Newsletter December 2014

About us

The summer of 2014 was busy and pleasant, and this year we also welcomed many camping guests. The atmosphere was joyful and often we cooked meals in Casa Terra and ate together on the terrace.

At Maravilhas, we are privileged to have 4 original wells. Once in every few years, it is necessary to clean these wells. The water is pumped out of the wells and the remaining water is emptied by hand, so the spring water can flow into the wells more easily again.

As in 2011 this year there was a cork harvest. This happens once in 10 years. A group of 10 men did the job in one day. Afterwards, it was time for a beer and a group photo! Cesare, our neighbour, showed us all places on the land where oregano is growing. It was fun harvesting.

Along with Pudi and Tara, we now have a red tomcat, who spontaneously walked from Monte Sahaja to Monte Maravilhas. After talking with Gangotri, his former caretaker, he is staying with us. His name is Mango and everybody loves him!

New: meditation/yoga space

On the hill, in a quiet spot between the cork oaks with a beautiful view, we built a covered meditation/yoga space. This space is called ‘Buddha Platform’, and is 7,5 x 6,5 meters in size. There was already a toilet and shower nearby.

Together with the participants of the October yoga week, we initiated the platform. During the initiation, we were visited by a vulture, who landed near the platform. This large bird, with a wingspan of 3 meters, is the shamanistic symbol for cleansing, clearing energy.

The vulture continued to circle over Maravilhas throughout the day, spending the night on the roof of Casa Amarela, and flew away the next morning. It was an impressive experience!

Activity week: group hiking

Monte Maravilhas is an ideal place for enjoying nature, peace and space and a fantastic departure point for hiking. In every direction a different landscape is unfolding. One moment you are walking along goat paths and sand roads through very old forests, along small rivers, olive- and orange trees.

Another moment you are walking through hilly, vast meadows, along old mills and characteristic farmhouses. Along these routes you will discover authentic villages with white houses, cafes, a market and little shops. Here the quietness makes space for local activities and atmosphere.

The hikes during the group hiking weeks are of level 1 and 2. They are 9 to 18 kms long and the number of hiking hours is between 4 and 7 hours per day. Most walks start at Monte Maravilhas, but we also hike along the unspoilt Atlantic west coast, and near the Santa Clara lake.

After hiking you can relax and enjoy. In summer in a lazy chair at the saltwater swimming pool, or in the shadow of an olive tree. In winter with a good book near the wood burning stove. We organize 5 group hiking weeks per year and every season has its own charm:

  • Winter: green hills and little yellow flowers
  • Spring: blossom and wild flowers of all kinds, colours and smells
  • Summer: gold yellow glow and the red bark of peeled cork oaks
  • Autumn: large variety of fruits and mushrooms

The group hiking weeks of Monte Maravilhas are based on full board. You are accommodated in a single or double bedroom in one our beautiful holiday houses or you are camping in your own tent on our small camping with good facilities. All meals are vegetarian and are made with love and care. We use local produce as much as we can.

The next hiking week will take place from December 20-27, 2014. There are still some places available.

Guests about Maravilhas

Jo van Bever from Belgium in Casa Azul:
“I was very lucky to be able to stay, together with my wife and children for one week on Prem’s estate, in Casa Azul. For those who love silence, hiking and swimming, and appreciate the atmosphere of “live and let live” (Prem explains the necessary things and keeps herself on the background), Maravilhas is absolutely recommended. Knowing that with us in Belgium silence has become very precious, it was very hard for me to leave. I hope to be able to come back one day because considering price/quality this accommodation no doubt gets 9/10 from me. I can fully recommend it to everybody”.

Marijke Hoos (participant of the group hiking week):
“I had booked the group hiking week via internet and did not know what to expect. I had an idea about it, but had to adjust it; it is a fantastic place that you offer. The living room of Casa Amarela gives a feeling of home. I am camping and enjoy the tent spots under the trees, the camping facilities with great showers. Far out!

The hiking routes with hiking guide Monika are overwhelming. The nature, peacefulness and people are very special. There is always something happening, which gives the hiking an extra dimension.

It is my first holiday that I looked up and booked alone. It has become a holiday that totally fulfilled all my wishes. Prem, your environment stands for green, peace and togetherness. Thank you!”

Friends of Maravilhas: hiking guide Monika

Monika Kessler is our enthusiastic hiking guide of the group hiking weeks. She was born in Austria and has been living near Monte Maravilhas, together with her husband and children, since 1993. She has been guiding our hikers since 2008. She knows the environment very well, speaks fluently German, English and Portuguese, is sportive, and has a lot of experience with guiding hiking groups. She knows a lot about nature, especially what plants and herbs are growing wild.

Being a real hiking lover, she says: “ You really start to learn about Portugal when you are hiking, because you have to feel, hear, see, and smell this country. The scents of herbs and blossom, hearing the silence in the alternating landscapes”.

Monika is also available to guide individual hikers.

Tip: rent a holiday home in winter

This winter there are still various possibilities to rent a holiday home on the estate of Maravilhas. On our website you can see when the houses are still available. If you want to stay longer than 1 week, take a look at our special wintering prices.