Eco-friendly Yurt Holidays
in brief
Come and stay in our romantic Mongolian style yurts, nestled in the mountains of central Portugal, about one hour inland from the ancient university town of Coimbra. Our two yurts are self-contained and fully furnished and each has its own private bathroom, set in our smallholding of terraced land, which we manage organically. Olives, vines and fruit trees surround the yurts; our own spring provides the water; and energy is solar powered. Whether you’re looking for a lazy rural retreat, or an active holiday in the hills, there’s no better way to get back to nature without foregoing any creature comforts.
where are we
Arganil, Beiras, Portugal
kind of accommodation
alternative accomodation, camping, ecolodge We are closed between 1 october and 01 may
prices
£ 65 per night for two people, including breakfast
£ 400 per week for two people including breakfast
£ 400 per week for two people including breakfast
availability
from 01/05/2011 to 30/09/2012. for days
spoken languages
contacts
travelers review
6317 visits, 1 reviews 
One of the best holidays we have had. The area is so peaceful and quiet, the scenery amazing [..] [Hannah and David]
show all
One of the best holidays we have had. The area is so peaceful and quiet, the scenery amazing [..] [Hannah and David]
show all
ecology and sustainability '
who are we
Guest of a London family moved to Portugal. Hannah and Derek with their two children, offering a romantic and environmentally friendly retreat surrounded by nature. The Mongolian-style tents, the Yurt, are economical and eco-friendly. The pair created an idyllic spot ideal for honeymoons and romantic moments, paying attention to every little detail.
environmental responsibility
We are all now extremely conscious of the pressing need to change our ways of life and outlook, by living in harmony with our environment and at the same time rewarding ourselves with the bounties that can come from a sustainable way of living.
Here you can experience how comfortably we can all live predominantly from our own resources in an uncomplicated and inexpensive fashion. Solar energy supplies all the electricity for our yurt. The hot shower and compost toilet is part of as clean and fresh a bathroom suite as one could hope to meet anywhere, and will, we feel sure, convince any sceptic that this is an agreeable non-polluting and effective alternative solution to plumbing.
The yurt is low impact and was made by local people using local materials and will leave very little footprint on the land once removed. Our business is small scale and family run; hence we feel we can give our guests our best.
We try to ensure that everything we use here is biodegradable, for the simple reason that otherwise we would upset our organic water filtration system and recycling process. Our grey water is filtered through sand, shingle and charcoal and redirected to water trees and vines that are precious to us. The terraces were cleverly designed to conserve all the water that comes down from the hills around us, which is collected in tanks, and supplies our needs.
Our garden produce is grown free from pesticides, artificial fertilisers or insecticides and is included as much as possible in our menu options. We use a raised bed, no dig system that we mulch heavily to maintain healthy moisture and nutrition levels. We tend our little haven with love and a belief that through treating it with respect and care we can leave a positive mark here. Quite simply we keep it as free from pollution as possible.
Here you can experience how comfortably we can all live predominantly from our own resources in an uncomplicated and inexpensive fashion. Solar energy supplies all the electricity for our yurt. The hot shower and compost toilet is part of as clean and fresh a bathroom suite as one could hope to meet anywhere, and will, we feel sure, convince any sceptic that this is an agreeable non-polluting and effective alternative solution to plumbing.
The yurt is low impact and was made by local people using local materials and will leave very little footprint on the land once removed. Our business is small scale and family run; hence we feel we can give our guests our best.
We try to ensure that everything we use here is biodegradable, for the simple reason that otherwise we would upset our organic water filtration system and recycling process. Our grey water is filtered through sand, shingle and charcoal and redirected to water trees and vines that are precious to us. The terraces were cleverly designed to conserve all the water that comes down from the hills around us, which is collected in tanks, and supplies our needs.
