Our Land + Your Experience
Welcome to our virgin Cork Oak Tree forest! 30 acres of peace where you always belong.
We created the Mermaid Retreat for our guests to be enchanted with the tranquility of the land while the music of the ocean plays in the background. This is the space to clear the world from your thoughts and rinse away all cares. Our team naturally pampers you with simplicity and love through our lush linens, fresh local cuisine, and outdoor spaces created just for you.
A New Beginning
Christy (aka: The Mermaid) left Seattle, USA in 2019 to create an eco-tourism retreat haven near the ocean. She and her team are experienced in facilitating the space and resources to fulfill on your retreat vision. With 300 days of sunshine, beautiful beaches minutes away, and acres of peace, your group will nestle into the magic of abundance. This is the space to celebrate and to create the future in its purity.
We cater to groups ranging in size from 10 to 22 people of all ages staying anywhere from 3 nights to 2 weeks. We are here to support your vision in whatever you and your group are creating.
Meals
Breakfast is always provided along with light afternoon snacks – a tradition in Portugal. We will work with you to fulfill your vision either on-site, as a picnic to-go, or with reservations at local restaurants.
Also available is an outdoor kitchen to make your own quick meals and snacks.
Our kitchen is happy to accommodate your food preferences. Please see the Cuisine section for more details.
Our Accommodations
Everyone Belongs
EXCELLENT Based on 13 reviews Posted on Jane PriceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quiet, peaceful glamping experience. Comfortable lodging with your own toilet/shower at the bathhouse a short walk from the cabin. Nestled in the countryside in a lovely cork forest near the city of Porto Covo. Breakfast was a real tasty treat. The host, Christy, is warm, welcoming and creates a serene environment/experience.Posted on jim goodeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. With proper style and amenities, these glamping cabins are outstanding! Feels like camping but with B&B comfort. Christy is a fantastic host who can point you to beaches, restaurants, and historical must-see sites in the area. Located a short drive to the beach and restaurant at Ilha and the rugged coast line with sunset views. The climate and topography is nearly identical to Southern California, cool evenings and warm days. Enjoy this!Posted on Gordon NaccaratoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Charming rustic-chic cabins with knotty pine paneling set in a magical old-growth cork tree forest. Equally charming is owner Christy, with her hilarious wit, and a fabulous cook. You could choose no better place than to unwind & relax amidst the magnificent cork trees.Posted on Claudia García ZaragozaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Mermaid Retreat is a hidden treasure in Portugal. Quiet space surrounded by nature. The cabins are clean and well equipped. Breakfasts are amazing. The location is convenient, 8 minutes drive from Portocovo and 15 minutes from Villanova de Milfontes. Christy and Silvia are very nice and attentive. We had an excellent time and will repeat!Posted on Giles MorrisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful! Really enjoyed our stay here. Beautiful, peaceful and welcoming.Posted on Jessica PerlazaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mermaid Retreat was a safe haven for our family when we needed it most. Our family and dear neighbors were forced to leave our home to flee from a relentless wildfire and here, we were welcomed with open arms and an open heart. We will never forget the kindness offered to us during this very difficult time and can wholeheartedly recommend this peaceful place to anyone looking to rest both body and soul.Posted on Gregor KTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had such a fantastic time here and will definitely be back. Very unique place that makes you instantly feel relaxed and happy. Very close to great beaches, but still serene and quiet. The best thing is the host. She is the most warm hearted, witty and welcoming person I know. Christy, Love You Long Time!Posted on Brittany OlsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Mermaid Retreat truly is a place to retreat into nature and find peace and stillness while still having a bit more comfort (a bed, running water, shower, kitchen) than camping. The place is so cute and exceptionally well-designed. Each little cabin has its own bathroom in a detached structure just next to the cabins. You feel so immersed in nature as you shower with an open roof, looking up at the cork trees, or cook in the open kitchen, looking out at the land around you. The owner, Christy, is a wonderful lady and experienced hostess, and she and her three dogs will be sure you feel right at home. I couldn't recommend Mermaid Retreat more for those looking to get off the beaten path and reconnect with themselves and the earth.Posted on Aida AdilovicTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After we returned from our Portugal trip and after the emotions have settled, it is easy to say that we had marvelous stay at Mermaid retreat. 💛 We were coming by bus from Lisbon and my boyfriend made a mistake at the beginning by telling Cristy,our host, that the bus was coming an hour earlier than it really came and we were honestly ashamed because she came by car in front of the bus station to pick us up and take to her place (her accommodation is 10-15 minutes by car from the station) but her reaction to our mistake made all discomfort disappear. We will remember great time we had at Mermaid retreat with Christy and one couple of her guests. We enjoyed great food that Christy made, some great drinks, and play with her cute 3 adorable dogs. If you decide to do some magic cooking there is outdoor kitchen and great place for having a meal. Everything is super clean and totally fit in nature that surrounds you in this retreat. We will bring remarkable memories from this place especially since my boyfriend decided to propose me there 💛 This visit is something we will talk to our friends and family for a long time. High recommendations from both of us. 🤩 Thanks a lot Christy for making our stay remarkable and see you at the wedding in Bosnia! We will be coming back to Mermaid for sure one day 💛Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more