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A Travel Guide for Your Next Sustainable Holiday.

On our first ever trip to Portugal, we treated ourselves to a few nights at Aerias de Seixo, a delightful and eco‑friendly spot that set the tone for our family holiday in Portugal. Combining relaxation with sustainability, this charming retreat is situated on the coast of Portugal, just a one‑hour drive north of Lisbon, nestled in a quaint rural farming area near Santa Cruz.

It’s the kind of place that makes planning a trip feel easy, effortless once you’re there, but memorable in all the right ways.

A Greenhouse Like No Other

The ‘pièce de résistance’ for me? The dining space. A beautiful old greenhouse reimagined as a whimsical restaurant, with passionfruit vines overhead, flowers in bloom around the edges, and long wooden tables just begging you to linger.

On our first evening, we joined the weekly BBQ, everything fresh, flavourful, and grown on site. It set the tone for the days to follow.

Perfect for Families

Just behind the greenhouse is a dreamy little deck designed with kids in mind:

• Round swimming pools made from stock tanks
• A trampoline
• Ping‑pong and fussball tables
• Daily rotating activities to keep your munchkins entertained

The team really has thought of everything, and we could relax knowing they were entertained.

Space to Unwind for Grown‑Ups

Adults are well looked after, too. Each morning began with yoga in a serene safari tent tucked into a bamboo grove. The adults‑only pool was a welcome retreat for some calm, and the spa… Glorious.

I booked in for an orange‑scented body scrub and emerged feeling completely refreshed, albeit slightly pummelled (but in a good way).

Sunsets, Surf Vibes & a Sister Hotel Surprise

It’s funny how serendipity works. I’d originally tried to book Noah Surf House when planning our trip, but it was fully booked. So I was thrilled to discover that Aerias de Seixo is its sister property, and they run a free five‑minute shuttle between the two during meal times.

We headed over for dinner a few evenings, enjoying sunset views from Noah’s ocean‑facing deck while the kids skateboarded on the rooftop. The vibe is surfy and fun, perfect for families or anyone who loves a relaxed, beachy feel.

Beach Days & Rock Pool Finds

One of the unexpected highlights was the local beach, calm, pristine, and almost completely deserted. We were lucky to arrive during an unusually low tide, which only happens a few times a year. Rock pools surfaced from the sea and we even spotted a shy young octopus. The path down was a little sketchy, edging along the cliff, but worth every careful step.

Staying in Style – The Villa

Our villa was gorgeous:

• Three bedrooms
• Lofty ceilings
• Private pool
• Dishwasher & washing machine (massive family bonus)

The beds were comfy, the bathrooms stylish, and had I not been on a self-imposed cooking strike, we could’ve easily eaten in most nights. Larger villas looked beautiful too, and other guests raved about the hotel rooms.

💡 A Few Insider Tips

We stayed in townhouse Town House 17, super close to the amenities, but the sofa was a bit uncomfortable. I spied in some of the other townhouses and theirs looked more squishy.

Also, note there is no air‑conditioning. We were a little worried at first, but cooler nights meant we could sleep with the windows open.

Mosquitoes paid us a visit, but we took it in our stride, it really didn’t detract from the experience.

Food Glorious Food

Breakfast was served in the greenhouse each morning: freshly cooked eggs, garden produce, and homemade treats in the prettiest setting.

Lunch and dinner were also available, no booking needed, just turn up when you’re ready. It took the pressure off and let us settle into a slower pace.

We also dined in their fine dining space, where the service was warm and the food was truly special. Wine pairings were a highlight, especially with a lovely trainee sommelier sharing her favourite tasting notes with us.

Pastel de Nata (Because Obviously)

We couldn’t leave without sampling a pastel de nata or two which were freshly baked for breakfast each morning. Crispy, creamy, and everything you dream of when you visit Portugal for the first time. I still think about them.

📅 One Final Note on Timing

We would’ve extended our stay if we could have, but the hotel was fully booked right after our visit due to a Portuguese bank holiday weekend. Definitely something to keep in mind when planning your trip, as the coast gets busier during those times.

Would We Go Back?

In a heartbeat. Whether you’re planning a family‑friendly escape or an eco‑friendly holiday in Portugal that still feels like a treat, this spot hits the sweet spot. Thoughtfully designed, beautifully run, and quietly special.

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