Newsletter January 2013

About Monte Maravilhas

During the past months, with sun and soft rain showers, we have been busy in the valley of Monte Maravilhas. Trees have been pruned, new fruit trees planted and the terraces near Amarela and Mimosa rearranged. Camping building Terra was given an outside roof which is useful protection against the sun as well as rain.

The grapes and olives on the land have been picked by our neighbour Cesare. He makes wine of the grapes. The olives have been brought to the press in Colos, so that we can use our own olive oil again.

Sumeru, an experienced gardener, was having fun. The pond, which was leaking and in a bad state, has been renovated and looks as new again. It is a great spot to sit and meditate or just hang out.

At Maravilhas we ended the year beautifully with our 4-days “meditation & celebration” event. And 2013 was started with a swinging New Years’ party…

Activity weeks

In 2013 we will have the following activity weeks: hiking, yoga, massage, painting and Portuguese language.

In this newsletter we would like to tell you about the massage week. The week will be facilitated by Prem, the owner of Maravilhas. She has a lot of experience with massaging and meditating and likes to share her knowledge and experience with others.

Every day we start with a meditation, then have breakfast. The massage course is from 10-13 hrs. We massage on tables and learn to give a complete holistic massage. After lunch you have free time to swim, hike or relax in a hammock. Giving massages, receiving massages, meditating, nature, silence… all contributes to a week full of relaxation.

Does this sound good to you? You can still join in the massage week 8-15 June 2013.

Experience spring time in Portugal

Are you fed up with the cold weather and ready for some sunshine? Come to Maravilhas in March!. You can still take advantage of the overwintering tarifs. March is a delightful month for hiking. Spring with its many flowers is beautiful and nature is fresh and green. We still have space in our comfortable houses. Casa Amarela, suitable for 2-6 persons and Casa Mimosa and Casa Azul, both for 2-4 persons.

Guests about the hiking week at Maravilhas


The hiking week of December was, thanks to the sun and the enthusiasm of our hiking guide Piet van Dam, a big success. Both were shining every day! Two of the participants are sharing their experience:

“I have enjoyed my stay with you. The warm personality of Prem, the delicious cooking of John, the driving by Sumeru, the beautifaul voice of Célia and the “love declaration” by Devi will stay with me as a warm memory. You are a Topteam”. Gerda Schotsman

“There are a few locations in the world, who are definitely worth visiting. Maravilhas is one of them. After some physical problems in 2012 I have started walking again in August. Much too soon after my operation and making too long distances.

A hiking holiday in Portugal seemed to fit into recovering my condition. That turned out to be disappointing. The first day I had to quit, as my condition was not sufficient and I was not stable enough.

Nevertheless my stay was a success, thanks to Sumeru, John, Célia, Devi, Prem and Piet. The nature was beautiful, the welcoming and care by the team was excellent. Oh yes, I know that it is a business, but the way you fill it in is very personal and recommendable! A second visit to Maravilhas is certainly worthy making.” Koos Kamsma

The atmosphere and team, about which our guests are always enthusiastic, and green environment, make Maravilhas a hiking paradise. We invite you to come and experience it yourself!

The next hiking weeks will take place:

  • 23 February – 2 March
  • 30 March – 6 April

Hiking and culture holidays in center- and southern Portugal

“Discover Portugal” is a hiking and culture holidays which Maravilhas organizes together with Moinhos do Dão. Moinhos do Dão is an estate in the center of Portugal, along the river Dão.

This popular hiking and culture arrangement consists of 6 days accommodated in Moinhos do Dão, 2 days in a hotel in Lisbon and 6 days in Monte Maravilhas. The 3 locations have hiking descriptions with detailed maps. There are also daytrips by car available from Monte Maravilhas and Moinhos do Dão, so you can discover the culture and nature of both regions. In this way you can get a good impression of different areas of Portugal within 1 holidays: the center, Lisbon and the south.

The idea about this holidays started in 2007, when Ria van Dien (Moinhos) and Prem (Maravilhas) met each other. In the meantime Freya, daughter of Ria, has taken over the business. We hope to continue this joint cooperation for a long time. Piet van Dam, hiking guide of Moinhos do Dão, comes to hike at Maravilhas regularly, so he knows both regions very well.

Tip: a day in Lisbon

It is good to know that it is now also possible to make a 1-day visit to Lisbon by train. From train station Funcheira you can take the morning train at 8.23 hrs. and arrive in Lisbon at 9.56 hrs. The last train back is leaving at 17.29 hrs and in summer at 19.29 hrs.

Lisbon is a nice change from being in nature at Maravilhas. The historical city offers a lot of culture, authenitic quarters and beautiful monuments and museums. Coming back to Maravilhas you can afterglow all impressions you have experienced. We can recommend this day trip!