About
A HOME FOR RETREATS IN THE ALENTEJO
People have been coming to this valley for a long time, and mostly for the reasons they come now, to rest, to be somewhere quiet, to be somewhere that asks nothing of them. Orada is 71 hectares of forest and creek in Odemira, a family home, a place for retreats, and an old sanctuary that never quite stopped being one. What follows is how it got here, what we're doing with the land, and who you'll find when you arrive.
History
A SANCTUARY SINCE THE TWELFTH CENTURY
Orada means "prayed for." The valley appears in local records as far back as the twelfth century, when it was known as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Orada. What drew people was the water, and the story that if you bathed in it before sunrise you would be healed. It became a place of pilgrimage on the road south to Monchique and the Algarve.
Four hundred years ago a pilgrim had a vision that the healing of the valley lived in a woman. He went down to the stream, cut a tree and carved what he had seen. The statue, the Lady of Orada, has been here ever since, and when the founders bought the land the conditions were that they restore her chapel and keep it open to anyone who wants to pay their respects. That still holds.
Our Mission
WHAT WE'RE DOING WITH THE LAND
We're slowly changing what grows here. Eucalyptus is coming out and mixed native forest is going in, which holds water in the ground and doesn't carry fire the same way. We're slowing the drying of the land by keeping water in it, and watching the creeks and water lines through the year. Nobody hunts here, so the land works as shelter for the animals, and we make room for people who come to observe and record what lives on it.
The other half of it is people. We'd like to see young families able to work land like this without stripping it, and we're glad to show anyone who asks what we've learned about bringing topsoil back.
Our Vision
WHAT WE WANT THIS PLACE TO BE
This valley has been a place of rest and healing for centuries, and our part in that is mostly to keep it that way. Somewhere people can slow down, eat well, sleep properly and spend their days outside, without being asked to believe anything in particular.
What that means in practice is a place that stays open to whoever comes. Facilitators here work in very different traditions, and they should all find the same thing when they arrive, which is a house that's ready, food that's good, spaces that are quiet, and a team that knows what it's doing and then steps back. We'd rather be the reason a retreat runs well than a part of the retreat itself.
The land is the other half of it. Everything here depends on the valley staying healthy, so the work we do on the forest and the water isn't separate from hosting people, it's what makes hosting people possible in twenty years' time.
Who we Are
A FAMILY, AND EVERYONE PASSING THROUGH
We're a family living in this valley, and most of what happens here happens because people keep turning up. There's a kitchen team of seven, volunteers and workers who come and stay a while, and people passing through from all over. It's a house with a lot of different accents in it, and you're welcome in it.
JULIANA ESTEVEZ
Born in Brazil, between the madness of São Paulo and the clean air of her family farm, she lived between extreme paradoxes
until the age of 22, when graduated in clinical psychology.
While In Portugal started a long journey first studying and later teaching, different subjects: psychological astrology,
body psychotherapy, and then her great passion,
the Analytical Psychology of Carl Jung.
Founded the first Jungian school in the country, lectured,
and kept her practice for 15 years. Having found the love of
her life, and having had 2 beautiful children, profound changes began to shake her foundations, and decided to leave the artificiality of the city to the source of all archetypes: Nature.
In nature, she fell in love with seeds, trees, and water.
The cycles she had studied so deeply in the past became alive and filled with colors, smells, and sensations.
Magical plants that interact with consciousness became her new source of knowledge, and the books gave way to an inspiring inner landscape. Extremist. Ambitious. Her non-goal is Enlightenment. Trusts ecstasy as a personal method.
Only rest when exhausted. Do not fear chaos. Permaculture, Mythology, Community, and Friendship are her foundations.
Wisdom, Commitment, and Abundance are her bright principles.
Núbia and Luca growing in the paradise of Orada is her legacy.
David is her passion and her haven.
"Unfuck" the (inner and outer) world is her mission.
Orada is (her) Home.
DAVID RAFAEL
Geared with MacGiver-like resourcefulness since youth, left for Amsterdam in 1997 as Indiana Jones only to escape Academia and end up riding the corporate Internet/Telecom bubble as a troubleshooter.
Dry and blue of seeking meaning within Corporate realms decided to study Psychology in parallel as an escape clause
for a rainy day.
