Discover Tranquility at Montebelo Aguieira Lake Resort & Spa

A relaxing time in Mortágua, Portugal

Resort marina and view. Photo by Paul Wilcox.

Nestled in the picturesque region of Mortágua, in the center of Portugal, Montebelo Aguieira Lake Resort & Spa is a hidden gem that promises an escape from the stress of everyday life. With its serene lakeside setting, tasteful accommodations, and a plethora of recreational activities, this resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for travelers of all ages.

A scenic retreat.

About 30 minutes from the small city of Viseu, the resort is situated on the banks of the Aguieira Reservoir, a tranquil expanse of water surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. The resort's location provides soothing views and a sense of peace that envelops you as soon as you arrive. This is an ideal base for exploring nature, wineries, or small villages.

Paul and I spent three nights at this resort just before the start of the busy summer season when many families arrive to enjoy the amenities this resort has to offer. We were looking forward to a few days of relaxation by the pool with no special plans in place, but unfortunately, we hit a few days of rain with cool temperatures. However, the weather did not affect the relaxation part for us. We simply sat on our sheltered patio that overlooked the lake, took little naps, and enjoyed the sights and sounds of lake wildlife.

Main building of the resort. Photo by Paul Wilcox.

Accommodation.

The resort boasts a variety of accommodation options, from spacious apartments to elegant villas, all designed to provide the utmost comfort and convenience. Each unit is tastefully decorated with modern furnishings and equipped with amenities including fully equipped kitchens (in apartments and villas only), private balconies or terraces, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are designed to maximize the natural beauty of the surroundings, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light and offer views of the lake and surrounding landscape. We stayed in a Superior Room in the main building.

Our room in the resort.

Dining.

The resort features an on-site restaurant that serves an array of Portuguese and international cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in the panoramic views of the lake. The lobby bar offers a selection of wines, cocktails, and other beverages, and small bites.

Wellness and relaxation.

Although we didn’t take advantage of this, for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the resort's spa is a haven of tranquility. Offering a range of treatments and therapies, the spa is designed to soothe both body and mind. Guests can indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments, or take advantage of the sauna, steam room, and indoor pool. The resort also features outdoor infinity pools with stunning views of the lake surrounded by plenty of lounge chairs along the poolside and lawn, providing the perfect place to relax.

Adventure and recreation.

During high season, the Montebelo Aguieira Lake Resort & Spa is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding area offers a wealth of activities, from hiking and cycling to water sports such as kayaking, sailing, and fishing. The resort also has its own marina, where guests can rent boats or take part in organized tours of the lake. For those who prefer to stay on land, the resort offers tennis courts, a mini-golf course, and a fully equipped fitness center.

Catering to families.

You know when you’re in a family-oriented property when nearly half of the tables in the dining room have highchairs in place for little folks. This is clearly a resort that caters to families. There are two playgrounds on the property as well as a splash pad. There’s also a game room and kiddy rides near the outdoor pool area. Although it was quiet during our pre-season stay, the staff mentioned that it is extremely busy with families during the summer months.

Resort amenities.

Exploring Mortágua and beyond.

While the resort itself offers plenty to keep guests entertained, the town of Mortágua and its surrounding areas might be worth exploring. The region is rich in history and culture, with numerous historical sites, villages, and beautiful landscapes to discover. The nearby Bussaco Forest is a must-visit (when the weather cooperates), with its ancient trees, gardens, and the Bussaco Palace.

On the second day of our visit, we asked the hotel desk clerk to recommend a wine tasting experience. She arranged for us to have a wine tasting at Quinta do Sobral, about a 30-minute drive from the resort in the village of Santar.

I’ll be writing more about the village of Santar and wine tasting experiences in a future post.

Wine tasting at Quinta do Sobral in Santar.

Some personal observations.

• Since we don’t have children/grandchildren, we would not choose to visit this property during the high season (summer) as it’s crowded with families and our patience can run thin when there are screaming toddlers running around (and yes, I am a proud childless cat dog lady)¹. As it was, there were a few young families staying in the resort. Since the weather was cool, those families took full advantage of the indoor pool, so we didn’t bother to try it out. It was far too cool, rainy, and cloudy to sit around the outdoor pools, but they looked inviting.

• During low season, the property is quieter and is perfect for relaxing, although many of the outdoor amenities are not open including boat excursions around the lake and the swim-up pool bar.

• The lobby bar is not cozy. There are tables and chairs but it’s bright and not exactly what we prefer in an adult bar atmosphere. During high season, guests can enjoy a beverage out on the terrace bar which looked nice but was not open at the time of our visit.

• The dining room is spacious but not cozy. The service was very good, and the food was nicely prepared.

• If you want to prepare meals instead of dining out, an apartment or villa are better choices than a room in the main building which only offers a small refrigerator, sink and microwave.

• Speaking of dining out, there are very few choices nearby other than resort dining. Viseu, about 30 minutes away, has a variety of restaurants to choose from.

• A car is recommended. The resort is off the beaten path and a car is recommended if you want to explore the area. There is plenty of free parking just outside the main building.

• A daily breakfast buffet is included.

• The main building of the resort has elevators and a ramp for those with limited mobility.

• Dog friendly. And obviously, child friendly.

• Staff speaks English – some speak better than others but all are friendly and helpful.

• Golfing is not available on this property (only mini-golf), but guests can take advantage of Montebelo Golfe, about 40 minutes from the resort.

• For more information, see the resort’s website.

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Until next time…

Obrigada!

Carol.

1. This refers to a comment made by the United States Republican vice presidential candidate, J.D. Vance in a 2021 televised interview in which he labeled women without biological children, as "childless cat ladies" with "no direct stake" in America.