Forever I will remember my time at the Mount of Oaks with the foundest memories. Weeks spent on the land gave me such happiness. There was a real sense of belonging.

For me, the project itself is so diverse and inspiring. I feel the place incorporates the whole ethics of permaculture in a practical way.

While volunteering, I helped out on the land and met amazing people. I laughed whole heartedly, shared food and stories and by chance met people I now call friend.

I remember when I first came to the Mount of Oaks. I arrived hitchhiking and was welcomed by a couple of dogs! I was quite afraid of dogs at this time and nobody else was there. But after a few hours Baba came back from her shopping tour. By the name "Barbara“ , expected a 40 year-old American Lady, but then this tattooed Hippie-Punk-Girl with a weird haircut showed up.

So i learned quite a lot about building, gardening and animals in some weeks. I lost my fear of dogs. And I also had very good discussions about spiritual and personal stuff. When I left the place, it was clear, that this would NOT be the last time I stayed there. So I came back a few times and it was always a very warm welcome – almost a homecoming feeling.

Every time there seems to be more to learn about permaculture, gardening and sustainability. So for me it is a perfect holiday – there´s time to rest, to read, to swim in the pool, to have good conversation and meet open minded and friendly people. There is time and space to discover new things, make new experience and adventures and learn new skills. All this comes with a nice daily rhythm which encourages you to live, and work, aware of your surrounding environment and beings.

It is good for me to spend some time there out of my daily routine and out of my common consumer behaviour. You feel closer to nature and the basics of life and you learn to value more small things. You get an awareness of how to responsibly use energy and resources. And you feel this special spirit of this community. The people who are living there seem to be in the right place and share their loving and open unity with you.

My week staying at the Mount of Oaks has been just what I needed; time to rest, read, walk and talk. Spending time in the beautiful Portuguese countryside and a chance to switch off..

I have been welcomed so warmly by the community and the sun! This is a place of love, kindness, hospitality, joy and hard work. The desire of everyone here to live with respect and gratitude for nature, people and animals has been inspiring and life-giving.

I’ve enjoyed a full-moon swim in the pond, a yoga class, walking in the mountains, a thai massage from Emma, delicious food and a very comfortable room shared with Simba the cat!

I’ll be back! 5 STARS!
Thank you!