Common areas
Common spaces
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 were 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 is surrounded by a landscape of rivers, gardens and nature. Each space has been individually built, giving it a different style, view & beauty. Cozy 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 cozy seating.
Eating areas: a dinning 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.
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
Why Off grid sustainability
Living off grid in SW Portugal is a choice we consciously made to live closer to nature using lower impact methods, making us less reliant on heavy industry. The area we live in is a place of spectacular natural beauty, by using off grid methods, nature is highlighted and impacted in much smaller ways. Some aspects of living off grid require changes to our every day routines. We embrace these differences as our way to make a difference to the world we live. We encourage you to understand these changes not as inconveniences but rather as novelties to embrace for the benefit of the whole planet. Living off grid brings you closer to nature, lets you experience nature in a purer form and gives you insight into novel ways of making a difference to the world we live in. Letting go of preconceived ideas of what is normal.
Living off grid in SW Portugal is a choice we consciously made to live closer to nature using lower impact methods, making us less reliant on heavy industry. The area we live in is a place of spectacular natural beauty, by using off grid methods, nature is highlighted and impacted in much smaller ways. Some aspects of living off grid require changes to our every day routines. We embrace these differences as our way to make a difference to the world we live. We encourage you to understand these changes not as inconveniences but rather as novelties to embrace for the benefit of the whole planet. Living off grid brings you closer to nature, lets you experience nature in a purer form and gives you insight into novel ways of making a difference to the world we live in. Letting go of preconceived ideas of what is normal.
Recycle
We recycle glass, plastic, paper, metal & food. Because we produce our energy from the 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 to attain an ecological attitude.
Energy
Since we acquire our energy from the sun, our electric 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 are not possible only in exceptional circumstances. Charging of phones etc is only done in the common space, “inconvenient" or a chance for a cup of tee and a chat with us or other guests.
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 and to enjoy the experience of living off grid.
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 and to enjoy the experience of living off grid.
Water
Water in the Algarve is a precious resource, While most hotels do not tell you that there is a constant problem with limited water in the area. Water is often diverted from agriculture to fill baths of tourists. That is not to say don’t use water. Use a s much as is needed just remember to take care. Part of the experience is to be conscious of your usage, water is a precious commodity, we are lucky to have a well, river and dam in the property, but as the global weather changes, the rain is unpredictable, we have some dry years. You can never be too careful or caring of this beautiful gift.
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.
Accomadation 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 aviable 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 vegatable 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 also known as Aldeia Da 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 also known as Aldeia Da 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.
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
