The cloisters remain together with the surrounding gallery and are now used as a quiet place for guests to sit and read.

The former convent rooms are now sitting rooms and the convent refectory is now the hotel dining room.

The 15th century church of Santiago stands next to the Pousada. Its interior contains the sepulchre of Jorge of Lencastre and a wall decorated with 17th and 18th century tiles.

The Pousada has 23 rooms and 5 suites.

There is a lift and air conditioning. This Pousada does not have a swimming pool. Small conferences can be held at the Pousada.

There is a small museum housing archaeological finds within the site.

The region surrounding the small hill town of Palmela is famous for its wine production and each September the first grape harvest is celebrated with several festivals.

The local wine may be purchased in the shops within the castle which also sell local cheese and handicrafts.

Situated to the west of Palmela is Arrabida Natural Park which stretches to the Atlantic Ocean. The park boasts a spectacular granite ridge and the area is a haven for wildlife.

Six kilometres from Palmela is the city of Setubal, Portugal's third largest port, and fish auctions take place every morning at the harbour.

The Igreja (Church) de Jesus in the old town is probably the first Manueline building in Portugal, and its twisted granite pillars were hewn and transported from The Natural Park.

The museum Michel Giacometti contains a fascinating collection of ethnic tools once used by local artisans.

A trip to Setubal is a great opportunity to take a boat trip on the Sado estuary to watch the bottle nosed dolphins. The Sado estuary is the main rice growing area of Portugal.

The hilltop Pousada at Palmela affords breathtaking 360º panoramic views and the tranquil church cloisters offer a haven of peace – the ideal place to relax with a glass of regional muscatel wine after sampling the local seafood cuisine.

Activities that can be arranged outside the Pousada include horse riding, river cruises, hot air ballooning, paint ball, canoeing, bicycle tour, golf and dolphin watching.