Accommodation
Accommodation
A Paradise in Algarve Portugal with an African Soul…
a unique eco-retreat.
For those of you who have visited us before, you will be thrilled to see we have made a definite move towards making our lives & business greener, simpler and happier, without losing any of the comfort, good cooking and adventurous expeditions for which we are well known. The 150 acre farm set close to the Aldeia Da Pedralva is a beautiful, tranquil place. Because we're renovating extensively or building from scratch we were able, to integrate our buildings into the natural splendour of the landscape.Space
The accommodation is a unique experience. Cottages are set among the Cork oak forest and are surrounded by a landscape of rivers, gardens and nature. Each space has been individually built, giving it a different style, view & beauty. Cosy areas, bright spaces with sweeping views of the spectacular natural environment.
Lounge: a corner fireplace for reading, writing, games or afternoon tea...lots of comfortable cosy seating.
Eating areas: a dining room with a large covered deck, for evening meals by candle light or breakfast in the morning sun. Warm summer evenings take advantage of our African inspired fire pit, seafood barbecues or a traditional Paella surrounded by a multitude of evening stars. Pizza night: home-made pizzas made in the wood fired oven…you have to try them.
Games area: an area for table tennis, dancing, or just resting in a hammock reading you book.
Swimming: 1 large spring fed lake, zip lines, paddle boards; a new jetty make them ideal for swimming and fun in the water.
Outside African showers: each room or cottage is equipped with its own bathroom but should you want to foray into nature, try the outside showers overlooking the river. Hidden among the trees you are secluded from the outside world but surrounded by nature.
Much more than just adventure and activities, a holiday or a stay with Aqua Ventura is also about rediscovering your sense of self, de-stressing, unwinding, re-awaking your sense of wonder at the world you live in and re-earthing back to NATURE.
Accommodation is self catered or catered, it is also possible to join one of the activities each day. There are walking trails, mountain bikes and surfboards available for guests use.
It is an idyllic place with rivers, dams, forests of cork oak and mountains. The orchard, planted over three decades ago, produces the most amazing fruits and our vegetable garden is full and diverse.
Situated on the most south western point of Portugal (Cabo de San Vincente) it is hidden from the main stream tourists and located within the national park of Cape St Vincent. We are located within the termino of Vila do Bispo in the small village of Pedralva.
Situated on the most south western point of Portugal (Cabo de San Vincente) it is hidden from the main stream tourists and located within the national park of Cape St Vincent. We are located within the termino of Vila do Bispo in the small village of Pedralva.
We offer family cottages, double cottages, twin rooms, single rooms. Catered or self catered accommodation.
Guest interaction
Activities: surf, kayaking, deep water soloing, climbing instruction or day trips, bike tours, walking, bird watching.
Rentals: Mountain bikes, surf boards, body boards and wet suites.
Meals: available.
Activities: surf, kayaking, deep water soloing, climbing instruction or day trips, bike tours, walking, bird watching.
Rentals: Mountain bikes, surf boards, body boards and wet suites.
Meals: available.
Tree House Cottage
Cottage built with timber and glass feels like living in the trees.
Perfect for couples or families with a small baby
Double bed
En suite bathroom
Small outside deck
Sydney:
Perfect for couples or families with a small baby
Double bed
En suite bathroom
Small outside deck
Sydney:
Violeta & her family have one of the most incredible places I have stayed in my life - if you have the opportunity to stay with them, take it! Each room is tastefully & magically decorated, secluded in the forest of Algarve. This is a true get away from it all experience that I cannot recommend highly enough. Also if they invite you for dinner, you will not be disappointed! Thank you Vio & Family - it was such a wonderful time!
Cork Oak Cottage
Cottage built with timber and glass feels like living in the trees.
Perfect for couples or families with a small baby
Double bed
En suite bathroom
Small outside deck
Nicole:
Violeta and Jonathan are wonderful hosts, they have a beautiful home tucked away in little corner of paradise. This has been the most unique and magical experience - we didn’t want to leave! Would definitely be interested in staying again. The room is so pretty and comfortable and you are surrounded by nature, we loved the communal space and having breakfast with the hosts and the other guests. I would highly recommend everyone to stay at their place.
Willow Bend Cottage
Cottage is made of timber, situated on the corner where 2 rivers come together. 2 beautiful rooms with stunning views.
1 twin (with option for 3 beds) & 1 double room
Seating for chilling
1 twin (with option for 3 beds) & 1 double room
Seating for chilling
1 bathroom
Spectacular views
Shared facilities
Shared facilities
Leo
Das Anwesen ist sehr ruhig und bietet genau das, was man zum Entspannen braucht. Violeta und ihr Mann sind tolle Gastgeber und das Frühstück ist sensationell - und auch das Abendessen. In der Nähe sind super Stände zum Surfen und Sonnenbaden. Es ist ein Stück natur pur!
Stone Pine Cottage
Eco Cottage built from straw, clay and timber. Beautifully finished. Bathroom: En suite.
Sleeps: 1 double bed
Spectacular views
Shared facilities
Hannah:
Sleeps: 1 double bed
Spectacular views
Shared facilities
Hannah:
Quiet and secluded and so relaxing. But only a 10 minute drive to surf beaches on the west, swimming beaches on the south and nearby towns. We made use of the amazing African showers & kitchen, and had brought along our own vegan cheese for the pizza nights we'd heard about - and it was worth it. Delicious! Very inspiring to see what Violeta & Jonathan have built, and the life they have created for themselves in this beautiful part of the world. I have a feeling we'll be back...
