Out of this World

BY SOPHIE SADLER

There is something other-worldly about Aterra. When you type in the code, and the wooden gates open to let you in, you can imagine it is akin to finding the door to Narnia in the back of your wardrobe.

Although describing itself as an ecological campsite which offers guests a unique glamping experience, Aterra embodies so much more. Little bridges lead you into different areas of this magic kingdom where peacocks wander freely showing off their beautiful plumage.

We rented all of the accommodation for a celebration weekend with seven other families. Located near Odeceixe, it was only a short drive yet as soon as we entered the gates, we felt as if we were in a parallel universe. As well as the palatial teepees, there are Rajasthani tents, stunning yurts and a wood cabin. All giving a feel of luxury with comfy beds and good quality linen. Mosquito nets were hung opulently over the beds, and all had decking to relax outside. The reception tent where you eat is open on all sides, overlooking the green lawns and has a taste of India.

Claudia tells me, “Aterra can be translated as ‘the earth’. We invite people to experience what we have on land but to also remember the potential we have on this planet. There is an alternative way to live in a sustainable, more resourceful and ecological way”.

Claudia was originally a primary school teacher from the UK. She is keen to give children staying here the freedom to explore, play and discover through fun and practical experiences.

Bizarrely, the story of Aterra begins in Brighton where Claudia and Francisco met. Originally from Lisbon, Francisco was working as a landscape gardener. His previous work in gardening, permaculture and ecological construction has given him the skills to design and build all the structures, garden and furniture at Aterra from locally sourced or recycled materials.

We wandered down a track to the lake, after arriving on a blistering hot summer day, hoping to be able to cool down. It appeared through the trees like a shimmering mirage in the landscape, surrounded by medronho trees with eucalyptus bowing their heads looking like they were wishing to touch the refreshing water.

A man-made beach has been built to allow you to walk comfortably into the water or launch one of their kayaks. Behind a pagoda there are comfy beds on which to lie and survey the landscape. Swimming in this lake was heaven, flashes of wings from the weedy banks made me think of fairies in this enchanted place, but they were, in fact, blue and red dragonflies.

“We wanted to create something where people could spend the day without feeling they needed to leave,” Claudia tells me. They have succeeded, the children played happily in the water all day while we enjoyed drinks and cocktails from the beach bar. A children’s playground gave diversion to the kids while the incredible masseuse worked wonders on the adults.

The toilet facilities are all compost and remarkably opulent with fresh flowers and Buddas decorating the hand basins. The solar shower offered me a pleasant view of the countryside and the very vocal donkey as I prepared myself for dinner.

Which leads me onto the food, which was divine. A resident chef prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week. At the weekends, they invite chefs to give their guests a unique gastronomic treat. The highlight was mouth-watering crispy pizzas where we selected our own toppings which were scattered on freshly rolled dough and finished in the stone pizza oven.

The resort is staffed by friendly and beautiful workers, who live at Aterra and give the impression you are hanging out with them, which contributes to the laid back vibe.

Aterra has grown organically. “We began with tents then added decking and bathrooms,” explains Claudia. “We always endeavour to improve and expand our services yet retain our ‘home-grown’ personal touch.”

In the future, they hope to develop their accommodation facilities to provide year-round permanent structures, using wood, straw bales, earth, stone and rocks, tyres and sandbags. Aterra is an experience not to be missed, and far from bringing you down to earth, we were all on a definite high after our unforgettable weekend.

+INFO:

www.aterra.pt

Facebook: ATerra Eco Boutique