Make Easter or Christmas celebrations special – make Casa Fajara exclusively yours!

Casa Fajara, our  award-winning boutique country house and hotel in the seaside village of Carrapateira in the South West Algarve, could be exclusively yours at Easter or Christmas.

Whole house rental is available at this magnificent rural retreat. Our 12 stylish double bedrooms cater for up to 27 guests.

All offer private bathrooms and either a balcony or terrace to relax in privacy.

It’s the prefect venue for a family celebration or a special holiday with friends. Our unique property is set in a breathtaking valley amid beautiful countryside. It offers far-reaching views to lush greenery and rolling hills.

All you can hear is the tinkle of cowbells in the neighbouring farmer’s field. It’s the ultimate great escape.

Soak up the sun by the saltwater pool, take in the beauty of our flower-filled gardens and enjoy the luxury of having Casa Fajara all to yourself.

 

Our award-winning hotel, awash with 5-star reviews, offers all you need for a perfect holiday. Enjoy the tennis court, table tennis, darts, games, sauna and large yoga room.

Inside, relax in two lounge areas and eat together in our beautiful dining room. In winter, cosy by roaring log fires and enjoy the luxury of our underfloor heating.

Casa Fajara is in walking distance of the outstandingly beautiful Bordeira beach.

It boasts a lagoon which on a warm day you will be tempted to  paddle through to reach acres of soft golden sand. Of course, you can reach it the standard way too! Excellent surfing beaches are close by and our friendly team can advise on booking lessons or other water sports and activities.

Hikers and walkers love Casa Fajara too. The world-renowned Costa Vicentina nature trails are nearby offering a multitude of options to explore the dramatic coastline or stunning countryside brimming with wild flowers.

If you are looking for a unique  venue for a special holiday Casa Fajara truly has it all.

To enquire, email groups@casafajara.com

 

 

 

 

Meet the dedicated farmer neighbour whose cattle add tinkling magic to your stay

The Algarve usually conjures up images of vast beaches but the beauty of Casa Fajara is that it offers the best of both worlds. It’s tucked away in an area of great natural beauty looking out on to gentle hills.

Green fields roll out as far as the eye can see but you also have extraordinary beaches close by with acres of fine sand to sink your toes into.

It’s the ultimate peaceful retreat with a rural aspect that takes some people by surprise. The magical landscape, part of the renowned Rota Vicentina walking trails, has been compared to England’s Peak District, such is  its beauty.

Fields mean farms are part and parcel of Portuguese  life here and one thing our guests tells us they love is the gentle tinkle of cow bells when animals come to feed on fields near Casa Fajara.

As you relax in our gardens or by the pool, all you can hear are the cow bells, the ocean and birdlife.

Guests enjoy watching the cattle gently meandering and feeding in the pasture land directly in front of the hotel and the man who cares for these wonderful animals, the local farmer, is pictured here.

He is someone we have come to know and greatly admire over the years. Neighbours really do become good friends.

We are extremely grateful to him for allowing us to share this photo and we hope that, one day, you will get the opportunity to see or meet him in person, or at least give him a wave.

Come join us at Casa Fajara and reconnect with nature.

 

Casa Fajara scoops NEW award from Booking.com – thanks to happy holidaymakers!

We’ve done it again!

Casa Fajara has earned a new Booking.com award thanks to our fabulous reviews and we couldn’t be prouder.

The renowned booking service has presented us with a 2022 Traveller Review Award, and it’s all down to the  good reviews we receive from holidaymakers.

Booking.com says: “This award is proof that Casa Fajara has consistently exceeded the expectations of travellers. We know it’s not always easy – let alone in the middle of a global pandemic. It takes a lot of work, vision, coordination and attention to details and that’s where it stood out.

“We think the good news deserves to be shared with the world. “Thank you for all your commitment and excellence in hospitality and more once again, congratulations on your wonderful achievement.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Booking,com reviewer had this to say about Casa Fajara: Tranquil resort off the beaten track – Very nice setting, good facilities, excellent breakfast – pastries and fresh yoghurts were out of this world. Lots of things to do with onsite swimming pool, tennis court, table tennis, table football, boules, croquet etc etc!”

