Silent Living: The Portuguese Retreat Inspiring a Slower, Richer Life

Silent Living in Portugal pioneers a philosophy where nature, heritage, and family are at the heart of everything they do. With six properties, founder and parttime pilot João Rodrigues and his team are creating spaces that quietly change the world — one guest, one meal, one experience at a time.

As we start our conversation, João shares the story of how Silent Living came to life — without a preconceived plan, as if it was just meant to be. Today, he sits in his home in Portugal, at the very top floor of guesthouse Santa Clara 1728.

Walking into Santa Clara feels like stepping into a sanctuary. The former palace, tucked just off a bustling side street, opens with heavy doors that seem to shield the outside world. Inside, all sorrows and stress instantly fade away.

A grand entrance with cool stone floors and soaring ceilings invites us in. To one side, a dining space beckons, offering Portuguese treats and fresh fruit. At the heart of the room hangs a globe-like light, reminiscent of a glowing moon. A linen-covered sofa sits in the center, almost playfully pieced together as if it were a puzzle, quietly inviting you to pause, stretch out, maybe take a nap. And yes, you absolutely can. Silent Living isn’t something you can simply call a hotel; it’s more of a homecoming — a life philosophy woven into every aspect of its design and experience. It’s about silencing the noise of the world and turning inward, finding comfort in the space and yourself.

But Silent Living’s story didn’t begin here. It started many years ago with a family home in the wild and untamed Comporta region, just south of Lisbon. João: “Our first place, Casas na Areia, was meant to be a weekend retreat to spend time with our five children.” The house has one remarkable feature: a floor entirely covered in sand, with a hidden heated concrete floor beneath. “It was inspired by an exhibition at Tate Modern by a Brazilian artist, where visitors walked through a room filled with talc. That immersive, grounding experience stayed with me, and I wanted to somehow recreate that feeling.” The house sits on natural sand dunes and is located inside the natural reserve of the River Sado, an area where you can only rebuild existing structures. “We carefully restored the ruin, using only local materials and respecting traditional craftsmanship,” João explains.

The extraordinary house quickly captured attention far beyond the family. “It ended up on the covers of magazines like  Elle Italia  and  AD Spain , and even represented Portugal at the Venice Biennale of Architecture,” João recalls. “People weren’t coming just to see Comporta — they came for the house itself, which became the destination.” When the family wasn’t using it as often as they thought, they began renting it out. “And that’s how Silent Living started — almost by accident.”

After this project, the next guesthouse, Cabanas no Rio, was just a five-minute walk away. “We created small timber-clad cabins on the river, inspired by the old fisherman’s huts once used to store nets, boat engines, and anchors,” João explains. “It’s such a beautiful area, perfect for birdwatching, and staying there feels like being outside — like you’re just wearing a raincoat,” João says. When the tide is high, the river is full of water, but as it drifts away, it reveals stunning mudflats alive with birds feeding and moving through the landscape. João: “Being in touch with the elements, with nature, and particularly trees, is my number one inspiration.”

“Being in touch with the elements, with nature, and particularly trees, is my number one inspiration.”

Portuguese nature, heritage, tradition, and a strong sense of family are woven into all of João’s projects, where in the idyllic region of Alentejo, their Casa No Tempo hosts many weddings amidst its breathtaking surroundings. This deep-rooted sense of family defines Silent Living. “In Portugal, when you’re invited to someone’s house, you’re also invited into their family,” João explains. “It’s not just about sharing a meal; it’s about sharing a part of yourself.” Inspired by this tradition, Silent Living welcomes guests with a tour of the house and an introduction to the team, ensuring they feel part of the family. “I was raised to always share the best we have with friends and loved ones,” João reflects. “It’s a tradition I’ve carried into Silent Living — creating spaces where every guest feels truly at home.”

Silent Living is also about giving back — not just to family, but to nature, wildlife, and chosen family: the broader community and future generations. At their 1,000-acre farm in Alentejo, João has embraced regenerative farming. “The goal is to create a perfect symbiosis between animals, nature, and people,” he explains. With holistic cow management, forest restoration, and a focus on soil health, the farm is not only producing nutritious food but also capturing carbon and retaining water. “It’s about using agriculture to heal the planet and ensure a better future for everyone,” João reflects. By nurturing the land with regenerative practices, Silent Living is preserving its beauty for future generations — an inspiring example of living in harmony with the earth that sustains us.

In recent years, Silent Living has introduced special dinners in Lisbon, inspired by their work on the farm. “The dinners raise awareness about climate change, desertification, and water shortages while showcasing beautiful food from the farm,” João explains. With about 10 mostly plant-based courses, the meals highlight how small changes, like eating less meat and fish, benefit both health and the planet. “It’s about inspiring change while celebrating the flavors of Portugal,” João adds.

In 2025, João will develop a unique project on his expansive Alentejo farm: homes seamlessly integrated into nature, designed for those dreaming of a retreat in Portugal. “Many guests ask for help finding land or building a home, but it’s a complex process,” João explains. “So I thought—why not share the farm’s land?” With 14 carefully selected locations across the 1,000-acre property, these homes will blend with nature, featuring rocks, trees, and lakes. “The houses are positioned for complete privacy, offering true immersion in the landscape,” João adds. Each home will reflect Silent Living’s signature style and be managed as part of a tourism project, with rentals ensuring both a return on investment and a seamless guest experience. João reflects: “We may not change the world, but we can inspire others to replicate these practices and create a more sustainable future.”

For more information & to book your wedding or event, visit the website .