Malaya United States

I had an incredible, nourishing, and restorative experience at Vale da Luz with Dara and Dennis. They are kind, patient, open minded, and very interesting people. The daily tasks are engaging and flexible, and they are open to ideas about what you would like to do while you are there. They have a lot of knowledge about permaculture, as well as life in general, and I really enjoyed our time together, while still having space for myself when I wanted or needed it! The property is beautiful and nurturing- there is always something to look at and be astounded by. Thank you for having me!

Margaret Ireland

Introduction As my time with Cécile, Laurent and their two wonderful daughters was my first ever woofing experience, I was very apprehensive. However I need not have worried as I landed on my feet with this host family. From the instructions by Cécile on how to get from Faro to Olhão by train to all other instructions in regard to working on the farm where given in a clear concise manner. The ever patient hosts never wavered from their calm and comforting stance with me and the other two lovely woofers that I had the pleasure to work with. On the day that I arrived I was brought to my little private caravan where I found a very comfortable home from home. Then the work started the next day with planned precision of working early to avoid the heat and then working under, (the almost feeling of air-conditioned) carob trees. Most of my work for my ten days at this farm was working with the carob trees preparing them for the carob harvest. Though this carob work was varied by me building a wall with carob branches, (when Cécile noticed one day that I had hurt my back by trying to keep up with the two younger woofers she immediately transferred me to a job building a wall where I was able to stand up straight), to one day of repairing a lane and a few different days of cooking in their well laid out kitchen. I was taught how to use a solar oven by one of the daughter's and was given instructions on how to use other kitchen equipment that I had not used before. They aftern...

Bekah United States

I had an amazing time at Idanha-a-vida. The property is really peaceful and it was lovely to be right next to the village and a short walk to a beautiful swimming spot. Maria was such a welcoming host and her dog Jeff is the sweetest, and I'm so grateful for the time I shared with her and Julien in the evenings. During the workdays I learned a lot about regenerative forestry and really enjoyed working out in the field. The whole crew made it so fun! I'm also grateful I had the opportunity to learn from Andy in the garden. I only wish I had more time to learn about the social/community projects from Maria João! Finally, the daily lunches were always absolutely delicious. Thank you so much to each and every one of you for an experience I will remember forever! I hope to be able to come back. Muito obrigada a todos!! 💗

Hanna Netherlands

Ik heb drie weken mogen wwooffen bij deze bijzondere familie op een paradijselijke plek. Het was voor mij de eerste keer wwooffen, en ik ging er met open verwachtingen in. Margriet, Simon en de kinderen verwelkomen je met open armen in hun leven en thuis. Het werk is heel divers en flexibel: onkruid wieden, planten, water geven, plukken en oogsten ga zo maar door. Margriet deed haar best om me veel verschillend werk te laten uitproberen en aan te bieden zodat ik kan kijken wat ik fijn vond. Het verblijf in de yurt is heel comfortabel. Je hebt alles tot je beschikking, en echt je eigen plek om tot rust te kunnen komen. Buiten het werk om kan je heerlijk in de tuin zitten, wandelen in de omgeving en zwemmen bij de waterval. Door de overweldiging van deze eerste ervaring en het zijn in een nieuwe omgeving vond ik het zelf lastig om mijn behoeftes juist aan te geven. In combinatie met een druk, altijd doordraaiend en soms wat chaotisch dagelijks leven op de boerderij zorgde dit ervoor dat de familie en ik elkaar soms een beetje misliepen. Dit was voor mij een les in communicatie en behoeftes aanvoelen en aangeven. Margriet staat hier juist heel erg open voor, dus doe daar je voordeel mee! Ik heb veel geleerd, en ben de familie ontzettend dankbaar dat ik zo even mee mocht draaien in hun leven :)

Hamilton Sweden

I spent one month with Graça and it has been fantastic. She welcomed me with love and kindness the moment we met and with her cheerful personality it was very easy to feel at home. The farm is a very beautiful place with an amazing view and beautiful landscapes all around. The is also very nice, task that I did was trimming, weeding, construction and much more. Graça is a person that always tells you to do the tasks in a calm manner and not stress stuff. She also makes sure that the work she gives you is suited to your abilities and doesn’t tell you to do something you are not comfortable with. If I would live 100 times over, I would in every life recommend this place! Thank you Graça for this adventure!