I had an incredible week at Omassim! Honestly, it was the first time in my life that I chose to take a solo vacation, and most importantly, a true relaxation retreat. No activities, explorations, or constant movements. My goal was to find a place where I could spend time in complete relaxation, in peace, in love with my body, surrounded by beautiful nature and pleasant details of everyday life. Omassim completely met my expectations. It was a place of total acceptance, tranquility, mutual respect, and enjoyable interactions with new people. I spent a long time choosing the place, carefully selecting based on reviews and photos. It was important for me not to cook and not to think about it - for someone taking a break after three years with a child, it's simply a must. The vegetarian food was a plus, and the food at Omassim exceeded all my expectations; it was very delicious, diverse, and satisfying—thanks to the chefs! To truly relax, I chose only the option with yoga, and yoga did not disappoint. I was worried that, as in many surf camps, it might just be an add-on to surfing, but the yoga was wonderful, challenging, and set the tone for a lively day. The massage seemed to be a hit for everyone, and everyone took at least one additional massage. All the therapists were different, each with their own unique approach. Although I was initially concerned about the massage, thinking it might be just gentle strokes, the therapists turned out to be excellent professionals! And what can I say about the house itself, the people who make this place so special, and their care for guests and the home? The garden, flowers, pool area, hammocks, an incredible array of picturesque details that make you want to draw and draw... And, of course, the people. Everyone was open-minded, welcoming, supportive... in such places, you know, only good people gather. The views around were simply breathtaking! We stayed in a room overlooking the hills and greeted the sunrise there every day before yoga. I really miss that open space before my eyes now... The cliffs above the ocean turned out to be exactly what I was looking for, choosing this place. No, perhaps, they turned out to be even more picturesque... Especially in the company of new friends in the sunset rays. The village of Ribamar is very cozy, full of small houses with well-kept gardens and colorful details. The beach is quite far from the hotel, especially considering the uphill walk back from the beach. But, on the other hand, you can take a leisurely walk along the cliffs, watching the ocean and surfers. I must say that at the end of September, the beach was not the most suitable for swimming. The sand quickly transitions into a rocky uneven bottom, and the waves crash against the shore, full of small stones. But maybe when the ocean is calmer, the beach will be more enjoyable. I think for beginner surfers, this is not the most ideal place, as the rocky bottom can be tricky. But many started here and don't complain. As for drawbacks, the only thing I can point out is the sound in the house. So, bring earplugs, or after two surfing sessions a day, you won't mind it at night. Thank you, Omassim! Thanks to Lia ans Eduardo, staff, volunteers, yoga instructors, and massage therapists. Thanks to the guys who shared this vacation with me and remain pleasant memories, and who knows, maybe they will appear in my life again. I hope...
Read moreI had an incredible week at Omassim! Honestly, it was the first time in my life that I chose to take a solo vacation, and most importantly, a true relaxation retreat. No activities, explorations, or constant movements. My goal was to find a place where I could spend time in complete relaxation, in peace, in love with my body, surrounded by beautiful nature and pleasant details of everyday life. Omassim completely met my expectations. It was a place of total acceptance, tranquility, mutual respect, and enjoyable interactions with new people.|I spent a long time choosing the place, carefully selecting based on reviews and photos. It was important for me not to cook and not to think about it - for someone taking a break after three years with a child, it's simply a must. The vegetarian food was a plus, and the food at Omassim exceeded all my expectations; it was very delicious, diverse, and satisfying—thanks to the chefs!|To truly relax, I chose only the option with yoga, and yoga did not disappoint. I was worried that, as in many surf camps, it might just be an add-on to surfing, but the yoga was wonderful, challenging, and set the tone for a lively day. The massage seemed to be a hit for everyone, and everyone took at least one additional massage. All the therapists were different, each with their own unique approach. Although I was initially concerned about the massage, thinking it might be just gentle strokes, the therapists turned out to be excellent professionals!|And what can I say about the house itself, the people who make this place so special, and their care for guests and the home? The garden, flowers, pool area, hammocks, an incredible array of picturesque details that make you want to draw and draw... And, of course, the people. Everyone was open-minded, welcoming, supportive... in such places, you know, only good people gather.|The views around were simply breathtaking! We stayed in a room overlooking the hills and greeted the sunrise there every day before yoga. I really miss that open space before my eyes now... The cliffs above the ocean turned out to be exactly what I was looking for, choosing this place. No, perhaps, they turned out to be even more picturesque... Especially in the company of new friends in the sunset rays.|The village of Ribamar is very cozy, full of small houses with well-kept gardens and colorful details. The beach is quite far from the hotel, especially considering the uphill walk back from the beach. But, on the other hand, you can take a leisurely walk along the cliffs, watching the ocean and surfers. I must say that at the end of September, the beach was not the most suitable for swimming. The sand quickly transitions into a rocky uneven bottom, and the waves crash against the shore, full of small stones. But maybe when the ocean is calmer, the beach will be more enjoyable. I think for beginner surfers, this is not the most ideal place, as the rocky bottom can be tricky. But many started here and don't complain.|As for drawbacks, the only thing I can point out is the sound in the house. So, bring earplugs, or after two surfing sessions a day, you won't mind it at night.|Thank you, Omassim! Thanks to Lia ans Eduardo, staff, volunteers, yoga instructors, and massage therapists. Thanks to the guys who shared this vacation with me and remain pleasant memories, and who knows, maybe they will appear in my life again. I hope...
Read moreOmassim is the place you need to be. Pure bliss. This is my first perfect review as I'm a very harsh marker. (For context I stayed one week with in a shared room with the surf and yoga package).
Pre-arrival communications: I booked quite last minute and the team could not have been more responsive and helpful with all the information you needed and more, even striving to help guests buddy-up to split the cost of taxis from the airport etc. I also really appreciated that they went out of their way to put me in a female only room, as requested.
Value for money: Unbelievably good. I thoroughly researched other places in the area offering similar deals, and they were far more expensive with very varying reviews and not well-thought out. The included massage was amazing. Lia and Eduardo are running a well-oiled machine and it is clear that they keep looking for areas in which they can improve and do so.
Package: This gave a good balance of a structured day but also enough time and freedom to do what you want and to sign up to extra-curriculars (although the quality of these did seem to vary). Omassim has a solid partnership with Ericeira Surf School and the instructors are knowledgeable, talented, friendly, and most importantly up for a laugh. As a "pro-ginner" (pro-beginner) of surf & yoga (as the surf instructors coined the term), I had a brilliant time learning more and not taking myself too seriously in each of the sessions. Suited for all levels.
Food: Delicious, colourful, and nourishing. The ability to prep a lunchbox each day gives you a lot of freedom to make your own plans in the afternoon. Breakfast could have a little bit more variety.
Location: Perfect mix of countryside views while having the sea practically on your doorstep. Bolt/Uber is required to get to the town centre, but these are dirt-cheap.
Facilities: The shared rooms are very well thought out with space for your personal belongings, natural light, balconies, and daily cleanings. (Only suggestion would be a full length mirror in the room). The place as a whole is immaculate. Pool area also fab. I also appreciated the 'honesty list' concept for beer, wine, coffee etc.
Staff: Lia is a gem. A great yoga teacher, always on hand to help and make sure you have the best stay possible, chilled, and above all kind. The volunteers (Marlene and Nina when I was there), amazing people. The rest of the staff were lovely too.
Summary: I had an amazing time at Omassim. I would recommend it to anyone and I hope to return. I normally wouldn't write a review as detailed as this, but believe that Lia and team deserve recognition for their hard work and efforts - and that readers deserve to experience a place like Omassim!...
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