebrations along the river in Porto, Portugal offers some unforgettable Christmas and New Year’s Eve experiences.

Book your trip to Portugal’s and start planning your celebration!

20/10/2024

This winter, step inside and experience the best of Portugal! From private winery tours to hands-on cooking classes, from ceramics and tile painting workshops to curated indoor experiences that bring the essence of Portugal to life. 🍷🥘

Whether you’re interested in wine, culture, art or food, let us create a bespoke itinerary that will keep you warm this holiday season.

Ready to experience the magic? Contact us for more info!

16/10/2024

Dreaming of curling up by the fire this holiday season? Explore our handpicked selection of Portugal’s coziest boutique hotels, perfect for a winter escape.

Picture charming libraries, crackling fireplaces, great Spas, and gourmet dining in the most serene settings.

Whether you’re staying in the city, in the countryside or by the sea, these hotels offer the warmth and comfort you’re looking for this season. 🔥🍷

Discover your winter sanctuary. Contact us today to book!

10/10/2024

This holiday season, make yourself at home - away from home!

Whether it’s a luxurious villa in the Douro Valley or a secluded retreat in the Algarve, our private villas are the perfect place to gather with loved ones.

Enjoy spacious, beautifully decorated interiors, private pools, and even personal chefs to make your festive celebrations unforgettable. 🌲🎁✨

Looking for a holiday retreat? Discover our exclusive private villas perfect for your family’s festive getaway.

04/10/2024

LISBON IS THE BEST CULINARY DESTINATION IN EUROPE 🥘🧀🦐

For the first time, the city of won the award for in Europe at the .

is one of the key points when choosing as a destination and Lisbon has long been recognized for its diverse and quality offer. From typical and local restaurants with traditional food, to signature restaurants and Michelin-starred chefs who reinterpret classic flavors, there is a wide offer that attracts visitors from all over the world!

As per the other awards, a big round of applause to by Chef ⭐⭐, considered , and also to by Chef ⭐⭐ which was elected .

Congratulations to all the other nominees as well and thank you for putting Portugal on the Culinary World Map! ✨

30/09/2024

The Team's Personal Choices

Wine is a personal deal and a very serious matter to us, Portuguese. For this reason, we all have our favorites:

🍇 Gaetan: “A red wine made of Castelão in the region of Setúbal, Quinta do Piloto, Reserva. The first time I tasted a Castelão, I could not say if I liked it or not, I could only say it was totally different to any other wine I knew. Over time I've come to appreciate it, and we're now good friends. Portugal is a great land not only for wine lovers but also for curious wine enthusiasts!”

🍇 Leonor: “I am biased, but I highlight an old single harvest Port. For me there’s hardly anything better than a fire crackling, a good conversation and Port wine - except for a dip in the ocean on a hot summer day and in this case, I’ll go for a Port & tonic with a squeeze of lemon!”

🍇 Catarina: “I have two favorites: the wine my father produces at his estate and that we share on family meals and the magnum my parents got me when I was born, in 1993, and that I had the privilege to open on my wedding day.”

🍇 Inês: “Easy! Moscatel from Setúbal or Palmela. Or maybe a Viosinho from the Douro region… I take both, one after the other.”

🍇 Madalena: “I am sorry to say that I am not a wine enthusiast, so I am going for an orange juice overlooking the vineyards to stay within the theme/team!”

🍇 Patrícia “I choose to share an Arinto from Bucelas, a winemaking area located close to where I am from. It was the very first wine I tasted with my parents and, still today, it remains a favorite.”

🍇 Iara: “Vidigueira Antão Vaz: this white wine takes me back home to Alentejo, where I was born and raised. It reminds me of sunny afternoons and warm nights spent with friends and family during summer, and many good stories to share.”

27/09/2024

The Co-Founder’s Link to Wine 🍷

🍇 António: "I have a deep connection to the Douro Valley, particularly to Quinta de Cima where, every year since I was a young boy, I spend my family holidays. No matter how many times I go there, the views over the vineyards and the river never seize to amaze me.
Until a few years ago I thought I was an above-average wine connoisseur, and the Douro wines were my favorites. In the meantime, I've realized that I don't know anything about the subject - just the other day I did a blind tasting and didn't get a single region right! But I'm enjoying drinking wine more and more - cheap wines, expensive wines, from the Douro and beyond. God give me a liver."

