New for 2010! Glamping (glamorous camping) is certainly fun, but it is more enjoyable when the sun shines, which it is likely to do here in the mountains of central Portugal. We looked around at various continental yurt projects, but this one (and its sister) fit the 'utt' bill - being stylish, comfortable, sustainable, and affordable. The perfect spot for a honeymoon, or if you are three the yurt has a second 'pod' bedroom attached.

The local area is beautiful and unspoilt, with great river bathing, walks in mountain forests, many villages and historic towns to explore, or about an hour's drive to get to the coast. We didn't bother with the coast, having so much to do on the doorstep and the call of the hammock. A generous continental breakfast is delivered each morning (included) and you can order local, often organic (vegetarian/ meat) packed lunches or hot evening meals from your British hosts who live just next door. Extra yurt photos.

Yurt:

• main room with quality double bed, armchairs, wash-stand, reading lights
• kid's room (off main room in seperate yurt 'pod') with two single beds

Washroom:

• gas-powered shower
• handbasin
• compost loo

Outside:

• private orchard area with hammock and outside dining
• Parking and private access down to the yurt

Buses and trains from Lisbon and Porto to Coimbra. Then regular buses from Coimbra to Arganil, taxi (or possible pickup) to yurt (16 mins / 12 km.)

This property is co-located with:
Chestnut Tree Yurt, Portugal sleeps 4
Therefore sleeping a total of up to 8 people.

If you want to book multiple accommodation simply make 2 or more bookings. We'll even hold your details in a cookie so you don't even need to retype anything more than your card number.

• Region - lots of info
• Pracerias village (bar) - 10 mins. walk
• Beaches - choice of many river beaches (4 within 15 minutes)
• Gois - lovely town with beautiful sandy beach - 20 mins. drive
• Arganil - local town/ food - 16 mins. drive
• Schist villages - choice of 9 within 1 hour
• Bussaco Palace, National Park & gardens - 90 mins.
• Coimbra - historic University town - 1 hour
• Coast - (many beaches, castles) - c90 minutes

Airports:

• Porto (Ryanair, Easyjet, TAP, British Airways etc.)  - 2.5 hours
• Lisbon (Easyjet, TAP, British Airways etc.) - 3.5 hours
• Faro (Easyjet, Ryanair etc.) - 6 hours - split with stay in Algarve?

• low impact dwelling
• hand crafted locally
• off-grid
• breakfasts/ meals use local & often organic foods
• bringing tourism to undeveloped rural area
• solar-power lighting
• on-site composting
• free-range eggs available from chickens in orchard
• compost toilet
• terracotta fridge to keep drinks cool

'I can't imagine a more romantic place to stay. I went to sleep looking up at the stars above me. This little valley is enchanted - with running streams - kitchen garden - and chestnut tree - I felt like I was in a fairy tale. There can't be many places in Europe as undisturbed by commercialization as this corner of Portugal. A real treasure. The perfect place to come for a holiday that is environmentally sound.' - Coll

'Thank you for a wonderful honeymoon. What a beautiful little nest in the valley. We have felt so well looked after with delicious food, recommendations for stunning cool swimming holes, help with arranging riding and surfing and a very warm welcome. It has been a delight.' - Alex & Charlotte

'We really enjoyed the adventures of eco-living  - we loved your lemon tree and vegetable garden and the Yoga session "a la nature". Peaceful, picturesque and enlightening experience.' Muna & Tareq

Price includes substantial continental breakfast delivered to your door. Possible to order packed lunches and hot evening meals after booking, direct with manager. Note the yurt is approached by a number of stone steps unsuitable for the infirm, some uneven ground. Although there is low-wattage solar-powered lighting in the yurt there is no plug socket.