Villa Lage Kitchen: Our Seeded Bread Recipe

There are few things as comforting as the scent of warm bread drifting through the house.

At Villa Lage, this simple ritual has become one of the quiet luxuries our guests love most. Our chef prepares it often, and the aroma fills the villa with that unmistakable feeling of home. Here we share our seeded loaf recipe, a favourite to enjoy warm, sliced on the kitchen counter, ideally accompanied by a glass of our exclusive wine from Quinta de Santar, Dão.

Villa Lage Seeded Bread – English Recipe

Ingredients:

• 400 g T65 wheat flour (or strong white bread flour)

• 1 g dry yeast

• 7 g salt

• 280 g warm water

• 40 g mixed seeds (golden flax, chia, sunflower, pumpkin)

Quick overview: Toast and hydrate the seeds. Mix with flour, water, yeast and salt. Let the dough rest and perform several folds. Ferment slowly, shape gently, roll in seeds, proof in a banneton, and bake in a preheated cast-iron pot at high heat for a crusty, aromatic loaf.

Method:

1. Toast the seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they start to pop. Add 40 g of water and let them soak for 30 minutes.

2. Sift the flour into a bowl, keeping yeast and salt on opposite sides.

3. Add the hydrated seeds, then the warm water, and mix by hand until the dough comes together. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.

4. Perform three rounds of stretch-and-folds, every 30 minutes (1h30 total).

5. After the final fold, ferment for 2h30.

6. Turn the dough onto a floured counter, shape into a ball, and rest 15 minutes.

7. Optional: perform one or two extra folds (reducing final fermentation time accordingly).

8. Flatten the dough, fold it like a book, roll it tightly and place seam-side up in a floured banneton. Lightly mist the dough with water and roll its surface in seeds. Proof for 2 hours.

9. Preheat the oven to 250ºC with a cast-iron pot inside for 30 minutes.

10. Turn the dough onto baking paper, score the top, place it carefully into the hot pot, cover and bake for 20 minutes..

11. Uncover and bake for another 20 minutes.

12. Cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

If there is anything better than warm bread… It's warm bread with butter.

The Orchard of Flavours: A Living Edible Garden Shaping the Future of the Algarve

Just a short distance from Villa Lage, in Belmonte, lies one of the Algarve’s most inspiring ecological projects: The Orchard of Flavours – Pomar dos Sabores.

Created and managed as a non-profit botanical garden dedicated to edible plants, this remarkable project invites visitors to experience a new vision of Mediterranean agriculture — one rooted in science, resilience, and respect for nature.

An Edible Botanical Garden With Purpose

Accredited by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) in 2022, The Orchard of Flavours is far more than a garden. It is a living laboratory, bringing together biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and regenerative agriculture.

More than 400 species of fruit trees and edible plants are carefully studied and documented, forming an extensive open-access database that benefits farmers, researchers, and visitors.

Two Ideas That Marked Our First Visit and inspired us

During our first encounter with the Orchard of Flavours, two concepts stood out as especially powerful — both simple, elegant and transformative.

1. The Power of Nitrogen-Fixing Plants

One of the Orchard’s most striking lessons is the intelligent use of nitrogen-fixing species.
These special plants — such as certain legumes, acacias and pioneer shrubs — naturally enrich the soil, reducing the need for fertilisers and creating a healthier, more self-sustaining ecosystem.

Walking through the orchard, you witness how these plants:

• Improve soil fertility naturally

• Support neighbouring fruit trees

• Reduce dependency on external inputs

• Create resilience in low-water, Mediterranean conditions

It is a beautifully orchestrated cooperation between species — a masterclass in working with nature rather than against it.

2. The Miyawaki Forest: A Pocket of Regeneration

Another unforgettable feature is the Miyawaki micro-forest, a dense planting technique that accelerates natural forest growth using native species.

In the Orchard of Flavours, the Miyawaki forest:

• Creates shade and cools the surrounding land

• Boosts biodiversity

• Stores carbon

• Demonstrates how degraded soils can recover quickly

• Provides habitat for birds, insects and microorganisms

This miniature forest is living proof that regeneration can happen faster than we imagine when ecological intelligence guides the design.

These two principles — nitrogen-fixing plants and the Miyawaki forest — capture the essence of the Orchard: practical, hopeful, innovative solutions for a changing climate.

A Regenerative Vision for the Future

Throughout the site, visitors can observe:

• Contour-based planting to harvest and hold rainwater

• Deep mulching and permanent ground cover

• A thriving Food Forest Lab

• A pioneering Dry Orchard Experiment

• Research plots testing climate-resilient fruit varieties

Every detail reflects a commitment to rebuilding landscapes for future generations.

Villa Lage’s Commitment to Water-Wise Gardening

At Villa Lage, we deeply resonate with the Orchard’s mission.
The Algarve faces growing water stress, and preserving this resource has guided our own landscape design.