A spokesperson for Casa Fajara said: “We’re thrilled by this new award, which adds to several more we have amassed over the years. For example , HotelsCombined (above)  singled us out for an award thanks to our great reviews and so has Tripadvisor.

“We are very grateful to everyone who has taken the time and trouble to review our facilities and hospitality! The global pandemic has been challenging but we hope things are finally getting better for us all. If a holiday in Portugal beckons we would love to see you!”

–  Much love from Lara and all the team

Check out some of our reviews

Looking for the ultimate villa retreat for a large group, family or friends? We can help!

Think big and consider booking Casa Fajara in its entirety for the holiday of your dreams.

If you’re in need of a luxurious large property to host family and friends, a retreat or group booking, it’s our speciality.

Casa Fajara, with its 12 double en-suite bedrooms is available for rental in its entirety – your very own hotel/villa to suit all your needs.

Over the years, we have hosted boot camps, yoga and wellness retreats, surfing parties, walkers, cyclists, weddings, cookery events and large groups of families and friends who simply want to enjoy a fantastic holiday in Portugal’s Algarve.

Thanks to our ample on-site yoga studio (measuring 9.52m x 9.57m/5.70m x 5.70) yoga groups find everything to meet their needs in our idyllic rural setting  in the South West Algarve. They can hit the beach for a sunrise or sunset exercise or meditation session and use our on-site yoga studio, complete with equipment, in Casa Fajara’s grounds.

Our unique property is set in a breathtaking valley amid beautiful countryside. It offers far-reaching views to lush greenery and rolling hills. Often all you can here is the tinkle of cowbells in the neighbouring farmer’s field. It’s the ultimate great escape – and this peace and tranquillity could be yours.

Hikers and walkers love us too. The world-renowned Costa Vicentina nature trails are nearby offering a multitude of options to explore the dramatic coastline or stunning countryside brimming with wild flowers.

Then, of course, there are the beaches. The jaw-droppingly large Bordeira Beach with its lagoon – lovely to paddle through on a summer’s day – is within walking distance of Casa Fajara and other exceptional beaches are close by. The Algarve boasts some of the best beaches in the world, many ideal for surfing.

There is lots to see and do a short drive away, from authentic villages to the pretty historical town of Lagos. Enjoy boats trips, paddle boarding, horse riding and more. If you’d rather stay on foot, the sleepy seaside village of Carrapateira is a short walk away with its cafe, church, surfing amenities and restaurants.

But, if you prefer, there is no need to leave Casa Fajara at all during your stay. Thanks to its tennis court, saltwater pool, plunge pool, sauna, treatments room, ample lounges, games, table tennis, darts, dining room/kitchen, sunbathing areas, terraces and gorgeous gardens you have everything you need to relax in the sun. Plus, if you come in winter, the underfloor heating and log fires will keep you cosy.

Whatever your needs, we will do our utmost to fulfil them. For example, we can arrange food and specialist menus for your group stay. Just ask and we will provide as little or as much help as you need.

To find out more please email: groups@casafajara.com

 

Dreaming of a massage in Portugal paradise? We can help

Dreaming of a massage in our Portugal paradise? We can help.

Casa Fajara can help to soothe mind, body and soul thanks to massage services available at our hotel in the sunny and unspoilt South West Algarve.

As well as its many other facilities, the boutique hotel has a treatment room and guests can book a massage to ease away aches and pains, or simply to help them relax and recharge.

A range of massage treatments are offered by Thais Dalla Zanna of Massage Aljezur. Thais has been working as a massage therapist for more than 15 years. She takes great pride in her work, which combines physical techniques with mindfulness approaches.

Her experience and skills have been enriched by her studies of massage therapy at the Brazilian Institute of Therapies and traditional Ashtanga Yoga at The Yoga Institute in Bombay, India. She also has a Bachelor CUSC in Nutrition & Dietetics as complementary fields of health and well-being.

