Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

We are António, Maria, and our children Francisco and Manuel – a family passionate about travel, meeting new people, and, above all, the Cascais region, the sea, surfing, and the nature that surrounds us.

When and in what way did this property come into your life and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

Sea’Ya was born from a family dream. We are António, Maria, and our children Francisco and Manuel – a family passionate about travel, meeting new people, and, above all, the Cascais region, the sea, surfing, and the nature that surrounds us. This love led us to create Sea’Ya, a project that goes far beyond local accommodation – it is the materialization of our desire to provide other families with perfect holidays, filled with comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable moments.

With solid professional careers – António in sales and marketing for multinational companies and Maria as a PR Manager for various national and international companies – we decided to change our lives and roll up our sleeves to build this project. And when we say “roll up our sleeves,” we mean it literally: from the very beginning, it was us, together with our children, friends, and family, who shaped our villas, often with our own hands. Every wall, every detail of the decor carries a piece of our love and dedication.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?

From the very beginning, it was we, together with our children, friends, and family, who shaped our villas, often with our own hands. Every wall, every detail of the decor carries a piece of our love and dedication. Our closest friends, parents, siblings, and even our children helped paint, build, and decorate, turning each space into a true extension of our home. There is love in every corner, in every carefully chosen piece of furniture, and in every decision made to ensure the best experience for our guests. We opened the doors of Sea’Ya Family Surf Houses in 2019, in Charneca, a picturesque village in Cascais, just minutes from the iconic Guincho Beach. Little did we know that just a few months later, the world would shut down due to the pandemic. It was an immense challenge, but we never gave up. On the contrary, we faced each obstacle with resilience and courage, working tirelessly to keep our dream alive. Every booking, every guest, and every new challenge reinforced our determination. Today, Sea’Ya has six villas spread across Cascais – in Charneca, Areia, Figueira do Guincho, and Aldeia de Juzo – and is recognized as a reference brand in local accommodation, growing sustainably and organically.

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

The days when our kids help painting Sea'Ya, and all our friends are helping us put things into place.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

Each Sea’Ya villa has been thoughtfully designed to ensure maximum comfort and well-being. These are fully equipped spaces, decorated with organic and carefully selected materials. The comfort of our beds, pillows, and high-quality sheets (made in Portugal) ensures a perfect rest. Small details like fresh bread delivered every morning, organic amenities, and a selection of baby and children’s equipment make our homes truly family-friendly.

What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?

All our villas are located in small towns around the Cascais area, which is already beautiful by itself. However, in these small towns closer to the beach and Sintra hills, we are more slow living, everyone knows each other, people help each other, older people leave side by side with younger ones. We want our guests to feel this vibe and be part of the community. Because Sea’Ya is not just about accommodation. From day one, we have been actively involved in the local community. Today, we are part of village life: organizing events, participating in races and sports activities, supporting local initiatives, and sponsoring essential community equipment. Our commitment to Cascais goes beyond tourism – it’s about giving back to the place that welcomed us and helped us grow. We have built strong relationships with local businesses, many of whom are not just partners but dear friends. From the bakery that delivers fresh bread to the surf instructors who teach our guests, our network is built on trust, friendship, and shared values.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

All our amenities at Sea'ya are Eco friendly. We work with a Portuguese company called ECOX that transforms oil into amazing eco detergents.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

Love led us to create Sea’Ya, a project that goes far beyond local accommodation – it is the materialization of our desire to provide other families with perfect holidays, filled with comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable moments. With solid professional careers – António in sales and marketing for multinational companies and Maria as a PR Manager for various national and international companies – we decided to change our lives and roll up our sleeves to build this project. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be to travel with children and have to bring “the whole house” along. That’s why we have partnered with top brands such as Bebé Confort, Philips Avent, Shnuggle, Minikoioi, and Safety First, ensuring that our guests have everything they need for a worry-free holiday. Beyond comfort and functionality, we believe that traveling means immersing yourself in the local culture. That’s why we promote authentic experiences that allow our guests to discover Cascais like a true local. From leisure recommendations to direct contact with nature – surfing, climbing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding – we want every guest to experience the region in a genuine and passionate way.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

Wake up to the soft embrace of our extra-comfortable beds, as the morning sun gently filters through the window. The scent of fresh, warm bread awaits you at your doorstep, a daily delight from our trusted local bakery. Take a slow morning, sipping a coffee on the terrace, before heading out for a refreshing dip in the Atlantic at Guincho Beach, just minutes away.

As the sun climbs higher, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local seafood restaurants, savoring freshly grilled fish and traditional Portuguese flavors. Then, it’s back to the beach for more swims and sunbathing, or perhaps an afternoon exploring the stunning coastal trails.

As the evening sets in, return to your villa to freshen up and head into the vibrant center of Cascais. Wander through the charming streets, filled with life and laughter, before indulging in a delicious dinner at one of the many fantastic local restaurants. End the night with a glass of wine on your terrace, feeling the ocean breeze and the peaceful rhythm of this place we proudly call home. At Sea’Ya, every day is a dream waiting to be lived.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

A place where every detail is designed with love, where every stay becomes part of our story, and where every guest is welcomed as a friend.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

I've never felt so good, relaxed, at home. You are recovering the true spirit of knowing how to welcome, having well-equipped houses, and making people feel good. You're recovering good traditional hospitality, and reminding me of everything that tourism should always be, always.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday?

Beyond comfort and functionality, we believe that traveling means immersing yourself in the local culture. That’s why we promote authentic experiences that allow our guests to discover Cascais like a true local. From leisure recommendations to direct contact with nature – surfing, climbing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding – we want every guest to experience the region in a genuine and passionate way. We have created out own Guidebook with all the tips and places we go as locals for them to enjoy their vacations bypassing the more touristy options