Our gardens at Villa Lage were intentionally planted with:

• Native and Mediterranean species that thrive with minimal water

• Drought-tolerant shrubs, aromatic herbs and trees

• Low-irrigation practices and soil-care techniques that protect water and promote resilience

A Visit That Inspires

For guests of Villa Lage, a visit to the Orchard of Flavours is a rare opportunity to walk inside a living experiment.
It is beautiful, educational and deeply inspiring.

Here, you feel the meeting point between:

• Taste and ecology; 

• Science and tradition;

• Local heritage and global sustainability.

The Campus at Quinta do Lago – A World-Class Sports Hub for Your Algarve Escape

Just 40 minutes from Villa Lage, The Campus at Quinta do Lago has become one of Europe’s most sought-after high-performance sports and wellness centres — a rare space where elite athletes, active families and wellness-focused travellers share the same state-of-the-art facilities.
For guests staying at Villa Lage, it’s an inspiring extension to a luxury stay: a place to train, to reset, to discover new activities, or to simply enjoy a day immersed in movement and wellbeing.

Why The Campus is worth visiting — even for a day

One of the greatest advantages of The Campus is that you do not need to be a member to enjoy its facilities. Many experiences are open to day visitors, making it easy to integrate into a Villa Lage holiday without long-term commitments.

Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a single session, the Campus offers world-class options in a luxury setting.

High-Performance Gym & Personal Training

The high-performance gym at The Campus is equipped to professional standards and widely used by athletes, including footballers, triathletes and rugby teams.
Guests can enjoy:

• Day-passes to use the facilities

• Personal training with specialised coaches

• Access to tailored programs (strength, mobility, conditioning, rehab)

It’s ideal for maintaining a training routine while travelling, or for a motivating one-off session with expert guidance.

Cycling & Triathlon Training

Quinta do Lago is home to exceptional cycling routes, coaching and equipment.
The Campus offers:

• Road bike and triathlon bike rentals

• Guided rides along coastal and inland routes

• Coaching sessions focused on performance, technique and endurance

Even if you’re not a competitive athlete, the experience of cycling through the protected landscapes of the Ria Formosa is exhilarating and accessible.

Tennis & Padel – Professional Courts, Social Fun

The Campus is particularly loved for its tennis and padel facilities.
Guests can book:

• Court time for casual play

• Private coaching sessions

• Group clinics and social tournaments

It’s one of the best spots in the Algarve for improving technique or simply enjoying a beautiful morning on court.

Recovery & Wellness Facilities

After training, The Campus offers a variety of wellness-focused amenities, including:

• Cold plunge & ice-bath protocols

• Sports physio and massage

• Mobility & stretching sessions

• Yoga and Pilates classes

• Hydrotherapy and thermal recovery options

These sessions complement the slow-wellness philosophy of Villa Lage, offering deeper support for the body and mind.

Aquatic Training & Family-Friendly Facilities

The Campus' 25m heated outdoor pool is open for:

• Technique sessions

• Lanes for fitness swimming

• Triathlon training

• Kids’ lessons and holiday camps

Families can easily spend a half-day exploring different activities while enjoying the resort’s safe, premium environment.

Group Training Experiences

If you are visiting with friends, family or during a corporate retreat, The Campus also offers:

• Small-group classes

• Custom-designed training experiences

• Team-building fitness sessions

• Private bookings for groups

This fits beautifully with Villa Lage’s approach to retreats, blending wellbeing, creativity and movement with premium hospitality.

How Villa Lage Guests Can Make the Most of The Campus

Even if only visiting once, guests can:

• Book private coaching (tennis, padel, swimming, cycling, strength)

• Enjoy a full day of training + recovery

• Try a new sport in a safe, luxurious environment

• Join group sessions during holiday periods

• Access premium equipment without long-term memberships

The Campus is a Sports Haven for Mixed-Interest Groups 

The Campus creates a dynamic and engaging environment where children, teens, and active adults can enjoy a full sports day. It’s an ideal option for mixed‑interest groups seeking energy, movement, and fun while others enjoy the fairways.

Meinke Flesseman – Artist, Entrepreneur & Algarve Creative Force

In the heart of the Algarve emerges a rare blend of creativity and vision: Meinke Flesseman, Dutch-born, Algarve-based, artist and entrepreneur. Her story is one of reinvention, of place, and of transforming space into an immersive creative ecosystem.

A Journey Rooted in Nature and Memory

Meinke describes herself as someone brought up “surrounded by animals, nature and simplicity” in the Algarve. Her work often reflects this heritage: layered textures, ethereal colour palettes, recurring motifs of animals, seascapes and quiet moments of life.
Her formal training is unconventional: she studied jewellery-making in Italy, then fine art at institutions including the Ruud Wackers Academy in Amsterdam, and has lived and worked internationally before making the Algarve her creative home. 

Rehabilitating a Building → Gallery & Artistic Residence in Portimão

One of Meinke’s most ambitious projects is the complete restoration of a historic building in the centre of Portimão, now serving as her gallery and creative residence. According to local press, the building (on Rua Infante D. Henrique 126, 8500-692 Portimão) was purchased and undergoing major renovation from October 2021, with gallery operations opening in December 2022.

