Quinta Do Damasco: A Sanctuary Born from Hope and Heritage
Who We Are: A Journey Home
In 2015, our lives took an unexpected path. We are Alan and Ramia, a Syrian refugee family, both trained Computer Engineers, who found a new beginning on the stunning shores of Portugal. Our journey was not easy, marked by change and resilience. For years, we worked tirelessly, driven by a deep desire to build a life not just of safety, but of purpose.
This led us, in 2018, to open TAYYBEH, a small, authentic Syrian restaurant in the heart of Lisbon. It was a labour of love, a piece of our home we shared with our new community. Then, the global pandemic hit. COVID-19 shook the restaurant sector to its core, but thanks to our tenacity and the support of our patrons, we survived, recovered, and re-emerged stronger.
It was during this period of global pause that a profound realisation dawned: we needed to reconnect with nature. The need for a space to breathe, to heal, and to grow became our new mission. And so, the concept of Quinta Do Damasco was born. With courage and a significant loan, we secured this magical piece of land—our future sanctuary nestled in the breathtaking natural beauty of Portugal’s Silver Coast.
The Name: Where Damascus Meets the Apricot Sun
The name Quinta Do Damasco holds deep, symbolic meaning. Damascus is our cherished city of origin in Syria. In a delightful twist of fate, ‘Damasco’ is also the Portuguese word for Apricot. This connection is not just linguistic; Damascus is historically renowned for its exquisite apricots, which we use to make the famous, sun-dried Kamar Aldin.
To honour this heritage and our new beginning, the very first tree we planted on the property was a hardy, promising Apricot tree. It is a symbol of resilience, sweetness, and the fruitfulness of starting anew.
About Our Sanctuary: Pillars of Purpose
Cultural Exchange & Human Connection
We envision Quinta Do Damasco as a living, breathing canvas for Culture Exchange. It is a place to truly feel and experience another culture, to learn, and to give back. Whether you are Portuguese, European, Syrian, or from anywhere in the world, this space welcomes you to share your journey, your feelings, and your unique human experience. We believe that every life story holds value, and here, everyone is welcome to express their authentic self.
The Glamping Experience & Rustic Luxury
To help our guests connect with the land without sacrificing comfort, we are creating a unique Glamping Area. Our first offering is a stunning, self-contained Glamping Dome, spanning 90m², designed to host up to 5 people. It offers all the requirements of a modern apartment, featuring expansive panoramic windows to immerse you in nature. Planned amenities include a refreshing swimming pool and a traditional Portuguese outdoor cooking area with a barbecue and wood-fired pizza oven, ensuring memorable, shared meals under the stars.
Farm-to-Table Products & Knowledge Sharing
The farm is already a source of passion and creativity. Leveraging our Syrian culinary heritage and the professional standards of the HACCP-certified kitchen at Tayybeh, we are starting to produce unique, high-quality products from the farm. Visitors will not only be able to purchase these special items but will also be offered complimentary tastings and produce a gift from our land to your table.
More Than Just a Stay: Learning & Growth
A Space to Share Knowledge & Wellness
We are actively building a vibrant platform for learning and exchange. Our schedule will feature hands-on, authentic cooking classes—a delicious blend of Syrian and Portuguese traditions. Furthermore, we invite anyone to lead or join sessions focused on holistic well-being: Yoga, dance, meditation, traditional Syrian tea ceremonies, and even therapeutic Arabic-style massage. We welcome your suggestions: what knowledge or experience would you like to share or gain here?
The Art of Iberian Beekeeping
We are dedicated Beekeepers (not just honey keepers!). We work closely with the amazing Iberian bees and are passionate about sharing the vital role these creatures play. We will offer workshops and educational sessions for anyone eager to learn about the intricate life of the hive, responsible beekeeping practices, and how to support these crucial pollinators.