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Our reviews

  • star rating  We have just returned from our 3 night stay and we couldn’t recommend this place more. We were extremely looked after and the hosts/staff went over and above to ensure... read more we had an enjoyable stay, particularly as we were traveling with our 10 months old. The food was delicious, and the lodges were very well spaced out it felt like we were in our own private space. The views were spectacular and we felt a real sense of tranquility. My only suggestion would to be to take an extra layer for the evenings, as it was early June it did get cold during the night. We will be retiring.

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    Peach0923
    June 11, 2021
  • 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  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 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 is the fourth time we have visited this amazing place, which is usual for us, rarely going anywhere twice. But there is something so magical about Vinha Da Manta... read more other places fail by comparison. When you arrive you breathe and remember what’s great about life. It’s hard to tear yourself away. Gentle morning yoga, delicious breakfast, lounging by the stunning natural pool watching the kids make new friends and exploring for frogs in the lily pads, horse riding, a cheeky massage looking over the valley and the highlight, the sumptuous mouth watering dinners where everyone comes together and forges new friendships. Jacqueline and Menno and their lovely family are such warm hosts and nothing is too much trouble. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. I want to keep it a secret but such a rare jewel should be shared.

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    OnAir26215251561
    September 25, 2021
  • 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  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  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 not a place to stay, it’s an experience. All you want to do here is calm down, sit back, enjoy the view and relax. And so... read more we did.
    Even a (very) rainy day was not so bad, because it’s also nice to just stay in for a day (okay, our kids will disagree there).
    The dinners are delicious and the owners and volunteers will make the most of your stay. We’re hoping to return in the future (and stay longer).

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    mienepet
    June 25, 2019
  • 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
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