• Vinha Da Manta
    • About us
    • Philosophy
    • Property
  • Accommodation
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  • Activities
  • Reservations
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    • With kids
    • Without kids
    • Retreats, events or workshops
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    • Route description
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Philosophy

We opened our doors in the summer of 2012. We then started to design and build accommodations, and created an atmosphere where we ourselves would like to go to – light, air, space, privacy, enjoying nature, good food, coziness, and luxury. That is also the reason why we keep Vinha da Manta small and thus intimate, with a certain amount of exclusivity. We run the company ourselves, which means that everything is done to maintain our own high standards. We are constantly improving what we have created, and makimg it even better, year after year. The result of our efforts is reflected in the high ratings we receive on sites like TripAdvisor (Certificate of Excellence 2017) but also by being chosen as one of the “best holiday destinations 2015” according to The Guardian and one of the “30 best holiday spots 2016” according to The Sunday Times. Besides numerous small articles, we are extensively featured in two Dutch lifestyle magazines, the Seasons in August 2013 (8 pages) and the VT-Wonen in August 2016 (10 pages). For more information, see our Press page.

We are constantly seeking for a way to provide our guests the best holiday experience possible, and at the same time we have a clear ecological conscience. We combine “green” with luxury. We are committed to protecting the relationship with the land, the local community and the natural environment, which goes well with a luxurious, outdoor holiday. That is also the reason we have a natural pool, cleaned only by plants and with water better than from the average tap. Our own springs provide us with the purest of drinking water. We use local sustainable wood to build the platforms for the canvas lodges, and our fixtures and furnishings are designed in conjunction with the shapes and colours of the surrounding landscape. We grow as many of our own vegetables for our restaurant as possible (all organic), and source our honey, cheese, eggs, and milk locally whenever possible. Our fruit trees, vines, fig trees, and olive trees are also organic. Total darkness is now a real treat, so we try to minimize light pollution with soft solar lighting. These are all just examples of the first steps we are taking, small but durable ones, to be able to share a new way of seeing the world with our guests.

Newsletter

Our reviews

  • star rating  Vinha da Manta is difficult to sum up in a few words, but we had a magical time there. There is a genuine warmth about the place - not just... read more coming from the 35 degree heat. It is incredibly relaxing and relaxed but has all the important stuff covered: comfortable accommodation, good showers (with amazing views), cold water for dipping in and most of all incredible food. Being looked after in terms of food and drink (every other night) was a real highlight for us, especially when the kids are fed first (healthy and child-friendly food - so it IS possible!), and then grown-ups get to relax and enjoy Menno's FANTASTIC cooking with the other guests in a beautiful setting while the kids run around and find their own adventures. The yoga studio has the best view I've ever seen from a class (the teacher was really good too) and the massage similarly brilliant. Our two boys loved the cats, dogs and riding the horses. The kayaking trip about 1 and a half hours away with Rock and River was fantastic too. Vinha da Manta is a really special place and we really hope to go back. And the other reviewer Cat F is right - there is something sorted and fun about the Dutch! More

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    KikiMack
    September 6, 2016
  • star rating  We stayed a full week at Damanta and we were sorry that we could not stay any longer.

    Menno and Jacqueline are very nice hosts that are warm, friendly,... read more and know how to cook! You feel part of the family the moment you enter their house.

    We had a lodge (we are not supposed to say the 'T' word) with four adults. It is a beautiful lodge, with a kitchen block, a sleeping area (nicely separated two double beds in our case) and a nice veranda and sitting area. We even had our own little 'pool' with fresh running cold water! Super for an early morning dive!

    The pool is very beautiful. All natural with many lilies in the water and frogs on their leaves.

    The breakfast is very nice. Perfect fresh bread and hand made jams. Fresh juice, yoghurt with stuff and local cheese.

    The diner (Menno makes a delicious dinner 3 times a week) is restaurant class. All fresh from their garden (if possible) and create combinations. You eat with all the guests together in a very nice atmosphere.

    We did quite some hikes from Damanta. Menno knows where to go and even guided us on a walk to the river. The region is very pretty and has lots of opportunities to hike and swim!

    I would recommend this for everybody who likes nature, friendly people and a holiday away from the crowds.

