Our Story

Casa Alma. Where your soul can rest.

Ana and Myrna, founders of Casa Alma, smiling together in the Alentejo countryside

The founders

Ana & Myrna

Ana is the owner and hostess of this charming house. Every little detail is thought of and worked out by her. Her objective is to offer you a tranquil and authentic experience in her house. With dedication and passion for hospitality, she personally welcomes each guest ensuring comfort and well-being. She is the soul of the Casa. She is native of the Alentejo and showcases the essence of the region.

With a passion for making people feel heard and at home, Myrna created this retreat with love and care. She creates a safe space with room to be yourself without expectations. Support and empowerment are her core values. A Dutchie that grew up in Portugal from infancy, that traveled around the world to find her home and heart in São Luís.

The place

The House

Casa Alma is an old, remodeled building from the 19th century. First it was a grocery shop and then it became the post office of the village. When Ana's grandparents bought the place they used it as their family home. Ana's grandmother always liked to receive guests and rented out rooms from time to time. Inspired by her grandmother, this special building will now continue with this legacy.

This house has a unique identity with a profound emotional connection to what is important to us. Our Soul. This house reflects that: welcoming, authentic and with personality. Just like its owner and retreat host.

Casa Alma is not just a place to sleep, but a place with history, where emotion is transmitted by humanity, care and proximity to one another.

Casa Alma, an 19th century building in São Luís with arched windows and blue azulejo railing
View from Casa Alma window over São Luís village rooftops with terracotta tiles White blossoms on an almond tree in the Alentejo spring

The village

São Luís

Located 20 minutes inland from the beautiful Vicentine Coastline, São Luís is a tiny village that preserves the charm of different times. Where tranquility and simple life still dictate the rhythm of the days and nature rolls out in every direction.

Typical houses, silent streets and a welcoming atmosphere reveal a unique authenticity. In this village everyone still greets each other in the streets, neighbors are always there to lend a hand. Here tradition and innovation go hand in hand. You will have a coffee shop owner that knows everyone by name. Everyone in our community will make you feel welcome.

More than a charming place to stay, we would love you to feel our soul embedded in every corner of Casa Alma.

with love, Ana & Myrna

A day at Casa Alma

  1. Morning Practice

    You wake up in the middle of a silent village. The day starts with a yoga practice that calms the mind and energizes the body. Breathwork and meditation bring you into the present moment.

  2. Nourishment

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared with love and expertise to nourish your body. Fresh, local ingredients from the Alentejo region. Every meal is a moment to slow down. The meals are mostly vegetarian. Fish dishes will be served. Please advise us if you have any dietary restrictions or requests.

  3. Nature & Adventure

    Hiking on the Fisherman's Trail with a guide that knows and respects nature. The smell of eucalyptus, wild lavender, and pine trees. The sun and salt kisses from the Atlantic Ocean.

  4. Connection

    Horse riding in a natural and calming way. Molding with clay to tap into your creativity. Journaling to let it all go.

  5. Sound & Stillness

    A sound journey to recalibrate your inner world. Beach time to simply be. Free time to read, rest, or wander the village streets.

  6. Evening

    As the sun sets over the Alentejo, you gather for dinner. Conversation flows. The day closes gently, without rush.