About: In the timeless hilltop village of Marialva (Portugal’s Beira Alta region), Casas do Côro is a remarkable example of sustainable rural regeneration. Dynamic couple Paulo and Cármen Romão founded this project over 20 years ago to breathe life back into a near-abandoned village – and they’ve succeeded beyond measure. What began with one lovingly restored schist-stone house (Casa do Côro) has grown into 11 beautifully refurbished village houses, now offering 22 elegant rooms and suites scattered through Marialva’s narrow lanes. Staying here feels like stepping into history with comfort: thick stone walls, traditional Portuguese textiles and antiques blend with modern amenities like solar-heated water and underfloor heating. Casas do Côro prides itself on being eco-friendly – it features a Green Key-certified eco-concept spa (built partly underground for natural insulation) where guests enjoy herbal massages and a sauna with views of olive groves. The spa and pools are fed by renewable energy systems and the property avoids harmful chemicals in cleaning and gardening. Much of the food is home-grown or locally sourced: an organic garden yields vegetables and herbs for the restaurant, which serves regional delicacies (think wild mushroom risotto, local sheep’s cheese, home-baked bread) paired with the Romãos’ own wine label. In fact, wine is a passion here – the estate includes a vineyard and wine cellar, and guests can join the owners for private tastings or even help at harvest. Signature experiences abound: at sunset, guests are often whisked away on a “wine picnic” amid Marialva’s ancient boulders and vines, where tables are set with gourmet bites and chilled wine as the castle ruins loom above. Under a sky brimming with stars (this region has minimal light pollution), the sense of escape and romance is unparalleled. Casas do Côro also organizes activities showcasing local culture and nature – guided hikes to medieval chapels, boat trips on the Douro River, visits to prehistoric carvings at the Côa Museum, and even e-bike routes through surrounding vineyards. Impact: By choosing local materials, employing local villagers, and promoting regional attractions, Casas do Côro has become a catalyst for the area’s sustainable tourism. It demonstrates that preserving heritage can go hand-in-hand with luxury: each eco-suite and solar-lit garden path contributes to the village’s revival. Guests leave raving about the “authentic charm” and how the hosts make them feel like part of the family. The project’s success has won awards and shown that rural desertification can be reversed. In Marialva, the lights are on, the wine is flowing, and the future is bright – all thanks to this visionary eco-retreat that “combines country houses, an eco-friendly spa, and a historic village wine project”.