Tips For Owning A Retreat Venue In Portugal

From The Owners Of Quinta Camarena

We interviewed our venue partners Vera & Cam who own the gorgeous retreat venue Quinta Camarena. A new venue partner with Venue Retreat which we are eager to connect our ideal clients with who fit their values and lovely space. They give wonderful advice and talk about their journey to becoming venue owners in Portugal.

Owners: Vera and Cam Camarena

Venue Name: Quinta Camarena

Location: Cercal do Alentejo, Portugal

Tell us about yourself!:

Cam is originally from Los Angeles and Vera is from Porto, Portugal. We met while living and working in NY. Cam is a professional photographer but we had many years of experience in hospitality in NYC and Vera worked mostly for fashion and Retail. As New York City dwellers, we found ourselves devoting most of our free time to travel, mostly to places where we could be closer to nature, the beach and smaller communities. At some point , we felt the need to have a more sustainable and healthier way of life, and to build something that allow to have a positive impact int he environment and in people´s lives. to live.

When a surf trip lead us to Alentejo, and we have found the property that is now Quinta Camarena, it was clear for us that this would be our new Home. Having previously lived in many different countries and with friends spread all over the world, we understood that our connection to this place was a natural consequence of our journey.

Becoming a venue owner:​

The decision to settle in the small rural town of Cercal was no small challenge as we removed ourselves from our careers and the comforts of our previously established big city lifestyle. But it was all worth it. We feel privileged to live and work surrounded by nature and close to this amazing community full of history and traditions.

Quinta Camarena is a constant work in progress. We always have new ideas and new projects to make it more exciting and comfortable to our guests, while being respectful to the nature and community around. There was a time when we thought opening a private vacation rental in Portugal to host retreats was a far-off dream. Today we are honored and excited to share our dream home with our guests.

Uniqueness:

We want our guests to feel like staying at a friends place. So we aim for a cozy, warm and fun environment. We also keep personally curating every single detail in the houses, rooms, and outdoor areas, so that every single corner has a piece of history. We provide the comfort of boutique stylish hotel but within an intimate and informal atmosphere.

Here sustainability is a lifestyle . We really think a lot about causing a positive impact in the wonderful ecosystem around us . And we LOVE to talk about it and share it our guests.
Our wonderful property full of trees and flowers and animals, surrounded by hiking trails around rolling hills , walking distance from the picturesque town of Cercal and, an a short drive away from an amazing wild coast line.

Food & wine:

We collaborate with different chefs providing the right mix of traditional food with an exotic touch always on the healthy side. And most important all our ingredients come from small local sustainable producers, including a few natural wineries. We know the history of everything we put in the table . Our guests feel the flavor and the Love

Dreams & Goals:

We want our guests to feel inspired, relaxed but also energized and more connected with nature. And that they got the right balance of wellness and enjoyment while learning about the region and local culture.

And regarding the Retreat Leaders, we Love to hear that the all experience was effortless for them.

Challenges:

Find the right balance between comfort and sustainability . As an example, We can´t put too much light the outdoor areas so we don´t disturb wild life and we can see the sky full of stars. We must be conscious of water and energy and the implications of wasting it. Working only with seasonal ingredients of reliable sources is and added challenge but also a satisfaction. Climate change is making it harder.

Connecting with Venue Retreat!:

David contacted us right in the beginning of our project. We still didn’t manage to work together. But as we have been hosting so many Retreats, both our Signature Not So Serious, and other Retreats leaders, I´m looking forward for our fist partnership to happen soon.

Advice:

For Retreat leaders: research the region and talk with the Retreat Venue to help you put together a unique program. If guests are travelling from far, they´ll love to get a good sense of the region where they are. Have an agenda and a bit of a structured program but don´t try to control every second. Let it flow accordingly to the group dynamics and give guests some space and free time.

To Venue owners: Always have a positive attitude and good energy, you´ll pass it to the guests. If you´re stressed, they´ll feel it.

To Both: don't try to please everyone. Find your people and stick to them. Think long term and Refuse any business that not aligned with your core values.

Our Retreats

We have a light and fun approach to the traditional concept of Retreat. See our Signature Retreats - Not So Serious Retreat ; Surf, Yoga & wine and Sustainable food & wine. We Love to host Retreats and events that identify with our approach of Wellness/Food & wine and that connect with our authentic and sustainable lifestyle.
Due to our professional background, we also love to host Events /Retreats related to Arts and creativity or host Team buildings and Company events, as long as they are aligned with us in terms of values.

Name: Vera and Cam Camarena

Email: vera@quintacamarena.com

Website: http://www.quintacamarena.com

Venue Name: Quinta Camarena

Location: Cercal do Alentejo, Portugal