THE NECTAR

Rooms: Casas da Cerca encompasses only three little houses where guests can stay. They were built by architect and owner Graça Jalles as a reflection of her own life, which was mostly spent travelling. Her project, Casas da Cerca, is where she finds peace and feels at home. The houses’ interiors are rather spare, but comfortable nonetheless and they contain everything you need. Electricity is generated through solar energy which means that this is also an eco-friendly vacation home. Our house, Casa do Pomar had a little plunge pool in front too, which is obviously great for kids.

Specials: What is special about this place is its location, which is literally the middle of nowhere. The remoteness of this place allows you to truly unwind and recharge your batteries. Remarkably, fresh bread was somehow still delivered to us every morning. On arrival you ought to follow Craca’s directions or you might end up like us on our first attempt – taking a wrong turn and driving through what felt like a deep jungle. But once you arrive you will find peace, happiness and a tree house.

THE PULSE

Casas da Cerca lies within the national park "Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina," which is one of the best preserved European coastlines. This pocket of land is inhabited by many special animals and plants, so that hiking and exploring feels like a wonderland. The beaches are also highly popular with surfers. Getting from your residence to the nearest town, Odemira for example, is only a matter of twenty minutes by car. 

To find out more about Portugal check out our Local Soulmates' travel guides.

MUST DO

Find it: this little gem is very well hidden

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Have a picnic in the tree house

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Have a BBQ and listen to the interesting stories of the owner and architect

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Watch the wildlife while relaxing in the hammock under the cork trees