This former merchant’s house has been lovingly restored by its owners, Colum and David, who have transformed it into a stylish and eco-conscious retreat. Their vision? To create a place where you can unwind in comfort while treading lightly on the environment.
Olhão itself is one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets – a historic fishing town with a distinct cubist skyline, a vibrant local culture, and a harbour that serves as the gateway to the pristine islands of the Ria Formosa. Despite its beauty, it remains refreshingly unspoilt by mass tourism. Here, you’ll still hear Portuguese spoken in the cafés, see fishermen repairing their nets by the water’s edge, and experience a way of life that feels authentic and untouched. And Casa Rosa Villa places you right at the heart of it all.
Sustainability at Casa Rosa
Sustainability is woven into the fabric of Casa Rosa Villa, from its energy-efficient systems to its thoughtful approach to waste reduction. Hot water is powered primarily by solar panels, with a gas backup for efficiency. Plastic waste is kept to a minimum, and single-use plastics have been eliminated entirely. You’ll find locally sourced bath products in refillable dispensers, supporting regional producers while reducing environmental impact.
Paper usage is also carefully managed, with digital solutions replacing printed materials wherever possible. Breakfast ingredients are sourced from local markets, ensuring a low carbon footprint while supporting small businesses. And while it would be easy to rely on air conditioning in the Algarve’s heat, the villa’s clever design encourages natural cooling, reducing the need for energy-intensive climate control.
Casa Rosa Villa isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a place to unwind. Mornings begin with a generous breakfast spread featuring Algarve-grown fruits, fresh bread from a nearby bakery, and a selection of cheeses, meats, and eggs made to order. You can enjoy your meal poolside or in the courtyard, soaking up the Portuguese sunshine.
Wellness is a central part of the Casa Rosa ethos. The villa boasts a dedicated yoga terrace, where regular retreats are hosted throughout the year. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or simply looking for a peaceful moment of reflection, this is the perfect spot to stretch and breathe as the town stirs to life.
After a day exploring Olhão, there’s something wonderfully comforting about the evening ritual here – tea, delivered to your room in a thermos. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that perfectly captures the villa’s relaxed, home-from-home atmosphere.
For dinner, you won’t want to miss Cha Cha Cha, a charming restaurant serving plant-based dishes with a handful of meat and fish dishes in a laid-back setting, just a short walk from the villa. Run by Englishman Kevin, this intimate restaurant serves up creative plant-based dishes in a laid-back setting. There’s no fuss, no pretension – just great food made with fresh, local ingredients. Be sure to bring cash, as cards aren’t accepted.
Casa Rosa Villa’s location makes it easy to immerse yourself in the life of Olhão. The town’s famous food market, housed in two historic red-brick buildings by the waterfront, is a must-visit. Inside, stalls brim with freshly caught seafood, fragrant spices, and baskets of sun-ripened fruit. On Saturdays, the market spills out onto the surrounding streets, where farmers from the nearby countryside come to sell their produce.
Boat trips to the islands of the Ria Formosa are another highlight. From Olhão’s harbour, ferries and water taxis depart for the car-free islands of Armona, Culatra, and Farol, where you’ll find some of the Algarve’s most beautiful, untouched beaches. The waters are crystal clear, the sand is powder-soft, and life moves at a blissfully slow pace.
Back in town, you’ll find plenty of local restaurants and cafés serving traditional Portuguese dishes – think grilled sardines, octopus rice, and freshly baked pastéis de nata. And if you’re looking for something truly authentic, just take a stroll along the harbour. Here, local fishermen still sail out so far they could almost reach Morocco, their boats bobbing gently in the Atlantic swell.
Despite its proximity to Faro Airport – just a 20-minute taxi ride away – Olhão feels like a world apart from the busier resorts further along the coast. This is the Algarve before the crowds arrived: a place where tradition still holds strong, where the streets hum with the sound of Portuguese rather than English, and where you can watch the world go by at a pavement café without a rush in sight.
Casa Rosa Villa captures the essence of this special town – relaxed, welcoming, and in tune with its surroundings. Whether you’re here for the yoga retreats, the incredible food, or simply to soak up the laid-back Algarve atmosphere, you’ll leave feeling rested, restored, and just a little reluctant to go home.
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