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    Mischa C
    July 3, 2015
  • star rating  This was one of my most favourite places that I have visited. It was just beautiful. The Fonte lodge with the dipping pool and being a little higher in the... read more hills was just wonderful. Somewhere you can just relax in peace and tranquility with a...More

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    avatar thumb Carl H
    June 3, 2016
  • star rating  Glampling is not for everybody, but if you enjoy nature and fancy giving glamping a try, then you won’t be disappointed at Vinha da Manta! The standard is very high!... read more The tents (lodge) are very spacious with a wonderful terrace/veranda to enjoy the views. The...More

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    avatar thumb VDRBO
    August 9, 2015
  • star rating  Een week bij Menno en Jacqueline en je komt helemaal tot rust. Wij hebben in het huisje Vinha da Horta gezeten. Een prachtig uitzicht, een fijne plek, relaxte sfeer en... read more s’avonds heerlijk eten maakte dit alles tot een geweldige week. Nogmaals dank hiervoor! Arno en...Meer

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    avatar thumb dijk2018
    June 19, 2018
  • star rating  I have never felt so immediately welcomed as I did at Vinha da Manta. Menno and Jacqueline (and their kids) went out of their way to make my stay amazing.... read more Not only was the hospitality amazing, the food was incredible and the views were great. I had an amazing time getting to know both Menno and Jacqueline and their three sweet kids. I am already looking forward to my next visit. Thank you for treating me like a good friend and for making me not want to leave! Hopefully this is a 'see you soon'!

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    Loren W
    June 6, 2016
  • star rating  Vinha da Manta is in a wonderful location, our children, aged 9 and 5, had an amazing week and we felt that they were safe and happy roaming the hillside... read more and playing with the other kids. They absolutely loved it and really did not want...More

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    avatar thumb JoanneDaveOscarIsis
    September 2, 2015
  • star rating  First impressions , for me as we arrived, were a little 'off' . It gave a 'messy' impression and for someone like me that takes a little time to come... read more to terms with. But after a couple of days we all settled in as a family with both the hosts and the other guests. We were treated with exceptional kindness and the kids, 10 and 8 absolutely loved it . It's a way of living and it involves togetherness and bonds become tight and caring with both hosts, guests and the volunteers working there. Something we all miss after our departure . There's plenty of pets to play with and the kids went riding twice and also helped walking the dogs . Most days we hung out by the natural pool watching frogs and dragon flies and chatting to other guests. The dinners this place cook are absolutely amazing and pizza night tops it all. Kids get their own yummy dinner before the grown ups and it's like a big party every time and really brings this place together. Most guests are Dutch and my husband and I agree that the Dutch are very sorted and fun people to be around.
    They organise walks as well and I went on one through the Montego Valley. Hard work through the bushes going mostly down hill in 35 degrees but with great views and a sense of adventure! The walk took a good couple of hours and a bit and at the end we were met by volunteers from the camp who brought us a lovely little picnic by the river. We all had a well deserved swim and got back to camp in the afternoon.
    The possible down side about Vinha da Manta is that if you don't want nature every day and need a little culture and a shop or two, there isn't much to see. Our best outing was Viseu which is an hour away. Great cathedral and castle and and plenty of both silly and good shops. Guarda, nearest to the camp site is just about ok and has a good cathedral but otherwise nothing much. The old bit of town is small and the surrounding concrete mess is not so great. Porto is 2 hours away and we loved it. Stunning buildings and packed with hipsters and art and great food. Make a day of it ( if not two!).
    If you are able to really relax and read and do nothing you will be perfectly fine at Vinha da Manta. It is a truly special place that will stay with us forever. It feels like family to us and the kids have expressed deep wishes of wanting to go back.
    Highly recommended .

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    Cat F
    August 20, 2016
  • star rating  Wat een heerlijke plek is Vinha da Manta! We zijn er nu 2 keer geweest en beide keren was het genieten. Het warme welkom van Jacqueline en Menno, de rust... read more en de relaxte sfeer, de ruime tenten met keuken, terras en veel privacy, de mooie...Meer

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    avatar thumb Eligab
    December 5, 2018
  • star rating  I have never felt so immediately welcomed as I did at Vinha da Manta. Menno and Jacqueline (and their kids) went out of their way to make my stay amazing.... read more Not only was the hospitality amazing, the food was incredible and the views were great. I had an amazing time getting to know both Menno and Jacqueline and their three sweet kids. I am already looking forward to my next visit. Thank you for treating me like a good friend and for making me not want to leave! Hopefully this is a 'see you soon'!

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    lorenw887
    June 6, 2016
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