Massage prices
1h30m massage: €95.00
1h massage: €65.00

All treatments can be booked in advance via our friendly reception team at Casa Fajara.

 

 

Delighted by Daily Telegraph Travel Review

Travel restrictions, curfews and Covid-19 tests are making holidays difficult for everyone so were delighted when British journalist John Arlidge shrugged these issues aside to venture to Case Fajara in July, 2021.

And we were equally delighted when he mentioned our boutique hotel in his travel review in the Daily Telegraph. Despite the hassles, he says going on holiday is most definitely worth it.

Here we share what he had to say. Alternatively, click here to read John’s review.

John Arlidge’s Daily Telegraph article: 

For me, Monday July 12 was freedom day. By fluke, I had booked a week’s family holiday last September with a return date of Monday July 19. A stolen week in Carrapateira, Portugal, before the end of restrictions back home. What could be better?

It did not look that way at 7am on Monday 12 July at Heathrow Airport. The queue for security wound around the check-in desks because only two security lines were open. Some 120 security staff had not turned up for work because, airport staff said, one of their shift had tested positive for Covid and the entire crew had to isolate at home.

But the funny thing was, nobody seemed to care about the delay. As the couple in front of me heading to Greece for a fortnight put it: “What’s another two hours when you’ve waited 18 months to get away?”
In fact, it was a good introduction to “new-style” holidays. From my experience of the last few days, holidays can be fun now but only if you are the kind of person who is patient, well organised, has strong nerves – and is happy to keep your mobile phone on.

Testing was simple and not too expensive

Take getting away – with in my case, Stephanie, my other half, and our two teenage children. We all had to fill out and submit our Portugal passenger locator forms and book our Fit to Fly tests. The good news is, Portugal accepts lateral flow tests which you can do at home on a video consultation and cost around £30 each.

We booked our tests on qured.com. They mail out the test kits and we scheduled our 10-minute consultations. I’ve used qured on journalistic assignments and found them to be the most reliable and cost effective testing service. It’s a nervy process – if any one member of the family tests positive, he or she can’t go and, if that’s a child, one of the adults can’t go, too. Studies suggest lateral-flow tests give one false positive in every 1,000 tests. Fortunately, we were all negative.

British Airways has improved its booking services lately and we all printed it out, scanned and uploaded our negative test certificates to our booking for pre-departure approval. BA handled the check in and bag drop as quickly as they could – they still manually double check all the paperwork which takes 2–3 minutes per passenger.

We were ‘too excited to feel flight shame’

BA staff called forward passengers for flights in time order to make sure they got through security in time to board. BA 2694 to Faro only left 40 minutes late and arrived 20 minutes late, thanks to a fast flight time. There was even time to buy a celebratory bottle of champagne (or four as I like to call it) at Duty Free.

There are few better feelings right now than sitting in a metal tube, breaking through the clouds into private sunshine, on the way to somewhere – anywhere – away. We were all too excited to feel any flight shame and the BA staff who have had a wretched 18 months of job losses and furlough were so happy to be back in the office at 39,000ft that they handed out extra free drinks.

At Faro airport Stephanie and I showed our vaccination certificates at immigration – the print-out from the NHS is quickest. As they are under 18, our children do not have to be vaccinated to get into the country. Doing all the checks takes about 10 minutes for a family of four, so it’s a good idea to race off the plane to get to the front of the queue. After picking up the hire car and driving for an hour we arrived at Casa Fajara, a rustic hotel for surfers and hikers.

You remember how great it feels to be on holiday

And then something fantastic happens. You remember how great it feels to be on holiday. These days, it’s more than simple happiness. It’s a pressure valve for the strains of the past 18 months. Within 24 hours, things that seemed worrisome even a few days earlier, don’t. You are free.

The locals are happy to see you, too. “We’ve missed you,” said Lara who runs Casa Fajara. Places like Carrapateira depend on tourism and the absence of Brits is a 20% hit to the bottom line. In 2019, the travel industry contributed 10.4% of global GDP, more than either the car industry or banking.

