Meet the couple behind Âmago

Liz & Alex

Our Algarve love story began years ago, rooted in visits to Alex's family holiday home. The allure was irresistible — the warm locals, vibrant culture, stunning beaches and exquisite food and wine stole our hearts. After years in London, we dared to chase our dream: crafting a guesthouse in the Algarve.

In the summer of 2019, destiny led us to an undiscovered gem near Santa Bárbara de Nexe. The property spoke to us — a rustic main house with potential for six bedrooms, coupled with a smaller dwelling for our family. Nestled amidst nature, yet a stone's throw from Faro airport and our favourite towns of Loulé, Faro, and Olhão.

The house yearned for transformation but our vision was clear. Formerly an equestrian centre from 1900, the property exuded Algarvian history — etched walls telling tales of horse training and vintage stone supports for reins.

Alex honed his hospitality skills in London while we meticulously brought our dream to life. The renovation started in January 2022 – brand new utilities and infrastructure, whitewashed walls, fully re-landscaped grounds and bespoke interiors throughout, crafted with the artistry of Jade from Escolhido and textiles from Mariana from Amidst Studios.

In summer 2023 we said goodbye to London and olá to Âmago — a family-run haven we're immensely proud of. Living and working in tranquillity, we've crafted an oasis that's both our present and our future.