15 Years of The Art of Joy; B&B Plus Algarve!

Yes, the time has come! Celebrating fifteen years long. Time flies when you’re having fun. I remember the arrival of our first guests on April 12, 2007, as if it were yesterday. A director from a coaching institute, a real estate CEO, and an executive from a healthcare organization. So, three successful entrepreneurs. Each wanted their own room. The ‘Wow’s and ‘Ah’s were abundant upon seeing the view of the Algarve coastline. Upon arrival, coffee as desired, accompanied by Eus’ signature healthy sandwiches. Our trademark; Hospitality from abundance. Over the years, we have come to realize what our mission is. What we want to share with our guests from this effortless hospitality. Namely, the seven V’s; Connection, Joy, Freedom, Depth, Trust, Renewal, and Safety. So characteristic of our B&B Plus Algarve. By ‘guests’, we mean all the people we’ve built a bond with.

Connection

Let’s start with connection. Because the bond we feel as partners and colleagues is the heartbeat from which our B&B Plus Algarve operates. This connection arose from a ‘coup de foudre’, which turned our lives upside down. And now it serves as the fuel from which we’ve enjoyed our work all these years. From this connection, we have bonded with our guests. And from this mutual connection, a circle of Joy-friends has emerged. Inspiration flowing both ways. An interaction born out of connection. We have already experienced a few accolades related to this core value. For instance, twice our guests have gotten married at our B&B Plus Algarve, where we both served as witnesses. Moreover, there have been seven marriage proposals.

Freedom

We have also learned not to become slaves to our work. By not losing sight of our freedom. Thus, we reach the third V. This means there is also a limit to our services. Because we take the freedom to schedule time for ourselves. And this keeps our circle of connection thriving. Our guests also need to feel free to be themselves. A commonly heard compliment is: “This feels like our second home.” That means; ‘I feel free to be myself’. Our freedom was compromised in our B&B Monchique. During a long summer season, we were tied to home due to potential fire hazards. This led us to decide to move down to the coast. For us, this meant an enhancement of all our seven V’s. And thus, even more Joy!

The Motor of Our B&B Plus Algarve

So that Joy, that joy, is a fundamental component of our B&B Plus in Algarve. In everything we do. And we celebrate this every day! We feel so blessed with everything we’ve been given, that we experience a lot of joy in our lives, especially together with the people who surround us. This does not mean we never face setbacks or feel sorrow. Yet another V. However, joy prevails. As a result, we tend to avoid situations or relationships where fewer than four of our V’s is felt. So we remain true to our core values. And we are free from the V of pretending. And somehow, that joy always emerges. But not everyone appreciates our joy. In our first year, I received a complaint from a guest: “You smile too much.” A one-time incident in all these fifteen years.

Depth, Trust, and Safety

Now, don’t think that we laugh away our troubles in our B&B Plus Algarve. On the contrary. A lot is shared among our guests about what occupies their or our minds. Joys and sorrows. And this creates depth. Even if you see each other once a year or even less. You walk a part of life together. That is true wealth. You learn from one another and experience recognition. But you must have earned each other’s trust first. Similarly, the environment must provide safety. Many laughs and tears have been shared with guests who had to part with their partner or child. Thus, these three core values are actually sisters to each other. One cannot exist without the other.

Renewal

If you want to stay young, a youthful mind helps. One that constantly seeks new challenges. We have continuously organized new weeks. Or invested in our B&B Plus Algarve. Taking risks to relocate towards the Atlantic. A choice that has been one of our best ever. Somehow, the heaviness of granite has fallen off us and dissolved in the ocean. The beautiful part is that we also meet new guests from young to elderly who, in turn, share new plans with us. This way, cross-pollination occurs. Some guests have even chosen to live near us.

Both in our home and garden, we are engaged in renewal. There are numerous new guided walks, courses and workshops. Both live and online. And next year, we will stop holding group weeks to allow our guests the opportunity to create a custom-made vacation together.

Celebration

And it remains a celebration, because every day is a party. There are beautiful moments to gather. As the spring flowers bloom luxuriantly, the chirping of birds fills the air. Moreover, we can once again take a dip in the Atlantic. Our B&B Plus Algarve is again coming alive with great thanks to all of you who have contributed to our Joy! Here’s to the next anniversary filled with V’s.