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