A look inside one of portugal’s most exclusive family-run hotels
Tucked away in the unspoiled Eastern Algarve, Casas Quinta de Cima is not your typical incentive destination. With just nine rooms and the soul of a private farm estate, this family-owned boutique hotel offers groups something increasingly rare: space to slow down, reconnect, and experience Portugal through nature, flavour, and the stories of its people. Whether you're gathering your top performers and their spouses, loyal clients, or leadership team, a four-day incentive at Casas Quinta de Cima offers a deeply restorative, culturally rich alternative to the typical luxury escape.
Here’s a look at how your incentive experience could unfold…
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome Toast
As your group steps off the transfer, the unmistakable aroma of orange trees greets them - subtle, sweet, and entirely unforgettable. After a relaxed check-in, guests are free to explore the grounds, take a dip in one of the two inviting pools, or ease into the rhythm of the estate with a session in the new gym, offering wellness without distraction.
The welcome toast unfolds in the citrus grove, complete with local wines and petiscos (small plates) prepared using ingredients from the surrounding land. Evening continues with a casual welcome dinner under the stars, where the pace is slow, the conversations real, and the food - fresh, seasonal, and deeply rooted in Algarve tradition.
Day 2: Sea, Saddle & Slow Living
After a farm-style breakfast on the terrace, it’s time to explore the property’s extraordinary location. Situated opposite the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve, the day’s adventures begin with morning paddleboarding or kayaking through the tranquil lagoons - an immersive way to absorb the region’s biodiversity.
Afternoon options include horseback riding through salt marshes, or a laid-back jeep tour through the countryside, with stops for local honey tastings and storytelling with a local beekeeper.
Back at the hotel, guests wind down with a sunset cocktail by the hotel’s new 25m lap pool and an optional outdoor yoga session. Dinner is a showpiece: a live cooking demonstration by a local chef preparing cataplana, a traditional fish and seafood stew served family-style, followed by fado music under the olive trees.
Day 3: Culture & Craft
Today is all about local culture and quiet creativity. Guests can choose to try their hand at palm weaving or basket making with regional artisans - intimate workshops that connect people through shared craft. For those seeking something more active, private boat tours can be arranged to explore hidden islands and secret beaches along the coast.
After a relaxed seaside lunch in a nearby fishing village, the afternoon slows. Guests return to the estate for one of the hotel’s most beloved experiences: a private wine tasting by the pool or under the shade of the orchard trees. Guided by a local sommelier, the session explores rare Portuguese varietals, regional stories, and perfect pairings from the hotel’s kitchen.
As the day closes, a farewell dinner is held in the citrus grove, lit by lanterns, where new friendships and future collaborations are toasted long into the evening.
Day 4: Departures & Takeaways
After one last breakfast of local jams, pastries, and farm-fresh eggs, guests depart recharged, inspired, and carrying more than just memories - real connection, shared experience, and the sense that they’ve discovered a side of Portugal few ever do.
Properties like Casas Quinta de Cima remind us that the most memorable incentives aren’t always the biggest - they’re the ones that feel personal, purposeful, and perfectly placed.
Looking for fresh, meaningful ideas for your next programme? Join us at inVOYAGE to discover hotels like these first-hand and connect with the people behind them.