Afife · Portugal
About Us
A 12th-century Benedictine monastery reborn as a sanctuary of heritage, culture and nature — where the stillness of the past meets the vitality of the present.
Nestled at the foot of a wild mountain, just one kilometre from the unspoiled Atlantic beaches, the Convento sits within a timeless seven-hectare estate where remarkable architecture meets an exceptional natural setting. A crystal-clear river winds through meadows and woodlands, nurturing a landscape that feels both serene and alive.
At its heart, the Convento flourishes amid lush gardens — from the romantic rose garden to the abundant vegetable beds and orchard, where guests may wander, reflect, or gather ripe fruit beneath the trees. Here, nature is not just a backdrop but an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect.
Rooted in time, alive in spirit
December 2018
Love at first sight
The Convento de Cabanas was the scene of a true love at first sight in December 2018, when I stepped over the threshold of the church.
From that magical moment, a deep connection enveloped me. This enchanting experience inspired me to embark on a passionate quest for restoration, a four-year journey during which I sought to breathe new life into this place imbued with charm and history.
“The Convento de Cabanas was the scene of a true love at first sight in December 2018, when I stepped over the threshold of the church.”
Owner2019 — 2023 · The Restoration
Four years, stone by stone
I was fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated team of workers from the Minho region and a young architect specializing in historical monuments. Together, we worked passionately to infuse a new soul into this space, which had been abandoned for a decade. Each step of this transformation, though lengthy, turned out to be an adventure filled with gratitude and beauty—a radiant renaissance for this forgotten sanctuary.
With care and devotion, I chose each material, respecting the architectural details while honoring the nature and history that dwell within these walls. I took the time to select every element of the decor—objects, furniture, fabrics—with attention that reflects my love for this place. Every detail was thoughtfully considered to create a perfect harmony, ensuring that each guest feels not only welcome but also like a privileged visitor in this cocoon of serenity.
Through the Centuries
Rooted in time, alive in spirit
The Convento has been lost, rebuilt, dissolved and loved.
- 570
First stones
The first edification on the site dates back to 570, though it was later destroyed in 746 during the Arab invasions.
- 746
Lost
Destroyed during the Arab invasions; the site falls silent.
- 1382
The Benedictines
In 1382, the Benedictine monks established their convent here. Over the centuries, the community flourished — reaching 75 monks by 1574 — and the property expanded with the addition of gardens, kitchens, stables, and the now-iconic orange and lemon trees that still perfume the grounds today.
- 1574
The peak
The community numbers seventy-five monks — the Convento's golden age.
- 1838
New hands
Following the extinction of the religious orders in the 19th century, the Convento passed into state possession and was later sold in 1838 to the Viscount of Geraz de Lima.
- 1900s
Poets in residence
In the years that followed, it became home to several notable Portuguese figures, including Dr. Pimentel Homem de Vasconcelos, Civil Governor of Porto, and the poet Pedro Homem de Mello, who welcomed many distinguished guests such as Amália Rodrigues.
- 2018
The threshold
In December, Nathalie D'Ornano steps into the church — love at first sight.
- 2019
The restoration
In 2019, the Convento entered a new chapter under its current owner.
- 2024
Recognition
A meticulous restoration led by architect Fernando Cerqueira Barros — awarded a Special Mention at the 2024 Rothier European Architecture Prize — has brought the property back to life as a boutique luxury hotel, where history and hospitality coexist in harmony.
Awards
Rothier European Architecture Prize
Special Mention · Restoration & Rehabilitation, 2024
Prémios Espaço '25
Prémios Nacionais de Arquitectura
Séjourner — Patrice Besse
Selected · a collection of historic houses
Awards
In the press
What has been written
The restoration, the church and the table, as told by others.
- Traditional Architecture JournalThe Rehabilitation of the Monastery of São João de Cabanas, Afife, Viana do Castelo — Read the article (opens in a new tab)
- C. NoronhaRehabilitation of the Monastery of Saint John of Cabanas — Afife, Viana do Castelo — Read the article (opens in a new tab)
- EvasõesNo Café de Cabanas, a poesia mistura-se com os sabores do mundo — Read the article (opens in a new tab)
- O MinhoCantora suíça recupera mosteiro em Viana para alojamento turístico — Read the article (opens in a new tab)
- O MinhoMosteiro em Viana nomeado para “reabilitação do ano” em arquitetura — Read the article (opens in a new tab)
- SIC NotíciasMosteiro de Afife que inspirou a poesia de Pedro Homem de Mello é agora um alojamento turístico — Read the article (opens in a new tab)
The Invitation
Step over the threshold
This space has become a true sanctuary, a haven of peace where one can rejuvenate, reconnect with nature and history, and welcome the benevolent energies of love.