Meinke describes the renovation process as akin to painting: “It’s all about building something up, and then using your imagination, changing it…” The building is envisioned as “five spaces in one, which are still connected but nonetheless separable”, allowing for gallery exhibitions, artist residencies, studio work and visitor experiences.

The transformation of a neglected historic house into a creative hub signals Meinke’s dual role: as artist and as cultural entrepreneur. Her work not only fills walls with paint, but breathes life into place-making in the Algarve.

Creative Output & Artistic Signature

Meinke’s art is typified by:

• ethereal figurative-and-landscape works, often featuring animals (goats, birds), water reflections and human presence.

• Mixed media, textured surfaces, layered colour fields, a fusion of abstraction with recognisable forms.

• A serene yet expressive aesthetic: the paintings suggest memory, place, stillness and motion all at once.

As she says:

“If a certain experience moves me, I guess I’m destined to paint it.” 

Her gallery has already started attracting international visitors, collectors and artists, and her presence has contributed to Portimão’s emerging identity as a destination for creative tourism.

Workshops, Residencies & Local Engagement

Meinke is deeply rooted in engagement: her gallery is by appointment but open to visits and creative experiences. She offers workshops, creative sessions and invites people into the process of making. The restoration of the building itself becomes part of the artistic narrative — the visitor can see “work in progress”, feel the history of space, and connect with the story behind the art.

A Personal Note

An Afternoon of Drawing at Meinke’s Gallery

I had the chance to participate in one of Meinke’s drawing workshops at her gallery in Portimão — an experience that felt both intimate and inspiring. The session began with gentle guidance and quiet observation, and ended with an unexpected twist: Meinke herself became our model. I had the joy of painting her, and that moment — artist and participant exchanging roles — captured the essence of her space perfectly. It is a place where creativity flows naturally, where stories are shared, and where every person is invited to see beauty differently. The painting from that workshop now holds a special place in my heart, and I will share its image here to convey the spirit of that afternoon.

Why We Choose La-Eva at Villa Lage

At Villa Lage, every detail matters — from the landscaping and rose varieties to the softness of the towels and the scent that meets you in the bathroom. That’s why we are delighted to offer our guests a carefully selected amenity brand, La-Eva, whose approach resonates deeply with our philosophy of nature, creativity and understated luxury.

La-Eva fuses interior craft, natural ingredients and sensory architecture

A Story of Feel & Function

Founded by Louisa Canham, a former psychologist turned artisan soap-maker, La-Eva began in 2015 as a cold-process soap studio, and has grown into a full “integrative wellbeing brand” rooted in botanical ingredients, art and ethics. 

Louisa’s background in mental health and professional care helped shape the brand’s belief in scent as a tool for emotional wellbeing. In her words: the sense of smell “can take you back in an instant”. La-Eva is certified organic, vegan and cruelty-free — a rare combination in premium amenity lines. 

While the brand is based in Oxfordshire in the UK, La-Eva recently began a fresh chapter supported by a new production base in Sintra, Portugal, introducing two new signature scents. — Līnden (with linden blossom, hibiscus and fir) and Phōs (lemongrass, may chang and sweet basil). These evocative scents reflect the brand’s deep commitment to organic ingredients, aroma-intent and place-rooted luxury. La-Eva’s quality and design have also brought the brand into some of the world’s finest SPAs, including Six Senses Douro Valley and Claridge’s in London, celebrating holistic body treatments that merge sound, scent and massage. 

The Spa Effect in the Shower

Guests often remark on how the products elevate their shower— not merely soap and lotion, but a moment of self-care. The textures of washes and lotions, the layering of essential oils in blends such as “Spīce”, “Roseum”, “Jasmīna”, “Linden” and others, provide a sensorial ritual rather than a routine.
Because La-Eva describes their collections as an “alchemy of natural and organic ingredients, aromas and intentions” guests at Villa Lage can enjoy a shower that becomes an experience.

Local Art & Creative Collaboration

We are proud to highlight two wonderful and deeply creative individuals who have collaborated closely with La-Eva and whom we admire greatly:

Meinke Flesseman

The Dutch-born, Algarve-based artist — represented by Galeria Belchior in Portimão — created La-Eva’s most recent label designs. Her artwork is inspired by flamingos, the shifting light and the landscapes of the Ria Formosa, making these bottles resonate beautifully with the atmosphere of Villa Lage.

Tara Donovan & Casa Fuzetta

Louisa’s long-standing connection with Tara Donovan, owner of Casa Fuzetta in Olhão, reflects La-Eva’s close ties to the Algarve. Tara is a Non-Executive Director at La-Eva, and Casa Fuzetta was among the early Portuguese venues to introduce the brand’s organic amenity collections. Their ongoing collaboration brings together craft, wellbeing and a shared vision of thoughtful hospitality.