Madroño Cottage
Family cottage: A traditionally built Portuguese coattage built from brick and mortar. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter, with fireplace for the chilly nights.
2 bedrooms: sleeps from 4 to 6 people. Beautifully finished.
1 double room
1 twin room with bunk bed
1 bathroom
Vanessa:
2 bedrooms: sleeps from 4 to 6 people. Beautifully finished.
1 double room
1 twin room with bunk bed
1 bathroom
Vanessa:
Violeta and Johnny have built a very special place from the ground up in the most beautiful location. Our family has been travelling through Spain and Portugal for the last month and our stay with them was a highlight for us all--the lake, the swings, the outdoor shower!!! Breakfast each day was delicious and we were fortunate enough to have dinner there one night. The most beautiful beaches are only a short drive and Johnny and Violeta are full of helpful suggestions. What a treat it is to return to their property after a day on the beach and take a shower looking out at the trees and valley. They make you feel at home & what a lovely home it is!
Blue Gum Cottage
Traditionally built Portuguese coattage built from brick and mortar. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter, with fireplace for the chilly nights.
1 double room
1 double room
En suite.
Spectacular views
Shared facilities
Shared facilities
Ines
We spent 2 wonderful weeks at Violeta and Jonathan and did not want to leave at all. We have fallen in love with the cozy, beautiful accommodation in the middle of the cork forests. Everything was possible: hiking, surfing, climbing, cycling or kayaking, playing table tennis, relaxing in the hammock, ... And Violeta and Jonathan cook incredibly delicious. The electricity and water supply is autonomous. Sensational. We loved it and want to return. Tiptop
Common Spaces
There is a great kitchen, with an outside area, a fire pit, with amazing sunsets, the lounge and deck in the main house, the pizza area with a table tennis.
Ines
We spent 2 wonderful weeks at Violeta and Jonathan and did not want to leave at all. We have fallen in love with the cozy, beautiful accommodation in the middle of the cork forests. Everything was possible: hiking, surfing, climbing, cycling or kayaking, playing table tennis, relaxing in the hammock, ... And Violeta and Jonathan cook incredibly delicious. The electricity and water supply is autonomous. Sensational. We loved it and want to return. Tiptop
Since we acquire most of our energy from the sun, our supply is limited to what nature gives us. As such, we must ask everyone to be kind to our system; heavy electricity usage and the use of high-consumption appliances – such as irons, hair dryers, etc. – will quickly drain our power supply. If you require the use of such items, we have special, low energy ones we can provide when needed. Of course, this doesn’t mean to say you’ll be sat in the dark if the sun isn’t out; we will always provide energy, but it’s part of the experience to be conscious of your usage. The same goes for water.
Buildings: In 2014 the property was abandoned, buildings have been rebuilt using different natural materials to best integrate into the surrounding nature. All cottages have beautiful views and private spaces, with minimum environmental, impact built using as many local materials as possible stylish "green: buildings.
This is a nature-lovers retreat, and would suit anyone wanting a truly comfortable and stylish accommodation experience whilst also enjoying the peace and adventure that such a bush setting offers.
We recycle glass, plastic, paper, metal and food and because we produce our energy from sun we operate with a very low carbon output and very little waste. This of course is a bonus because you are spending your holiday greener for the same value with no strain on the planet. Of course we ask our workers, visitors & guests to help us realize this and stick to this attitude. We’ll ask you too to attain an ecological attitude.
Rooi Kombuis
Eco Lodge & Activity Centre
Beautiful, peaceful and homely, lovely family. Perfect retreat and close to beautiful beaches. We enjoyed our stay very much and would love to go back one day.
If you need to disconnect and recharge, this is the place to go. Its a place for getting in touch with nature and relaxing. We slept amazingly well. Breakfast was delicious. Great ambiance. Awesome trails for running or hiking. They have a lake were you can swim. Our hosts were incredibly attentive and gave us lots of tips and recommendations. Overall a lovely experience.
Nina
We had an amazing time at Violeta's !and John's house. We just felt at home. About the house, it' s a kind of paradise on earth. They did a lot to preserve the environment and It' s very good point from all good beaches, surf spots. Regarding the food, Violeta is a CHEF!!!! Breakfast, dinner are prepared with fresh vegetables, meat, fish. Around the table, some people were vegan and gluten intolerance but that wasn't a problem at all. Violeta handled also food for any kinds of diet. It was a beautiful experience. We hope to come back with friends one day ! Thanks again for everything !!
Gabrielle
Great place to stay in Costa Vicentina! Violeta and Jonathan's place has great conditions and they truly were great hosts. We stayed at the Summer Twin Cottage, with 2 bedrooms and it was well furnished and clean. The common areas are great, with lots of places to relax. We also recommend the breakfast - plenty of food and delicious! The place is well located, since it close from most of the best beaches in the area. We will come back for sure!
Filipe
Violetta, Jon und ihre Kinder sind sehr sympathisch. Sehr entspannende Umgebung. Außer den Fröschen die fröhlich quaken und den Vögeln die zwitschern hört man nicht viel. Für alle was die mal raus aus der Stadt und rein in die Natur wollen ohne auf ein Bett und eine schöne Küche zu verzichten.
Frederik
