SANDRA

Sandra is the insightful lady behind the creation of Monte Rosa. Born in Holland in 1954 Sandra started her career in Groningen as a teacher for children with impaired hearing. As she turned 30 Sandra was in search for a new life and moved to Portugal where she started up a health food shop in Lagos. Just 2 years later it expanded into a vegetarian restaurant and juice bar which proved to be a great success. After having her. daughter Arianne they moved into the countryside and commenced the Monte Rosa project in 1993.

With the ethos that a good atmosphere and open communication within her team is the key to a strong foundation, she got the Monte Rosa team provide exactly that as they work together ensuring the running and organization of this haven goes smoothly enabling Sandra to travel with ease in her spare time. Sandra has a great interest in environmental matters, personal development and has had training in Hypnotherapy. Her commitment to these topics is evident as she is currently a representative for the Findhorn Community in Scotland and involved in the eco village project Piracanga in Brazil.

The importance of practicing mindfulness was an eye opener for Sandra. It helps her to avoid stress and to enjoy life fully, even if there is a lot to do.

THEO

Theo came to Monte Rosa as Assistant Manager in the summer of 2011 after a wonderful 39 year career in education. With a warm, witty and charismatic personality Theo has proven to be very versatile at Monte Rosa as he always willingly gets involved in any task which needs attention. He is a highly competent host, cook, handyman and is Sandra´s partner. Theo and Sandra were recently reunited after being colleagues in education over 35 years ago. In his spare time Theo enjoys the athletic side of life as he frequently cycles and plays in tennis tournaments. He has recently started offering tennis lessons at Monte Rosa to share his passion with our very willing guests.

ARIANNE

Sandra´s daughter Arinanne was born in 1990 and has lived at Monte Rosa since she was 3 years old. She is currently based in Lisbon while she studies for a degree in communication and enjoys the student life. You can sometimes find Arianne helping as host at Monte Rosa during the summer. Arianne speaks Dutch, English and Portuguese fluently.

Her greatest hobby is surfing the waves of the Atlantic ocean and will happily organise surfing lessons or holiday packages for you in the Algarve with our affiliated surf school. If you want to see Lisbon she can help you to find a place to stay and she will welcome you to visit her friend Sergio's “Balibar” in the Bairro Alto, the oldest part of the centre of Lisbon.

CHICO

Native Portuguese and born in 1980, Chico has worked at Monte Rosa since 2008 as our builder, general handyman and assistant with airport transfers. He is a married father of two twin boys aged 13 and lives on a farm in Pereira. Always happy, singing and helpful, Chico is a lovely guy to have around. His English is improving day by day as he is actively learning to speak the language.

NANETTE

Born in 1965 in Holland, Nanette is a professional life coach/counsellor specializing in counselling walks in the Algarve. Use your holiday to get true insight and direction by combining a relaxing break with a progressive coaching session. Coaching is an excellent tool to move forward in life and to remove any limiting blocks. During one or more walks in nature, she can help you to get a clear perspective on your situation. Using symbols in the environment, she can show you ways to overcome blockages in order to actually realize your goals. For more information, you can check out her website at www.innersteps.com
Nanette lives in the area but is also often in Holland.

OLIMPIA

Born in 1958 in Italy, Olimpia started as chief cook in the Monte Rosa restaurant in 2006. At the end of the season she was given the brilliant opportunity to run the restaurant of "Dona Isabel" in Barao De San Joao where she renovated and redesigned the venue into the cozy little restaurant with an impressive garden terrace that it is today. Their signature dish of Frango Piri Piri (spicy chicken) is still available and you can also enjoy her lovely Italian and international dishes complete with vegetarian menu. In winter time when we do not offer dinner at Monte Rosa we highly recommend that all of our guests visit O Beiral in the nearby village. If you don´t have transportation, Olimpia will bring you back to Monte Rosa. She and Sandra are good friends and have a wonderful working relationship.

Voluntering opportunities

Monte Rosa frequently has volunteers to work on our land in exchange for food and simple lodgings. Over 30 hours a week you can help with gardening, general maintenance and cleaning. If you are interested in an opportunity to work as a volunteer, you can email us your CV with a recent picture and a covering letter explaining what your hopes and plans are and your period of availability. The minimum stay is for one month. As a volunteer we expect you to be in good physical and mental shape. We welcome an open, respectful and flexible attitude with some ecological awareness.