Tucked away in the Portuguese countryside on the shores of one of Europe's largest fresh water lakes is an enchanting retreat embedded in a magical garden stretching down to the blissfully warm water.
People sometimes say that we are quite hidden away, and they're right, but although it seems to be a different world out here, we're only ninety minutes from Faro international airport.
You can chill out as soon as you arrive - disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with your divine nature. In this neighbor and noise-free environment it isn’t difficult for anyone to get lost in bliss.
Our 10 cozy en-suite bedrooms are all light and spacious with a lovely little terrace, and there are hidden corners and seclude lawns throughout the garden too.
Our Shala offers a shaded outdoor space for daily yoga practice.
Every year we host several yoga weeks here at the Quinta and you can either book in for one of these or simply come whenever you want and make use of the Shala on your own to deepen your practice in a peaceful environment.
We are open to groups of all ages and the perfect getaway for an already existing group of friends or practitioners.
Conversation comes easily around our large dinner table - you'll find it easy to make new friends for life here.
Once the darkness swallows the last rays of sunlight you might enjoy popping down to the pontoon and counting the sea of stars in a pitch-dark night sky - there's no problems with light pollution at the Quinta!
Faith
Non-Faith Based:
Non-Faith Based
Open to All:
Open to All
Mission/Lineage: We are are open for all kinds of groups and you are either welcome to bring your own group here to the Quinta, (and benefit from the 25% group discount we offer on accommodation), or come on your own for a personal retreat and leave it to us to look after you or book during one of our sceduled Yoga Retreat weeks. Of course anyone can make use of our Yoga Shala and lakeside facilities, (canoes, SUPs, sauna etc), free of charge.
Average Cost: $ - $$$
We have two price tiers, Mid Season and High Season. High Season is the last two weeks of July, August and the first week of September.
We are closed, (apart from Groups), November 1st to mid March.
Price per person in single accommodation 148-168 euros
Price per person in twin or double room 95-108 euros
Price per person in shared room for 3-5 85-98 euros
All prices include breakfast, lunch and dinner, canoes, SUP's, Sauna and wifi.
Yoga lessons or massages are extra.
Work Exchange:
Yes!
Since we started building the Quinta over 30 years ago we've hosted volunteers, and we couldn't have done it without them. There is always something to do and we are happy to host in exchange for food and accommodation. Working hours are flexible and are sometimes long, but being part of "the team" can be a very rewarding experience and many of our volunteers return as friends.
Our minimum stay is 1 month. Should you feel that this is a place you would like to contribute, just drop us a line.
Environment: Lake / Pond, Mountain, Rural, Rustic, Woods
Gay Friendly: Yes!
Special Needs: Allergies, Visually impaired assistance upon request, Wheelchair Access
Pet Friendly: Yes!
Restrictions: No Drugs
Environmentally Sustainable:
Yes!
The Quinta has been "green" way before it became fashionable. We're totally off the grid and cover 95% of our energy needs through solar - not that you'd know it, and many of our guests leave none the wiser.
Electricity,hot water and even our ultra-clean drinking water is all solar powered and of course we separate our rubbish, composting the kitchen waste and using biodegradable cleaning products, etc. We produce as much food as we can in our biological garden and we shop and employ locally.
Language: English, French, German, Portuguese
Retreat Type (definitions):
Guided / Programmed
Room Types: B&B, Hotel
Total Number of Rooms:
10
Children OK: Yes!
Housing: All 10 rooms are having a spacious bathroom and a small terrace with lake view.
We cam accommodate up to 26.
We have got 4 rooms with a double bed, but 2 of these rooms we can change into twin rooms.
Further we’ve got one twin room and 2 triple rooms which a double bed and an extra bed each.
There is a larger suite that sleeps 6 people in a double bed, 2 individual beds and a bunk bed and a smaller suite with a double bed and a bunk bed.
There are a Tea and Coffee making facility in the rooms.
Food: Organic / Locally Grown, Vegetarian or Vegan Options
Meal Availability: Available On Site
Location of this Retreat:
Quinta do Barranco da Estrada
Santa Clara a Velha 7665-880
Portugal
Travel Info: The Quinta can be easily accesssed by road, (though the last 4kms can be challenging if you arrive after dark), and there are regular trains from Lisbon (LIS) or Faro (FAO).
Guests can arrange their own car hire or they can be collected from the airport (Faro is 1 1/2 hours drive away, Lisbon is about 3 hours drive away).
Trains
The Quinta is approximately one and a half hours by train from Faro and three by train from Lisbon; the nearest station is Santa Clara-Saboia.
There are two or three trains a day from either Faro or Lisbon. Timetables change frequently but you can see the current on the cp.pt website
Buses
There’s also a regular bus service from either Faro or Lisbon that’s inexpensive, but the drop-off point is Ourique, 45 kms away, and the final leg of the journey can make any cost savings redundant.