Nature meets holiday: Villa Epicurea in Portugal's impressive coastal landscape
With its few rooms divided between the main house and small side villas, Villa Epicurea overlooks Praia do Meco beach, which was "discovered" by hippies in the 1970s until it became a hotspot for the Portuguese elite.
Only a few villages and isolated villas are to be found here between the pine forests that extend to the Atlantic. There, breathtaking sunsets await on one of the longest beaches on the coast, just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon. If you don't want to rent a car, you can use Uber, which is also available in this area. Leaving the Portuguese capital with its charming tile facades behind, you move further and further away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. With every minute you drive towards your destination, the horizon expands until you finally "land" on gravel roads at Villa Epicurea.
Here, closeness to nature is writ large. From the pool, which does not use any chemicals, to the vegetarian and vegan menus that you can enjoy during your stay, to the relaxed breakfast, which is prepared individually every morning, the culinary focus here is on selecting the best. If you want to give "Eco Chic" instead of mass tourism a chance and get to know it, this is the place to be. The villa team is personally on site to take care of all your wishes. From Swedish massage to yoga lessons or nature walks with herbalism - a wide range of offers ensures an unforgettable holiday experience.
Even in the low season, September and October, the weather is often still crowned with bathing temperatures, which makes the beaches around Lisbon optimal destinations for couples and singles who do not want to travel in the high season.
The dominant materials in the rooms - linen, raffia and wood - were carefully chosen by the founder of Villa Epicurea, Mariana Yakobson, as she tells us. She opened this resort of tranquillity as a retreat dedicated to the philosophy of the Greek philosopher Epicurus. Without TVs in the rooms, but instead equipped with WLAN, one adopts a completely different pace here, one that is often no longer found in everyday life. Bringing your favourite books is definitely recommended.
Villa Epicurea: Here tranquillity becomes a work of art
If you make your way to the beach on foot or by car, you will not only be rewarded with wonderful cliffs and a picturesque lighthouse, but also with a panoramic view of the entire coastline. If you're hungry for more, you can indulge in fresh seafood and fish at the Bar do Peixe. After walking through the Atlantic waves - or even plunging into the waters - you can also reward yourself with a homemade dessert afterwards.
Photos: Villa Epicurea
