{"id":35,"date":"2021-10-31T19:55:11","date_gmt":"2021-10-31T19:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gaiaretreat.pt\/?page_id=35"},"modified":"2022-01-28T13:36:56","modified_gmt":"2022-01-28T13:36:56","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gaiaretreat.pt\/index.php\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About us"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Gaia Retreat & Eco hostel is the culmination of many years dreaming, project managing and environmental activism by your hosts, Rasmus and Elizabeth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We met each other in 2015 when working on a campaign for an environmental NGO. Sharing similar concerns about our planet and future, together we sought some other way of living that felt more aligned with the environmental realities we’d both become acutely aware of. Increasingly exhausted with city life and office work, in 2018 we set out to discover what the rest of Europe had to offer, and where we might lay down roots, in a converted jumbo transit van. We made a beeline for Portugal. Call it fate, call it calculated, it’s hard to pinpoint – but somehow we both felt pulled here, and despite ideas of discovering many new countries by road, we’ve hardly left since. After taking a year out to really begin to recover from all the years of stress and burn out, we began searching for a home. We discovered Casa Pequena thanks to a very friendly estate agent who paired us perfectly upon hearing our hopes and dreams – to build some kind of hostel or retreat place where people could connect with nature and remember the simplicity that underscores life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast forward 3 years and that dream is very much grounded in reality, and our little retreat is open for business. And hopefully not the same kind of business we’re used to, but a new kind of business. One that seeks to be accessible, collaborative, community-focused. Business not driven by growth and expansion, but depth of experience. We want to keep things simple, so we can deliver careful attention, bespoke experiences, and the peaceful environment that is Gaia Retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, more about us… Well, we can’t wait to meet you, basically. With a distinct preference for in person communication, we’d really love for your journey to Gaia Retreat to begin with a phone or video call so we can better connect and understand each other. Speak soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact us<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Gallery<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Nature Accomodation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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 \"Charlie <\/div> 
 
 Charlie Morgan <\/div> 
2025-06-04<\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> 
We had another beautiful weeks holiday, our third year in a row, visiting Gaia Forest Retreat. Rasmus cooked a delicious supper for us every evening, which we enjoyed in their shaded patio, surrounded by a lush garden. We even had an aroma therapy massage, arranged by our hosts. It hit the spot, outside, under the oaks! We also visited awesome waterfalls, river swim spots and even a trip to the coast for some surfing and body boarding. This is a wonderful place to unwind, connect with nature and yourself. Highly recommend and we\u2019ll be planning our fourth visit!<\/div> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>  
 
 
 
 \"FATIMA <\/div> 
 
 FATIMA TEIXEIRA <\/div> 
2025-05-02<\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> 
Quedamos encantados. Las caba\u00f1as espectaculares. Se respira aire puro en la naturaleza. Los cultivos fueron una muestra de las bendiciones que ofrece nuestra madre tierra. Muchas gracias por el convite. \u2764\ufe0f<\/div> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>  
 
 
 
 \"Marina <\/div> 
 
 Marina Sigalova <\/div> 
2024-10-14<\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> 
Absolutely amazing experience for nature lovers. It\u2019s a perfect place to unwind. Incredible hospitality of Elizabeth and Rasmus. There is a stunningly mesmerising view to the valley and the mountains where you can watch the sunset. I was fed with the most delicious and nourishing food \u2014 thank you, chef Rasmus! Elizabeth is an artist and she gave some great inspiration and the prompts for creative painting which was so healing. Thank you so much for the experience!<\/div> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>  
 
 
 
 \"Muriel <\/div> 
 
 Muriel Camille Beck <\/div> 
2024-09-11<\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> 
I feel blessed that I\u2019ve been able to spend the last couple of days in the woods, in the cabin and especially with Elisabeth, Rosa, and Rasmus. I felt an instant relief when they welcomed me and I adored their warmheartedness, open-mindedness, and hospitality! It felt like being invited into their own little cosmos that they\u2019ve created with so much passion, consideration, and love.\nStaying in the cabin was like having your own little nest and safe space. Elisabeth (with all of her creativity, and inspiring knowledge and perspectives) created a very supportive environment and Rasmus (with his soft and grounding energy) perpared the most delicious soulfood with so much dedication and ease and surprised me with a variety of (vegetarian) dishes everyday! To Rosa: I love your curious, caring and nature-loving soul.\nThanks to all of you!! I\u2019m looking forward to seeing you and your \u201cQuinta\u201d again \ud83e\udde1<\/div> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>  
 
