Our home base for the next 5 days was at the modern retreat of Casa Modesta located in Ria Formosa just outside the town of Olhão. We were welcomed by the owner, Carlos Fernandes, who shared the unique family story of how this 9-suite retreat came to be while providing a tour. Built on the site of his grandparents’ family home, it was named after his mother, Modesta Maria. Designed by Carlos’s sister, who is a local architect, Casa Modesta consists of two whitewashed buildings that offer guests a common kitchen/bar area, featuring the original bread oven and the other bulding is where we dined and had a small lounge/reception area. Every room, ours was #9, offers a large private terrace where you can enjoy both the sunrise and sunset. The interior design includes a mix of traditional materials, like the terracotta floor tiles, but is decorated with modern elements as well as family heirlooms. And lastly, the brother of Carlos, is the wonderful host and cook who will prepare the most delicious daily breakfast. Guests are also offered the option for making reservations to join for dinner. We did, and it was by far the best meal we enjoyed while in Portugal.
20 Comments
Nic
We’ve only visited Lisbon and the area around the city in Portugal and that was our first trip abroad together over 10 years ago! But since then we’ve always wanted to return and see more of the country. The coast down here reminds me of the Great Ocean road near Melbourne but I also love these towns too, so much character.
The.Holidaymaker
We also went to Lisbon, maybe that is my next post! Yes, we shared the same impression of seeing more of the country in a return trip. I have not been to Melbourne, but that sounds wonderful if the Algarve reminds you of it.
Marvi
Wow.. Everything looks charming in Algarve. 🙂 I definitely love how you had the beach all to yourself. Those rock formations look amazing.. And Casa Modesto looks relaxing too. The host sounds wonderful too what with him cooking breakfast for guests. 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
Glad you like it Marvi. It indeed was wonderful to have the beach to ourselves! And, what a beach it was. Thank you for stopping by my site and taking the time to comment.
WanderlustBeautyDreams
Dying to visit Portugal, and your pictures sold me even more to hopefully go sooner!
The.Holidaymaker
Wow, I am so glad they inspired you!
Amy
As a fellow Canadian, I can appreciate the warm weather in February as a major draw!! Those beaches are absolutely stunning, and I have heard nothing but amazing things about Portugal in general. Casa Modesta sounds exactly like a place we search for, I love the personal touches and small scale service. Would love to visit someday!
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks for commenting fellow Canadian 😉! Yes, it is definitely worth looking into when our winters seem to drag on, it is the most pleasant and welcomed weather. I hope you get to experience one day soon. Thanks for commenting.
Heather
I haven’t been to Portugal (yet) and hadn’t heard of Faro yet but I have to go there! Those beautiful doors and picturesque walks with cool visuals. They are amazing…old towns usually are, but Faro looks extra incredible!!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, don’t you just love those doors?! I hope you get to travel to Portugal one day, especially if you love charming, picturesque towns as there are many! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Yara
How timely! I’m planning a trip to Portugal in the fall, and Algarve is high on my list. Tavira was not on my radar and I’m so glad I read through this – because I definitely see myself exploring for a day or two. Thanks for a great post!
The.Holidaymaker
I am so glad it inspired you to check out Tavira, it is definitely a charming town in that area. If you want to check out another post I have, it features the Alentejo region and there are a lot of wonderful places there to check out too. Enjoy your trip to Portugal, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Yukti
Algarve region in Portugal is really worth visiting with all those incredible rocky beaches, rustic colorful towns. I loved the colorful houses in Tavira. I am saving your post.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you so much Yukti! I am glad that this is a post that was useful to you.
Joanne
We’ll be visiting Lisbon and the Algarve in July and I can’t wait to check out a few of these locations! The Benegil Caves and Praia Da Marinha are definitely on our list but we’re also going to check out a few more of the beaches you mentioned.
The.Holidaymaker
How wonderful! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Happy travels!
Alison
Your photos are beautiful. Something about Portugal just gets in your soul. I too loved Faro and would love to have explored Tavira but ended up going west to Carvoeiro which was beautiful. Thanks for the post, reminding me what a treasure Portugal is and how many little corners there are to explore. Another Canadian who loved the warmth there!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you so much fellow Canadian! I appreciate your kind words and pleased that it brought back some memories.
Stephanie
Well…this just shot to the top of my bucket list! I’ve only ever been to Lisbon and it was for a 12 hour layover. The Algarve Region looks absolutely STUNNING! You’ve done an amazing job capturing it and created a true sense of “get there now!” Also, thanks for including a little bit about each section of the region. It makes trip planning that much easier, as I haven’t seen a whole lot of travel guides or posts on this region!
The.Holidaymaker
That is so incredibly kind, thank you for your comments. I am pleased that this has inspired and informed you. You may wish to check out my other post in the Aljento region, http://dreamplanexperience.com/lets-go-to-the-alentejo-region-in-portugal/. It is worth seeing as well. Thank you for taking the time to comment.