🌿 A Little About Me — and the Heart Behind This Home 🌿 Hi, I’m Sandy — and I’m so happy you’re here. This home is special to me. It’s where I’ve come back to myself after years of moving fast, doing too much, and trying to fit into rhythms that didn’t feel quite right. Little by little, I began to slow down, simplify, and listen more closely to what really feels good — in the body, in daily life, in the heart. That path brought me back to Portugal, and to this house — my grandfather’s old home, full of stories and quiet corners. It had been empty for years, but the moment I stepped inside, I knew it could become something beautiful again. I brought it back to life slowly, with love, and it naturally became a place to share — a space for rest, reconnection, and slow living. Before this, I worked in the world of luxury hospitality — high heels, city life, lots of structure. And while I learned a lot, I eventually swapped all of that for bare feet, farmer’s markets, garden herbs, yoga, and warm homemade food. Now, I feel most at home in this simpler rhythm, and I love welcoming others into it. At some point along the way — during a quiet retreat in the Himalayas, in fact — I had a very clear vision of this place filled with people from around the world. Laughing, cooking, resting, breathing. And it felt so true. That vision became Swara Slow Living Home — a space to slow down, eat from the garden, stretch, sit in silence, or simply do nothing for a while. A place to land and feel like yourself again. Whether you’re here for a few days or something longer, I hope this place feels calm, nourishing, and full of heart. You’re warmly welcome, just as you are. Make yourself at home. With love, Sandy

🌿 Please Read Before Booking 🌿 Swara Slow Living Home isn’t a hotel — it’s a way of living. Our family house, built by my Portuguese ancestors and covered in traditional azulejos, is tucked in a peaceful village just 6 km from Aveiro. It’s a space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect. 🛏️ The rooms are bright and full of charm, with antique touches and natural materials. The yoga & meditation shala invites stillness and grounding. 🫖 Breakfast is included — simple, seasonal, and vegetarian. It may include: Eggs from our hens Sourdough bread, cheese, jam, nut butters Fruit, herbal teas, slow coffee As a certified health coach, I also offer personal wellness support for longer stays (rest, detox, nourishment). 🐾 Pets are welcome (calm & well-behaved). There's a 20E fee per stay, payable on arrival. Please bring their bed and bowl. 🚗 Free parking is available just in front of the house, after the gate. 🌱 Each guest room includes: Shared bathroom Air conditioning Natural bed linen & towels Alkaline water Fruit from the garden (seasonal) 🧘 Optional Slow Living Experiences (on request): Meditation & relaxation Yoga classes Cooking workshops: Herbs & spices for wellbeing Supporting digestion Dressings from scratch Balancing plant-based meals 🍽️ Garden-to-table meals are available on request — seasonal, plant-based, inspired by what’s fresh that day. “The food, the calm, the care — everything nourishes you here,” as previous guests have expressed. Whether you're here to pause, rest, or realign, we hope this place plants a small seed of peace and joy in your journey. ✨ Come as you are.

About Our Village – Quinta do Picado Our village, Quinta do Picado, is a peaceful and friendly place, just a 7-minute drive from the city centre of Aveiro. Life here moves gently, and most days are wonderfully quiet. From time to time, you might hear music or fireworks in the evening — usually during a local wedding or celebration.. It’s a very safe area, and the neighbours are kind and welcoming. If you’re out for a walk, don’t be surprised if someone greets you with a warm smile or a chat. Just say “Bom dia!” — it goes a long way. 🛒 In the village, you'll find basic conveniences such as bakeries, a pharmacy, and small grocery shops. The closest café and restaurant is Pinto, about 7 minutes on foot, offering traditional, home-cooked meals (mostly fish or meat dishes, depending on the day butonly open for lunch). A bit further (around 10 minutes walking), you’ll find Supermercado Primavera for everyday essentials and for food take-away. 🍽️ For meals out, we love to recommend two guest favorites: Abílio Marques – great atmosphere and local flavour. It is a much-loved local spot — family-run, casual, and full of warm, traditional flavors. Buraco do Velho – a cozy spot with hearty traditional food. It offers a more refined experience, with beautifully prepared dishes — many of them cooked slowly in a traditional wood-fired oven. It’s a special place with a lot of soul. There’s not much to “visit” right here in the village — and that’s kind of the beauty of it. There’s nothing pulling your attention outward. No pressure to go anywhere, no noise, no rush. Swara isn’t a place for sightseeing. It’s a place for slowing down. If you’re longing for peace, nature, quiet mornings, and real presence — we think you’ll feel right at home.