 
 
 \"Susan <\/div> 
 
 Susan Scott <\/div> 
2024-06-24<\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> 
As soon as I landed at Gaia Retreat, I felt my shoulders drop, my belly soften, my exhale lengthen, and my nervous system let go of the layers of city living.\n\nI could immediately feel and sense how these wonderful people have been tending the land & the care and consideration and effort was visceral and potent.\n\nThe cabin in the woods was Perfect for rest and relaxation. I was super grateful for the small touches like a cool box to keep some water.\n\nI felt incredibly content sitting outside the cabin, listening to the birds & the trees. It felt deeply nourishing and restorative.\n\nThe soul food that Rasmus created was completely delicious & delightful and Elizabeth was on hand to help make the stay utterly wonderful. (And huge appreciation for the rest of the team- Rosa, the dogs, cat & even the chickens!)\n\nI also adored the other cabin for all the creative possibilities, the space to wander and notice all the plants & trees, and the local surroundings to have a wee walk.\n\nEven though this taster trip was just for a short period of time, I felt the benefit of it & I can\u2019t recommend this place & these fabulous people enough!\n\nI have Huge admiration & deep respect for the unfurling of Gaia Retreat and I wish all of it Wonderfully Well!\n\nUntil next time.\n\nMore than 5 stars<\/div> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>  
 
 
 
 \"Manuela <\/div> 
 
 Manuela Forero <\/div> 
2023-12-19<\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> 
Gaia Nature Retreat queda entre bosques y r\u00edos en el norte de Portugal. En una Europa cada vez m\u00e1s \u00e1rida, este lugar se siente como un pedacito de para\u00edso que roza lo m\u00e1gico y tiene perfume a cuento de hadas. Ah\u00ed te atienden, cuidan y miman la familia m\u00e1s linda que conoc\u00ed en la vida. El alimento, que sale fresco de la huerta, se traduce en amor y te llena el alma.\nRecomendar es poco, vivir\u00eda all\u00ed todas mis vidas.<\/div> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>  
 
 
 
 \"Sebastian <\/div> 
 
 Sebastian Carrizosa <\/div> 
2023-08-07<\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> 
Este lugar es incre\u00edble para desconectarse de la ciudad y estar en la naturaleza. Se siente el amor que los due\u00f1os le han puesto a la tierra. Rasmus, Buff y su peque\u00f1a hija Rosa son encantadores e inmejorables anfitriones. Otro gran punto a favor de este lugar es la comida, ya que se utilizan ingredientes frescos que ellos cultivan y se siente el sabor hogare\u00f1o y es realmente deliciosa. Si est\u00e1n buscando un lugar para descansar, reconectar con la naturaleza, sentir el calor de una familia amorosa y comer rico este es el lugar!<\/div> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>  
 
 
 
 \"alex <\/div> 
 
 alex chemodanov <\/div> 
2023-07-05<\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> 
Me and my wife stayed with Elizabeth and Rasmus for a long period of time and it was perfect!\nThey are such caring and gracious hosts and pleasant people and  we felt very comfortable and relaxed there.\nTheir land is beautiful, the cabin is cozy and the birds and nature around is a delight.\n\nI highly recommend a getaway at their place.<\/div> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>  
 
 
 
 \"Paloma <\/div> 
 
 Paloma Ferro Rodr\u00edguez <\/div> 
2022-10-20<\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> 
I'm so grateful that I found this place and had the opportunity to spend a few days there. Eli and Rasmus are the sweetest, helpful and generous. The cabin is super cozy and in an amazing location, surrounded by nature and beautiful hikes. If you feel burnt out or are a nature lover this is the place, magic place, filled with good vibes.\nDon't forget to try Rasmus food, the best chef! Thank you so much\u2764\ufe0f<\/div> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>  <\/div> 
 
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Free ranging dinosaurs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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View to Cabana Boa Vista<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Organic farming on the land<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n


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