Companhia das Culturas

Companhia das Culturas In the southeast of the Algarve is located in the center of an organic farmyard with 40-hectare, surrounded by pines, cork oaks and carob trees, apricot, fig and olive trees as well a vegetable garden design exclusively to supply the hotel needs .

In 2008, the farm was re-furbished by architect Pedro Ressano Garcia and converted into a small hotel with 9 rooms [3 singles, 3 doubles and 3 suites] and 4 apartments. Anthropologist Eglantina Monteiro and writer Francisco Palma-Dias created the concept behind a relaxing experience that allows the guests to fell engaged in a very specific experience through a symbiotic relationship between the architecture, the daily meals and the surrounding ecosystem.

Walls were moved and floor plans redefined in order to create space for a full filing accommodation: the Hamam offers scrubs, massages and therapies run by a Chinese Medicine therapist – using exclusively organic essential oils ; the Cork Box - an ancient threshing machine garage - completely lined with cork for yoga and Pilates sessions can also hosts meetings, retreats and other events; a conceptual restaurant grounded in the portuguese diet that was developed to embody the culture, the ecosystem and the climate - Mediterranean, Atlantic and Continental influences.

New views through the building like a common room with a library and friendly bar where an old olive oil mill is a kind of milestone from the times where this place was used to this production. Whitewashed walls, exposed beams, unique vintage pieces and modern design, local handicraft, old linen and new designer fabrics create an ambience bespeaking generous cosmopolitanism and relaxed aplomb.

Depending on the season, guests can participate in the harvest of local fruits, in there transformation, in nature walks, watching migratory birds, the ancient processes of collecting salt, and all the historical and cultural heritage. The saltwater pool ensures refreshment - or the sea that is only two kilometres distance. Companhia das Culturas has consistently committed itself to sustainability: this dedication ranges from self-grown food to the abandonment of air-conditioning systems and tv, the installation of a water treatment system and the use of solar energy through to the recommendation to travel by train.

Architec: Pedro Ressano Garcia http://www.ressanogarcia.com

Interior Design: Eglantina Monteiro [ anthropologist of art and the property owner ]

Graphic designer: Francisco Providência http://www.fprovidencia.com/site.html