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Journal

Welcome to our journal, a place where we gather our lists of hotel inspo, interviews with people doing cool things, our latest news and other Portugal- related bits and bobs.

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The gorgeous small hotels off the beaten path in Portugal by JO&SO
INSPO
March 27, 2025

5 Gorgeous Small Hotels Off the Beaten Path in Portugal

The best rural, country and farmhouse hotels in the Alentejo by JO&SO
INSPO
February 18, 2025

10 Rural, Country and Farmhouse Hotels in the Alentejo

The best boutique hotels in Lisbon by neighbourhood by JO&SO.
INSPO
June 21, 2025

23 of the Best Boutique Hotels in Lisbon by Neighbourhood

The best hotels in Costa Vicentina by JO&SO.
INSPO
April 16, 2024

5 of the Best Hotels in Costa Vicentina + Insider Guide

The best boutique hotels in the Douro by JO&SO
INSPO
June 21, 2025

10 of the Best Boutique Hotels in Douro

The best boutique hotels in Algarve by JO&SO.
INSPO
June 21, 2025

17 of the Best Boutique Hotels in Algarve

The best boutique hotels in Porto by neighbourhood by JO&SO.
INSPO
July 4, 2024

14 of the Best Boutique Hotels in Porto by Neighbourhood

The best boutique hotels in Alentejo by JO&SO.
INSPO
June 21, 2025

18 of the Best Boutique Hotels in Alentejo

The best boutique hotels in Azores by JO&SO
INSPO
June 21, 2025

12 of the Best Boutique Hotels in Azores

The best boutique hotels in Comporta and Melides by JO&SO
INSPO
June 21, 2025

6 of the Best Boutique Hotels in Comporta and Melides

Marilyn, a sculpture by Joana Vasconcelos featuring two giant high-heeled shoes made from stainless steel pots and lids, displayed at Serralves' gardens in Porto.
News
March 20, 2019
2019-03-20

We went to Joana Vasconcelos’ exhibition at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art

March 20, 2019
January 19, 2021
We went to Joana Vasconcelos’ exhibition at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. ‘I’m Your Mirror’ brings together some of Joana Vasconcelos’ most iconic art.
A candle, body butter tub and hand cream with yellow labels from The Handmade Soap Company, shot at one of the rooms at the boutique hotelCasa Mãe in Lagos
News
November 6, 2018
2018-11-06

We did a photoshoot for The Handmade Soap Company

November 6, 2018
January 19, 2021
A few months ago the lovely people at The Handmade Soap Company got in touch. They said they really loved our photos and all the places featured on JO&SO.
Interview with Frank and Veronique about Farmhouse of the Palms by JO&SO
Faces
June 16, 2020
2020-06-16

A Conversation with Frank and Veronique about Farmhouse of the Palms

June 16, 2020
March 18, 2021
Frank and Veronique are the friendly owners of Farmhouse of the Palms, a lovingly restored boutique guesthouse nestled in the rural Algarve.
A plate of clams cooked in olive oil, garlic and coriander, served on a decorative blue and white plate with a traditional Portuguese design
Inspo
August 5, 2021
2021-08-05

5 Places for Exceptional Portuguese Cooking in Porto

August 5, 2021
October 29, 2021
For those of you that love traditional Portuguese cuisine (or want to try it) and are looking for the best restaurants serving Portuguese food in Porto.
Video still taken from French TF1 show 50' Inside, featuring JO&SO doing a wine tasting session at São Lourenço do Barrocal.
News
August 2, 2023
2023-08-02

JO&SO featured on primetime French TF1 show 50' Inside

August 2, 2023
August 2, 2023
JO&SO were featured on 50’ Inside, a French TV show that airs weekly on TF1. We visited the hotels Vermelho Melides and São Lourenço do Barrocal in Monsaraz.
Interview with Miguel Júdice, author of The 500 Hidden Secrets of Lisbon, by JO&SO
Faces
January 26, 2019
2019-01-26

A Conversation with Miguel Júdice, author of The 500 Hidden Secrets of Lisbon

January 26, 2019
January 19, 2021
Miguel Júdice was born in Lisbon, the city where he lives and loves. He’s an entrepreneur and the author of the awesome guide The 500 Hidden Secrets of Lisbon.
A trip to the beautiful island of São Miguel in the Azores by JO&SO
Inspo
November 6, 2018
2018-11-06

My trip to the beautiful island of São Miguel in the Azores

November 6, 2018
January 19, 2021
Here are the highlights of my trip to the island of São Miguel in the Azores, including the best sights, beaches, restaurants and places to stay.
The 500 Hidden Secrets of Porto by JO&SO, a travel guide about Porto in Portugal
News
March 17, 2024
2024-03-17