Portugal’s Covid rules do not spoil the fun. We didn’t have to mask up unless we were in a public place and not eating or drinking (which, being on holiday, we usually are). Locals know that all visiting Brits are either fully vaccinated or have tested negative for Covid or both. No-one mentioned the D word – Delta.

Go away for a week – better still two!

But – and this is where the mobile phone comes in – we couldn’t relax completely. Before returning on Monday this week we had to look out for the emails with the links to fill out and submit our UK passenger locator forms and do our return flight video lateral flow tests.

The BA check-in at Faro was quick and the airport quiet. But the queues at T5 immigration were long – 2 hours – because the government and Heathrow Airport had inexplicably not updated the locator form or the E-Gates to recognise double vaccinated Brits returning from Amber countries. But that has been fixed now after a campaign by Telegraph Travel.

So, my advice is go away for a week or, better yet, two before the rules change again. It’s well worth it.

Health and well-being groups make Casa Fajara their home from home

Casa Fajara is proud to offer a wealth of facilities and the perfect rural setting for group bookings of all kinds.

Over the years our unique 12-room hotel has been taken over by groups of yoga lovers, boot camps, surfers, cyclists, walkers and organised holidays featuring a wealth of beauty and wellbeing treatments.

In fact, Casa Fajara has featured in Condé Nast Traveller as a recognised retreat location. The magazine highlighted a group trip organised by facialist Glenda Barton, a woman it described as ‘a non-surgical miracle-worker.’ Click here to read the article.

Brenda delivered a wonderful Casa Fajara well-being retreat.  It offered an opportunity for guests to mix anti-ageing facial treatments with yoga in a peaceful rural setting. Casa Fajara is a lovingly restored former farmhouse surrounded by stunning countryside. It is on the world-famous Rota Vicentina walking trail and close to glorious beaches.

With such a wealth of riches on our doorstep, we’re keen for more people to discover all that we have to offer. When it comes to retreats, Casa Fajara is open to ideas. We warmly welcome all group booking enquiries. So, if you think Casa Fajara could be the perfect place to base an organised holiday, get in touch!

As well as sport and health-related, groups it would be ideal to host a writing, painting, craft or cookery retreat. Groups of up to 24 can be accommodated. However, with flexibility and camp beds, the hotel can host up to 30. Plus, our sister company, Idyllic Holiday Properties has, villa and cottages in  Vilarinha, a village nearby, if more accommodation is required.

As well as Casa Fajara’s wealth of facilities, which include salt water swimming pool, plunge pool, sauna, tennis court and treatment rooms, the hotel provides a buffet breakfast for clients and dinners if needed.

Bespoke packages can be arranged. Menus can be agreed in advance which can accommodate allergies.

To find out more, please email groups@casafajara.com

Casa Fajara’s beauty inspires artistic guest – and we love it

This wonderful painting of Casa Fajara was produced by a guest – and it made our day.

The peace, tranquillity and rural loveliness of the hotel’s surroundings soothe the soul – and inspire creativity.

Though many guests join us simply to switch off and recharge their batteries, they find that being amid such glorious countryside inspires them to want to paint, write or study the wild flowers or creatures they discover on their walks.

Casa Fajara says: “This beautiful painting not only showcases our gorgeous hotel, it shows how being here is a fulfilling and inspirational experience for our guests.

“We see people arrive worn and weary. By the end of their holiday they’re bronzed, relaxed, happy and rejuvenated. A stay here is transformational for some of our guests. It truly gives them the break from normal life pressures that they desperately need.

“You can forget about everything at Casa Fajara – and that is exactly how we want it to be. Life is hectic and stressful. At Casa Fajara guests can kick off their shoes, explore the nature on their doorstep, sink their toes into sand and live for the moment in a part of the Algarve that’s relatively undiscovered.”

Thinking of booking? CLICK HERE to visit our bookings page. And remember we also offer FULL HOUSE RENTAL – you can have the entire hotel to yourself.

Magazine highlights Casa Fajara’s Charms

Want some genuine holiday inspiration? Then be inspired by more great media coverage of Casa Fajara Boutique Hotel.

