History Monte Maravilhas

'Maravilhas' translates as 'miracles'. It is the original name of the 8.5 hectare estate. The word 'Monte' is a typical word in Alentejo, meaning 'farm'.

In the summer of 1997, when we first visited this lovely and quiet place, we decided to make our dream come true: create a place where people can enjoy nature, peace, quiet and space.

On the terrain where two farms and a couple of sheds. What we loved most was the enchanting beauty of the valley surrounded by hills. What we also found charming were the many trees, natural stone terraces and water wells. In the middle of the summer we could see that this green, luxuriant nature was a fertile, watery paradise.

What followed were years during we built, renovated, learned Portuguese and were amazed by the Portuguese customs.

In the spring of 1998 we started the renovation of the farms and sheds. In July 2001 the houses Azul, Amarela and Mimosa were ready and we received our first customers and had our first activity weeks.

In 2003 we developed a small camping site with camping spots for tents in the hills and spots for caravans and campers in the valley. 'Terra' was also build: a camping building with large kitchen diner and sanitary facitlities. Finally, we positioned two caravans for rental.

In 2004 the saltwater swimming pool was build and in years after we focused on the terraces and a biological vegetable garden and on the planting of trees.

If you are interested in seeing the original site of Monte Maravilhas and learning how it has become what it is now, there are foto folders available at Maravilhas.

Organic beginnings

Besides the individual renting of the houses and small camping site, we also thought it would be fun to offer group activities.

Prem started with what she was already doing: giving courses in massage Portugal and meditation. Devi, who loves hiking, explored the area for hiking trips and this was the beginning of hiking holiday Portugal weeks. Rupa was enlisted to make the brochures for Maravilhas and was so enthusiastic she wanted to teach the painting holiday Portugal. Sabina was originally a participant of the cooking-hiking week and then really wanted to teach the Learning Portuguese in Portugal course. Atul came as participant of the massage course, fell in love with Maravilhas and started the yoga week Portugal.

All activity weeks were initiated organically, something which fits with Monte Maravilhas.

Monte Maravilhas Portugal

Read more about the Monte Maravilhas estate.