The 500 Hidden Secrets of Porto by JO&SO – Where to Buy the Book

March 17, 2024
October 29, 2021
Our Porto Travel Guide 'The 500 Hidden Secrets of Porto' lists 500 things you need to know about Porto in 100 different categories.
Photo of the spread of Activa magazine article 'The 6 Best Hotels in Portugal by JO&SO', featuring photos of the properties and text
News
December 23, 2018
2018-12-23

The 6 Best Hotels in Portugal by JO&SO for Activa Magazine

December 23, 2018
January 19, 2021
The 6 best hotels in Portugal to visit? We are delighted to be featured in the January edition of the Portuguese magazine ‘Activa’.
Interview with João Ferreira about Casa do Rio Wine Hotel by JO&SO
Faces
July 31, 2016
2016-07-31

A Conversation with João Ferreira about Casa do Rio Wine Hotel

July 31, 2016
February 23, 2021
João Ferreira is the co-owner of Casa do Rio Wine Hotel, a boutique hotel in the Douro with beautiful vineyards, stylish scandi decor and a dreamy infinity pool
Interview with Miguel, Catarina Silva and Catarina Alves, about Flattered to Be in Porto by JO&SO
Faces
May 30, 2022
2022-05-30

A Conversation with Miguel about Flattered to Be in Porto

May 30, 2022
May 30, 2022
Miguel Mateus is the co-owner alongside Catarina Silva and Catarina Alves of Flattered to be in Porto, the beautifully designed serviced apartments.
Interview with Eglantina about Companhia das Culturas by JO&SO
Faces
November 11, 2015
2015-11-11

A Conversation with Eglantina about Companhia das Culturas

November 11, 2015
March 12, 2021
Eglantina Monteiro is the owner at Companhia das Culturas, a quirky eco boutique hotel with beautiful vintage decor in Castro Marim, in the southeast Algarve.
Interview with Francisco Ferreira about Quinta do Vallado by JO&SO
Faces
June 26, 2017
2017-06-26

A Conversation with Francisco Ferreira about Quinta do Vallado

June 26, 2017
February 19, 2021
Francisco Ferreira is a passionate winemaker and the co-owner of Quinta do Vallado, a beautiful boutique hotel in one of the oldest wine estates in the Douro.
Interview with Angelique and Christophe about The Modernist by JO&SO
Faces
June 21, 2022
2022-06-21

A Conversation with Angelique and Christophe about The Modernist

June 21, 2022
June 21, 2022
Angelique and Christophe Oliveira are the co-owners of The Modernist in Faro, six minimalist apartment-like suites with a wonderful 1970s vibe.
Interview with Mónica about Herdade da Matinha by JO&SO
Faces
November 17, 2015
2015-11-17

A Conversation with Mónica about Herdade da Matinha

November 17, 2015
March 10, 2021
Mónica and Alfredo created Herdade da Matinha, a rural-boutique hotel in the Alentejo surrounded by beautiful scenery, near spectacular beaches.
Interview with Marta and Gonçalo about Areias do Seixo by JO&SO
Faces
March 14, 2018
2018-03-14

A Conversation with Marta and Gonçalo about Areias do Seixo

March 14, 2018
March 5, 2021
A Conversation with Marta and Gonçalo about Areias do Seixo by JO&SO. Find out more.
Interview with Carmen and Natalia about Casa das Janelas com Vista by JO&SO
Faces
November 9, 2015
2015-11-09

A Conversation with Carmen and Natalia about Casa das Janelas com Vista

November 9, 2015
March 11, 2021
Carmen Rendé and Natalia Tubella are the owners and interior designers of Casa das Janelas com Vista, a beautiful boutique guesthouse in the hip Bairro Alto.
Interview with Gonçalo about Sublime Comporta by JO&SO
Faces
April 8, 2022
2022-04-08

A Conversation with Gonçalo about Sublime Comporta

April 8, 2022
March 14, 2022
Gonçalo Pessoa is the owner and creative mind behind Sublime Comporta, a five-star country retreat nestled in a stunning 17-hectare estate in Comporta.
Interview with Luísa and Francisca about Duas Portas by JO&SO
Faces
January 9, 2015
2015-01-09

A Conversation with Luísa and Francisca about Duas Portas

January 9, 2015
February 17, 2021
Luísa and Francisca are the two passionate "Portuenses" running Duas Portas, a perfectly restored boutique guesthouse in Porto.
Interview with Fernanda Gramaxo about Armazém Luxury Housing by JO&SO
Faces
August 10, 2019
2019-08-10

A Conversation with Fernanda Gramaxo about Armazém Luxury Housing

August 10, 2019
March 4, 2021
Fernanda Gramaxo is the founder and creative mind of Armazém Luxury Housing, a 19th-century iron warehouse lovingly converted into a boutique hotel in Porto.
Interview with Rodrigo Machaz about Memmo Alfama by JO&SO
Faces
October 27, 2015
2015-10-27

