our story
In 1981, Denise and Hans Kortekaas purchased a holiday home in Lagos. Twenty-seven years later, their daughter and her partner Fraser reimagined it as the exclusive villa rental and retreat venue it is today.
What began as a private family escape – centred around good food, fine wine and time together – has flourished within the Quinta’s thick white walls. Passionate gardeners, Denise and Hans lovingly shaped the tranquil 10,000 sqm grounds, planting more than 1,500 plants in the Italian garden alone and creating the peaceful setting guests enjoy today.
Now, Chantelle and her partner Fraser welcome guests from around the world, sharing this special place with warmth and care. Inspired by their travels around the world and a deep appreciation for thoughtful hospitality, they and their dedicated team ensure every stay feels personal, relaxed and memorable. Their bespoke concierge service is what truly sets Quinta Bonita apart, thoughtfully curating each stay to make your time here exceptional.
Quinta Bonita remains what it has always been: a calm and welcoming home in the Algarve — still a place to slow down and reconnect with family and friends. A place with a unique spirit. A place to soothe the soul.
The Kortekaas family hope you will fall in love with it as they have — a place shaped by many years of happy memories, and ready to hold many more.
Why we love the area
Quinta Bonita is minutes away from all that the Algarve has to offer, from stunning beaches to the romance of Lagos' old town, and with over 3000 hours of sun a year the Algarve has the perfect climate in which to relax and discover. The owners and team happily share their local experiences and tips and will book activities for you. Here is just a teaser of what the area has to offer.
lagos
With its castle walls, narrow, cobbled streets, pottery shops and numerous pavement cafes from which to watch the world go by, Lagos has a relaxed atmosphere and quiet charm, making it one of the most appealing locations in the Algarve. While away some time browsing the boutiques, enjoy the colourful Saturday fruit & vegetable market or take a walk along the long sandy beach of Meia Praia which stretches all the way to Alvor and conveniently has several small beach bars along the way to quench your thirst!
beaches
One of our favourite walks is along the cliffs from Luz to Burgau where you arrive into a quaint white washed fishing village with an excellent restaurant on the beach to refuel.
Praia Da Luz is only five minutes from Quinta Bonita and has a long curve of sand in a very protected bay - perfect for swimming. Quinta Bonita is just moments away from some of the best beaches on the Algarve Coast. Whether you're looking for a bracing ocean swim, a surf or a place to sun yourself on perfect white sand, we can recommend a beach for you.
cape st vincent & Beyond
If this is your first visit, be sure to drive to Sagres and Cape St Vincent, the most south-westerly tip of Europe and then the unspoilt Western Costa Vicentina with its blow holes, crashing waves and vast beaches.
Monchique
Monchique is a placid mountain town with its own timeless identity and from Foia the highest point in the Algarve you have panoramic 360degree views. The village of Caldas de Monchique is renowned for its spa waters.
silves
Silves with its medieval castle, was once the Moorish capital of the Algarve. A market town at the heart of the citrus growing area, it remains proud of its Moorish heritage.
To experience all that the Algarve has to offer it's best to hire a car and get away from the beaten track alternatively we can arrange a private airport pickup for you. Send us the details of your flight and there'll be a friendly face waiting for you when you land.
Activities
There are a wide range of water, land and air based activities and excursions to choose from in the area. All activities and excursions can be booked through Quinta Bonita, ask us for our suggestions or to make a booking.
On the water
The rugged Algarve coastline provides excellent facilities and perfect conditions all year around for a wide range of water-sports. From surfing to scuba diving, big game fishing to dolphin watching, the Algarve has it all.
Our must see tip – visit the famous Lagos grottoes, just 4km from us, by sailing, boat, kayak or SUP.
On land
Cycling
Why not take one of the bikes Quinta Bonita has available for guests to hire and explore the cobbled streets of Lagos or cycle down to one of the local beaches. Fraser is a cycling fanatic. He loves all things health and fitness so if you're looking to add a little action to your holiday ask to talk to him for some guidance.
Walking
There are many spectacular walks in the area and we have a range of coastal, clifftop and inland walking notes available for in-house guests to enjoy.
Horse-riding & quad biking
If you are a keen equestrian visit one of the established riding stables and enjoy an enchanting hack in to the charming countryside. Or for those that prefer 4 wheels to 4 legs, join one of the quad-biking tours and explore rugged and remote inland terrain.
In the air
For those that prefer to aim high try your hand at hang gliding, hot air-ballooning or take a microlight flight for those incredible views of the pristine Algarve coastline.