Newsletter August 2015

About us

It has been a while since our previous newsletter. During spring we were busy building a new camping kitchen and improving the road at Maravilhas. We used a bulldozer to improve the access road to Maravilhas.

There has been a change of team members at Maravilhas. New is Sajan from Romania and Nirmayi from the UK. We also have a new Dutch neighbour, Kashi, who helps us out regularly.

Besides our activity weeks, we welcomed various other groups including hiking groups, vision quest groups, and a painting group. They too enjoyed our accommodations and meals. You are also welcome to put together your own group. You can rent the accommodations and if you wish so we can take care of the meals.

New: camping spaces and rental caravans

In the past few years we have been welcoming more and more guests traveling alone. Interest in camping and renting a caravan has increased. On the hill new camping spaces have been created, along with 2 new rental caravans with shade covers. These shady spots under the cork oaks offer fantastic views and a lot of privacy.

Our camping facility in the valley, ‘Terra’, became too small for all our guests to cook. Therefore we built a new kitchen on the hill, which is connected to the existing shower and toilet. The name of the kitchen is ‘Lakshmi’ (Indian goddess of light, wealth and happiness)  and we launched the kitchen with a big party. The Buddha platform has been refreshed and improved. Between the kitchen and the platform a large terrace has been created, under the cork oak.

Casa Mula

Guests that have been here already know about Casa Mula, the small house on the corner when you arrive, near the vegetable garden. In the past it used to be the shed where the mule (in Portugese ‘Mula’) lived. A few years ago it was renovated into a studio.

Casa Mula is suitable as an accommodation for 1 person or a couple. It has a loft with a double bed; downstairs is a sitting area, desk, sink and wood burning heater. The original walls are of loam and the roof has been insulated, so the house stays cool in summer and warm in winter. In front of the house is a terrace, covered with the shade of grapes. Kitchen, shower and toilet can be used in Terra, our camping facility in the valley.

Painting or hiking in October

October is a beautiful late summer month. You will find yourself in the middle of the harvest time of grapes, olives and figs. Also fruits of the arbutus, from which the Portuguese medronho is made. In October it is still warm enough to swim in the pool, you can enjoy the sun and beautiful autumn colours. You can paint out in the open and the temperature is pleasant for hiking (20 – 25 degrees Celsius).

Do you also feel like enjoying the Portuguese late summer sun and nice activities? Read the information on group hiking and painting holidays or look directly:

  • painting week with Rupa (October 3-10, 2015)
  • hiking week with Monika (October 10-17, 2015)

Guests about Maravilhas

Kathleen and Nico in Casa Mimosa:

“On the Monte Maravilhas estate, there is a serene tranquillity. To make toasts in Casa Mimosa with fresh goat cheese, dip them in rosemary honey and then have breakfast on the terrace, watching the swallows close by. A rare beautiful spot with many incredible birds and plants. We kept time (without a clock) by listening to the singing nightingale, the oriole and the cuckoo and the tinkling of the goat bells. Our gratitude to Prem for her warm welcome.”

Udghosh and Meeta in Casa Amarela:

“Wow, Maravilhas is situated so peacefully and beautifully! We spent a week at the end of May in Casa Amarela – a luxurious villa – and enjoyed cycling in the morning, swimming, relaxing, reading a book in the afternoon (27 – 30 degrees Celsius) and a nice walk in the late afternoon. It sounds like a triathlon, but a relaxed one.

Cycling was possible in all directions for a 20 km radius, with varied landscapes and a variety of vegetation and cultures. All roads around Maravilhas are very quiet and therefore safe for cycling.

Hiking was also fantastic, with hill top views and valleys full of flowers at the end of May… and then having a beer at Café Bonanza and watching village life, which looks like it has not changed over the years….

What a difference from the modern, hectic but also pleasant Lisbon. From here we went to spend 3 days in Evora. It is more busy there too, and the landscape is flatter and less varied. However, it is a beautiful city! But if you want beautiful, peaceful nature and relaxed people around you, you should go to Maravilhas! Thank you Prem for your hospitality. And we will pass it on!”

Friends of Maravilhas: baker Casimiro

Casimiro is our local baker. He drives in his van to the reception of Maravilhas 4 times a week. And always with a smile! Besides brown and white bread he also sells croissants and delicious pastries.

He claims that Maravilhas is a paradise and he enjoys meeting our various guests throughout the year. And we are happy to be able to eat fresh bread and treats….

Tip: holiday house in autumn or winter

Monte Maravilhas is ideally located for hiking. There are nine route descriptions available, of which seven start from Maravilhas, one is alongside the west coast and one near the Santa Clara lake. We have two bicycles available so you can cycle to the nearby towns. Ourique (20 km) has a horse riding center if you wish to go horse riding. They have guided trips of the area.

Would you like to be kept informed of our activities and latest news? Please sign up for our newsletter.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.