A Conversation with Rodrigo Machaz about Memmo Alfama

October 27, 2015
March 5, 2021
Rodrigo Machaz is a passionate surfer, excellent hotelier and the creative mind behind Memmo Alfama, a boutique hotel in Lisbon with a rooftop pool bar.
Interview with Rodrigo Machaz about Memmo Príncipe Real by JO&SO
Faces
February 11, 2018
2018-02-11

A Conversation with Rodrigo Machaz about Memmo Príncipe Real

February 11, 2018
March 4, 2021
Rodrigo Machaz is the creative mind behind Memmo Príncipe Real, a contemporary boutique hotel with an old-world soul in Lisbon.
Interview with Rui and Nuno about Pensão Agrícola by JO&SO
Faces
October 20, 2015
2015-10-20

A Conversation with Rui Liberato de Sousa about Pensão Agrícola

October 20, 2015
March 1, 2021
Rui Liberato de Sousa is the co-owner of Pensão Agrícola, a stunning six-bedroom boutique hotel in a genuine Algarve countryside setting.
Interview with Balthasar about Três Marias by JO&SO
Faces
April 25, 2019
2019-04-25

A Conversation with Balthasar about Três Marias

April 25, 2019
March 5, 2021
Balthasar Trueb is the friendly owner of Três Marias, a simple and beautiful rural hotel nestled among the serene countryside of the Alentejo Coast.
Interview with Alida about B28 Apartments by JO&SO
Faces
August 26, 2022
2022-08-26

A Conversation with Alida about B28 Apartments

August 26, 2022
August 22, 2022
Alida Jamal is the owner of B28 Apartments, seven beautiful and spacious serviced apartments tucked away on a lovely street in the historic centre of Porto.
Intervew with Alexandra about Casa do Conto by JO&SO
Faces
November 11, 2015
2015-11-11

A Conversation with Alexandra about Casa do Conto

November 11, 2015
March 15, 2021
Alexandra Grande is the owner and architect of Casa do Conto, a striking building in Porto with concrete suites and a mix of designer and period furniture.
Joana standing on a cliff overlooking the vast Bordeira beach and ocean, with waves crashing against the rocks and a wide expanse of blue sky and scattered clouds.
News
June 9, 2020
2020-06-09

Is it safe to travel to Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic?

June 9, 2020
January 19, 2021
Discover the latest updates on travelling to Portugal during COVID-19.
Interview with Santiago Moreira da Silva about Herdade da Matinha by JO&SO
Faces
November 22, 2024
2024-11-22

A Conversation with Santiago Moreira da Silva about Herdade da Matinha

November 22, 2024
November 22, 2024
Santiago Moreira da Silva grew up at Herdade da Matinha, a rural-boutique hotel lovingly created by his parents in the heart of the Alentejo.
Interview with Catarina Francês about her rural hotel Cucumbi by JO&SO
Faces
July 4, 2024
2024-07-04

A Conversation with Catarina Francês about her rural hotel Cucumbi

July 4, 2024
July 4, 2024
Interview with Catarina Francês, the co-owner of Cucumbi, an eco-rural guesthouse set on an organic farm in the Alentejo.
Interview with Julie de Halleux, founder of Lisbon by Design, by JO&SO
Faces
May 16, 2024
2024-05-16

A Conversation with Julie de Halleux, founder of Lisbon by Design

May 16, 2024
May 14, 2024
Interview with interior designer and founder of Lisbon by Design, Julie de Halleux.
Interview with Catarina Salinas from Best Youth by JO&SO
Faces
May 12, 2019
2019-05-12

A Conversation with Catarina Salinas from Best Youth

May 12, 2019
January 19, 2021
Catarina Salinas was born and bred in Porto, the city where she lives and loves. She’s one half of our favourite electro-indie pop duo, Best Youth.
Interview with José António Uva about São Lourenço do Barrocal by JO&SO
Faces
January 1, 2017
2017-01-01

A Conversation with José António Uva about São Lourenço do Barrocal

January 1, 2017
March 4, 2021
José António Uva is the owner of São Lourenço do Barrocal, a 19th-century farm estate retreat in the Alentejo set amidst ancient oaks and vineyards.
Where to Stay in Portugal: Handpicked Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas by JO&SO
Inspo
November 6, 2023
2023-11-06

Where to Stay in Portugal: Handpicked Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas

November 6, 2023
November 22, 2021
A mix of the Best Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in Portugal we have visited and love, plus those that have caught our eye.
Joana and Sofia from JO&SO riding white horses in a dry, rural landscape at São Lourenço do Barrocal, wearing helmets and casual summer attire.
News
November 6, 2018
2018-11-06

