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, 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.
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. Minimum of 3 nights booking from 1st April - 31st July and 1st September - 30th November Minimum of 7 nights booking from 1st - 31st August These prices below are based on two people sharing, children under 12yrs stay for free - over 12yrs and extra adults are charged at €5 per night per person. Dragonfly or Buddha 5m Tipi (Double) 3 nights €200 4 nights €250 5 nights €300 6 nights €350 7 nights €400 €50 per night for every night thereafter Kingfisher or Hummingbird 7.5m Tipi (Family/Double) 3 nights €300 4 nights €385 5 nights €470 6 nights €555 7 nights €640 €85 per night for every night thereafter Mongolian Yurt (Family/Double) 3 nights €300 4 nights €385 5 nights €470 6 nights €555 7 nights €640 €85 per night for every night thereafter Terms & Conditions for Tipi 2. You will be required to pay the full amount of your holiday when booking 3. Minimum of 3 nights booking from 1st April - 31st July and 1st September - 30th November 4. Minimum of 7 nights booking from 1st-31st August 5. Checking in times are 6. Upon your arrival, we require a 150 (payable in either
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. Please see prices and booking info below...
Outside there is a shaded cooking and dining area with everything you need, we provide you with all your kitchen essentials from teapots to teaspoons. When you contact us we will email you a full itinerary and a list of anything you might need to bring.
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 - 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 & Yurt Accommodation Prices for 2010:
* We ask all our guests to please bring their own beach towels and environmentally friendly products wherever possible!
How to book
We are currently developing our online booking system - in the meantime please use the contact form indicating your preferred accommodation & dates and we will get back to you within 24hrs to confirm availability.
2011 - Book now for next year at this year's prices!
We are now taking bookings for the 2011 season (1st April till 30th November 2011).
Please use the contact form for bookings in 2011 and we will email you within 48hrs.
Attractive whole site packages available on request.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
1. These prices are based on two people sharing, children under 12 yrs go free, over 12 yrs and adults are charged at €5 per night per person.
7. Cancellations: In the unfortunate event of you having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason, please note that we are unable to make any refund and therefore, strongly advise you organise the provision of insurance to cover any losses incurred by yourselves.
8. Tipi
