Casa Andorinha

david cottier 5/4/2009 Apart from the great food, the friendly atmosphere and the idyllic surroundings, the thing I enjoyed most was the personal space to do my thing at The House of Swallows.
MaryJane Zeigler 10/18/2008 We travel alot; this is a unique experience and can be as active or retreating as you wish. Zena and Richard are consummate hosts, open to making your holiday wishes come true. You will be well looked after in a gorgeous natural setting in a lovely villa with creature comforts, great food, and lots ( or nothing!) to see and do - not the least of which are Zena's self-development offerings! Zena and Richard are most knowledgable about the area (off the beaten tourist path!) and can expertly advise. We were especially taken with the natural landscape, history, and fabulous medieval village centers! They offer everything they have at their disposal for your pleasure, enjoyment, and rejuvenation. Trust you will be as surprised and delighted as we were!
Nick 3/13/2007 5:42:13 AM After another visit, it's like coming home to family...
Kay Counsell 7/2/2006 Low, run down, pressures of looking after an elderly relative plus awiting major surgery, I felt the need to escape and take some time out before my operation. I visited this lovely, welcoming retreat for a week in May 05. The house is situated just outside a very peaceful typical Portuguese village and about (if I remember right) 10 minutes from the most wonderful large unspoilt (and uncrowded) beaches. The house is set in it's own secluded large and pretty grounds, with wonderful views across the hills and valleys. You must have a car to get around, but there is plenty of parking space at the house and car hire is reasonable. The house is lovely. Clean, spacious, traditionally furnished and private. The good sized swimming pool was mine (exclusively!) and, lying on a sunbed under the large parasols, I read, swam and mainly slept the first 4 days. I did make the effort to travel into Alberfura and a couple of other well known tourist places (nice for a spot of shopping) but was thankful to return back to my lovely "casa". The local restaurant in the village (a few minutes drive away) was charming and the food delicious! Mine hosts Zena and Richard were lovely, warm, kind and friendly but always gave me space to be alone, to think, to rest. It was great. I was alone, but had the company and support of two lovely people if I needed to chat or to exchange points of view. I loved the grounds. Most times you are hidden from the house and the whole world. It was heaven to be freed from pressures and cares and my week was so well worth it. I bought myself time to rest, time to relax and think, time to prepare myself for what lay ahead and most importantly, time for me. Go back? Yes please! If you want peace, tranquility and your own little piece of heaven, this is for you!
Elizabeth chick 7/2/2006 MY Stay atHouse of Swallows was an exeptional delight.What a beautiful as well as restful place to stay.Zena and Richard,my hosts did everything to make visit happy and succesful. I am on count down untill my next visit. CAN'T WAIT. Elizabeth Chick
Phil Smith 6/19/2006 My days at House of Swallows changed my life! There is nothing else to say but "Thank You"
vicki 6/18/2006 House of Swallows is a wonderful experience. Whether sitting and relaxing in the beautifully landscaped gardens, lounging by the pool with an orange and lemon orchard within arms reach, or visiting the local seaside towns, and the fish market! Time just to be and enjoy the energy in this haven of seclusion and peace whether as a personal retreat or while attending one of the Retreat's Courses as a participant. A wonderful warm and giving welcome from the House of Swallows hosts makes you feel immediately at home. Recommended.
Jean Whittle 6/18/2006 Casa Andorinha is where I head for when I neeed time out from my demanding work. I am given such a warm welcome and made to feel immediately at home. Here in these beautiful surroundings I quickly start to relax and unwind and am left in peace to read or swim or wander in the lovely garden or take some of the fine walks. I can recommend The House of Swallos to anyone who is looking for space and peace and quiet, and to get away from it all.
Nick 1/26/2006 I've been twice and both times experienced a wonderful welcome and a real sense peace. Situated in a private valley, the grounds are beautiful and the care that's gone in to this is obvious. I always know when I arrive somewhere if a place has heart and soul. I can recommend to anyone who wants to take some time to relax and for those who want to give themselves some tight out while doing a course - or both. I did !


Apart from the great food, the friendly atmosphere and the idyllic surroundings, the thing I enjoyed most was the personal space to do my thing at The House of Swallows.
MaryJane Zeigler 10/18/2008 We travel alot; this is a unique experience and can be as active or retreating as you wish. Zena and Richard are consummate hosts, open to making your holiday wishes come true. You will be well looked after in a gorgeous natural setting in a lovely villa with creature comforts, great food, and lots ( or nothing!) to see and do - not the least of which are Zena's self-development offerings! Zena and Richard are most knowledgable about the area (off the beaten tourist path!) and can expertly advise. We were especially taken with the natural landscape, history, and fabulous medieval village centers! They offer everything they have at their disposal for your pleasure, enjoyment, and rejuvenation. Trust you will be as surprised and delighted as we were!