Welcome to our sparkling new Journal

November 6, 2018
January 19, 2021
We will be sharing with you various insider tips, exclusive interviews with people who inspire us, and we are also preparing some itineraries...
The Best Travel Blogs and Websites 2019 - JO&SO Wins Award
News
January 30, 2019
2019-01-30

JO&SO Wins Award: The Best Travel Blogs and Websites 2019

January 30, 2019
January 19, 2021
We are thrilled that JO&SO has received an award celebrating The Best Travel Blogs and Websites of 2019. This is the second year in a row that we have been...
Decorative graphic reading FACES with a black and white dotted background.
News
January 26, 2019
2019-01-26

Introducing Faces: Conversations with people doing cool things

January 26, 2019
January 19, 2021
Portugal has so much to discover, so we thought it would be fun to start interviewing people with knowledge to share, from low key restaurants to hidden spots.
Interview with Veronique Polaert about Casa Mãe in Lagos by JO&SO
Faces
November 29, 2017
2017-11-29

A Conversation with Veronique Polaert about Casa Mãe in Lagos

November 29, 2017
February 9, 2021
Veronique Polaert is the founder and creative mind behind Casa Mãe, a gorgeous boutique hotel in the Algarve tucked away beside the ancient city walls of Lagos.
Interview with Joana van Zeller about Six Senses Douro Valley by JO&SO
Faces
February 4, 2018
2018-02-04

A Conversation with Joana van Zeller about Six Senses Douro Valley

February 4, 2018
February 18, 2021
Joana van Zeller is the Communications Manager at Six Senses Douro Valley, a spa hotel nestled in a 19th-century manor house in the Douro Valley.
Interview with Christian Louboutin about his hotel Vermelho Melides by JO&SO
Faces
June 29, 2023
2023-06-29

A Conversation with Christian Louboutin about his hotel Vermelho Melides

June 29, 2023
June 27, 2023
Interview with French designer Christian Louboutin, the owner of Vermelho, a five-star boutique hotel in the village of Melides.
An Insider’s Guide to Comporta in Portugal by JO&SO
Inspo
May 8, 2025
2025-05-08

Our Insider’s Guide to Comporta in Portugal

May 8, 2025
March 30, 2022
An Insider's Guide to Comporta in Portugal: things to do, places to eat and where to stay, including boutique hotels and villas. Explore our picks.

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The Rebello Hotel & Spa
The Rebello Hotel & Spa
The Rebello Hotel & Spa
The Rebello Hotel & Spa
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The Rebello Hotel & Spa

PortoVila Nova de Gaia

The Rebello Hotel & Spa is spread over four 19th-century industrial buildings with stunning views of the Douro River and Porto's historic centre.

41.1382439
-8.6236027
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Pensão Agricola
Pensão Agricola
Pensão Agricola
Pensão Agricola
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Pensão Agricola

AlgarveConceição de Tavira

Pensão Agrícola is a stunning six-bedroom boutique hotel in a genuine Algarve countryside setting.

37.159722
-7.589250
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Sublime Comporta
Sublime Comporta
Sublime Comporta
Sublime Comporta
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Sublime Comporta

AlentejoComporta

Sublime Comporta is a five-star hotel in Comporta nestled in a stunning 17-hectare estate, surrounded by pine and cork trees.

38.228950
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Vermelho Melides
Vermelho Melides
Vermelho Melides
Vermelho Melides
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Vermelho Melides

AlentejoMelides

Christian Louboutin has masterfully crafted Vermelho Melides, an exquisite boutique hotel nestled in a small Alentejo village.

38.1463188
-8.7308354
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São Lourenço do Barrocal
São Lourenço do Barrocal
São Lourenço do Barrocal
São Lourenço do Barrocal
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São Lourenço do Barrocal

AlentejoMonsaraz

São Lourenço do Barrocal is a 19th-century farm estate retreat in Alentejo, set amidst ancient oaks, olive groves, and vineyards.

38.443204
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Quinta do Vallado
Quinta do Vallado
Quinta do Vallado
Quinta do Vallado
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Quinta do Vallado

NorthPeso da Régua

Quinta do Vallado is a beautiful boutique hotel in one of the oldest and most famous wine estates in Douro Valley.

41.161996
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Areias do Seixo
Areias do Seixo
Areias do Seixo
Areias do Seixo
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Areias do Seixo

CentralSanta Cruz

Areias do Seixo is a striking eco-boutique hotel located on a protected patch of coast in Santa Cruz, just an hour’s drive from Lisbon.

39.151700
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Tipografia do Conto
Tipografia do Conto
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Tipografia do Conto
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Tipografia do Conto

PortoPorto City Centre

Tipografia do Conto is a stunning boutique hotel with small but perfectly designed rooms, generous communal areas and a 15-metre saltwater pool.

41.154910
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