Our award-winning accommodation has gained coverage in glossy magazine Casas de Portugal (Houses of Portugal) and on its sister website Country Hotels In Portugal – much to our delight.

Casas de Portugal highlights all that our Algarve hotel has to offer in a full-page feature which includes mesmerising images of the hotel and its idyllic surroundings.

Fabulous Media Coverage

Casa Fajara has received some fabulous media coverage over the years from journalists entranced by its beauty and rural location. For example, it has featured in Luxury Lifesyle Magazine.

As the world makes tentative steps towards opening up travel following the impact of Covid-19, we hope articles like this will provide inspiration for people dreaming of their next holiday destination. And we hope their dreams will come true in Portugal’s Algarve.

Travel Inspiration

Casa Fajara’s  many 5-star reviews on independent travel websites like Booking.com and Tripadvisor can  inform and inspire if you like to hear what other people have to say before making that final decision.

We’re always proud when others sing the praises of our unique hotel and share their experiences. 

If you’re tempted to join us, you can book online directly with us via this website. And don’t forget that Casa Fajara can be booked out in its entirety as a villa-style rental but with hotel-standard amenities, such as tennis court, saltwater swimming pool, plunge pool and yoga room.

Flexibility is the name of the game at Casa Fajara, which also welcomes group bookings for everything from boot camps, cycling and yoga groups to art and photography courses. Whatever your hobby or interest, Casa Fajara is a wonderful place to bring people together in a harmonious environment surrounded by rural beauty.

Please don’t hesitate to get on touch if you would like to know more. Simply email info@casafajara.com and our friendly manager Lara will be delighted to assist.

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Enjoy A Luxury Villa Holiday in Portugal’s Algarve at Casa Fajara

If you’re looking for a dream luxury villa holiday in Portugal, you have just found it. Casa Fajara is available for whole house rental which means you’re gaining far more than simply a luxury villa. You’re gaining an entire boutique hotel with all the little extras that brings.

We can accommodate up to 30 guests in 12 unique rooms, all with terraces or balconies. Our hotel has two lounges, a large dining room and a professional chef’s kitchen. If you’re a keen cook, you will be in your element, or perhaps you would like an in-house chef to serve your daily needs? All can be arranged …

 

Outside, we have ample gardens brimming with flowers, a beautiful breakfast terrace, saltwater swimming pool, plunge pool, sauna, tennis court and table tennis. There is something for everyone to enjoy, whatever their age.

But there is more … our hotel also has its very own yoga studio in the hotel grounds overlooking wonderful countryside and we have treatment rooms in the hotel.

There is so much that makes Casa Fajara extra special. It is the ultimate, private, safe and secure holiday retreat. Tucked away amid glorious countryside, you feel a million miles from anywhere as you look out on to rolling green hills in an area of Portugal’s Algarve protected for its natural beauty. You will only be disturbed by the sound of cowbells, birdsong and the gentle waterfall by the pool.

It’s hardly surprising we see the occasional famous face, people keen to enjoy a holiday in privacy and peace. And yet a gentle walk along a country lane takes you into the sleepy seaside village of Carrapateira. Stop for a coffee or glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice at the local cafe, try one of the restaurants nearby and breath in the fresh sea air.

Glorious beaches are in walking distance, too, and, if you have a car, there’s lots to explore and delight you. Discover the real Portugal by exploring rural villages or head into the attractive coastal town of Lagos with its winding streets, cafes and shops.

 

If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday for a groups of friends or family, Casa Fajara has all you will ever need. Large groups and families find the size of the hotel suits everyone as it is large enough to give everyone their own space but small enough to create a feeling of happiness and togetherness.

If you love walking, surfing, cycling, beaches or just want to rest and recuperate in the sun, Casa Fajara is the perfect place for you.

People come to us feeling weary and leave totally rejuvenated. Read our 5-star reviews and be inspired to join us. We would love to welcome you.

If you would like to find out more, please get in touch. We offer flexible, bespoke breaks to suit all requirements. Email: groups@casafajara.com