A STAY AT LUZ HOUSES: YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME WHERE HISTORY, SUSTAINABILITY AND TRANQUILITY MEET.
What if your next European getaway could transport you to a place where sustainability meets centuries of history, and luxury feels like home? Welcome to Luz Houses, a family-run boutique eco-hotel in Fátima, Portugal. From its stunning architectural details to the tranquil gardens, every inch of Luz Houses tells a story—inviting you to relax, recharge, and reconnect with the beauty of nature.
Aerial View of Luz Houses Luxury Boutique Hotel // Interior of Luz Houses Haystack house
The moment I stepped through the bright blue front gate, I was greeted by lush gardens and a stunning village of terracotta-toned houses nestled under natural tree canopies. A warm smile from the receptionist, paired with tea and cookies, immediately made me feel at home. Thoughtful touches like this make Luz Houses more than just a hotel—it’s a sanctuary for travellers seeking a romantic getaway, a peaceful retreat, or even a productive work trip, thanks to its excellent Wi-Fi and unique workspaces. Luz truly has it all.
A cozy corner in the mother house to curl up with a good book and a beverage from the Honesty bar, powered by solar and photovoltaic.
Creating an Eco Sanctuary at Luz Houses: Portugal’s Sustainable Boutique Hotel
Luz Houses, a family-owned eco-hotel was brought to life by the owner Ana’s passion for sustainability, storytelling, and Portuguese heritage. As an architect, Ana envisioned Luz Houses as a space where green design could meet with the charm of modern day and historical Portugese tradition.
Architecture Through the Ages: Throughout the property, you’ll find three distinct porch designs that take guests on a journey through Portugal’s architectural history. These porches, or “pilares,” were traditionally designed to provide shelter and shade. Their construction styles vary, from leaning A-frames to balanced forms, reflecting regional and functional differences in material use and craftsmanship.
Authentic Colours: The pinkish-orange tones of the buildings are reminiscent of the clay historically used to seal Portuguese homes. These earthy hues give the property its unique charm and firmly root Luz Houses in its heritage.
Handcrafted Porches and a 300 year old watering hole - two of the standout features of Portuguese Heritage at Luz Houses
Sustainability in Every Detail at Luz Houses
Sustainability goes beyond conservation—it encompasses the social, environmental, and economic pillars of well-being. Luz Houses, a boutique eco-hotel in Fátima, Portugal, exemplifies this holistic approach, having earned over 30 prestigious awards for excellence in sustainable tourism, eco-friendly hospitality, and innovation. Recognized by globally trusted organizations like Select Green Hotels, Green Key Certification, and Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle, Luz Houses is a leader in luxury sustainable travel, blending Portuguese heritage with cutting-edge eco-conscious practices.
Preserving History and Resources
A 300-year-old watering hole, hand-carved from solid stone by shepherds, has been repurposed to house koi fish and collect rainwater. This innovative blend of history and function exemplifies the property’s dedication to sustainable resource use.
Energy Efficiency
Luz Houses is powered by a combination of solar panels, photovoltaic systems, and natural gas. Solar panels heat the water, while photovoltaic technology powers the Mother House, ensuring efficient energy use throughout the property.
Water Conservation
Rainwater is collected via rooftop channels and stored underground. While it was once used to water the plants, the landscaping is now entirely native, requiring no artificial irrigation. As you explore the grounds, you’ll notice vibrant flora thriving naturally—and you might even spot colourful mushrooms in unexpected places. At Luz Houses, nature is always full of surprises. additionally, to minimize energy waste, hot water flows through the system at a set temperature between 9 and 11 a.m., ensuring guests don’t waste energy waiting for water to heat up in the mornings.
Innovative Design
One of the standout features is the award-winning saltwater pool, designed by Ana herself. Local quarry stones were cut along their natural veins and pieced together like a puzzle for water retention. Initially treated with magnesium, the system was later upgraded to a sustainable saltwater solution, using just 0.3% salt.
Even the air conditioning reflects Luz Houses’ eco-conscious philosophy. AI technology limits temperature adjustments within a 3-degree range to balance guest comfort with energy conservation. Now that’s innovation!
Food waste management:
During our stay we woke up to a delicious spread of breakfast items every morning. I was ecxtatic to find out that Ingredients are sourced seasonally and most of them locally, to minimize CO2 emissions. Food waste is thoughtfully distributed among staff members who use it to feed their animals back home, ensuring that least amount of leftover goes to waste.
A few if the flora and fauna you’ll find around the property - domestic and scenic sheep and unexpected but flourishing mushroom species.
Nature and Wildlife right Outside Your Doorstep at Luz Houses
As I explored the property, I felt surrounded by life. From the sound of birds in the trees in the early morning hours, the resident parakeet comedian who’s always ready to strike a pose for the camera, salamanders, cats, and some timid sheep, the gardens are bursting with opportunities to connect with wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a fox.
A Global Vision Rooted in Portugal
One of the most interesting conversation points in my interview with Ana was the way Luz houses not only incorporates elements of Portuguese history, but also draws inspiration from architecture all around the world.
I learned that one of Ana’s favourite things to do is conduct research internationally to bring ideas for design and wellness back home. Here’s a few unique international inspirations you’ll find on property!
Unique architecture inspired by local and national Portuguese design - the Haystack house and the restored kiosk bar.
The Haystack House
Inspired by the traditional Portuguese barns and haystacks, this space at Luz Houses embraces the harmony of nature, much like the open, wall-less atmosphere often associated with Bali. With its flexible design—featuring walls that can be opened or closed—the Haystack House provides a sense of connection to the surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re gathering with friends, enjoying a quiet moment enveloped by nature, or seeking a tranquil spot to unwind with a good book, this is a place you’ll want to spend time in during your stay!
The Lisbon Kiosk:
One of the most unique features is the restored kiosk bar from Lisbon, a structure with its own fascinating backstory. After finding and restoring it, Ana discovered a photo of it in its original location in a book she later purchased about the world's best architectural kiosks—such an unexpected connection! Now the Kiosk serves as a fully functional on-property bar in the summer.
Cozy Spaces That Invite Reflection
My favourite part of Luz Houses was the Mother House, a warm and inviting space filled with books, trinkets, and artifacts. Curling up by the fireplace with a book from their collection—on topics like design, law, and travel—was the perfect way to unwind.
This sense of connection extends throughout the property. Guests can leave heartfelt reviews on a dedicated wall, shop for locally made products, and enjoy the personal touch of a staff member welcoming them upon arrival. At Luz Houses, hospitality is personal and genuine.
There’s definitely no shortage of surprise nooks and details around the property, filled with good books, warm messages, or a cozy atmosphere
Recognized for Excellence
Luz Houses has received international acclaim for its innovative design and sustainability practices. It was featured in National Geographic as one of the top 30 boutique hotels worldwide for sustainability and was included in a special edition highlighting Fátima. Most recently, Ana accepted yet another award for her visionary work.
A photo of Luz Houses’ publication in National Geographic for being one of the top 36 most sustainable boutique luxury hotels in the world .
Why Luz Houses Should Be Your Next Eco-Friendly Getaway
If you’re looking for a destination that combines luxury, sustainability, and history, Luz Houses is the perfect choice. This property isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a space to discover, reflect, and reconnect. As my time here came to a close, I realized that the best getaways aren’t about escaping life; they’re about discovering something deeper. At Luz Houses, you’ll find not just a beautiful retreat but an inspiration to live more mindfully and sustainably!
Ready for the ultimate eco-getaway? Book your stay here