Luz Charming Houses

Fatima lies north of Lisbon and acts as one of the most prominent Catholic shrines in the world. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it draws in millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world who are in search of a religious sanctuary and a spiritual experience. Set amongst the rolling hills of the Portuguese countryside, Fatima is the perfect hideaway for a sustainable and spiritual retreat.

It is here in this pilgrimage haven that I find the Luz Charming Houses, a recently opened property that sits about ten minutes away from the centre of Fatima. The first thing I notice is the tranquil surroundings, which bask in the silent glow of the Portuguese sun and the soft twittering of birds that circle the bottle-green fields and picturesque valleys.

The site features a central Mother House which is flanked by several houses, each one bearing its own story. Outside, a lush forest harbours ancient trees and natural scenes flit between past and present, playing with each other in harmony. The second thing I notice are the similarities to a fairytale. Tucked away in a magical forest, the Luz Charming Houses are inspired by architecture from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and the small village they inhabit sparkles with spiritual charm – on clear nights, I can hear the echo of songs swooning out from Fatima’s Shrine.

My room is an enchanting play on the serene and peaceful landscape, with whitewashed walls, textured wooden panelling, and a dash of vibrant colour. Complete with a comfortable lounge area and spacious bathroom, it has everything I need to enjoy a relaxing retreat in the woods.

When I’m not soaking up the calm vibes of my room or enjoying the dining options and games in the Mother House, I take leisurely walks through the forest. At one with nature, I find small caves nestle beneath overgrown greenery and hidden, ancient messages whispering on the wind. The Luz Charming Houses strive to provide an authentic experience, where partnerships with local businesses meant I had the chance to taste local jams and desserts from the region, sink my teeth into warm, freshly cooked bread in the morning, and purchase souvenirs made by local artists.

For such a spiritual site, it makes sense that the Lux Charming Houses are heavily into sustainability. The Mother House reflects the power of Mother Nature, whilst LED technology and low-consumption lighting save electricity and instead illuminate the soul. I can’t remember the last time I looked up at the night sky and saw it blanketed with crisp, white stars.

Before I visited, I only knew of Fatima as a prominent pilgrimage site, but after spending some time exploring the spiritual and natural side, I learnt it had a lot more to offer. After wandering around the bustling town, with its traditional Portuguese roots, I’d walk the ten minute route back to the Luz Charming Houses and find myself enveloped in an enchanting landscape filled with ancient whispers and a refreshing dose of peace and quiet.