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Publication in Columbus. A Dutch travel magazine.

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Our reviews

  • star rating  You are great!
    Vinha Da Manta is great and all this thanks to the wonderful Jacqueline and Menno, their kids and the many volunteers who make sure that you feel... read more welcome and at ease from the moment you arrive and this during your whole stay.
    It is really difficult to tell everything in only a few words. My friends and I enjoyed the morning yoga classes, the nice breakfast, the refreshing jumps in the natural pool, the sporty walks, the peace and quiet, the privacy in the clean and cosy tents, the cats and dogs, the little chats with Jacqueline, Menno and the other guests.
    And last but not least thank you Menno for the fantastic dinner evenings. We loved the idea of all the guests around a big table sharing and enjoying your wonderful homemade food!
    We'll be back!
    Big kisses from the Belgian ladies; Saar, Indra, Marijke and Katrien!

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    KatrienV259
    July 11, 2017
  • star rating  We have just returned from Vinha da Manta having spent 10 days in Cachoeira lodge with our daughters aged 3 and (almost) 5. The accommodation is really magical, combining all... read more the best bits of camping - waking up to sunlight and birdsong and generally feeling at one with nature, with the comfort and practicality of having actual (comfy!) beds, a functioning kitchen and a plumbed toilet. We have spent many afternoons enjoying dinner on the terrace which overlooks a stunning mountain range and gazing at the blanket of stars as night descended upon the valley. However, the highlight of the stay has got to be the warm hospitality of Jacqueline and Menno and the wonderful team of volunteers who made us feel at home. In particular, the dinners Menno lays out for guests every other night are epic. Menno's cooking is a modern take on the middle-eastern kitchen which he combines with local ingredients as well as dishes inspired by the family's asian travels. Dinners are served communally and often end up with guests staying up late, chatting and drinking.

    Travelling with young children we were struggling a little to find age appropriate activities. The river beach is amazing but you really have to take care because the rocks are very slippery. The natural pool is great, but not ideal for toddlers. Likewise the farm tracks between the main building and the lodges are slippery underfoot and steep, which led to the occasional fall. This is not to discourage parents from taking young children, but they should be prepared. The kids loved playing with the cats and dogs and generally running around the main house. Our eldest also had a wonderful experience horse-riding led by Jacqueline and one of the volunteers. We really enjoyed morning yoga with Elise - a wonderful start to the day!

    Overall, I would definitely recommend Vinha da Manta for those seeking an unusual stay in a stunning location and a truly relaxing break.

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    solomonirene
    July 15, 2018
  • star rating  This place is special. Hopefully we will be lucky enough to visit again. everything about the place is unbelievable, from the moment you arrive you know you are... read more in somewhere special. Jacqueline & Menno were superhosts, ensuring the week was special.........and the food prepared by Meeno unforgetable. Hoepfully we will get back someday.

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    avatar thumb Brian C
    February 6, 2023
  • star rating  We enjoyed a family trip here in July and I would agree with many of the comments made in previous reviews.

    The accommodation was as described - a safari... read more tent with good facilities including a much needed fridge for the heat. If going, you really need bug spray or a mosquito net as we were bitten quite a bit and our citronella wasn't strong enough. The paths between the house and the pool can be steep and loose rocks caused a few wobbles every now and then so if you have mobility issues this may not be ideal for you.

    The pool was lovely though it could get quite crowded so if you want relaxation you had to go either first thing or on a Saturday which seemed to be prime changeover day.

    Because there are volunteers, service is very laid back so be prepared for this relaxed vibe.

    Menno's cooking was great and worth doing.

    I would also recommend a car as there are no shops within walking distance, you need to catch a cab if you want milk or ask the hosts to arrange it for you.

    There is some noise in the valley, the church bells, if the dogs get rowdy barking and local events. This didn't upset us though it did impact upon our sleep so if you are a light sleeper I would agree with the ear plug comment made by another reviewer.

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    ViBoLondon
    August 25, 2018
  • 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... 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 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 . More

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    Cat F
    August 19, 2016
  • star rating  Ik ben geen kampeerder. Nooit geweest. Maar dit is geen kamperen hoor! Wow! Werkelijk een magische plek! Het terrein is zo groot waardoor de tenten ver uit elkaar staan... read more en je veel privacy hebt. Het bad op ons buiten terras hebben we ook veelvuldig gebruikt!...Meer

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    avatar thumb Brenda1972_10
    August 13, 2018
  • 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  Excellent place, at the border of sierra d'estrella. Several walks available, both short and easy or longer. Very friendly staff. Chef worthy food by the owner. And his son is... read more learning fast to follow his footsteps. Chill natural pool on the premisses.

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    paulsP6345JN
    August 31, 2016
  • 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
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