A true refuge in the Algarvian hills, Quinta Alma is a vibrant hub of sustainable practices and human connection
– August 6, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio
In the tranquil Algarvian hills lies Quinta Alma, a serene sanctuary where Joana Gorjão and Mário Silva have traded their bustling Lisbon life for a connection with nature that they now wish to share with all who believe in their philosophy.
This refuge, located just a few kilometres from the picturesque village of Aljezur, offers a distinctive blend of ecological and personal rejuvenation. Here, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a setting that encourages organic living and self-discovery.
Joana and Mário’s journey to Quinta Alma began in 2017, driven by their desire to live “in nature, with nature, and for nature”.
The retreat is more than just an ecological farm; it’s a vibrant hub of sustainable practices and human connection.
The couple’s diverse backgrounds – Joana’s in Communication, Events, Fashion, and Human Resources, and Mário’s in Consulting, Financial and Marketing Management, and Entrepreneurship – inform their approach to creating a space that is both nurturing and inspiring.
At Quinta Alma, the emphasis is on “self-education to live a regenerative and meaningful life”. The estate offers a unique atmosphere, quite different from conventional rural tourism, driven by the proximity to the land and the people. The organic farm serves as an ecological and human regenerative laboratory, where Joana and Mário wish to inspire guests through sustainable practices, allowing them the freedom to “expand their souls” amidst the beauty of the natural world.
Reflecting on their numerous travels, Joana and Mário realised that Portugal “still has a lot to explore” and could offer the same, if not greater, experiences as those found abroad: “We don’t need to go abroad to have an incredible experience or to look outside for what we can find here.” Their decision to settle in Aljezur was influenced by the connections they made during previous vacations with the locals, which unknowingly guided them to this life-changing path.
When they were deciding the exact place to begin their new life, they made a “mind map” – as they called it – in which they marked the area from Odemira to Carrapateira and explored their options. In late 2015, Joana, Mário, their young children, and two cats left “everything behind” and focused on finding a place where they could lead a happy and sustainable life. Once settled, they were warmly embraced by the local community, which appreciated their respect for Portuguese heritage, something that is often overlooked. In turn, the family committed to learning from the locals to create the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Quinta Alma offers various programmes designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Guests can engage in the Bonding and Learning programme, which focuses on communal living and retreats. The Healing and Developing programme promotes personal growth through regenerative living, while the Regenerative Living Space programme educates visitors on permaculture practices. Each programme offers a unique experience, from learning about sustainable farming to participating in group retreats.
The essence of the project lies in its commitment to permaculture – a system of agricultural and social practices that mimic natural ecosystems. The retreat is closed to the public from December to March to give way to a regenerative and evolutionary process, with an environmental and a social aspect, coordinated by Alma com Alma, the non-profit organisation created by Joana and Mário.
During this period, a diverse group of volunteers, Erasmus Entrepreneurs, student trainees, and digital nomads live and work together, transforming the site into a “human sphere inside an ecological gem”.
Throughout the year, Quinta Alma also hosts trainees and Erasmus students from various universities, drawn by their interest in sustainable farming and eco-tourism. The goal is to learn how to live a more balanced and off-grid life and, at the same time, participate in agroecology and human rooting.
“As we are very exposed to natural elements here, our visitors are looking for that connection,” explained Joana.
The retreat’s accommodations are designed to enhance this connection. The Grand Mountain Teepee and the Romantic Mountain Cabins are great for solo travellers or couples, while the Superior Safari Shelter and the signature Alma Shelter can accommodate up to four and six people respectively, as well as the Riverside Deluxe Shelter – an extra-large canvas shelter with wooden floors that can sleep up to six guests and even has an outhouse next door with a shower.
Each shelter is crafted from natural materials, featuring rustic elements and panoramic views of the valley and forest. The Alma Shelter, in particular, stands out with its “A” shape, symbolising the soul (“alma” in Portuguese) and blending contemporary design with rustic simplicity.
All include the option of breakfast highlighting local produce and there is an outdoor kitchen that can be used throughout the day.
Joana’s vision of building “tree houses” combined with Mário’s construction expertise resulted in a perfect blend that reflects their experiences both in Portugal and abroad. The shelters’ design was a collaborative effort, with Mário handling the technical and architectural aspects and Joana focusing on the finer details. “We make a great team, each with their own talents,” Joana concluded, adding that at Quinta Alma “everyone can have a very special experience while feeling like they’re in the middle of an authentic Mediterranean forest”.
Spanning 45 hectares, Quinta Alma caters to couples, families, and groups, with spaces for socialising, working, as well as for joint activities, such as the deck where free yoga classes are held three times a week in the summer.
In November, they will host an intensive 12-day permaculture course available with activities from morning to evening, and various workshops are being prepared for adults and children.
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