Where silence...

Monte Do Ramalho Logo Azul

...can be heard

Time out

In August, the Romans take a break and go “al mare.”
With this simple message, often written on a piece of paper taped to the doors of shops, cafés, and restaurants, they remind us that life is meant to be enjoyed and officially kick off their summer holidays.
Here at Monte do Ramalho, we’re fans of this slow-paced rhythm, with everything in its own time, without rush or urgency.

Monte do Ramalho, rural tourism in the Alentejo, holiday cottageMonte do Ramalho, rural tourism in the Alentejo, pet friendlyMonte do Ramalho, rural tourism in Alentejo

August brings laziness and sunshine, calling for gatherings and time out to fully appreciate it.

It’s a time for reconnecting with family and friends (and maybe a new love), for catching up on the sleep you missed throughout the year, for discovering new places and flavors, for doing absolutely nothing or doing the things that didn’t fit into the busy days.

This month, our usual newsletter suggests a blank agenda, embracing the concept of dolce far niente – the pleasure of doing nothing or as the dictionary puts it, pleasant idleness.
That’s exactly what we recommend: dedicate yourself to leisure, without guilt or hesitation. Embrace it with enthusiasm!

Let the warmth seep into your body, relaxing it naturally. Empty your mind of the usual daily demands, and tune into the sounds of nature – the birds, the insects, the waves, and the breeze in the leaves.

Pick the table, the chairs, the food, the friends, and let time slip through your fingers, accompanied by laughter and stories waiting to be told.

Just be.

Monte do Ramalho, rural tourism in AlentejoMonte do Ramalho, rural tourism in AlentejoMonte do Ramalho, rural tourism in Alentejo

Hot days and nights call for cool drinks.

So, we’ll make one lively suggestion (without too much activity, since we’re true to the idleness we promote): explore the award-winning national gins, like Black Pig or Sharish, both made in Alentejo with local aromas and botanicals.

Filipa Gomes, from 24 Kitchen TV, suggests a gin and tonic granita with cucumber, while Mónica Pinto from Pratos e Travessas offers a watermelon, gin, and mint cocktail (a favorite of ours).

Pair it with a generous board of local cheeses, cured meats (you can get recommendations from your host, Manuela Estevinha, or go on a culinary adventure with Projecto Matéria), olives, fresh melon, figs, grapes, roasted pepper jam, and thin slices of Alentejo bread. And just like that, you’re all set to fully dedicate yourself to leisure.

Cheers to summer vacations!

 

Beautiful photography by Madalena Tavares.

Back

Monte Do Ramalho Logo

Fechar