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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  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  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  THE HOSTS:
    We read the reviews but nothing could have prepared us for the genuine hospitality of hosts Meno, Jacqueline and family. My husband and I spent a week here... read more in August (40 degrees on two of the days!)
    Unfortunately, we had problem after problem with our Car Hire provider Gold Car (DO NOT USE) Including being stranded and needing to be towed. Menno and Jacqueline literally came to our rescue.
    The family all play a part in the hosting be it manning the pool bar or preparing meals. They really are an incredible family with an impressive work ethic.
    THE GROUNDS:
    Although the decor may not be to everyone's taste, I can honestly say the grounds and accommodation are breathtaking in a way that photo's just do not do justice. Think high quality, Safari chic. One of the more magical places we have visited.
    FOOD:
    Breakfast is a generous spread of cheeses, meats, fruits, museli, tea, coffee, fresh orange juice and homemade spreads (YOU MUST TRY THE PUMPKIN JAM)
    Dinner is prepared freshly in house every other night. No menus. Served as a group with sharing platters. A totally new experience for us that we absolutely loved. It forces you out of your comfort zone and as a result we made some great new friends. Menno is a FANTASTIC chef. Absolutely brilliant!!!
    To sum up:
    On our final night we rebooked to stay again the following year. Smashing stay! And thank you once again to Meno and Jacqueline for showing us an incredible Portugal Xx

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    africatamar
    January 18, 2017
  • star rating  Waar zal ik beginnen? Vanaf begin tot het einde van ons verblijf was echt alles in orde. Vriendelijk ontvangst en hulp als het nodig is. Wij waren er na 2... read more dagen en 1 fanastisch diner en ontbijt achter dat we langer wilden blijven. Wij hebben...Meer

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    avatar thumb Willem v
    September 9, 2018
  • 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  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  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  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  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  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

Vinha Da Manta

+351966011630

info@damanta.nl

Quinta do Barata

Licence 136342/AL

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