Experience Community, Nature & Wellness in the Portuguese Mountains

Details

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  Description

  Imagine waking up each day in the heart of the Portuguese mountains, central Portugal, surrounded by lush nature, birdsong, and the quiet rhythm of the land. If you’re seeking a Workaway adventure that brings you back to balance and deeper connection—with yourself, others, and the earth—this may be the perfect space for you.
  
  We are looking for open-hearted, proactive people who are ready to join us for at least one month and support the running and organisation of a growing community space focused on health, creativity and well-being, here in beautiful Benfeita, one hour inland from Coimbra.
  
  You’ll be immersed in a lively community of artists, healers, families and visionaries. The space regularly hosts activities like yoga, dance, meditation, sound healing and more. You’ll have the chance to contribute to the magic behind the scenes, while also soaking in the energy of the land and the people.
  
  We’re nestled close to Fraga da Pena waterfall and the Mata da Margaraça national park, surrounded by mountain views, forest trails, and clear rivers and waterfalls. The house is spacious, with a beautiful garden and terraced land rich with fruit and nut trees—including a large walnut grove. There are many peaceful corners to rest, meditate, or simply watch the sun move across the valley.
  
  We live on the edge of the village and just a short walk away you will find the centre of Benfeita, which has a café, small shop, and a river beach and swimming pool in summer. The broader area is thriving with intercultural exchange, creative projects, and community life. There’s always something happening—from music events to skill shares to permaculture projects.
  
  I’m Supriya—a British woman with Chinese Malaysian roots, and mother to two amazing children, Shyamalii (14) and Narayan (10), both from mixed cultural backgrounds including British, South American and Chinese heritage. I’m a birth worker, doula, yoga teacher and charity worker with a long-standing interest in natural health, meditation, and women’s wellness. I love dancing, singing, cold-water swims and sitting in stillness with the land. We also share our space with Waffles, our cuddly black cat.
  
  I can confirm that I have no paying guests.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  This is an opportunity to experience life in the Portuguese countryside, reconnect with nature, and be part of a community-focused wellness project.
  
  While I don’t formally teach, I live in a way that’s deeply influenced by the yogic lifestyle—especially in how I eat, parent, and care for myself and others. Just being here offers a chance to observe and absorb these rhythms in a natural, non-instructional way.
  
  You’ll also share daily life with two expressive, imaginative children, which can be a powerful learning experience in itself—especially around creativity, communication, and freedom of expression.
  
  Many people who spend time here find that something inside them begins to shift—sometimes quietly, sometimes unexpectedly. The land, the pace of life, and the community atmosphere seem to invite reflection and realignment. While what unfolds is different for everyone, there’s a subtle kind of magic that comes from simply being present in this space.
  
  Beyond the home, the surrounding area is filled with opportunities for learning through connection. This is a vibrant, international community where people are always exchanging ideas and skills—whether through informal gatherings, community markets, music, craft workshops or other spontaneous collaborations. There’s a strong culture of sharing here, and simply being open often leads to moments of unexpected inspiration and insight.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  Right now, the most helpful support would come from people who feel inspired to share and uplift this beautiful community space.
  
  We host a variety of health, wellness, and creative activities each month, and I’m looking for someone with a bit of creativity, social media skills, and a love of community to help share our story and offerings online. I already have a simple system in place to guide you, but there’s also plenty of room for your own vision, ideas, and inspiration.
  
  Other ways you may contribute:
  • Event & activity support – Help set up the space for events, do a bit of decorating, assist with food prep or simply help welcome and hold the space for others.
  • DIY & light building projects – If you have skills in building, carpentry, or home improvement, there’s always something to enhance here.
  • Interior beautification – People with an eye for detail, design or cozy touches are very welcome to help bring the space to life.
  • Garden & land care – There are beautiful gardens and terraces that need a bit of care, as well as seasonal tasks like harvesting and preserving in the autumn.
  • Daily life & home support – Preparing family meals, helping to keep the house clean, and being part of the daily rhythm is part of what makes this experience special.
  
  It’s also a joy to have people who genuinely enjoy spending time with children and are open to play and connection. My daughter Shyamalii (14) is very physical and creative—she loves dance, circus arts, and is passionate about anime, Japanese and Korean culture. If that’s your vibe too, you’ll have lots to share! My son Narayan (10) is a kind and curious soul who loves games of all kinds—indoor and out.
  
  Whether you’re skilled or simply open and willing to learn, if this space calls to you, we’d love to co-create something meaningful together.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  German: Intermediate
  Portuguese: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  I love to learn languages and am really keen to learn portuguese especially with native speakers so we are particularly interested in having native Portuguese speakers (from any continent) come and stay with us. I am also very patient at teaching english.
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  Accommodation

  There is currently one main room available for volunteers, with access to a shared bathroom. If more than two volunteers are here at the same time, we’ll have an open conversation to see if anyone feels comfortable sharing the space. It’s flexible and would only happen if everyone agrees and feels good about it.
  
  I love having volunteers who enjoy cooking—especially when they bring their own creativity and flavour to the kitchen! We usually share an evening meal together when my children are home, and it’s a lovely moment of connection. On the two days a week when Narayan is with his dad, I often take that time to be quiet and may eat separately, depending on how I’m feeling. You’re always welcome to use the family kitchen to prepare your own meals whenever you like.
  
  While you don’t need to be vegetarian to stay here, I ask that only vegetarian food is prepared and eaten in the house. In line with a yogic diet, we also don’t cook with onion, garlic, or other alliums in the house. That said, I’ve found many creative and delicious ways to cook without them, and I love learning new recipes from volunteers too!

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  What else ...

  There’s plenty to discover here! We’re surrounded by stunning natural beauty—the Mata da Margaraça National Park and Fraga da Pena waterfall are within walking distance, along with hidden river spots and forest paths perfect for exploring or simply being still in nature.
  
  As spring and summer approach, the area really comes alive. There are regular markets, bhajans, and community gatherings, plus workshops on everything from permaculture and natural building to basket weaving, dance, and circus skills. The local scene is vibrant, creative, and ever-evolving.
  
  Getting around is easiest by foot or car. There’s also a local bus that connects to the surrounding towns a couple of times a day.
  
  While I do occasionally welcome shorter stays, my preference is for volunteers who can stay at least one month. It usually takes some time to settle into rhythm and connection with the space and each other. I like to check in together after the first week to reflect on how things are going for both of us.
  
  If this space speaks to you, send me a message and let’s connect for a short chat! If it feels like a good match and you choose to join us, I’ll help coordinate a pick-up from the nearest bus station so you can find your way here with ease or if you like a bit of adventure I can help you find the way to reach Benfeita on your own.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  I have optic fibre internet

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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