Paraiso Escondido is an eco-conscious luxury retreat in the heart of Portugal’s Alentejo region, set across 8 hectares of pristine landscape. This intimate property features ten uniquely styled rooms, including two elevated wooden bungalows, all with en-suite bathrooms and private spaces. The main house showcases high wooden ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and large windows that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living.
Guests can enjoy a 10-meter swimming pool, organic garden, spa facilities, and a hilltop yoga studio. This sustainable sanctuary offers farm-to-table vegetarian cuisine, EV charging stations, and solar energy systems, perfectly embodying their philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
Their story
Paraiso Escondido was founded by Berny Serrão and Glenn in 2014, inspired by Berny’s connection to the southern Alentejo, which reminded her of her birthplace, Mozambique. The couple transformed their country house into a tranquil eco-retreat, driven by their vision of living in harmony with nature. Berny, using her artistic background, designed the entire property from ground zero, incorporating sustainable practices and creating individually styled accommodations.
Today, the retreat offers a luxurious escape where guests can experience organic dining, wellness activities, and the unspoiled beauty of the Alentejo landscape, all while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental consciousness. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- Paraiso Escondido was designed to harmonize with nature, featuring architectural planning that integrates seamlessly into the Alentejo landscape.
- The eco-lodge runs on solar power, uses LED lighting, and offers EV charging. It has a chemical-free garden, recycles rainwater, and sources most food locally. The yoga studio is built from upcycled containers lined with sustainable cork.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- Paraiso Escondido harnesses solar energy for water heating throughout the property, demonstrating their dedication to eco-conscious operations. The eco-lodge has installed Tesla and other electric vehicle charging stations to promote sustainable transportation. All lighting fixtures have been converted to energy-efficient LED bulbs to minimize power consumption.
- They also utilize rainwater harvesting, collecting it in a lake for irrigating lawns and their organic garden.
Pioneer in waste management
- The lodge recycles glass, paper, and plastics, while utilizing organic enzymes to break down food and human waste in septic tanks.
- They maintain an organic vegetable garden that produces zero chemical waste and actively reduce single-use plastics across operations.
- The property uses sustainable products including fair-trade coffee with recyclable capsules and eco-friendly bathroom amenities in reusable dispensers.
- Their waste reduction efforts extend to sourcing 90% of food products within a 35km radius, minimizing transportation waste and supporting local sustainability.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- They cultivate their own organic vegetable garden without pesticides or chemicals.
- The property uses natural skincare products from Elemental Herbology, featuring botanical ingredients that enhance wellbeing.
- Their food philosophy centers on organic, locally-sourced ingredients, with many vegetables and herbs harvested directly from their garden. They utilize organic enzymes for waste management, minimize chlorine-based products, and emphasize natural solutions in their day-to-day operations.
- Their sustainable approach extends to their bathroom amenities, which are eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
Actively protects nature and community
- Paraiso Escondido exemplifies eco-conscious living through thoughtful architectural design that harmonizes with the natural landscape. The retreat educates staff about environmental responsibility while providing guests an enriching experience in nature.
Most Popular Activities Near Paraiso Escondido
- Yoga and meditation sessions in hilltop studio.
- Nature walks through eucalyptus and cork tree forests.
- Art and painting workshops.
- Farm-to-table cooking experiences.
- Wellness treatments in small spa facility.
- Organic gardening activities.
- Wine tasting tours to local Alentejo wineries.
- Surfing at nearby coastal beaches.
- Horse riding excursions.
- Canoeing adventures.
- Qigong classes.
- Guided hiking trails.
- Stargazing under clear unpolluted skies.
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Best Time To Visit Paraiso Escondido
- The best time to visit Paraiso Escondido is from late spring through early autumn, between May and September, when the Alentejo region enjoys warm, sunny weather perfect for outdoor activities.
- During these months, guests can fully experience the property’s 8-hectare grounds, take refreshing dips in the swimming pool, and explore the surrounding cork and eucalyptus forests. The mild temperatures are ideal for yoga sessions in the hilltop studio, walks through the organic gardens, and day trips to nearby pristine beaches like Zambujeira do Mar and Odeceixe, just 15-25 minutes away by car.