An absolutely delightful stay! Staff, service, restaurant, everything was above expectations and I totally recommend Monte Novo if you want a restful and peaceful stay with all the comfort and amenities. The villa with the private swimming pool is just amazing, with all the plants surrounding you can enjoy just the sound of birds and the blue sky. Lovely! And don’t miss the dinner at the restaurant. Chef Miguel really knows how to make the best of local food with a touch of modern cuisine. don’t miss it!

nothing to note

A stunning Hotel, and location...Wonderful staff, amazing rooms so tastefully furnished and extremely comfortable Bar, lounge and dinning area over look the Montargil Dam reservoir..Lovely outside decked area to enjoy the wide variety of beverages available. Dinner was the the Chef's surprise, so no menu but fantastic local produce, and enjoyed by us all( 7 of us!!)..... Again the breakfast spread amazing.We only stayed 1 night, but will be returning for sure.

Nothing not to like....

I struck gold with this hotel. I booked close to a company where I was to have a meeting the following day, so I didn't do a lot of research. The place is truly magnificent. The setting, scenery, the buildings, the rooms, all of it. The room was spacious and luxuriously furnished, with windows looking on to the infinity pool and the reservoir waters beyond, a view only partially blocked by a line of majestic palms. I was, astonishingly, the only guest (a Monday in November...), but was truly well looked after. Although the restaurant was "closed", Miguel (the chef), said he would prepare a dinner for me. What a delight for the senses. Excellent, creatively prepared food with local and seasonal ingredients. It was like having my own private chef for the evening. A very good night's sleep in a very quiet room, and a comfortable bed. The room has a massive TV, a huge split bathroom (double washbasin, shower, toilet), and is equipped with a coffee machine with a handful of capsules (I enjoyed a coffee on the terrace outside before I even went for breakfast). The service was impeccable. I realise that it was off-season and the room rate can be double what I paid, but even then it would be well worth the money. Thanks Miguel. I look forward to trying more of your food!

There's nothing to fault the place in my mind. Only things outside of the hotel's control: it was raining and fresh. I guess if I really wanted to nit pick, it would be one of my pet peeves at hotels - that there are not enough sockets for laptops, phone chargers etc.

Excellent staff that really cares for you. Wonderful environment. Absolutely amazing breakfast with regional products. A special mention to the restaurant. Managed by Chef Miguel Varela that takes the local cuisine to a next level keeping the original flavours in a delicious way. Definitely a wonderful place to have great experiences.

We loved our house and a pool, it’s perfect for family vacation and quiet rest between lake and palm trees. Hope to come back

Would be nice if in future they couldn’t add maybe some children playground

The villas are very nice and convenient with all that is needed to relax

Each villa has trees around but not really well separated so not much Privacy. Also the lights in the garden in front of the door are on all night so sleep is challenging

An exceptional staff, who are professional, positive, nice and go to great lengths in order to make your stay the best it can be. This has probably been the best staff I've ever encountered in an accommodation site. The building and its facilities, as well as the scenery and the atmosphere are breathtaking. The privileged view of the Montargil reservoir, in junction with the well kept plaza, pool, and gardens of the hotel provided a perfect combination for relaxation and a wonderful time. Last but not least, Monte Novo's Chef - Carlos Marques' - will ensure that all your 5 senses will be fulfilled during your stay, providing an excellent gastronomic experience, in a restaurant with an exceptional view.

Can't speak to anything that was bad in my experience. The place is amazing, with an exceptional staff, and there were simply no negative moments during our stay.

everything was perfect! the location, the people, the food, the calmness. if you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, this is it. It is family-friendly too.

Everyone was really nice to us and the place was really quiet with a lovely view. We particularly loved having breakfast with a view!

The room was clean but we think the smell/scents inside could be better.

Exceptional in every way. We stayed in the 2 bed villa offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake, sumptuous bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms, a fully fitted kitchen, large sitting room which opened into a large terrace and private pool. The villa leads down to an open deck by the lake with olive and lemon trees. Perfect to pick a lemon for your evening gin and tonic sitting on your private terrace watching the sun set over the lake! The hotel restaurant is equally stunning with intimate yet spacious eating and a view one can only gaze at in awe. The chef Carlos Marques is a genius rarity to come across. The delicious 3-4 course evening meals were all of Michelin Star quality. He comes to your table serving each course with an explanation of what deliciousness is served, as well as making one feel he literally is your own personal chef. The staff could not do more to make ones stay better. They consistently go ‘above and beyond’ with every small detail thought of and anticipated. Breakfast is delivered to the villas to enjoy sitting outside and is catered to all guest requirements (they attended the market at 7am just to purchase & supply me almond and coconut milk!) This is one of those rare gem hotels you come across and never want to leave. I booked again before even ending our first night! I can not recommend this hotel enough. Simply 10*.