Belavista Coliving & Retreat

04/02/2026

If you ask me how January was, January was this:

True Portuguese flavours around the table — orange and chocolate Swiss roll, bacalhau no forno and two lemon meringue pies by Margarida (lucky us). Line cooked a comforting minestrone, I made peri-peri chicken (wings included), and everyone helped with salads. Long tables, slow evenings, proper winter comfort.

Lots of walking. Post-work walks to the Ria Formosa became an almost daily ritual. We hiked up Cerro da Cabeça and Cerro de São Miguel, wandered along Cacela Velha beach, crossed over to Armona Island, and enjoyed a slow walk and brunch in Tavira.

A proper Algarve classic too — cliffs and caves at Praia da Marinha and Benagil Beach, made even better by the quiet of winter.

And we cycled — a lot. To Olhão Market, to Fuseta, and anywhere that made sense on two wheels.

January wasn’t loud.
It was grounding, nourishing, and full of small moments that add up to something special.

29/12/2025

🌿 Sustainability at Belavista isn’t something we talk about lightly — it’s something we practice every day.

Living in the Algarve means understanding water, sun, and land. Summers are long and dry, so from the winter months we collect rainwater and store it in our cisterna, which we later use to water our garden during the driest periods.

Alongside this, we reuse water from our laundry room to irrigate trees and plants, and we have other water collection systems in place to make sure as little as possible is wasted. Water here is precious, and we treat it that way.

We’re powered by solar energy, using the Algarve sun to cover 100% of our needs during the day and most nights. We recycle, buy local whenever possible, and grow food organically — without pesticides or chemicals — working with nature rather than against it.

For us, sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about making conscious choices, respecting the land we live on, and taking responsibility for how we host people in our home.

This is how we live at Belavista — quietly, intentionally, and in rhythm with the Algarve.

26/12/2025

Christmas around a Portuguese table 🇵🇹🎄

At Belavista, Christmas isn’t about a single dish — it’s about the table.

It starts slowly, with welcome hugs, good cheese, cured ham, olives, bread..

Then come the Christmas classics — bacalhau (we love bacalhau gratinado with prawns and spinach) and octopus, slow-cooked the way my mum has always made it.

And finally, the sweets table…
This year we had almond tart and morgado — a very Algarvian cake made with gila squash and lots of almonds.

The following day we indulged in rabanadas — aka French toast, but very Portuguese at Christmas. And of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas at home without fruit salad, packed with many, many fruits and finished with a dash of port wine.

Portuguese Christmas food is simple, generous, and made to be shared.
No rush. No show. Just people gathering, eating well, and spending time together.

This is what Christmas looks like here 🤍

How is Christmas at your home? We love sharing.

—
Sara & Margarida

22/12/2025

Jasmin House is full of traditional Algarve soul, with original kitchen tiles and timeless character. With the front tiles now restored, it has a fresh new face — while keeping its Portuguese tradition.

Designed for comfort all year round, perfect for both summer and winter, with AC and a beautiful fireplace that heats the whole house.

Truth is, we don’t use fireplaces much in the Algarve — but on those handful of cooler nights, it creates that toasty, cosy atmosphere that makes you want to slow down 🤍🔥

✨ Jasmin House – limited availability:
📅 4 January – 22 January
📅 From 5 February onwards

18/12/2025

21/06/2025

🧘‍♀️ International Yoga Day 🌿

Today, we’re feeling deeply grateful for all the yoga teachers who have brought their unique energy to Bela Vista over the years.

Each one has offered something different — a new rhythm, a fresh perspective, a distinct presence. And with every practice, they’ve helped shape moments of connection, calm, and reflection in our garden, on our mats, and within ourselves.

Yoga teaches us — the art of letting go, of releasing attachment to what was, and welcoming what is. It’s in this spirit that we’ve embraced each teacher, each practice, each season — grateful for what comes, and grateful when it changes.

And of course, we’re also thankful for our furry friends — Flora, Oscar, and Kiki — who often join the classes (sometimes right on the mats), reminding us not to take it all too seriously. 🐾

To every teacher who has shared a part of themselves with us: thank you. You’ve helped make Bela Vista what it is.

05/06/2025

🌸 A little slice of Algarve paradise 🌿

Our garden at Bela Vista is a true labour of love — lovingly tended by my mum, Margarida, who pours her heart into the flowers and trees around us.

We’re proud to be truly local — born here and opening our home to you. And that means offering more than just a place to stay. It’s about creating moments together, enjoying the views and sunshine, and the scent of blooming lavender.

27/05/2025

The heart of Olhão from above
A little sunset glimpse from the sky – the Igreja do Nosso Senhor dos Aflitos standing proudly in the centre of Olhão.
The flat roofs – açoteias – and the soft limestone paving below are all part of the unique architectural charm of our hometown!

Whether you’re here to explore, work remotely, or just take it all in – Olhão has a way of capturing hearts.

17/04/2025

We’re excited to offer a 10% Early Bird Discount until 1st June for our A Taste of the Algarve retreat happening from September 19-25, 2025! Experience the hidden gems of the Algarve.

If you are a food lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind and explore, this 7-day retreat has everything you need. From wine and olive oil tastings to authentic cooking classes and guided tours of charming towns like Faro and Tavira, you’ll indulge in the best the Algarve has to offer.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience! Only 10 spots available, so make sure to reserve your place now :)

What’s Included:
• 6-night stay with breakfast at Bela Vista
• All meals included (5 lunches, 5 dinners + wine & olive oil tastings with tapas)
• Market-to-Table Cooking Class
• Olhão Market Visit and Pastry Workshop
• Olive Oil Tour & Tasting
• Wine & Tapas Tasting at a local vineyard
• Sunset Boat Trip with Oysters
• Flamingo Spotting & Bike Ride Option
• Guided Tours to Faro & Tavira

Prices start at just under €1500 euros, book now via email at belavistaretreat@gmail.com