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About us

We are Menno and Jacqueline. In the summer of 2011, we moved to Portugal with our 3 children, Finn (now 24), Thijm (now 22) and Keet (now 18). We wanted to create something special for and by ourselves, where we could both live and share our passions at the same time. Menno’s passion is “gourmet cooking”, gardening, and as a viticulturist he is also passionate about wine. Horses are Jacqueline’s main passion. We both share a passion for hosting.

We were both active in the business sector in the Netherlands. Menno worked as director in the transportation world. Jacqueline was coach and IT manager and consultant. After 20 years of working (and playing) hard, we had achieved our ambitions. It was time for new challenges, and a different interpretation of our everyday reality.

Vinha Da Manta is an estate of 34 acres (14 hectares) that we have arranged as we would like to have it when we go on vacation ourselves. We created beautiful spaces, and an environment in which peace, privacy, and comfort together with friendliness and a good atmosphere meet. We love to share all of this with our guests. We welcome everyone personally, in our beautiful and luxury canvas lodges.

We would love to welcome you  here soon!

Newsletter

Our reviews

  • star rating  The most amazing place ever! Pretty much perfection and exactly what we were looking for. 8 lovely big tents , made really well,great quality and furnished beautifully- containing everything... read more you need for a week away. Amazing views and peace, surrounded only by nature .. The...More

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    avatar thumb Zphillip
    July 2, 2015
  • 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  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 lovely aray of sunshine overlooking such s beautiful setting. What really makes this place are Meno, Jacqueline, family and the volunteers. They invite you in to their home, their paradise with ease and make you feel so incredibly welcome and comfortable. As soon as you arrive they are ready to assist and offer you a well needed drink, offering to assist with taking luggage to the lodge and then walking with you to make sure you settle in. The food and dinner setting is to die for. Our first night home made pizzas were being made in the wood pizza oven and were lovely. The wood fire was on and the drink was flowing and there were a lovely group of guests to speak to and enjoy hearing stories from. The selection of toppings and salads were great. The continental breakfast the following morning was enough to get you ready for the day and there is no better setting to enjoy a cappuccino with. We also had our own food that needed cooking the following evening and all were really inviting allowing us to use their ovens to cook them, offering a beer and then... 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 hills was just wonderful. Somewhere you can just relax in peace and tranquility with a lovely aray of sunshine overlooking such s beautiful setting. What really makes this place are Meno, Jacqueline, family and the volunteers. They invite you in to their home, their paradise with ease and make you feel so incredibly welcome and comfortable. As soon as you arrive they are ready to assist and offer you a well needed drink, offering to assist with taking luggage to the lodge and then walking with you to make sure you settle in. The food and dinner setting is to die for. Our first night home made pizzas were being made in the wood pizza oven and were lovely. The wood fire was on and the drink was flowing and there were a lovely group of guests to speak to and enjoy hearing stories from. The selection of toppings and salads were great. The continental breakfast the following morning was enough to get you ready for the day and there is no better setting to enjoy a cappuccino with. We also had our own food that needed cooking the following evening and all were really inviting allowing us to use their ovens to cook them, offering a beer and then spending time with you to tell us their life journey to arriving at this place in the world. Meno cooked some amazing food the following night, I tasted the most amazing chicken, lavender and peach dish complemented by stunning roasted carrots, cauliflower rice, and potatoes. It was again amazing food overlooking an amazing setting with great company. All guests ate together and it was such a lovely evening. I only stayed for a few days but incredibly sad to having had to leave. I miss the place already. We booked to return next year before we left, that's how much we loved it. Can't wait to return. Thank you for a lovely few days. More

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    avatar thumb A TripAdvisor Member
    June 3, 2016
  • star rating  We stayed from saturday to saturday. It’s been a great time, in a wonderful place, with warm and friendly people all around.
    If you like doing Yoga, it’s also possible... read more in their wonderful yoga shala. We had the luck, having Elise as an excellent teacher.
    Last but not least, the unique delicious dinners, one shouldn’t miss!

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    X4041DTmichaele
    July 11, 2019
  • 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
  • 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  We’ve just stayed in the Macieira lodge for three nights and had an amazing time with Jacqueline, Menno and the volunteers. The safari tent is spacious for a couple with... read more all the essentials to get by for a few days. By far the best things are the warm and friendly hospitality and of course Menno’s cooking! Wow! Don’t pass up the opportunity to eat dinner there - lots of choice for each meal and absolutely delicious. I’m veggie and there was plenty for me. A nice breakfast each morning too. Full of good tips on days out and activities. Would happily go back and spend more time there!

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    hollypaulandmime
    May 24, 2018
  • 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  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

Vinha Da Manta

+351966011630 Chamada para a rede móvel nacional

info@damanta.nl

Quinta do Barata, Faia, Guarda

Licence 136342/AL

COPYRIGHT © 2018 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VINHA DA MANTA