Ericeira SoulSurfers Guesthouse

In 2014, Martina—an Austrian snowboarder turned ocean devotee—opened Ericeira SoulSurfers Guesthouse in the Saloio region of Portugal, a coastal area historically known for its rich agricultural and seafood heritage. The property sits on Rua Guiomar Carvalho Miranda, just behind the world-famous Ribeira D'ilhas break and within walking distance of Ericeira's fishermen's village center. The villa can hold up to 15 guests across two separate apartments: the Deluxe Apartment with ocean view (4 or 3 bedrooms) and the Palm Tree Apartment with private garden (2 bedrooms). Individual rooms—Ocean Blue, Jungle, Sandy, and Aquarium—each face the waterfront with private terraces or balconies. All spaces feature fully furnished kitchens, a shared pool, BBQ facilities, and a palm tree garden.

The guesthouse operates as a conscious hospitality platform aligned with four pillars of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. On Portuguese tradition, the team curates local experiences: guests learn about the Saloio region's history, sample regional cuisine, and explore nearby landmarks like Sintra, Óbidos, Tapada de Mafra, and Cabo da Roca. For positive social impact, the space functions as a gathering point where guests and retreat facilitators connect and share ideas, while the operation prioritizes local employment and regional capacity building. Environmental stewardship drives daily practice: furniture is upcycled by local craftspeople using regional materials; water and electricity are conserved; waste is separated; and filtered drinking water is provided to eliminate single-use plastics. Economically, the guesthouse champions localization—sourcing from regional producers, supporting small businesses, and keeping tourism revenue within the community rather than flowing to multinational chains.

The property welcomes solo travelers, families, and organized groups. Services are customized: catering covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options; guided and non-guided activities include surf lessons, yoga, massage therapies, sound healing, osteopathy, wine tastings, horse riding, and boat trips. A full glass-front indoor space—the Salda Costa Shala—overlooks São Lourenço beach and accommodates both movement-based and classroom-style gatherings. The guesthouse maintains quiet hours from 11 PM to 9 AM, positioning itself as a restful home away from home rather than a party venue.

Guests consistently praise the hospitality. One visitor noted that Mariana's recommendations and warmth, combined with the house's attention to detail and peaceful neighborhood setting, made for a return-worthy stay. Another described the hosts Martina and Sarah as flexible and helpful, ensuring every detail was handled. The 4.9-star rating across 22 reviews reflects the care embedded in both the physical space and the team's approach to conscious hospitality.