Country living: Casas da Quinta de Cima is a resourcing retreat for modern travellers to disconnect in Cacela Velha

By: Alexandra Stilwell

Photo: Francisco Nogueira

At this peaceful, white-washed retreat, guests are encouraged to switch off and reconnect with themselves and nature

In a world where we are connected to devices all day, the ultimate luxury has to be time and space to switch off. Though it may be hard for many of us to let go, after a few days of digital detox, we can all admit that life feels so much more pleasant.

Disconnecting from technology allows us to reconnect with what truly brings us joy: family, nature, reading, or our favourite hobbies that have been put on hold.

Having studied and worked in high-paced environments in some of the world’s busiest cities, José Maria Brion and his father João decided to return to their Algarvian roots to get away from the rat race and create a unique estate where they could share life’s simple pleasures of country living.

Just a couple of kilometres from Cacela Velha and the beautiful Praia da Fábrica in the eastern Algarve, they created Casas da Quinta de Cima on the grounds of their family farm.

The old buildings were lovingly transformed with the help of architect João Pedro Falcão de Campos, whose project focused on “respecting the beauty and authenticity of the surrounding landscape without compromising the agricultural heritage that underpins the farm’s identity”.

The result is a peaceful, white-washed retreat where televisions do not exist, and guests are encouraged to switch off and reconnect with themselves and nature.

Open since February 1st this year, Casas da Quinta de Cima is a family-run boutique hotel with lots of history. “The farm is over 100 years old,” explains José, who moved from Lisbon to run the business. “It belonged to my great-grandfather, Frederico Ramirez, who acquired it in 1925.” Frederico was a prominent political figure in the Algarve and one of the heirs of Sebastian Ramirez, founder of the iconic Vila Real de Santo António fish canning company.

Today, the 55-hectare, cereal-producing farm has transitioned to fruit farming and hospitality.

Surrounded by vast orange, lemon and avocado groves, the white-washed hotel is centred around a cobbled courtyard lined with pepper trees, where we breathe an air of tranquillity. Dotted around the estate, there are also pomegranate, pear, apple, apricot, fig, carob, arbutus and quince trees, and even wild blackberry bushes, adding layers of sweetness to the fragrant atmosphere.

Inspired by their childhood memories on the farm, José and his father created a welcoming setting for guests to feel at home. The old farm workers’ terraced cottages have been transformed into nine 70m2 suites with high wicker-covered ceilings, each with a living room, a kitchenette, and a bathroom featuring a generous shower and a stand-alone tub. Underfloor heating adds to the pleasure of walking into a bathroom flooded by beautiful Algarvian light.

Each adults-only suite is unique, featuring elegantly simple decoration in a colourful palette. Traditional materials, such as wood, terracotta, marble, wool, and cotton, are complemented by vintage details, plush bedding, a comfy sofa, and a large study of a regional fruit José discovered in a book and turned into posters.

The ideal accommodation, designed for a comfortable, intimate, and preferably prolonged stay.

A small private patio at the rear of each suite, with a shower and plants, including citronella to repel mosquitoes, provides a secluded area to read, enjoy the sun, or listen to the birdsong.

Those with children under the age of 12 have the option of two villas just a stone’s throw from the main buildings. These offer a mix of privacy, with a private swimming pool, daily breakfast delivery and cleaning, and access to the shared facilities.

Slotted in the middle of the suites, the reception is a large room with high ceilings, big wooden beams and an eclectic mix of furniture and decorative objects ranging from antique bookcases and armchairs to retro lighting and rustic tables. Opposite the reception, in what was once an agricultural warehouse, the large lounge comprises the hotel’s bar, games room and restaurant, all featuring the same decoration style.

Apart from the modern extra-large, ocean-green sofa, every piece of furniture and artwork comes from José’s family; items that have been passed down through generations.

One of the sofas came from José’s grandmother’s house, and the art is almost entirely his parents’. There is a picture by painter Rui Sanches, who happens to be José’s uncle, another by Portuguese artist Pedro Calapez, and a collection of artworks made entirely with butterfly wings, which, once upon a time, were José’s grandparents’ placemats when they lived in Brazil.

This mingling space also boasts a large snooker table and an honesty bar where clients can mix their own drinks, and down a few steps, the airy restaurant, which features two large 18th-century mirrors belonging to José’s grandfather.

The menu presents a selection of homemade Portuguese dishes and comfort food “following a farm-to-fork concept, drawing on the estate’s produce”, explains the young entrepreneur, who adds that one day he would like to organise a pop-up with local chefs, such as Noélia Jerónimo, who has a strong connection with the estate as her parents once worked on the farm.

On the south side of the buildings, a large, white tank has been transformed into a refreshing pool. Next to it stands the oldest building on the farm, an 18th-century Pombaline construction, possibly a small shepherd’s hut, now converted into an outdoor honesty bar, fully equipped with a fridge, ice machine and a great selection of beverages for the perfect sundowner.

Opposite, a maze of bushes, plants and olive trees create an intimate garden, among which hide little islands with sunbeds and umbrellas, adding privacy to an already intimate space. This charming and unexpected garden was designed and planted by French landscape architect Maurice Levy. “He is very sensitive to sustainability. He creates and plants gardens which, after two years, will no longer require water,” points out José. “Also, over half of the plants are edible and can be used in the kitchen.”

Close by, there is a sizeable threshing floor, the largest in the Algarve, a scenic natural outdoor stage ideal for events, and on the way to the villas, a lengthy driveway with Bougainvillea-covered arches, under which a long dining table can be set for celebrations.

Ultimately, José wants his guests to feel at home, “to curl up on the sofa with a book in the lounge or make friends with other guests as they play snooker together”. In an ideal world, they would leave their devices at the door and enjoy a digital-free holiday.

He has many ideas for workshops, open-air cinema sessions and meditation, cultural and gastronomic retreats. For now, relaxing activities include in-room massages, horse riding on the property, or on the beach out of season, and boat trips across the Ria Formosa to see the herds of seahorses.

This is a lifestyle he has experienced here since childhood. “Being able to go for a swim at the end of the day, read a book in the sun in February, and go horse riding”, as he says, are some of the simple yet luxurious things the Algarve can offer. “It may sound like a beautiful story, but no, it’s my everyday life. Lucky me!” he exclaims. “The hotel is born out of this desire to share our experiences with like-minded travellers.”

Future projects for this charming boutique hotel include building a larger pool, adding a gym, and eventually adding rooms, “but never more than 20”, as José is determined to preserve the cosy, welcoming atmosphere of the property. Rates start at €200 per night, including breakfast.