Altanure is a touristic and retreat centre where the concept is facilitating nature and mankind to complete each other with the aim of balance and harmony. Altanure proposes that everyone, in their daily experience, actively and passively participates in an improvement in the conditions of the environment:

• The experience begins from the moment you wake up in a peaceful nature, respecting the natural cycle of the elements comprising it.

• The routine follows personal hygiene habits, where waste waters are forwarded to a natural debugging system that will be used for plant irrigation – plants that will later treat us to their fruits.

• Throughout the day you can wander in the gardens integrated into a natural landscape where you can find a permaculture vegetable garden or bath in a naturalised lake fed by the rain waters, this while always having the possibility of collecting in the dojo and appreciating its uniqueness.

“Our goal is to create and arrange natural areas so that you experience this sense of being connected to the natural world”, Maurice Levy, the creator of this concept shared.


Altanure is the Arabic word for ‘bread oven’. However, on an etymological level, it is also the inspiration for the word ‘athanor’ which refers to a flask used by alchemists to perform transmutations from lead into gold. In addition, as explained by Maurice, it also relates to the anagram of “la nature” in French, which is “the transition from a condition of existence to a state of consciousness in which the exterior and interior natures are one and the same in harmony”.


The property

Consisting of two distinct lodges, and a breathtaking garden featuring a pond and a swimming pool, Altanure impresses with each one of its details. The Casa Terra stands for the earthly home, which is to be united with the earth, at the same time it also refers to the building’s composition which is ‘Taipa’. Casa Terra features 7 separate, open-to-nature bedrooms. The main house’s communal areas, which are beautifully furnished and made of locally sourced materials, warmly invites you to relax and be in contact with nature.


Just a few metres away from this majestic property you can find Quinta Sol d’Água. The farmhouse’s original construction from 1913 has been respectfully preserved, and it features four beautifully decorated double bedrooms, a family kitchen, an ample living room with a massive sofa and equally massive side table which invites for group gatherings, and even a piano where the most artistic ones can immerse themselves.

Almatere

With the purpose of demonstrating that it is possible to bring nature and peaceful activities to a metropolitan environment while maintaining the serenity and intimate relationships typically seen in rural areas, Altanure opened recently a new location in Tavira’s downtown area, Almatere, which offers 8 rooms with balconies or terraces that are centred around nature. In addition to offering rejuvenating accommodations as a haven from reality, Almatere also offers different massage options and a breakfast buffet which can be delighted in a covered garden surrounded by a mix of vegetation.

The experience

We began the morning in the beautiful dojo, a wooden structure designed for specific practices, located in the heart of the property garden with a comprehensive exercise led by Maurice Levy. The sound of distant birds and the fresh breeze coming in through the open glass doors created the ideal atmosphere for what was a very relaxing and personal awakening meditation practice. Tibetan rituals, yoga, and meditation are unique experiences available during the stay at Altanure. As Maurice shared: “We are willing to share a place where the real nature of being can be reflected in a harmonious natural environment”.

The breakfast at Altanure is simply a projection of their concept and essence. Prepared daily with different locally sourced ingredients, and inspiration of the chefs, you never know what to expect – but I can guarantee you it is not only delicious but extremely healthy. I was lucky to experience some homemade bread made with hummus, a natural juice, overnight oats and a variety of fruit, served with coffee and tea according to one’s preference.

The retreats

Putting together yoga retreats is a crucial aspect at Altanure, as its Pacific location and natural features, plus its offered facilities makes it the perfect gateway for these practices. Both Casa Terra and Quinta Sol d’Água, are specifically designed to accommodate the unique demands and specifications of yoga retreats, which can accommodate groups of up to 22.

“We have been growing sustainably, and we want to maintain a continuity dynamic by ensuring the balance of the entire system that characterizes Altanure,” Ana Correia, a crucial member of the team revealed.

For more information, please visit
https://www.altanure.org/en/.

Author

After studying Journalism for five years in the UK and Malta, Sara Durães moved back to Portugal to pursue her passion for writing and connecting with people. A ‘wanderluster’, Sara loves the beach, long walks, and sports. 

Sara J. Durães