About

UNWIND AND RECONNECT AT ORADA

Monte da Orada, an ancient sanctuary, is a haven for individuals seeking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty and tranquil serenity of nature. It invites guests to embark on personal journeys of growth and self-discovery while embracing the transformative

power of their surroundings.

At its core, Monte da Orada is driven by the belief that reconnecting with nature, prioritizing health, and embracing sustainability is essential in liberating ourselves from the toxicity of modern life.

With a visionary perspective, we go beyond the traditional roles of a guesthouse, hotel,

or restaurant, and instead, create a space that fosters conscious nutrition,

permaculture principles, yoga, and meditation.

Situated within the heart of the Odemira woods in Alentejo, South West Portugal, near the border of the Algarve. It is within this harmonious setting surrounded by untouched natural beauty that guests can embark on their personal journeys, discovering inner growth

and self-discovery in a truly enchanting environment.

Aerial view of hillside houses of Monte da Orada yoga retreat centre in Portugal

History

TRUE NORTH AT SOUTH WEST

Monte da Orada holds a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it was recognized
as the esteemed "Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Orada" (Our Lady of Orada Sanctuary).
The name "Orada" carries a dual meaning, representing both "prayed for" and "prayer"
with older municipal records even noting it as "Ourada" (Golden one).

One of the notable features of this sacred place is its revered water fountain, renowned for its healing baths. It served as an obligatory rest stop along the journey to Monchique and Algarve, drawing the attention of the celebrated mystic Saint Nuno of Santa Maria (also known as Santo Condestável, D. Nuno Alvares Pereira). The cult of Orada reached its zenith during the 14th century, although remnants of pre-Christian (pagan) origins can still be discerned.

When you embark on a visit to Monte da Orada, the judgment of its historical significance will be in your hands. With any luck, this remarkable place will become
an indelible part of your personal history.

statue of the lady of orada placed on the wall like an altar

Our Mission

TRUE NORTH AT SOUTH WEST

A time will come when Mother Earth is truly honored and revered for its remarkable diversity, breathtaking beauty, abundant resources, and inherent divinity.

At Monte da Orada, we strive to bring that future closer by fostering sustainable and enduring practices that positively impact our local community and the wider region.

Our ongoing initiatives are:

To reconvert eucalyptus forests into fire-proof mixed native forests;
To slow down desertification by promoting water storage in the landscape and monitoring local creeks and water lines;
To educate and showcase the best Permacultural practices to restore topsoil and technologies;
To inspire young families to return and commit to the land in a non-extractionist approach.
To wide hunt-free territories as wildlife shelters;
To host Scientific flora and fauna observation shelters;

Together, let us embark on this transformative journey towards a world where Mother Earth is cherished, respected, and nurtured for generations to come.

aerial view of a group of houses with forest in the back

Our Vision

TRUE NORTH AT SOUTH WEST

This farm is to honor its tradition and continue to offer a place of spiritual re-encounter with oneself through nature, healthy food, and mindful contemplation of beauty and simplicity.

Our personal growth vision and purpose are to inspire an awakening and transition into an increasingly conscious mindset, spirituality, and sustainable existence, reconnecting with the

Source (Nature and purpose), through a nourishing context of possibilities:

Yoga practice, meditation, fasting or juicing, conscious organic gardening and nourishing vegetarian food, contact plant wisdom, gazing at breathtaking starry skies, swimming, hiking, forest baths, sauna, massages, and sharing experiences with like-minded people from all over the world.

woman in doing yoga pose surrounded by nature

Who we Are

TRUE NORTH AT SOUTH WEST

We are a family living in this amazing valley and we invite you to enjoy this natural sanctuary we live in. We try to live in community spirit, caring for our food gardens and seeds, and hosting volunteers, workers, and visitors, so there is always a warm and alternative international vibe in the air.

woman smiling standing next to a bonfire

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.

close-up of the smiling face of a man with a beard and gray hair

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.

monte da orada staff smiling while working

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.

Camila Serra

Nature and adventure sports lover, Camila was born in Brazil and in Alentejo she found her Natural habitat between the SW mountains and sea. Although she studied sports, in nutrition she found a more complete way to share knowledge about conscious health.
Her steady and calm presence brings a harmonizing vibe to the hectic kitchen. She is one of our chefs serving a delicious and creative meals.

Gabriela Araújo

Born Brazil, Gabriela ventured to Portugal eight years ago, carrying with her a legacy of alchemist cooks and infusing Orada's Kitchen with heartfelt passion. With her small hands, she has nourished and delighted countless individuals, lavishing guests with exquisite culinary experiences. Dedicated to crafting visually stunning buffet tables that create unforgettable moments, her soulful, vibrant, and flavorsome cuisine is aptly named the Spiritual Kitchen, a sentiment we wholeheartedly endorse.

Dafne Schvets

Born in Argentina and raised in Portugal, Dafne is a culinary enthusiast who delights in cooking. The aroma of fresh bread and brewing coffee in the morning awaken her senses, inspiring her kitchen creations, particularly for breakfast at Orada. She also possesses a deep love for plants and their healing properties. Fascinated by herbal remedies and traditional healing practices, she explores the therapeutic benefits of various plants. Sharing her knowledge, she strives to integrate nature's gifts into everyday life through her food. With culinary expertise and respect for nature's power, Dafne creates flavorful delights that nourish both body and soul.

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!

Joana Silva

Joana
Born and raised in north Portugal, in a small town between the ocean and the mountains, Joana was blessed with an upbringing full of active adventure in nature which gave her a deep appreciation for everything living.
In 2016 she decided to become vegetarian, at a time when there weren’t many veggie options around, she had to start cooking more only to find a whole other universe of flavours and the joy of cooking healthy, fresh, delicious food.
After being a cook in community, she discovered how much purpose she felt from nurturing people and decided to pursue a carrer in that field which eventually brought her to Orada.