Além do Vale

A Vegan Experience in the Quiet Hills of Central Portugal

let your gaze lift you beyond the vale

Who are we?

Lifelong travellers and (com)passionate foodies. 

The heart of our home and our little slice of Portuguese life, is our love for all creation, all that lives and grows, all the elements that combine to bring us a beautiful and wonder filled life, as it is.


Phen is a renowned, gifted and heart-led vegan chef whose experience and skills create nourishment for body and soul.  His delicate and thoughtful combinations of flavour and texture bring delight to the palate.  


Victoria is an educator and community builder who believes in the magic of bringing lives, cultures, languages and hearts together to create beauty and enrichment.  A natural soul-seeker, she has walked through many paths to invite peace and deeper connection into her world.


Together, and as temporary custodians of this beautiful land, we invite you to stay and experience reconnection with your senses, your surroundings and your path.  We offer you the space to be you and we welcome you to feast with us, learn with us and share with us!

Accommodation

Rest and rejuvenation for your soul

Click on the door to venture inside...

O Cabana do Xisto

Carefully restored private Stone Cottage 

Sleeps 2-4

O Palheiro

Converted Hay Loft with private entrance

Sleeps 2

Sylvia

Cosy self-converted Camper

Sleeps 2

All our accommodation includes a sumptuous, seasonal and homemade vegan breakfast. Let us know in advance if you have other dietary needs.  We also offer either 'Homecooked' or 'Gourmet' fully catered options to suit your budget.  There is a minimum stay of 2 nights for each accommodation.  Bathroom facilities come in the form of a luxury outdoor compost toilet and shower experience. 

Luxury Outdoor Toilet and Shower Experience

Hay Loft Entrance
Hay Loft
Hay Loft
Hay Loft
Hay Loft
Hay Loft
Hay Loft
Hay Loft
Hay Loft
Hay Loft
Xisto Cottage
Xisto Cottage
Xisto Cottage
Xisto Cottage
Xisto Cottage
Xisto Cottage
Xisto Cottage
Xisto Cottage

The Bakery

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

Reconstructed from the former cozinha and wood fired bread oven, our little bakery is dedicated to the celebration of feasting, nourishment, health and alchemy.  From here we offer guests our sumptuous vegan breakfast and  a choice of Homecooked or Gourmet catering.


The Bakery is home to:

  • Sourdough Baking workshops
  • Fermentation workshops
  • The Secret Ingredient cookery course
  • Bespoke catering for events
  • Pop-up restaurant experiences
  • Weekly Sourdough Bread production (Castelo Branco and Oleiros) 


 

What's on Offer?

Create a visit to suit your needs.

There are many ways to visit us here and we are happy to find the right visit for you, from a place to rest your head and food to fill your belly to immersive cooking courses or supported hiking, cycling, canoeing or rock climbing trips.  Perhaps you want to rest and gaze, or stretch and run, maybe you want to paint, or forage, or be connected with healers... what do you need to fill your cup, to feel whole and connected? (Click to find out more...)   

Love that it is pretty much off grid, hand made and from mainly repurposed materials but still clean and attractive.

Terry (guest)

Staying with Victoria and Stephen was a magical experience. They are open-hearted, beautiful and inspiring individuals who make you feel right at home!

Priya (volunteer/guest)

I wanted to say a HUGE thank you for creating the most amazingly delicious dishes for us this week! You are an incredible chef!

I will miss all the wonderful food!

Ella (on retreat)

The Forest of Your Soul

Look within, listen and feel

It is a simple truth, (one that we all know deep down) that sometimes we need to stop and listen

Stop the mind chatter, stop the consumption, stop the messaging, stop the endless doing.

Listen to the wind in the trees, listen to the crickets in the grass, listen to the heart beating in our chests, listen to the quiet voice within, guiding the way.


What do we need to be able to stop and listen?


Again, a simple truth, a quiet place and a little time.

We welcome you to make use of our space and the time you have with us by telling us what you need, together we can figure out how best to support you.

It all starts with a conversation.


New in 2025 - we are now offering one to one intimate retreats that are designed to invite you on a deeper journey during your stay with us.  Full details are available to download as a PDF following the link below.


We look forward to journeying with you this year!

Wild and Free

Open the door... what adventure awaits?

We believe that under the layers of civilisation, the smog of the city and the shame of modern culture, a happy, healthy wild and free being exists within us all, waiting to be found, loved and reconnected with all beings.  It's always a journey, it might be a long one, but it doesn't have to be lonely.  

Connect

Arrange your visit

If you are feeling called to visit us, we'd love to hear from you.  We also have options for volunteer placements, camping or a place to park your camper van.


Please fill in the form with details about your visit and we will get back to you to promptly - thank you for your interest!


For news and updates, join our Telegram Group:

http://t.me/alemdovale