The residents at Bela Vista

Welcome to Bela Vista — a captivating haven in the heart of the Eastern Algarve. Here, life moves with the rhythm of nature, and every stay is touched by warm hospitality, vibrant community, and the unexpected joy of crossing paths with our wonderful cast of human and animal residents.

🧑‍🌾 Meet Margarida – Your Host

Margarida lives on-site and brings a creative, nurturing touch to Bela Vista. A lover of plants, heritage pieces, and all things green, you’ll often find her in the garden tending to flowers, pruning trees, or lovingly reviving old treasures through upcycling and paint. Her eye for beauty is present throughout the space.

But Margarida is also known for something else — her delicious homemade cakes. Every now and then, she surprises guests with a freshly baked treat, often inspired by local ingredients or traditional Portuguese recipes. Whether it’s a citrusy sponge made with oranges from our orchard or a rich almond cake passed down through generations, her baking adds a warm, personal touch that guests never forget.

🐾 Flora – Head of Security

Flora, our loyal dog, takes her role seriously — you’ll hear her bark when you arrive, but it’s all part of her inspection. A few sniffs later, she’ll be asking for a belly rub. She’s brave, alert, and absolutely determined to chase any rabbits off the property (more on that later). She will be meeting you for cuddles through your stay.

👩‍💻 Sara – Community Manager & Local Insider

Sara lives on site at Bela Vista — so if you see someone recommending kitesurfing or passionately telling you again to try the grilled octopus in Santa Luzia, that’s her.

She takes care of the day-to-day running of Bela Vista, keeps things flowing, and is always happy to help — whether it’s booking a boat trip, sharing her favourite beach walk, or pointing you to the perfect sunset spot. She's a proud local who genuinely loves showing people the magic of this corner of the Algarve.

If the wind picks up, you might not see her around — she’s probably off kitesurfing. But don’t worry, she’s never far, and always just a message away.

Oh — and she’s the one writing this blog post. So if it made you smile, let her know.If it didn’t… well, maybe you’re just not cool enough for Bela Vista. 😉

🐱 Kiki – Professional Cuddler

Kiki is one of our resident cats and takes her job very seriously: cuddles, naps, and demanding cheese on a strictly unscheduled basis. She’s soft, snuggly, and will absolutely steal your seat the second you stand up.

Her ideal day? A sunbeam, a cushion, a splash of milk, and someone to rub her head while she purrs like she owns the place (she sort of does).

🐱 Oscar – The Handsome Rebel & Serial Flirt

Oscar is mysterious, elegant, and fully aware that he’s ridiculously good-looking. Take your phone out and he’ll strike a pose like he’s auditioning for Vogue: Feline Edition. He knows he’s hot — and he acts like it.

He’s also a bit of a flirt. If you’re a female guest, don’t be surprised if he follows you around, stares deep into your soul, and chooses you as his favourite for the week. He’s been known to develop sudden, dramatic crushes (which last until someone else arrives with better snacks).

He enjoys a good head rub (when it suits him), and occasionally channels his wild side — chasing birds or vanishing on broody solo walks. Think of him as Bela Vista’s resident heartbreaker: charming, selective, and dangerously photogenic.

👨‍🌾 Paul – The Quiet Fixer

Paul, Margarida’s partner, splits his time between the UK and Bela Vista. He keeps the garden in excellent shape and is our go-to handyman for all those little things that need fixing.

Wild Visitors & Magical Creatures

Nature is part of daily life at Bela Vista, and over time, a few wild characters have become familiar faces.

🐦 The Blackbird

A recent resident in our peppercorn tree, this clever blackbird has been collecting sticks to build his nest and win over a lucky partner.

🦉 Curious Owl

Keep an eye out near the entrance at night — you might spot Curious Owl gliding gracefully across the road, pausing momentarily to study you with her deep, thoughtful eyes.

🦉 Wise Owl

Hidden deep in the cypress forest near the old well, Wise Owl is harder to spot, but her presence is always felt. Silent and reserved, she watches from the shadows.

🦎 The Chameleon

Only spotted during the hot summer months, our shy Chameleon does its best to avoid Flora and the cats, blending in seamlessly with the environment. If you’re lucky and quiet, you might catch a glimpse.

🐇 Lightning Fast Rabbit

And then there’s him — the legendary Lightning Fast Rabbit. Known for his unmatched speed and agility, he’s the reason Flora is always in training. Their ongoing chase has become the stuff of Bela Vista lore — a blur of fur and bark, disappearing into the bushes with impressive flair.

Whether human, feline, feathered, or four-legged, every resident adds their own magic to the Bela Vista experience. We hope this playful introduction brings you a little closer to the unique spirit of our home.

We can’t wait to welcome you — and for you to become part of the story too.