About this Episode
Set in the sweeping landscapes of Alentejo, L’AND Vineyards stands as one of Portugal’s most thoughtful expressions of contemporary luxury. In this conversation, founder José Sousa Cunhal shares how a family estate evolved into a retreat defined not by excess, but by intention — a place where vineyards shape the horizon, architecture frames silence, and the night sky becomes part of the experience.
From the earliest vision, L’AND was designed as an ecosystem: wine as identity, design as language, and nature as guide. José’s story reveals a profound respect for place and a belief that hospitality can hold cultural, social and environmental meaning. What emerged is a retreat where guests feel both held and free — a balance few destinations manage to achieve.
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What You’ll Hear in This Episode
This conversation invites listeners into the quiet philosophy behind L’AND — and the decisions that shaped its evolution. José discusses the responsibility of protecting a region’s character, the role of architecture in guest emotion, and the delicate art of creating experiences that feel personalised yet discreet.
You’ll also hear how guest expectations are shifting worldwide, how slow luxury is becoming a form of cultural preservation, and why the next frontier of hospitality may lie in the balance between human intuition and intelligent technology.
Key Themes
• The origins of L’AND and the transformation of a family estate
• Wine culture as a defining pillar of identity
• Architecture and interior design as emotional frameworks
• The Sky Suites and the rise of dark-sky luxury
• Alentejo as a destination for conscious, experience-led travel
• Personalisation as the signature of modern hospitality
• The role of AI in guest experience, loyalty and operations
• Building a luxury retreat without losing authenticity or soul
About Our Guest
José Sousa Cunhal is the founder of L’AND Vineyards, a contemporary wine retreat located in Montemor-o-Novo, Alentejo. His work blends regional heritage with modern design and environmental sensitivity. Under his leadership, L’AND has become a landmark for travellers seeking privacy, slowness and a grounded sense of place.
Why This Conversation Matters
In a time when luxury is often defined by speed, volume and spectacle, L’AND offers a different point of view — one where meaning is prioritised over movement, where identity is rooted in landscape, and where design serves emotion rather than trend.
This episode is a reminder that hospitality carries cultural responsibility. And when it’s done with intention, it has the power to reshape not just how we travel, but how we feel.
Discover the Property
L’AND Vineyards