Worked as a translator for a short while and loved it. In 2005 moved to the Brussels HQ of British Telecom as the last nail in his corporate coffin intending to regain key global accounts as a Service Account Mgr only to succeed, burn out, and return to his mother's soil in 2007.
Best move ever: married the best Jungian Analyst ever, became
a group psychotherapist, specialized in Psychodrama therapy, coined and structured Kosmicare (psychedelic harm reduction festival standard) at Boom Festival.
In 2013 moved to SW Portugal countryside, raised 2 free-range kids, did couples therapy, took over a dormant retreat farm and gave it life taking permaculture and re-encountering with Nature as key values to showcase a transitional lifestyle as inspiration to resettle into nature sustainably and co-exist with the forces of conscious manifestation - as a translator again.
Currently fine-tuning his off-grid nano-nation as a long-term contribution to 'unfuck' the world.
Has dreams, long-term - kids.
Laura Nielen
Laura was Born in Amsterdam and raised in the beautiful Italian Alps. Despite graduating with a degree in Architecture, she soon escaped the office lifestyle for a long and transformative journey to India.
Having the opportunity to dive deeper into the ancient knowledge of yoga, meditation, and spirituality, she returns home with an entirely new set of priorities and life meaning.
It has never been more important to create and hold spaces that can inspire, nourish, and touch people in a world that keeps getting louder and louder.
It was the universe that brought her to Orada's sanctuary, and as a natural host and caring person, she will do her best to make your stay a memorable one.
Jacob Rigaux
South France was Jacob's birthplace. Despite having over 10 years of experience as a cook, he has found a new passion as a host and keeper of meaningful places.
The desire to create and nurture spaces that touch and enhance everyone's growth became his priority. Following his mother's unsettling yet wonderful path of searching for new perspectives and realities, he seeks an understanding of the society, the mind, and mother nature.
Catarina Couto
Catarina is Brazilian. For the past 13 years she has been vegetarian, changing 4 years ago to the vegan lifestyle. Since a younger age she loves cooking. She studied Gastronomy and Nutrition in UniCam.
She has 10 years of professional experience that included teaching Vegan Gastronomy, Menu design and kitchen consultancy, which culminated in landing in her dream job as head-chef at Orada.
Her cooking and organizational skills are impeccable, she manages with an impressive sense of responsibility a kitchen that never stops for 300 days a year.
She is a Nature lover and an enthusiastic cyclist. In the SWCoast she found life's bliss.
Carla Vieira
Carla, a cherished member of the Orada breakfast team, brings a warm and caring spirit to her work. Born in Alentejo and having lived in Sydney, she has returned to her roots in Portugal. With attention to detail and a nurturing nature, Carla ensures guests feel comfortable and satisfied. Her presence adds a special touch of motherly care, whether she's preparing breakfast or tending to housekeeping duties. Carla's dedication to exceptional service shines through in everything she does.
Ala Calugher
Born in Moldova, Ala has a background in civil engineering and accounting but traded office life for adventure. She came to Portugal 19 years ago, fell in love with the beaches and sunshine, and never looked back. As the heart of our cleaning team, she ensures every space is spotless and welcoming. With a love for nature, cooking, and crafts, she brings creativity and warmth into everything she does—always with a smile and a touch of perfection!
Isadora Senger
Isadora, a native of São Paulo capital, relocated to Portugal nearly three years ago in pursuit of a more fulfilling life outside the bustling metropolis. Initially enrolled in the University of Algarve's Marine Biology program, she embarked on a two-year academic journey. However, driven by an unyielding love for nature, animals, and gastronomy, Isadora made the conscious decision to take a hiatus from her studies and immerse herself in a rejuvenating experience centered around these passions. Isadora's infectious positivity and radiant smile brought warmth and joy to those around her, making her a cherished presence in any setting.
Eumara Pinheiro
Born in Brazil, Eumara moved to Portugal 27 years ago, bringing her resilience, warmth, and dedication. With experience in various fields, she’s a hardworking and passionate team member. Known for her great sense of humor, she keeps everyone’s spirit high in the kitchen, making sure work feels as joyful as a family gathering. A proud mother and grandmother, she values perseverance, connection, and good food shared with good company!
