Hello everyone, and welcome to what truly feels like a little slice of paradise. Joen, Lara, and I traveled far inland in southern Portugal to stay at a very special place called Paradise in Portugal.

It’s a 100% self-sustainable oasis surrounded by nature, birdsong, and the calmest atmosphere you can imagine. Many people call it one of the best eco hotels in Portugal, and after just a few hours here, I completely understood why.

We didn’t come here just to relax — though that part is wonderful. We came to see what life might feel like if we one day created our own farm stay and retreat center. Could we really live more self-sustainably, far away from the city? This stay gave us the perfect chance to test that dream.

First Impressions and Our Hosts

From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t a typical hotel. Our first welcome committee wasn’t the owners, but three sweet rescue dogs: Wiggles, Slim, and Jack. They immediately set the tone for what life here is about — warmth, nature, and community.

Lara, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure. She’s always been a little nervous around other dogs, so she kept her distance. Still, it was impossible not to smile at the way Wiggles and his friends bounded around the garden, clearly living their best lives.

The land itself was breathtaking. Lush, green, and full of birdsong, it felt alive in a way that city life never does. Frank, the owner, has spent decades transforming this dry patch of land into a thriving ecosystem, and you can feel his passion in every tree and flower.

Life by the Lake

One of the most magical parts of staying at Paradise in Portugal was having a beautiful lake right on the property. It isn’t a natural lake but a manmade reservoir built to store water for local farmers — without it, life in this part of Portugal would be much harder, especially during the dry summers.

For us, it was pure joy. The hotel has a small dock with kayaks and paddleboards, and we spent hours out on the water. This was actually Lara’s first time in a kayak, and to my surprise, she loved it. Maybe it was the calm of the water, or maybe she was just happy to be far away from the other dogs.

Joen was in his element, paddling with a big smile on his face, while I discovered a new love for paddleboarding. There was a gentle breeze across the lake, and the combination of water, sun, and quiet made it impossible not to relax.

It was one of those moments where time seems to slow down — the kind of simple joy that reminds me why places like this deserve to be called among the best eco hotels in Portugal.

Slowing Down in Nature

One of the main reasons we came here was to see what it feels like to live far from the city. Both Joen and I grew up in urban environments, so the idea of moving somewhere rural and self-sustainable is still just a dream. Staying here gave us a taste of what that life might be like.

The atmosphere at Paradise in Portugal naturally encourages you to slow down. Instead of constant noise and distractions, we had the sound of birds, the gentle ripple of water, and the freedom to simply be. It gave us space to reflect, talk, and enjoy each other’s company without rushing anywhere.

This slower pace is something we’ve been craving, and it made us think even more seriously about our dream of one day creating a farm stay and retreat center. Spending time in such a serene place reminded us that living in harmony with nature doesn’t just look beautiful — it feels nourishing for the soul.

Meals Made with Care

At Paradise in Portugal, meals aren’t just food — they’re part of the whole experience. Everything is cooked by Daniela, the co-owner, and you can feel how much heart she puts into every dish.

Our first evening, she prepared a thoughtful vegetarian dinner just for us. We had soup followed by stuffed aubergine, and both were absolutely delicious. The dining room itself was cozy and full of character, with windows opening out to the most breathtaking views of the lake. It felt less like dining at a hotel and more like being welcomed into someone’s home.

Breakfast the next morning was just as memorable. A beautiful spread of breads, cheeses, fruit, and homemade treats was waiting for us at the table. It was almost impossible to hold back — Joen certainly didn’t, and Lara happily joined in, stealing the best bites and ignoring the bread in favor of the cheese.

There’s something so grounding about eating food that’s prepared with care, in a place that feels so connected to the land. It added to the sense that we weren’t just visiting an eco hotel — we were experiencing a way of life.

Simple Living at the Hotel

Our room at Paradise in Portugal was simple, practical, and perfectly in tune with the soul of the place. It wasn’t fancy or modern, but it had exactly what we needed — comfort, charm, and an incredible view across the land.

We spent part of the day resting inside, with Lara curled up by my side. I wasn’t feeling my best and had some cramps, so slowing down felt necessary. The dogs aren’t allowed inside the rooms, but Wiggles — one of the three resident pups — patiently waited just outside our door, as if keeping watch. It was the sweetest thing.

The slower rhythm continued as we caught up on some work, made tea, and simply enjoyed the peace of the garden around us. It’s these kinds of moments that show why this might truly be the best eco hotel in Portugal — not because of luxury or extravagance, but because of how it makes you feel. Calm. Present. At home.

Exploring the Grounds

What impressed me most about Paradise in Portugal wasn’t just the views or the cozy atmosphere — it was the story behind it. Frank, the owner, has spent over 40 years transforming what was once dry, barren land into the lush sanctuary it is today.

Walking around the grounds, it’s hard to believe this paradise was built from nothing. Everywhere you look, there are flowers, trees, and bushes, all alive with the sound of birdsong. Frank is passionate about birdlife, and the land has now become home to some of the rarest bird species in Portugal. For me, it felt like stepping into a giant, living bird nest.

We also got to see the technical side of how the hotel runs. Frank showed us the systems he created to make the property self-sustainable — from water management to renewable energy. It was fascinating, but also eye-opening: creating a truly sustainable lifestyle takes an enormous amount of work and dedication. Seeing what it takes in reality gave us both a deeper respect for his vision.

The combination of natural beauty and human effort is what makes this place so inspiring. It isn’t just an eco hotel — it’s living proof of what’s possible when someone pours their heart into the land.

A Magical Healing Ceremony

One of the most unexpected and memorable experiences at Paradise in Portugal was when Daniela invited us to take part in a healing ceremony.

She led us into a beautiful yurt they had built specifically for spiritual practices. Inside, she explained the tradition: each person pulls a card with a posture once used by ancient people to connect with their higher self or spirit guides. We then sat in our chosen postures while Daniela played a steady drumbeat for around twenty minutes.

At first, it felt unusual — but slowly, the rhythm of the drum began to sink into my body. I could feel the sound vibrating through me, almost like it carried me into another state. At one point, I even felt weightless, as though I had left my body behind for a moment.

When the drumming stopped, we stayed in silence. Daniela handed us paper to write down how we felt before sharing. It was such a thoughtful gesture — like a blend of therapy and ritual, deeply personal yet beautifully communal.

The experience reminded me just how much of her soul Daniela pours into this place. The care she brings to cooking, to conversation, and to ceremonies like this makes Paradise in Portugal so much more than just a hotel. It’s a space of healing and connection.

Closing Reflections

Our two days at Paradise in Portugal gave us so much more than a getaway. It was a glimpse into what it means to live slowly, sustainably, and with deep respect for nature. From kayaking on the lake and sharing thoughtful meals, to long talks with Frank and Daniela and a magical evening ceremony in the yurt, everything here felt intentional and full of heart.

It’s not a luxury resort in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a place that redefines luxury — where the true treasures are birdsong, fresh food, the company of animals, and the chance to breathe a little deeper.

For anyone looking for the best eco hotel in Portugal, this is it. Not because it’s perfect or polished, but because it offers something far more rare: a connection to nature, to community, and maybe even to yourself.

As for us, we left with full hearts, new inspiration for our own dreams, and deep gratitude for Frank and Daniela’s vision.

Thank you for following along with this journey. Next, we’ll be heading to the coast — and I can’t wait to share that adventure with you too.

Hugs x