We only spent one night at the lodge and really regretted not having more time. The lodge is sublime. Situated just below the castle and at the edge of the old town of Ourem, there is no shortage of places to explore and views to see. Father John and Valentina are generous hosts. The lodge is well appointed. Our room was lovely and the view of the valley was breath-taking. We had intended to rent a car to drive to the lodge. In the end we canceled the car, took a bus to Fatima and took a taxi from there. We didn't regret that decision when we saw the roads leading up to the lodge.

The evening meal, hosted by Fr. John, and catered by Valentina, can only be described as an occasion.

I highly recommend this lodge and only hope to have opportunity to go again, and stay for longer.

Difficult to find, but there it is, a small, traditional house, almost against the walls of the castle of Ourem with a splendid view all around. We have been there for professional activity in Ourem but we found the time to visit Fatima and see the new church, Spectacular! And we had the opportunity of enjoying a very interesting evening and dinner at the house, hosted by Father Marianni.
The best.

I have been going back to Casa Alta for almost ten years now. Discovered it while visiting Portugal for my first time in 2003 and fell in love with the Casa immediately. Go back at least once a year and more if possible. Relaxing atmosphere above the clouds in a walled castle environment. Beautiful gardens with pool make this a place to truly relax and enjoy. Great side trips available that must be taken with Leo the tour guide (he knows everything about the area). Fatima is 7 miles away and you are right in the heart of the Portuguese castle area. Father Mariani is your host and and will make your stay at Casa Alta a truly fabuleous experience. If in Portugual this is a must do.

We arrived to Casa Alta the last week of June, when the hydrangeas were in full bloom and the garden was breathtaking. I agree with other postings about the beauty of the place, the warmth and hospitality of Fr John and his assistant, Valentina, and the fresh and delicious meals. I want to add a few more observations. Although this is a “mom and pop” operation, the service and attention to details were exquisite: for example, wine and orange juice brought to the garden while we swam, a choice of indoor or outdoor dining. We spent a relaxing day walking the castle town of Ourem – views of the surrounding valleys and hills from the castle ruins, brightly white-washed houses, flowers blooming (even in three inch patches of soil next to the road) and tourist-free (the biggest group we saw was a van -load of elderly locals brought up to church). When we returned from the heat of the market in Ourem or sightseeing in Tomar, there always was a cooling breeze in the garden and in our room (Braganca suite) whose windows on opposite sides of the house provided cross-ventilation. My husband was reminded of the Cote d’Azur, without the expensive, touristy trappings and crowds. We looked forward to dinner each night both for the delicious food and local wines and for the lively conversation with Fr John. Next time we travel to Portugal, we definitely will be returning to Casa Alta!