Casa dos Mangues

Casa dos Mangues was a spectacular, restorative place to spend more than 20 days. I’d planned to stay for 20, then added another week because I couldn’t make myself leave when checkout came around. I left feeling relaxed, cared for, and nourished, and I can hardly wait to book again. The Green Cottage felt cosy the moment I walked in. It’s thoughtfully decorated, warm and homey, and the hosts, Sadia and Bernardo, had left fresh eggs and olive oil from a nearby farm as a gift. The full-size kitchen has everything you could need to cook proper meals. I came away realizing how many things I needed to buy for my own kitchen back home. The bedroom has a Queen-sized bed with a mattress warmer. I’ve stayed in places at all kinds of price points around the world, but rarely slept as restoratively as I did on my first night here. There’s a fireplace in the living room, just right for a chilly evening with a book and hot tea or wine. The bathroom has a standing shower with great pressure. The hot water gets extremely hot, so check the temperature before stepping under it. Sadia and Bernardo are warm, accommodating, and quick to respond if you need anything. The quiet around the property makes it a lovely escape for a couple wanting uninterrupted time together, cooking with fresh finds from the nearby farmers market, walking in nature or by the beach, or unwinding by the fire with music and a glass of wine. It’s also ideal for writers or other creatives who want to get away from everyday busyness and focus. I came to work on my writing and record some radio episodes, and it was perfect for that. I’d work at the table on the terrace overlooking the mangroves, with sunshine, birdsong, and a lovely breeze. Taking breaks for walks in nature made the whole thing a writer’s dream. Thank you, Sadia and Bernardo, for your generosity, warmth, and hospitality!