The lodge is indescribably charming, and a warm oasis at the top of a very significant hill. There's a beautiful garden and pool with vistas overlooking the valley below, directly at the foot of the castle. You can park your car on the lodge's property (after a challenging drive getting up there it's great to be able to get off that tiny lane). Father Mariani and his perfectly-behaved magnificent Samoyed greeted us upon our arrival, and sat down with us briefly to talk about our touring plans, share a glass of wine, and get to know us a bit. Our room, the Oureana, was lovely and comfortable, with views of the garden and the valley. There was a working fireplace and firewood, and a walking tour of the town for us to take with us for an informed stroll. The bathroom was tiny but brightly lit and manageable, with plenty of hot water and water pressure. And what came as a welcome surprise, doing your laundry is included in the room rate. Finally, the bed was one of the softer we encountered on our trip in Portugal with luxuriously soft high threadcount linens.

After tiring ourselves out hiking the town, we came back to the lodge for a delicious salmon dinner of generous proportions. Father Mariani dined with us and he does enjoy talking to fellow travelers and sharing stories, which made for a very pleasant evening,culminating with tea by the fire.

The next morning Valentina cooked our eggs to order and off we scooted. This was a very attractive, comfortable and interesting place to stay, about 40 minutes from Tomar (closer to Fatima). If we'd had better weather we would have enjoyed the garden and pool more, but we really enjoyed the opportunity to stay at this historic lodge.

The internet really can create miracles! I had found the tiny village of Ourem which was close to Fatima (where it was claimed a miracle had happened where three peasant children saw angels and the Lady in the early 1913s). Casa Alta is a white Lodge which sits on the hill just below the ruined Castle of Ourem.
After driving up the steepest switchback hill and getting momentarily lost in the tightest fit of a lane wherein cars should never venture, we pulled in around a white chapel and outside the green door to unload our cases and be welcomed by Father John and his maid/cook, Valentina. Our room was all white and filled with lovely things and the view from the window was breathtaking.
We put on our bathing suits and went out the French doors to the patio where the pool was and were able to capture more of that beautiful view. After a swim, John collapsed on the day-bed in the sun like a big porpoise and Father John waited on us with a carafe of white wine and beer.
At 8pm it was time for dinner and we were served by Alex, a young man dressed in black pants and white jacket. Valentina had prepared an exquisite meal of walnut and blue cheese salad, chicken fricasee and the most amazing pancake stack of kiwi-fruit glace.
Father John had transformed from the day Tshirt –black with the word SECURITY across the middle to his ecclesiastical robes and cross. I have never eaten dinner with a priest before and it was a real success. He regaled us with many rich stories of his life and the time went much too fast.
Next morning Valentina wa s back in the kitchen to make us eggs and toast and really good coffee so we were supremely fortified to set off on to our next destination.

We have stayed at Casa Alta for 4 nights and have very much enjoyed our stay.

This gem is located on the 'ring road' just below the old ruin on the hilltop and has three ensuite rooms with breathtaking views over the valley (like from the terrace, the plunge pool and salon where you have breakfast and dinner - if you wish). The photos on Tripadvisor tell you the story.

We had wonderful weather and took advantage of both exploring the region as well as making use of the terrace and pool, reading, thinking enjoying the gentle breeze and wonderful music filling the air and garden/terrace from Father Mariani's CD collection.

This is a very special place to unwind, relax, think, let your mind wonder or have great conversations with Father Mariani (who has travelled the world and has a lot of wonderful stories to tell - and appreciates if you are sharing yours:-))

The service and coocking from Valentina is great and we can only recommend this place whole heartedly for people who do appreciate something different and special, i.e. out of the ordinary and off the beaten track. A quiet retreat with a wonderful athmosphere and exactly what we were looking for.

Thank you Father Mariani for the wonderful hours and conversations by the pool and over dinner. Hopefully we'll be back soon. Take care.

Simone and Alex

The Casa Alta Royal Lodge is a true gem, and one of the best places at which we stayed in Portugal. The old city of Ourem is not well known, but very charming and historically significant, and an excellent location for venturing to Tomar, Fatima, Batalha, Coimbra, Alcobaca, Leiria, etc. The Casa Alta occupies an ideal location on the mount, next to the castle, with spectacular views to the west--well worth the drive up. The Casa Alta is very tastefully decorated and comfortable. Having stayed here for three nights, we would strongly recommend staying for at least this long. The dinner served at the Casa Alta was also one of the best of our trip--and we tried to dine at the most highly regarded and rated restaurants in Lisboa and Porto--and certainly the best in the area. The Casa Alta would also be an ideal place to stay to relax and take in the countryside, with its charming garden and pool. Fr. Mariani is a wonderful host, full of insights, stories, expertise, and good cheer.