A unique experience

Paradise is unique; perhaps it is because of the peace that takes over as soon as you arrive; maybe it is the unexpected luxury; but really, the couple who run Paradise have created an atmosphere of calm and ease that allows the ‘normal’ world to disappear. I have never experienced anywhere like it.

An off the beaten path retreat in Portugese paradise!

I have travelled all over the world and I have to say this stay was one of the best retreat settings I have experienced. First, the location is stunning. The area, happily off the beaten path, is idyllic and full of flora, birds and trees unique to the area including the local cork oaks. The view from all rooms (and individual porches) is of a lake and hills. It is built on the side of a slope and despite that they have easy paths that do not require a lot of work, with little outdoor areas to sit and admire the views all the way to the lake, where you can paddle away on their kayaks/canoes or take a dip in the lovely waters even in October.

The Villa was built stone by stone by innkeepers Frank and Daniela and their community. The decades-long labor of love shows in the best way possible. The rooms are unique and decorated with what I assume they picked up over time locally and on their own travels. Frank is quick to offer a story if asked of the adventure associated with anything there. He is a bird expert and offers bird tours. There is a bird hide on property as well as a plunge pool, outdoor yoga studio, and fantastic yurt where it is a treat if Daniela offers a 'sound bath' before bed- don't miss that opportunity. All impeccably maintained and laundry services offered.

They also have community meals. I was there for an art holiday. Dinner was always a special time of day when we all gathered to discuss the day and hear about other's local adventures. The food was cooked by Daniela and team and outstanding. We agreed at dinner with Frank she should write a cookbook.

Frank also offered in addition to our art class, a gentle walk in a local area to get inspiration as well as a trip to a local potter. Overall, very laid back. If you want a retreat, to bird, water sports, fish, relax, do art, yoga etc. and get away, go to Paradise!

We were looking for a retreat and we found it here.

Frank and Daniela are generous hosts. We stayed for two weeks. Every evening we enjoyed a delicious meal in good company. We had a lot of fun both in and on the enormous lake. There is a wonderfully positioned yoga shala which we used almost daily and a beautiful yurt. The garden and terraces we found are a lovely shaded haven on those hotter days. Our room was comfortable and kept spotlessly clean. Built with love over many years this is a special and unique place. The stars are pretty good too.

A Dream Retreat Destination

We had the most amazing experience at Paradise in Portugal during The Do Good Movement yoga retreat. This place truly has it all—from birding and kayaking to yoga and relaxing by the water. Every moment was incredibly serene and enjoyable, making it one of the most relaxing retreats I've ever been a part of.

The staff at Paradise in Portugal were phenomenal, welcoming us with open arms and ensuring that every detail of our stay was perfect. The meals were beyond amazing, offering delicious and nourishing options that made our retreat even more special.

If you’re looking for a place that combines natural beauty, relaxation, and exceptional service, Paradise in Portugal is it. I can't recommend it enough for anyone seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.

Peace and nature….

The Quinta is amazing; perfect location, beautiful gardens, huge lake, and abundant wildlife (particularly birds) is just the beginning for an environment nut like me. Add into the mix wonderful hosts, Daniela’s fabulous food (generous portions too), Frank’s extraordinary knowledge of pretty much everything in the natural world of Portugal, (and a lot more besides!), and lovely local people looking after you… ticks all the right boxes.

Clean, comfortable, and the sleeps…fab!

I love it.

Paradise revisited - still 10/10

This was my second visit to “Paradise” and it was just as wonderful as last time. It’s so peaceful and stress-free, and the setting is extraordinarily beautiful.

Frank and Daniela are fantastic hosts and make it feel home from home with lovely rooms and delicious food.

I can’t recommend the Quinta enough - it stays in your thoughts long after you’ve returned to the rat race.

Counting the Days Until We're Back in Paradise

This is a truly magical property, nestled among cork trees overlooking a beautiful lake, operated and owned by the most lovely people. We stayed here for a week-long yoga retreat and were cared for as though we were family from the day we arrived to our departure. You can feel the immense level of care all over the property: the huge yoga shala that looks out to the lake; the cozy yurt perfect for sound healing; the paths lined with beautiful flowers, buzzing bees and singing birds as you meander down to the sauna or the water. All of the rooms are comfortable and clean, each with its own little patio perfect for sipping tea made from fresh herbs out of the garden while enjoying a good book. Every meal was delicious, abundant, nourishing and prepared with so much love. There is so much about this property that can’t be described in words, you simply must experience a stay here to fully understand how special it is. We cannot wait to get back to Paradise in Portugal!

A fabulous experience

Frank and Daniella are fantastic hosts! Frank took us out birding every day, all over southern Portugal. We'd come back in the afternoon and swim in the lovely lake, then dinner was Daniella's fabulous cooking. A beautiful spot, rooms and beds very comfortable, everything you need for a relaxed stay. A fabulous experience.

Definitely is paradise!

Visited the Quinta recently for a week for a printmaking course & had a fantastic time.

It definitely lives up to its name & Frank, Daniela & the team were amazing. It was the perfect place to unwind with beautiful peaceful surroundings, there were many beautiful spots to indulge in book reading. The food Daniela prepared each day was gorgeous, varied & so fresh. The rooms are simple but incredibly comfortable.

Franks knowledge of the area & the wildlife is vast & I learnt a lot about the area we were in & Portugal as a whole.

Pure Tranquility. Truly Paradise in Portugal. Words Will Never do it Justice.

I don't even know exactly how to go about writing this review, except for saying that Paradise in Portugal was a sublime experience. Firstly, the Alentejo and the Quinta feels like the most special place on earth. You lose all sense of stress and all sense of time. I mean this genuinely, it is truly freeing.

The Quinta is a wonderful environment and Frank and Daniela make it feel so welcoming and homey. The concept is really nice, in that it's very communal. We had two other families staying there at the time as well as us and we spent every meal and most of the day with them, and I felt we all got to know each other very well, which was really nice. It is a very convivial atmosphere.

The lake is beautiful and is very fun to explore. They provide paddle boards and kayaks which are free to use for everyone.

The food was simply excellent. I have never felt so satisfied from a meal. Everything was very fresh.

The rooms were nice and cozy and relaxing.

But... Onto the main reason why I am writing this review. The Birds.

Words do not due the birdwatching experience justice. Birdwatching with Frank was one of, if not the, best experiences I've had in my life. Frank is an incredibly experienced birdwatcher and imparted so much wisdom that as a relatively new birdwatcher and photographer, I will remember forever.

We set out in the dark at 4:30am (It's early yes, but oh my it is so worth it, trust me) and it felt like we were on an adventure, such an exciting experience. We drove around the never ending countryside of the Alentejo for the whole morning and it was so peaceful and exhilarating at the same time. I got 35 lifers that day and was incredibly lucky enough to see an Iberian Lynx. I said it earlier, but you get this weird feeling in the Alentejo that you are one with the world and a strange sense of nostalgia.

The Quinta itself has a lovely natural environment. I've already spoken about the lake, but the garden is gorgeous and so well cultivated, also being home to a number of birds. The amount of Barn Swallows is endless and it is glorious.

We only stayed at the Quinta for a few days, but I miss it and the Alentejo everyday.

Peace, happiness and fun for birdwatchers and dog lovers. Enjoy the calm of the lake and the great dinner conversations

For us, It’s not just ONE Experience.

It’s been more than ten years in a row of incredible experiences.

Every year, we have been visiting this Paradise, where Frank and Daniela have been hosting us with friendship and happiness.

Ideal for big families or if just in couple, great for dog lovers and impressive for birdwatchers, the Quinta is a truly Paradise in Portugal.