our story
Rustic Chic to Boutique
In 1981 Denise and Hans Kortekaas bought a holiday home in Lagos, 27 years later their daughter re-modelled the property into a boutique hotel and luxury villa. What happened in between is a heart-warming family history which has evolved around the Quinta´s thick white walls.
The Quinta became a family hobby with Denise and Hans, who are keen gardeners, creating the now much-admired grounds which cover 10,000 sq ms and create an atmosphere of tranquility for guests. They planted the Italian garden by hand, establishing over 1500 plants in this section alone.
Originally Quinta Bonita was a private retreat for family and friends to indulge their love of good food, good wine and good company. It has a unique feel. It's a place that soothes the soul and rejuvenates the spirit. It makes you feel at home instantly and yet you can stay indefinitely without tiring of it. It's a calm oasis in a busy world.
Now, Denise and Hans’ daughter, Chantelle and her partner Fraser, would like to share this wonderful place and its spectacular surroundings with you and your family. Their passion for travel, people and culture has taken them all over the world having lived in the UK, France, New Zealand and Australia. Having enjoyed many wonderful boutique hotels throughout the world, their experience has taught them that quality service requires commitment and passion - qualities they have in abundance. Together with their friendly staff, they'll ensure that your holiday is everything you dreamed of.
The Quinta has also always attracted stray animals that have wandered into the garden looking for a place to call home. Today the Quinta has a resident cat, Molly, whom we hope will enhance your feeling of being in a home as she curls up for a nap beside you. If however you are not a cat lover or have allergies please make us aware of this so we can ensure Molly does not disturb you during your stay.
The Kortekaas family hope that you'll fall in love with it the way that they have and will leave feeling like you've found a second home.
Why we love the area
Quinta Bonita is minutes away from all that the Algarve has to offer, from stunning beaches to the romance of Lagos' old town, and with over 3000 hours of sun a year the Algarve has the perfect climate in which to relax and discover. The owners and team happily share their local experiences and tips and will book activities for you. Here is just a teaser of what the area has to offer.
lagos
With its castle walls, narrow, cobbled streets, pottery shops and numerous pavement cafes from which to watch the world go by, Lagos has a relaxed atmosphere and quiet charm, making it one of the most appealing locations in the Algarve. While away some time browsing the boutiques, enjoy the colourful Saturday fruit & vegetable market or take a walk along the long sandy beach of Meia Praia which stretches all the way to Alvor and conveniently has several small beach bars along the way to quench your thirst!
beaches
One of our favourite walks is along the cliffs from Luz to Burgau where you arrive into a quaint white washed fishing village with an excellent restaurant on the beach to refuel.
Praia Da Luz is only five minutes from Quinta Bonita and has a long curve of sand in a very protected bay - perfect for swimming. Quinta Bonita is just moments away from some of the best beaches on the Algarve Coast. Whether you're looking for a bracing ocean swim, a surf or a place to sun yourself on perfect white sand, we can recommend a beach for you.
cape st vincent & Beyond
If this is your first visit, be sure to drive to Sagres and Cape St Vincent, the most south-westerly tip of Europe and then the unspoilt Western Costa Vicentina with its blow holes, crashing waves and vast beaches.
Monchique
Monchique is a placid mountain town with its own timeless identity and from Foia the highest point in the Algarve you have panoramic 360degree views. The village of Caldas de Monchique is renowned for its spa waters.
silves
Silves with its medieval castle, was once the Moorish capital of the Algarve. A market town at the heart of the citrus growing area, it remains proud of its Moorish heritage.
To experience all that the Algarve has to offer it's best to hire a car and get away from the beaten track alternatively we can arrange a private airport pickup for you. Send us the details of your flight and there'll be a friendly face waiting for you when you land.
Activities
There are a wide range of water, land and air based activities and excursions to choose from in the area. All activities and excursions can be booked through Quinta Bonita, ask us for our suggestions or to make a booking.
On the water
The rugged Algarve coastline provides excellent facilities and perfect conditions all year around for a wide range of water-sports. From surfing to scuba diving, big game fishing to dolphin watching, the Algarve has it all.
Our must see tip – visit the famous Lagos grottoes, just 4km from us, by sailing, boat, kayak or SUP.
On land
Cycling
Why not take one of the bikes Quinta Bonita has available for guests to hire and explore the cobbled streets of Lagos or cycle down to one of the local beaches. Fraser is a cycling fanatic. He loves all things health and fitness so if you're looking to add a little action to your holiday ask to talk to him for some guidance.
Walking
There are many spectacular walks in the area and we have a range of coastal, clifftop and inland walking notes available for in-house guests to enjoy.
Horse-riding & quad biking
If you are a keen equestrian visit one of the established riding stables and enjoy an enchanting hack in to the charming countryside. Or for those that prefer 4 wheels to 4 legs, join one of the quad-biking tours and explore rugged and remote inland terrain.
In the air
For those that prefer to aim high try your hand at hang gliding, hot air-ballooning or take a microlight flight for those incredible views of the pristine Algarve coastline.