Casa Mãe Lagos
Slow-living, design-forward boutique hotel grounded in sustainability and Portuguese craft. Three distinct aesthetics under one roof: vintage manor, minimalist new-build, and boho garden cabanas — all tied together by whitewashed walls, handmade terracotta floors, and a genuine commitment to farm-to-table living.
Book a Cabana (2nd or 3rd position) rather than the first one for a more private outdoor patio — a real difference between units
Why It Matters
Opened in 2016 by ex-investment banker Véronique Polaert with interiors by French designer Martin Blanchard, the property showcases Portuguese craft throughout — hand-woven rugs from Mizette Nielsen, ceramics by Ricardo Lopes, staff uniforms by local brand La Paz. Set just inside Lagos's ancient city walls, it has its own organic farm, a triangular pool, outdoor cinema, a concept store selling Portuguese goods, and a spa being expanded into a longevity sanctuary.
Once a crumbling 19th-century estate, Casa Mãe was reimagined by French entrepreneur Véronique Polaert, who discovered the property in 2014 and simply never left. The result is a four-building design hotel that doesn't feel like a hotel at all — more like the world's most stylish friend's house, complete with a working farm, 200 egg-laying chickens, and a restaurant that actually cooks what's growing outside. Rooms spread across the old manor (vintage finds, terracotta floors), the modern Jogo da Bola block (minimalist, hammock balconies), boho Cabanas with outdoor showers, and the standalone Villa Paiol — 237m² with a rooftop pool overlooking the old city.
Where You'll Stay
14 room types available
Baluarte
Casa Mãe's largest suites — two of them, each at 65m², built into the old city's baluarte (rampart) walls. Two separate rooms sleep up to 4 adults. A vast private patio and a dedicated saltwater pool. Three-meter sliding doors face the patio, maximising the indoor-outdoor flow. Walk-in rain shower with open sky views, plus a large tub platform. Solid oak furniture, handmade terracotta floors, hammock, woven wall rugs. The go-to for families or two couples who want total privacy.
65 sqm
Cabanas
Three standalone cabanas in the fig-scented garden, each with a private patio, hammock, outdoor shower, and tub platform. Boho chic done properly — rustic Algarvian textures meet contemporary touches. Ask for the 2nd or 3rd cabana over the 1st for a properly private outdoor living space.
35 sqm
Deluxe
The largest room in the Jogo da Bola building. More space, bigger terrace, and the same pared-back minimalism — terracotta floors, oak furniture, open-plan rain shower bathroom. Garden views available in some units.
30 sqmEsplanada Suite
A suite in the manor house with an esplanade-facing aspect. Vintage furnishings from around Portugal, handmade terracotta floors, and easy access to the estate's outdoor spaces.
37 sqmHeritage Suite
The largest suite in the 19th-century manor house. Filled with vintage furniture sourced from across Portugal — expect patterned tiles, French balconies, sash windows, and a freestanding bathtub. The character in this building is the real thing, not a replica.
53 sqmHorta Suite
Set above the vegetable garden (horta) in the old manor house. Views over the kitchen garden are part of the appeal here. Vintage furniture, terracotta floors, and the unhurried atmosphere that defines this building.
37 sqmMiradouro Suite
The smallest suite in the manor house but with a viewpoint (miradouro) aspect. Same vintage character as the other estate rooms — Portuguese antique finds, terracotta floors, and the slow-living atmosphere of the old house.
27 sqmPadaria
A garden-facing family suite in the cabana zone, formerly the estate's bakery. Shares the boho chic aesthetic with private patio, hammock, and outdoor shower. Good option for couples who want a bit more space without the full Baluarte commitment.
50 sqmPergola Suite
A suite in the estate's 19th-century manor house, with vintage furnishings and a covered pergola terrace. This is where the morning yoga and Pilates classes are held, giving a sense of how lovely the outdoor space is.
40 sqmPoço Suite
The compact suite option in the estate house, centred around a well (poço). Vintage character throughout, with handmade terracotta floors and curated Portuguese antiques.
30 sqmStandard
The entry-level option in the Jogo da Bola building, but the terrace makes it feel bigger than the footprint. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows, handmade Algarvian terracotta floors, solid oak bespoke furniture, and an open bathroom with a generous rain shower. First-floor verandas are screened by wooden panels inspired by traditional Algarvian reixas; second-floor rooms open to open sky.
24 sqmStandard Premium
Same footprint as the Standard in the Jogo da Bola building with an upgraded position or outlook. Shares the same minimalist design language — terracotta floors, solid oak furniture, open-plan rain shower — with the terrace and hammock setup that makes this building's rooms so liveable.
24 sqmSuperior
A step up in the Jogo da Bola building, with the same minimalist aesthetic but more breathing room. Balcony or veranda with loungers and a hammock. Open bathroom. Minibar stocked in room.
27 sqmVilla Paiol
A three-storey standalone villa a few metres from the main hotel gates, sleeping up to 6 adults across three ensuite bedrooms over two floors. The ground floor is open-plan with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and living room. A sculptural staircase connects the levels. The rooftop pool and terrace have panoramic views over the white rooftops of Lagos. All furniture made to measure by local artisans. Note: children under 10 are not permitted due to the staircase.
237 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bikes available to hire from the hotel, useful for reaching beaches and exploring the surrounding area. The hotel provides hand-drawn maps of local footpaths.
A curated shop on the ground floor stocking Portuguese design goods, swimwear, ceramics, and home accessories — much of it what you see in the rooms. A smart edit rather than a generic hotel boutique.
The hotel's organic farm is run by head farmer Fonseca, applying permaculture and biodynamic principles. Guests can join the team for planting and harvesting workshops — a genuine hands-in-the-soil experience, not a staged demonstration.
An on-site fitness studio for guests, including Reformer Pilates equipment. Drop-in or use it as part of a private session with Andrea.
60-minute morning Pilates classes on the Pergola terrace, led by Andrea. Maximum 6 students — guests only. Monday and Thursday, May to September at 8:30am.
60-minute morning yoga classes on the Pergola terrace, led by Andrea. Maximum 6 students — guests only. Running Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday from May to September at 8:30am. Booking strongly recommended.
An outdoor cinema on the estate grounds. Check with the hotel for scheduling — sessions are run seasonally.
The estate's signature triangular pool sits in the walled garden courtyard, framed by the old city walls and fig trees. Not a large pool — more of a social focal point than a lap pool. Some guests note it can be cool outside peak summer.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Exclusive Oliofora x Casa Mãe bath treats, made from essential oils, provided in all rooms in ceramic pots made by Ricardo Lopes.
Free self-parking available on site. Limited spaces and cannot be reserved in advance — first come, first served.
Triangular pool in the walled garden courtyard. Distinctive shape and a good atmosphere, though not large.
The front desk team is notably well-regarded for local restaurant tips and area recommendations.
On-site boutique selling Portuguese design goods, ceramics, swimwear, and home accessories.
A working farm on the estate, applying permaculture and biodynamic principles. Produces fruit, vegetables, and herbs for ORTA restaurant. Home to 200 chickens for egg production.
Paid airport transfers available from Faro Airport (90km). Must be arranged in advance through the hotel.
BUILD YOUR CASA MÃE LAGOS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning