The Hide PT

The Hide PT is a co-living and retreat centre in a secluded valley near Oleiros, Central Portugal. Co-living guests come in spring and autumn, and retreat leaders use the space in the summer season. It started with a late-night conversation between friends Ross and Tim at a London warehouse party. They wanted to find land in nature where a creative community could get away from city life, work on meaningful projects and reconnect with the natural world. In 2016 they found it: a valley with sprawling land, old stone buildings, a wild river, a waterfall and no neighbours in sight. Investors Martin, Gav, Josh, Adam and Jay joined to help make it happen. Renovation went slowly over several years, through financial difficulties, the impact of COVID-19 and periods of real uncertainty. Co-founder Ross Standaloft chose to stay on the land and keep the project's purpose alive. For nearly three years The Hide hosted Naturalma, a project that brought healers and indigenous traditions from South America to the valley, including the Huni Kuin tribe of Brazil and El Juago of Colombia. Ross has now taken the running of the space on again. The land covers 5 acres of wild forest and gardens. There's room for 8–12 people across double rooms, a dormitory and bell tents. Facilities include an indoor yoga shala, an outdoor deck, workshop spaces, a sauna, a cold plunge, a natural swimming spot, hiking trails and a fire circle. Farm-to-table meals made with local, seasonal ingredients are also available. The Hide is set up for artists, entrepreneurs, digital nomads and anyone looking for a slower pace of life, time for creative work or a retreat. The project changes with each person who arrives and shares what they can offer, and it is meant as a place to connect with yourself, with others and with the natural world.