Q&A with Alex Harvey about Âmago

“Having corporate city jobs in London meant we wanted a better work life balance, where we could live a slower life.”

<quote-credit>Alex Harvey, co-founder of Âmago<quote-credit>

Up until a few years ago, you were living in the UK, and you had very different jobs. Was running a guesthouse something you’d been discussing for a while?

Yes, we had discussed it for about 3 years before it became serious. We then spent a year searching for a property and 2 years renovating it, before opening in August 2023.

‍What made you feel the time was right to make the move?

Getting married and having a child gave us a different perspective on life. Having corporate city jobs in London meant we wanted a better work life balance, where we could live a slower life.

‍Why Portugal and how did you come across the property?

My wife and I had been visiting this part of Portugal for around 18 years. The warmth of the people, delicious food, rich culture, stunning beaches, and landscapes, all contribute to an incredible quality of life. When we decided to leave London and start a new venture together, this place already felt like home. We just found the property online and fortunately it ticked all the boxes!‍

A lot of love has gone into creating Âmago. Can you tell us a bit about the renovation process?

The original farmhouse dates to around 1900 and in the 70’s a couple purchased the property and land to run an equestrian centre. We had a lot of renovation work to do, especially in terms of infrastructure. We stripped everything back and redecorated (with help from @escolhido), making sure we celebrated the authenticity of the Algarve, whilst making it a modern design escape. We also landscaped all the gardens to create a small oasis in the countryside.

“My wife and I had been visiting this part of Portugal for around 18 years.”

<quote-credit>Alex Harvey, co-founder of Âmago<quote-credit>

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Can you share any challenges and rewards you’ve faced in creating and running Âmago?

The challenges were the renovation process, as after Covid, materials almost tripled so compromises had to be made. The rewards are daily, especially when we host our guests. We are lucky to attract a demographic not based on age but by a culturally curious mindset, who want to embrace the authenticity of Portugal.‍

Are there any experiences you think your guests shouldn’t miss?

The beaches and Islands along the Ria Formosa are stunning, while our favourite towns of Tavira, Olhao, Loule and Faro offer various options for excursions and some amazing restaurants.

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What's your favourite object at Âmago?

I am thrilled we were able to commission bespoke artworks for the rooms, through our artist in residency programme. But the vintage objects we have sourced from local flea markets and other bespoke furniture via Portuguese artisans are also great. I am fond of the terracotta octopus pots that sit on our bespoke quartz shelf in the living room, as they tell a story and contrast with the new modern interiors.‍

Do you have a favourite guesthouse/hotel in Portugal or abroad?

We fell in love with Portugal and travelled around the country, so our favourite hotels are found on your website! But outside of Portugal, we loved Little Green Bay, a secluded guesthouse on the Croatian island of Hvar.

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Thank you, Alex and Liz, for sharing your story with us. 🙂