Geranium - with shared pool, near beach Cascais

I had the good fortune to stay at Morada do Sol recently with a group of 24 people for a very meaningful spiritual holiday. We visited to Cascais for a Buddhist Festival with over 7000 people from 59 countries. I began my search for lodging 9 months in advance and quickly decided on Morada do Sol. We were an unusual group in that many of us didn't know each other and were coming from different parts of the world. Word got out quickly that I had rented a Villa and before you knew it, the rooms were full. From the very beginning of my communications with Sol Domus (the rental agency) they were more than accommodating and extremely patient with my many questions and unique needs. They made my journey so easy in the way they organized the house, created floor plans, found my group a driver for airport pick-up and daily shuttle, ordered and programmed a local phone for my use, delivered fresh towels mid-way through our stay, greeted us in person, made sure everyone in my group had a key, walked us through the important details of this property and, had a wonderful cake and tea for our arrival! I felt like I was visiting lifelong friends and well, I guess after our 200+ email exchanges we did kind of get to know each other a bit. :-) The estate itself was immaculately kept and very spacious. Always a place to be alone if you so desired. The large, atrium enclosed pool was a great escape from the rain and cold but was wrong time of year for swimming. Several of us did use it however for a cozy meditation spot and for yoga. The main house we stayed in, Monte e Mar had so many wonderful and unique characteristics it reminded me of something Gaudi might have lived in if he were still alive today. Lots of curves, warm woods, comfortable Indonesian style furnishings and beautiful panoramic views! And the kitchen! Well of course, this is where we hung out the most. It was easy for several people to be cooking at once while others kept us entertained....and of course the fact that it spilled onto the alfresco dining area right outside it's door. In short, my time at Morada do Sol was a magical and memorable event. I can think of so many great uses for this property like a Wedding! Or a Yoga retreat! Or a family reunion! Or a Corporate Meeting event! Whatever the reason for your stay Cascais, if you stay here you are definitely in the right place and in good hands. I'm already looking for excused to go back!

This was our third time at Morada do Sol, and second visit this year. As ever, it was sheer bliss. We were a mixed group of 12 adults and children this summer and virtually lived in the pool when we weren’t at the beach or walking the cliff top paths from the village via Abano, or from Cabo da Rocha to Praia Grande and back with a delicious fish lunch at the restaurant on the beach at Adraga by way of reward. The children could tire themselves out on the hard court football pitch, whilst we relaxed over a BBQ on the terrace outside Casa Grande, enjoying the views, the tranquility and the rich pleasure of Portuguese wine. The twin cottages that make up Casa Grande are tastefully decorated, spotlessly clean and well maintained. Since we were last there, they have been completely renovated and have six bedrooms and an extra bathroom with Jacuzzi. There was plenty of room for all and the extensive grounds of Morada do Sol are a delight. We returned for a late autumn golfing holiday; passes to the top courses in the area arranged by Morada do Sol. This time we were just adults – seven couples – and took over Villa Monte e Mar and Meninos. The weather was mostly good, but the new air conditioning in heater mode took the chill off the evenings, and the live fire in the living room was a real attraction after dinner when we ate at home or had a nightcap or two after dining out in Cascais or the village. (Morada do Sol can be relied on for restaurant recommendations!). Confession: we were too idle to cook for ourselves and so took advantage of the maid’s home cooking; she has a range of dishes from which to select, delivered the next morning ready for the microwave! There is more space than at Casa Grande but either option would have worked well – the log fire was the decider.