Located in a historic town and vibrant agricultural center of the Algarve, Community Culture Retreat is a 100-acre organic farm that produces figs, olives, apricots, oranges, pine, cork, and carob with an emphasis on green garden production. Formerly the ruins of an agricultural settlement, the farm’s urban core was restored by architect Pedro Ressano Garcia to reflect the Community Culture concept. Designed around two courtyards from previous construction, the site integrates agricultural scenery and pathways, updated with a focus on hospitality and gastronomy.
The architecture, both exterior and interior, invites contemplation and uses repurposed spaces and pre-existing materials to reflect new ways of inhabiting the contemporary world. The result is a formal and conceptual nod to the aesthetics and ethics of the ‘arte povera’ movement.
Community Culture Retreat has four bedrooms, four suites, and four apartments. The latter have kitchenettes and their own outdoor areas – the bungalow sleeps up to four guests, while the three two-story apartments sleep up to six guests.
An ancient olive press area has been transformed into a library and hall for seminars, concerts and workshops. With no television, the house provides a reprieve from the outside world, but still offers an internet connection and technology for image projection and sound.
The newly designed Hamam is modeled after traditional Roman baths and is a relaxing respite offering a variety of spa and massage treatments and all natural regional aromatherapy products. You can find homegrown products and a selection of interesting items from different regions of Portugal at the on site store. Relax by the outdoor pool, participate in one of several annual harvests, or hike a vast network of nearby trails. There are also workshops offered on topics ranging from Wild Food to Bird Watching.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Completely catered from the on site restaurant including daily breakfast from 9am – 12pm featuring organic seasonal produce.. Partially unplugged, there is wifi in common areas plus use of a laptop if needed and image projection and audio systems. Library with books and videos. Daily housekeeping, personal care products and robes. Meeting room and wine cellar. Bicycle rentals through reception.
AROUND
Just under a mile away from the coast, and close to Guadiana river and the hills, Castro Marim dates back thousands of years and remains a quiet town typical of the Algarve region. The salt marshes and protected reserve lies between Castro Marim, Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo António at the mouth of the river, and is home to over 150 species of birds. On the Monte Gordo side of Praia Verde is the modern resort of Altura, a long stretch of beach that runs from Manta Rota to Vila Real. Head north and the landscape changes into green hillsides where you’ll find the sleepy town of Foz de Odeleite.
LOCATION
Castro Marim, Portugal. Nearest Airport: Faro International Airport (40 min)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall
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Diane, September 10, 2019
An absolutely beautiful hotel – small, individual, tasteful – just lovely.
Diane
London, United Kingdom
marie zacchi, August 15, 2019
This hotel is really charming and beautiful, the staff is attentive always helpful , friendly and speak a perfect French :)
The hamam is amazing and very comfortable, the yoga classes are so relaxing.
The breakfasts are hearty and served with a smile in a beautiful sunny spot.
We recommend this hotel, we had a wonderful holiday.
marie zacchi
paris, france
merjem, May 6, 2018
We were greeted by Elena and myself by the lovely owner who speaks impeccable French and who was wonderfully available in the absence of the manager. We highly recommend this peaceful, carefully landscaped place and the cuisine of the new Vitor chef is fantastic. To recommend but discreetly :-) merjem
merjem
Nancy Benioff, May 22, 2017
This boutique hotel is a wonderful retreat and the perfect place from which to explore the Algarve. The rooms are comfortable (wonderful beds) and delightfully designed. The attention to design detail and overall feeling of tranquillity throughout the “anti-resort” makes for an aesthetically pleasing and extremely relaxing holiday. The setting is amazing, and the gorgeous garden and walking path, combined with the peacefulness of the cork room, make for the perfect meditative start (or finish) to your day.
The breakfast was delicious and different every day…all homemade and seasonal, and often sourced from their garden and orchard. Avery member of the staff treated us with kindness and went out of their way to be helpful. They are a friendly bunch, and helped make our week easy and happy. Thank you. We will definitely be back.
Nancy Benioff
Golden, Colorado, USA
Anne Skyum, August 2, 2015
Very beautiful place, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The staff was very helpful in telling about the best places to eat, the nice, secluded beaches etc – places we would probably never have found on our own.
Both in- and exterior is close to perfect.
Only minor downside was the restaurant which was not to our taste – would have preffered less elaborate food – but there are great places to eat nearby. Good breakfast though.
Anne Skyum
Kolding, Denmark
marielle, June 25, 2015
We stayed here last week and we had a very positive experience. There is a corkbox where they give daily yogaclasses which were great.
Also the rooms simply feel good. Food is amazing and the people are so relaxed and uncomplicated. We would surely go back.
marielle
France Bouchard, October 15, 2014
Our jouney to CCR was excellent. The best part was the food. The breakfasts are abondant and top quality, fresh from their garden and kitchen. Overall, even if we were the only guests on our last evening, they offered to serve us dinner prepared by their excellent chef. The location is very quiet and peacefull. The common area is cool, comfortable and a good place to chill. Thanks for the warm welcome.
France Bouchard
Boucherville, Qc , Canada