The Mill to chill – Wellness pure in Portugal
Nowadays it feels like everything is labelled ‘Wellness’, almost no Hotel package without Wellness. Of course there are some excellent Wellness Hotels and Retreats out there in a wide range from exclusive to organic, offering relaxation for mind, body and soul.
I have just returned from my Wellness holiday, yet this time not in a 4* or 5* Wellness Hotel!
Experience the comfort of a private estate
Instead I opted for boutique hotel Moinho do Pedro, a former mill on the Algarve coast (Europe’s sunniest coastal region) in Portugal, where Wellness simply happens, due to the fact, that the surroundings offer relaxation, romance and warmth naturally. I experienced the comfort of a private estate with its refreshing unobtrusiveness and relaxing calmness.
White buildings shining in the sun, colourful mosaics, Bali-style beds, turquoise pools, fresh green palm tree, a mill tower with 360 panorama overlooking the country side offering magnificent views on the Monchique mountains…
Michaela and Emanuel, the owners, have created a small paradise with great love for detail, by having used natural and authentic materials throughout the estate.
The idea of creating this oasis of peace and creative inspiration up on the hill was initially meant for themselves, it was only later that they decided to share this idyll with like-minded people.
A unique 17th century windmill estate
The romantic hideaway is an old mill estate from the 17th century, proving 18 guest beds for self catering, breakfast service is optional: the fresh pressed orange juice made from Portuguese oranges is a sweet and refreshing delight. Michaela’s home made cream cheese spreads are delicious and vary on a daily basis.
Michaela and Emanuel greet their guests personally and with warmth. We arrived at night and were offered cold drinks and lots of great information about beaches, restaurants, medical services, shopping facilities etc.
If you wanted a massage or a Qi Gong session, you can book the visiting therapist on site.
Those seeking tranquility can find hammocks hidden between the many trees giving natural shade, as much as other options for sitting and relaxation.
If you prefer a little more social interaction, opt for a sun bed by the pool, whatever your heart is seeking for at the moment…
What I really liked about the place was that you could occasionally – when all other guests were out on their excursion, which happens easily due to the small size of guests – have the entire vicinity to yourself. I would spent some leisurely time wandering around, sit somewhere briefly to take in the atmosphere, or browse the library in the mill tower. Followed by a dip in the pool and a freshly drafted beer by the bar (self service!). Bliss!
The mill to chill
Unwinding, grounding and finding back to yourself is what happens in this magical place, simply without the usual massive Wellness package.
This place has been created by the vision, love and soul of two people. I think that is the very secret: less perfection, more love.
Oh.. and it is totally charming to barbecue the catch of the day, a seabream, yourself. Whilst the fish was lying on the grill, we enjoyed our aperitif, the sun, had a lovely chat and observed the white kittens playing in the lush and mature gardens.
We then set the table at one of the typical Portuguese mosaic tables, the centre piece being a lovely bottle of „Vinho Verde“.
Nothing has to, yet anything can happen.
Some more facts
The mill was first opened in 2006 and is located in Algoz, slightly remote from the village. You need wheels to reach the place. A car is also useful for grocery shopping in the small village shop or the larger supermarket in Guia.
We flew into Faro airport, it is a 30 min car ride to the mill. We were not entirely happy with car rental ‘Gold Car’ which seemed the cheapest option and which we had booked online before arrival. Upon arrival there was a long queue as everyone seemed to have opted for this provider. Above, an insurance that we had booked together with the car online turned out to be invalid, so that we paid again for new insurance, which turned the entire bill no longer low budget…
The hotel can be booked via email, best to go through their website.
There are different beaches that can be reached, the nearest is in Gale, about 15 min car ride.
Take a trip to Pera (neighbouring town to Algoz) and experience the Fiesta Music. Between March and October you can admire fascinating sand sculptures.
This place is for you, if you…
The mill to chill is my secret escape that I can only highly recommend to you, if you
- are seeking a refuge for peace and relaxation
- search for the authentic
- enjoy the simplicity of life
- cherish personal and unpretentious service
Whilst enjoying my time here, I realised once again how little is sometimes needed for wellbeing: a soothing environment, happy sun shine (particularly when coming from a rainy and grey home country), a good read, and nice talks with likeminded people.
all pictures (c) Tanja Eberhardt
For more information please feel free to visit the mill’s website http://www.moinhodopedro.com.
About Tanja:
Tanja is personal coach, therapist, book lover, computer nerd, technic freak, skier, mum, vegetarian…
On her German Blog Liebesfrust Tanja delivers inspirations, ideas, comfort, and information to those, who have been hit by a love blues or are simply looking for some spiritual inspirations in daily life.