Our garden produce is grown free from pesticides, artificial fertilisers or insecticides and is included as much as possible in our menu options. We use a raised bed, no dig system that we mulch heavily to maintain healthy moisture and nutrition levels. We tend our little haven with love and a belief that through treating it with respect and care we can leave a positive mark here. Quite simply we keep it as free from pollution as possible.
photovoltaic cells
energy saving
separate waste collection
water saving
organic vegetable gardening
km 0 menu
ecological detergents
enviromental conservation project
vegan and vegetarian diet
celiac or food intolerance
garden
breakfast
gay friendly
trekking trails
private parking
The tourism impact unfortunately it's inevitable but there are operators that promote cultures and local traditions, which support the economy of and host communities that protect and enhance the environmental resources.
Vacanzefaidate.com selected this travel proposal among the thousands on the market, to offer you really the best.
In the section 'how we make the difference' you can learn more about this operator and its characteristics of responsibility. To better evaluate and choose with whom to travel and the right holiday for you and for the others.
When you are back from your holiday, we invite you to leave here your review. Your feedback is important to evaluate our partners and to help the travelers who come after you. We'll not hesitate to remove from our search engine the partners that should reveal not responsible.
the accommodation
A romantic Mongolian style yurt, nestled in the mountains of central Portugal, surrounded by the scent of jasmine, eucalyptus and orange blossom. Set on an organic smallholding, where a natural spring provides the water and energy is solar powered. A substantial continental breakfast is included, using local produce wherever possible.
After a number of happy couples spent their honeymoon with us, we started to understand better what a green honeymoon couple are looking for. All couples needs are different and we aim to create the trip you want. Just let us know what is important to you. For those who really want to sit back, the full package includes breakfasts, suppers (three courses with wine) and packed lunches for one week. Also champagne on arrival, welcome pack and romantic extras. Alternatively you can go for the half package with breakfast and suppers included (but no lunches). We are presently building a holistic holiday package that includes various healing therapies, further information
After a number of happy couples spent their honeymoon with us, we started to understand better what a green honeymoon couple are looking for. All couples needs are different and we aim to create the trip you want. Just let us know what is important to you. For those who really want to sit back, the full package includes breakfasts, suppers (three courses with wine) and packed lunches for one week. Also champagne on arrival, welcome pack and romantic extras. Alternatively you can go for the half package with breakfast and suppers included (but no lunches). We are presently building a holistic holiday package that includes various healing therapies, further information
the rooms
What is a yurt? It’s a large circular tent on a wooden frame, originally used by Mongolian nomads. Ours are a spacious 5metres in diameter. Apple tree yurt has a smaller yurt attached for families or simply extra space.
Chestnut Tree yurt sleeps two there’s a double bed –up to two children’s beds can be arranged in the yurt. Alternatively for extra kids space rent our super spacious bell tent, which fits two double mattresses comfortably. Chestnut tree yurt has reading lights and a solar sourced power point sufficient for a laptop. Please note items like kettles and hairdryers are too heavy for our solar system.
Apple Tree yurt sleeps up to four there's a double bed and a small yurt attached with has either one single or two. Perfect for families or just for that extra space for reading and relaxing. A selection of cooled drinks are always available in the yurt. Derek mixes a fantastic Caiparinha (a delicious Brazilian rum cocktail). Outside the yurt is your own private bathroom, with hot shower, sink, and ecological loo. Apple Tree Yurt runs on its own independent solar panel at 12volts and has two reading lights.
The yurts stand on a platform beside a chestnut tree, providing all-day shade (hammocks and loungers provided).
We live just a few minutes walk away if you need us for anything. We have lived in portugal since 2001 and enjoy our hectare of terraced land with our two children, Theo 10 and Ella 7, the chickens, the dog and the cat.
A substantial continental breakfast is included, using local produce wherever possible. It’s served next to your yurt under a chestnut tree. Packed lunches and home-cooked evening meals are also available, with advance notice.
