Upskill in the Algarve, Portugal
Bring home more than just souvenirs from the sunny coastline of south Portugal.
A favorite amongst the Portuguese themselves, the Southern Coast of Portugal has it all: wall-to-wall sunshine, laidback vibes, secluded coves, picturesque fishing villages, and stylish resorts.
It's not all about chilling out though. You can head south to Lagos for instant inspiration and the chance to learn a new skill or two at this bohemian estate.
This former estate on Portugal's most sunny coast lets you unwind in style. From the minimalistic main building to your own boho chic cabana, complete with bathtub, right through to the classic suites in the old estate building. Pick your perfect room to set the scene for an idyllic vacation.
Portugal´s own Ricardo Lopes' has always had a passion for tradition. This took him all around the world in search of other techniques to incorporate into the traditional Portuguese way of crafting ceramics. He now has residencies in France, China, Japan, and India, and you can spot his work in the Casa Mãe too – he designed a number of the pieces at the resort.
Lopes also runs classes, helping visitors understand the right materials and throwing techniques to craft incredible pottery, so you can take home your own self-made, expert-assisted bowls, plates, or vases.
Want to eat like a local? How about cooking like a local? Embark on a fishing boat trip, enjoy the clear waters of the Atlantic and learn to fish for your lunch. Take your catch of the day back to the excellent cooks at Casa Mãe to learn how to clean, ferment or grill it on the barbecue – then impress your friends back home with your effortless Portuguese cooking skills.
You can also take part in a session of harvesting and cooking the vegetables that are growing right in front of your cabana – it doesn't get much more local than that.
If you're after something a little more effortless, don't miss the classic Petiscos de Taberna – a selection of seafood tapas served at every small restaurant in Lagos.
Looking for ways to work up an appetite? You're spoilt for choice.
→ Kayak to the famous Benagil cave, a sea cave known for its distinctive hole in the roof
→ Explore whitewashed fishing villages and sandy coves from Lagos to Faro
→ Go on a sailing adventure in Portimão or watch one of the sailing races from the shoreline
Reach out to our curators to create your perfect trip.
Katharina Kiéck
Having dreamt of becoming a race car driver, Katharina studied to be an anthropologist, worked as a futurist, and tried brand strategy at Twitter before founding her own media production company. When she's not traveling or surfing herself, she's organizing network and surf experiences for people working in tech. Constantly on the move, her Achilles heel is cinnamon buns.
All images courtesy of Casa Mãe