We arrive at “Paradise in Portugal” via the villages of “Indigestion” (Azia), “Purgatory” (Purgatório) and “It’s Fine” (Está Bem). The mood is set. This is going to be different - and the final corner, rounded after miles of wild country and four kilometres of dirt track, provides that “wow” moment. The point where you can’t quite believe what you are seeing...
...Welcome to Quinta do Barranco da Estrada, the absolutely-away-from-it-all country lodge run by Frank and Daniela McClintock beside the Barragem de Santa Clara, the largest dam in Portugal after Alqueva.