Chestnut Tree yurt sleeps two there’s a double bed –up to two children’s beds can be arranged in the yurt. Alternatively for extra kids space rent our super spacious bell tent, which fits two double mattresses comfortably. Chestnut tree yurt has reading lights and a solar sourced power point sufficient for a laptop. Please note items like kettles and hairdryers are too heavy for our solar system.
Apple Tree yurt sleeps up to four there's a double bed and a small yurt attached with has either one single or two. Perfect for families or just for that extra space for reading and relaxing. A selection of cooled drinks are always available in the yurt. Derek mixes a fantastic Caiparinha (a delicious Brazilian rum cocktail). Outside the yurt is your own private bathroom, with hot shower, sink, and ecological loo. Apple Tree Yurt runs on its own independent solar panel at 12volts and has two reading lights.
The yurts stand on a platform beside a chestnut tree, providing all-day shade (hammocks and loungers provided).
We live just a few minutes walk away if you need us for anything. We have lived in portugal since 2001 and enjoy our hectare of terraced land with our two children, Theo 10 and Ella 7, the chickens, the dog and the cat.
A substantial continental breakfast is included, using local produce wherever possible. It’s served next to your yurt under a chestnut tree. Packed lunches and home-cooked evening meals are also available, with advance notice.
to do and see
The nearest village is ten minutes walk away, and has a café and a very small shop. The two closest towns, Arganil and Gois, are a twenty-minute drive away, and each has a supermarket, a weekly market and several cafés and restaurants. The closest airport is
Porto, two and a half hours’ drive from here.
There are several natural river beaches close by, perfect for wild swimming and relaxing. You can walk off the property and into the hills, or drive a short way to access fine mountain walks, abandoned hill villages, country restaurants, lakes and reservoirs.
We can put you in touch with local operators offering horse-riding, mountain-biking, water sports and other activities. Or there are many cultural and historic destinations within an hours drive, from Roman ruins to medieval castles. Information regarding these activities are provided in your yurt.
Porto, two and a half hours’ drive from here.
There are several natural river beaches close by, perfect for wild swimming and relaxing. You can walk off the property and into the hills, or drive a short way to access fine mountain walks, abandoned hill villages, country restaurants, lakes and reservoirs.
We can put you in touch with local operators offering horse-riding, mountain-biking, water sports and other activities. Or there are many cultural and historic destinations within an hours drive, from Roman ruins to medieval castles. Information regarding these activities are provided in your yurt.
food and wine
A substantial continental breakfast is included, using local produce wherever possible. It’s served next to your yurt under a chestnut tree. Packed lunches and home-cooked evening meals are also available, with advance notice.
detailed prices
£65 per night for two people, including breakfast.
£400 per week including breakfast.
£50 per week for yurt pod or bell tent hire.
Individuals call for availability.
Children under 3, free
Children between 3 and 12 an extra £10 each.
Cot/linen provided.
A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the price is payable upon confirmation of booking when an invoice/receipt will be issued. The remainder is payable 28 days before the start of the holiday and a final receipt will be issued.
Please be aware we are a rural retreat in the mountains and there are areas of uneven ground, hence we can not provide specific access for the infirm.
£400 per week including breakfast.
£50 per week for yurt pod or bell tent hire.
Individuals call for availability.
Children under 3, free
Children between 3 and 12 an extra £10 each.
Cot/linen provided.
A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the price is payable upon confirmation of booking when an invoice/receipt will be issued. The remainder is payable 28 days before the start of the holiday and a final receipt will be issued.
Please be aware we are a rural retreat in the mountains and there are areas of uneven ground, hence we can not provide specific access for the infirm.
how to reach us
The nearest train station is one hour from here in Coimbra a pick up service is available.
Sorry public transport is very limited in these parts, and you’ll need a car to see any of the surroundings. However we welcome cyclists and motorcyclists.
The closest airport is Porto, two and a half hours’ drive from here.
Sorry public transport is very limited in these parts, and you’ll need a car to see any of the surroundings. However we welcome cyclists and motorcyclists.
The closest airport is Porto, two and a half hours’ drive from here.
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