Find inspiration with us as we relax and roam our way through Lagos, Portugal!
Heather and I feel so lucky to be hosting our first retreat at Quinta Bonita, a charming family-owned villa in the hills of the Algarve. We'll spend 5 days practicing deeply and fully while leaving plenty of time for exploring all that this magical location has to offer. Pro tip: add on a few days before or after your retreat to travel & explore on your own.
Quinta Bonita is minutes away from all that the Algarve has to offer, from stunning beaches to the romance of Lagos' old town, and with over 3000 hours of sun a year the Algarve has the perfect climate in which to relax and discover. The owners and team happily share their local experiences and tips and will book activities for you. Here is just a teaser of what the area has to offer.
With its castle walls, narrow, cobbled streets, pottery shops and numerous pavement cafes from which to watch the world go by, Lagos has a relaxed atmosphere and quiet charm, making it one of the most appealing locations in the Algarve. While away some time browsing the boutiques, enjoy the colourful Saturday fruit & vegetable market or take a walk along the long sandy beach of Meia Praia which stretches all the way to Alvor and conveniently has several small beach bars along the way to quench your thirst!
One of our favourite walks is along the cliffs from Luz to Burgau where you arrive into a quaint white washed fishing village with an excellent restaurant on the beach to refuel.
Praia Da Luz is only five minutes from Quinta Bonita and has a long curve of sand in a very protected bay - perfect for swimming. Quinta Bonita is just moments away from some of the best beaches on the Algarve Coast. Whether you're looking for a bracing ocean swim, a surf or a place to sun yourself on perfect white sand, we can recommend a beach for you.
If this is your first visit, be sure to drive to Sagres and Cape St Vincent, the most south-westerly tip of Europe and then the unspoilt Western Costa Vicentina with its blow holes, crashing waves and vast beaches.
Monchique is a placid mountain town with its own timeless identity and from Foia the highest point in the Algarve you have panoramic 360degree views. The village of Caldas de Monchique is renowned for its spa waters.
Silves with its medieval castle, was once the Moorish capital of the Algarve. A market town at the heart of the citrus growing area, it remains proud of its Moorish heritage.
Faro Airport
Most flights to Lagos arrive at Faro Airport, about 75km away from the town of Lagos. The team at Quinta Bonita will be helping us to arrange for airport transfers for your arrival and departure so please send along your itinerary when you have it.
Nobody books a retreat with the intention of canceling, but unexpected events do occur, so please consider purchasing travel insurance.
No refunds for any amount paid will be granted. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies. No refunds or credits will be granted for failure to attend, or for arriving late or leaving early. Thank you for understanding this policy.
Our biggest room, named after our favourite South Coast beach, fresh and airy using the classic Portuguese colours of white and blue. Once an apartment on top of the old house Zavial now enjoys a Balinese style four poster bed, separate lounge area and spacious bathroom with spa bath. A great choice for your bridal suite or honeymoon with beautiful sea views from your private boungainvillea clad balcony.
Room Details:
Standard Amenities:
Our smallest rooms on the property but still a comfortable size of 27sqm, Beliche and Salema sit side by side on the north side of the house with a small terrace for table and chairs to enjoy the last of the evening sun. These rooms have huge walk-in rain showers.
This is a double occupancy room with the option of two twin beds or one king sized bed.
Room Details:
Standard Amenities:
Our smallest rooms on the property but still a comfortable size of 27sqm, Beliche and Salema sit side by side on the north side of the house with a small terrace for table and chairs to enjoy the last of the evening sun. The lack of baths is made up for with huge walk-in showers.
Room Details:
Standard Amenities:
Taking inspiration from their time in Sydney with a large ocean scene above the bed and hand painted canvas from “Paddo” market the crisp blue and grey tones reflect the vast ever changing 180degree sea and country views from the balcony spanning Lagos to Luz.
Room Details:
Standard Amenities:
Originally the bedroom of Chantelle when she was a little girl, this cosy room enjoys the largest terrace of the property looking out over the Italian garden, Zen garden and yoga studio and enjoys a gorgeous yellow glow when the rising sun shines straight in to this South East facing room. The fitted TV, mini fridge and direct access to the gardens make this room ideal for children.
Room Detail:
Standard Amenities:
It’s Laura Ashley love for this room taking inspiration from the families British roots, this light and airy room facing South East has windows on three sides of the bedrooms to welcome in that early morning sun and looks out over the Italian garden, yoga studio and Lagos bay.
Room Details:
Standard Amenities:
The master bedroom of the original house and a firm favourite with many of our regulars, this ground floor sea view room is the most traditional in terms of décor taking inspiration from rich Algarvean gold and blue hues. With an exquisite original azulejos bathroom, where every tile was painted individually by hand – even the ceramic basin. The room opens out on to a large ground floor terrace with direct access to the pool and gardens. The terrace can be shared with Castelejo so works well for families.
Room Details:
Standard Amenities:
Our most “Holywood Glam” in terms of décor and taking the name of the owners favourite West coast beach this dramatic silver, white and black themed room enjoys a large terrace above the ponds looking out South West towards the bay of Praia da Luz which is the perfect location for that end of day G&T!
Room Details:
Standard Amenities:
Our smallest rooms on the property but still a comfortable size of 27sqm, Beliche and Salema sit side by side on the north side of the house with a small terrace for table and chairs to enjoy the last of the evening sun. These rooms have huge walk-in rain showers.
This is a single occupancy option with one king sized bed.
Room Details:
Standard Amenities:
Our smallest rooms on the property but still a comfortable size of 27sqm, Beliche and Salema sit side by side on the north side of the house with a small terrace for table and chairs to enjoy the last of the evening sun. The lack of baths is made up for with huge walk-in showers.
Room Details:
Standard Amenities:
7:30 am coffee, tea, granola, fruit, morning quiet time
8:30 am yoga practice
10:30 brunch
11:30 - free time to explore towns, hike, go the beach, have a massage, read and rest.
6:30 pm yoga practice
8:00 pm dinner
rest, relax, sleep