âmago – Uma Casa Lenta

What better name could there be for this wonderfully relaxed accommodation in the Algarve than ‘slow house’? Uma Casa Lenta means exactly that and that’s definitely no coincidence. In an old estate that was used as a riding center from 1900, a place has been created where guests can stop and take a deep breath. Liz and Alex Harvey, two Londoners with a long-held passion for Portugal, swapped their city lives for less speed and more sunshine to open a modern guest house there in July 2023. Pretty much everything there seems to offer a way to unwind, slow down and recharge your batteries: The quiet and authentic community of Santa Bárbara de Nexe, where the country house is located; its six whitewashed guest rooms with traditional beams and cozy super king-size beds. And, of course, there’s the marvelous garden surrounding you with the scent of thyme and rosemary, figs, lemons and pomegranates and the perfect place to enjoy sweet idleness—preferably near the saltwater pool. With a view of the shimmering turquoise water, you can make yourself comfortable in one of the pretty sun loungers, which were designed and handmade by local designers. Speaking of which, the Âmago is not about fast-paced interiors either. In fact, the owners worked with artists and craftspeople to design timeless bespoke furniture for this place, which is intended to last a lifetime and reflect the natural surroundings in its look. So many beautiful things require you to take your time and appreciate them at leisure. That’s why it makes a lot of sense to extend your stay here for as long as possible.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The minimalist, contemporary furnishings 
• The beautiful details such as the hand-sewn bed linen in earthy tones or the ceramics selected from local markets
• The large windows, bright colors and light-flooded rooms create a light and airy feeling inside the house too.
• As the owners regularly offer the house as an artist’s residence, the creative guests always leave their mark here, for example, in the form of paintings inspired by the fantastic nature surrounding the house.
• Relaxing on a deckchair in the garden in the shade of old olive trees, with a good holiday read and surrounded by the scent of herbs and flowers
• Even those seeking peace and quiet can enjoy a little socializing from time to time. The communal living room is the place to socialize with other guests—or to share ideas and inspiration, as it’s also used as a co-working space.
• The great location between the mountains of São Brás de Alportel and the Atlantic Ocean
• You can spend your holidays here in a variety of ways, with excursions to the golden sand beaches, charming villages and colorful markets. The towns of Loulé and Olhão or Faro, the capital of the Algarve, can be reached in no time at all from your vacation home.
• An average of 300 days of sunshine a year

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The guesthouse has six spacious double rooms, each for two people. Only in room 4 can a baby bed be added for a baby up to 12 months old.
• The lovingly prepared continental breakfast is included in the room rate and is usually enjoyed on the terrace with the best croissants far and wide and coffee made from locally roasted beans.
• Toddlers under 12 months and older children from 13 years are welcome.
• Liz and Alex love the products from small manufacturers, such as natural wines, which can be sampled here.
• The care products from the Portuguese label 8950, which are available in the rooms: 99 percent of the ingredients are natural and plant-based, and the fragrance combinations such as fig-almond-fennel or rosemary-lime-lemon are amazing!
• All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a mini fridge; number 4 also has a kitchenette with hob, sink, toaster and kettle.
• Guests can enjoy refreshments at the honesty bar. Filtered water and espresso are available free of charge.
• The hosts organize massages, facials or Pilates lessons for those who feel like treating themselves to something special.
• The nearest beaches are around 20 minutes away by car. 
• Liz and Alex are happy to share their love for the region with their guests and provide them with their best insider tips for restaurants and bars, excursions and beaches.
• The house is located just 15 minutes from Faro airport.
• In high season (July and August), the minimum stay is three nights, the rest of the year two nights.