We are always working to be as ecologically friendly as possible... creating low volume, low impact, ecological and ethical tourism - this results in less intrusion on the environment and the local culture.
Guests are able to buy and pick their own organically grown vegetables on our 2.5 hectares of land. We do not use any chemicals and try to source organic seeds wherever possible. All our produce is sown, grown and picked with a conscious loving attitude and gratitude to our environment.
We have hot showers in the main shower block, drawing water directly from our natural well. In the summer we use a simple solar system of coiled piping on the terraces and for the cooler months we use a gas bolier to keep your showers hot.
Our toilets operate as all modern toilets do however they are ecological which means the system is self composting and therefore not damaging to the environment. We recycle all our waste and hope our guests will do the same by using the bins provided. We compost any food waste but aim to get some pigs in the near future to help with the recycling!
We try to use environmentally friendly products wherever possible and encourage our guests to bring their own to use in the shower etc.
Some scenes from around our valley at Monte Joao Afonso ...
We are members of Wwoofing International, Help Exchange and Hospitality Club and regularly have volunteers who stay in dormitory style accommodation to involve themselves in our community living and help us manage our land. If you are interested in coming over to visit on a working holiday please get in touch through our 'Contact Us' page.
€10 per night (April to December) Deposits: 20% payment on booking (non refundable). 80% payment 6 weeks prior to arrival. Hire-a-Tent €100 per week Deposits: 20% payment on booking (non refundable). 80% payment 6 weeks prior to arrival. If you require further information we will be happy to answer any questions you might have, please click on the 'Contact Us' button at top of this page.
These magnificent natural structures provide surprisingly spacious accommodation, reaching up to more than 6m high which creates a generous living area. We currently have two 5 metre and two 7.5 metre diameter North American Tipis each made of cotton canvas on a framework of locally sourced Eucalyptus poles.
You can also stay in a 5.8 metre traditional Mongolian Yurt (see full info below) which is insulated, comfortably furnished, has a woodburning stove and even a glazed crown to look up at the stars from your bed.
Our Tipis and Yurt all have a luxurious double bed complete with freshly laundered bedding, cushions, towels, lamps and storage for clothes plus power for mobile phone chargers, hair dryers etc. Extra beds and bedding can be provided for more guests upon request at time of booking.
Outside there is a shaded cooking and dining area with a gas stove, BBQ, cooler box and a cold tap fed from our freshwater borehole. We also provide you with all your kitchen essentials from teapots to teaspoons.
On site there are hot showers, flush toilets, hand washing facilities and a power supply for hair dryers, shavers, charging mobile phones etc. All the facilities are private to guests staying at Monte Joao Afonso... there is an eco-friendly swimming pool (chlorine free), a terrace for sunbathing and colourful gardens with countryside views. There is also a communal BBQ area with plenty of seating that's ideal for meeting up with other guests. Guests are also able to buy and pick their own organically grown fresh vegetables which we grow on our land... please see our eco policy on the right.
Traditional Mongolian Yurt
These beautiful handcrafted Yurts are a very spacious 5.8m in diameter. They are made from only ethically & legally sourced materials and have four layers of insulation... thankfully cool in summer and warm in winter. With a poly-cotton inner layer, 100% felt wool liner, 240z canvas and a hand painted 120z cotton canvas sun cover. The lattice is a premium quality larch which is delicately steam bent into shape in traditional ways.
Every detail is taken on by master craftsmen and the traditional hand painted wooden door is truly a work of art. The yurt is also equipped with a woodburner, comfy double bed, crisp clean sheets, fluffy towels and cushions. Looking up at through the glazed crown at the stars in the unpolluted skies of the Algarve, a romantic and memorable experience every couple should try.
Please find our tariff of costs below for staying in a Tipi or Yurt or for camping - if you require any further information we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have... please go to the 'Contact Us' page.
Tipi Accommodation Prices 2010:
HIGH SEASON (April - September 30th) - minimum booking of 3 nights.
Prices are in Euros based on two people sharing (Kids go free!)
- please contact us for additional person supplements.
5 metre Tipi : Suitable for couples
3 Nights: €200
7 Nights: €350
7.5 metre Tipi : Suitable for couples and families
3 Nights: €400
7 Nights: €590
Booking notes: 20% payment on booking (non-refundable). 80% payment 8 weeks prior to arrival.
150€ (euros) refundable deposit on arrival, in the event of any minor damages.
We ask all our guests to please bring and use their own beach towels and environmentally friendly products wherever possible!
Please click on the 'How to book' button at top of this page
Mongolian Yurt Accommodation Prices 2010:
HIGH SEASON (April - 30th September) - minimum booking of 3 nights.
Prices are in Euros based on two people sharing (Kids go free!)
- please contact us for additional person supplements.
5.8 metre Yurt: Suitable for couples with and families
3 Nights: €400
7 Nights: €590
Booking notes: 20% payment on booking (non-refundable). 80% payment 6 weeks prior to arrival.
150€ (euros) refundable deposit on arrival, in the event of any minor damages.
We ask all our guests to please bring and use their own beach towels and environmentally friendly products wherever possible!
Please click on the 'How to book' button at top of this page - please contact us for additional person supplements.
Sorry but we are not accepting any more campers for 2010.
We have three allocated places for campervans and four tent pitches available - we also have tent hire if required (see below). On site there are hot showers, flush toilets, hand washing facilities and power supply for mobile phones and hair dryers. Guests enjoy shared use of our eco-friendly swimming pool (chlorine free), sun terrace, gardens, BBQ area and are able to buy and pick their own organically grown vegetables.
Prices are for 2009 in Euros and are based on two people sharing - please contact us for additional person supplements.
Camping with one of our hired tent (sleeps up to 4), includes roll mats, all cooking equipment, cooler box, use of hot showers and toilets... just bring your own sleeping bags and towels.
Prices shown in Euros and are based on occupancy of 2 persons per night
- please contact us for additional person supplements.
150€ (euros) refundable deposit on arrival, in the event of any minor damages.
Please click on the 'How to book' button at top of this page