🍇 João: "Portugal is a very old country with a very special charm, welcoming and with a marked wine culture tradition. I too was attracted to this and I am now planting a vineyard in Serpa (southern Portugal), especially a white grape variety, which is a tribute to my great-grandmother - a mother of 9 children, who never lost her connection for the land and who saw herself in it. And that's where the vineyard is growing, already with a label prepared and soon to be available to TLO customers. Cheers!"

Very much like wine, António and João’s friendship has developed throughout the years. Let’s raise a glass to long lasting memories and fruitful projects such as !

22/09/2024

At we like to think outside the box, so we leave below some interesting wine-related experiences aimed at discerning travelers that wish to dive deep into the Portuguese wine scene:

• Natural Wine Tour with a Local Expert: Learn about the organic, natural and biodynamic wine scene in Portugal led by a local expert. Venture to small wine stores, meet bold wine producers and taste some naturally good wines!
• Lunch with the Owners at a Winemaking Estate: Shake some hands and sit at the table with a member of an esteemed Portuguese family who has been linked to the wine production for many generations. Share stories and a delicious home cooked meal paired with wines produced in the estate.
• Wine Blending Workshop: Learn about indigenous grape varieties, try different blending techniques and find the perfect balance to create your own wine. At the end, design the label and take your Portuguese blend with you back home.
• Wine Tasting from the Barrel: Wake up your senses and test your palate on a tasting straight from the barrel. Learn about the aging process, the impact of the oak casks on the wine profile, the aromas and flavors that develop with time, and gain in-depth knowledge.
• Atlantic Wine Adventure: Venture to the coast of Alentejo and retrieve a bottle of wine that has been aging underwater. Then head to a local winemaking estate to enjoy a nice lunch paired with wine and keep the catch of the day!
• Bird’s Eye View over the Douro Valley: Venture to the Douro Valley on an helicopter and gain the best perspective over the oldest winemaking region in the world. Then stop at a local estate and enjoy lunch by the vineyards.

Dive into Portugal's wine scene with The Little Orange! 🍇

18/09/2024

Villas in the Vineyards 🍇

For a larger group or a big family, we recommend staying at a private . Having a property in exclusivity ensures , seclusion and the opportunity to spend some days at a “home away from home”, having a good time and creating unforgettable memories.

For those wishing to blend holidays and wine in , we have the perfect answer: a private villa within a winemaking property!

From the terraced vineyards of the Valley, onto those surrounded by mountains in the , without forgetting the vast fields of and the volcanic walls that shelter the vineyards in island, there are options all across the country.

Which one is your favorite?

14/09/2024

Keeping up with new trends and gaining Insider Access are two of the perks of relying on a local DMC… When it comes to wine hotels, there are two new projects worth keeping an eye on:

TOREL QUINTA DA VACARIA
Located in the oldest vineyards in the Douro Region, dating back to 1616, this 5-star boutique hotel welcomes guests to an unparalleled blend of luxury and natural beauty with direct views of the Douro River.
With 33 rooms and suites, along with the fine-dining restaurant, gastrobar, and one of the region’s largest spas, it’s a perfect blend of history and luxury with panoramic views of the majestic Douro River.

QUINTA DO PARAL
An estate that combines the serenity of the Alentejo with the refinement of the wines produced at Quinta do Paral. This ethereal project was designed to promote the Alentejo lifestyle of peace, tranquility and invaluable quality time.
With 22 accommodation units featuring contemporary rooms, a charming apartment, majestic suites and the timeless beauty of a manor house, it is a great answer for discerning travelers seeking seclusion and great wines.

In Luxury Travel, knowledge and local expertise are key. That’s why we strive to stay fresh and updated, highlighting the best about our country: unique locations, great quality service and unparalleled experiences.

10/09/2024

Portugal is a small country with a great wine-growing tradition, with a total of 14 Wine Regions, 31 Denominations of Origin and over 250 indigenous grape varieties.
Each region has its own climate, soil, grape varieties and traditions, and these aspects are proudly kept and passed along generations turning into a family affair. 🍾🍷

The wine-making estates are known as in the north, in and in , but no matter where, the landscape is punctuated by vineyards. 🍇 From the north to the south of the country, and onto the archipelagos of and , there are wine-related projects bringing the past to the present with grace and welcoming those who visit with open arms (and open casks).

Staying at a is somehow a way to travel back in time: to learn about the history of winemaking in Portugal, to pay tribute to the local traditions and to witness the power of long-lasting memories. However, it is also a way to travel to the future: to protect the valuable natural scenery for future generations, to ensure the growth and longevity of new winemakers, to propel impactful projects and initiatives.

Get in touch and plan your wine trip in Portugal 🇵🇹

The Little Orange