A Peaceful Escape

in Santo Antão

A Sanctuary of

Quiet Connection

An independent, Irish-owned small hotel

Set in the mountains, The Retreat is a remote eco stay shaped by space, simplicity, and a slower pace. It’s a place where open views, fresh air, and thoughtful design come together to support genuine rest. Independently run and guided by sustainability, we grow produce on site and operate with care for both people and planet. Proudly awarded Green Tourism Silver, our practices are independently assessed and continually evolving. Everything here is designed to be unhurried, from shared spaces to time spent outdoors.

Farm-To-Table Dining

Traditional breakfast is included with every stay, prepared using fresh produce grown in our gardens and ingredients sourced on-site. Guests can also opt to join us for lunch or dinner, or we can prepare a packed lunch for your day exploring Santo Antão. With animals reared on the property and a focus on simple, seasonal food, dining is an integral part of the experience.

Remote, Yet Connected

Set in a remote part of Santo Antão, The Retreat offers a true sense of escape without compromising on comfort. Reliable WiFi is available throughout the property, along with dedicated workspaces for those who need to stay connected. When it’s time to unwind, guests can relax with a book from our shared library or enjoy the calm, natural surroundings.

Outdoor Living

Outdoor living is at the heart of The Retreat, from relaxing by the infinity pool to setting off on nearby mountain hiking trails. Enjoy a drink from our bar while taking in the views, or let us help organise guided hikes across Santo Antão. Days here move effortlessly between rest, exploration, and time spent outdoors.

Amenities at The Retreat Pinhão

Luggage Carried Up the Mountain Path

The Retreat is reached by a short 5–10 minute walk from the road through the Santo Antão landscape, part of the rural character of the valley. We carry your luggage, so you arrive relaxed and unhurried.

Mountain Hiking Trails on Your Doorstep

Set right on the Monte Joana hiking trail, with direct access to volcanic valleys, mountain paths and some of the most scenic walks in Santo Antão.

Infinity Pool with Panoramic Mountain Views

A peaceful infinity pool overlooking sweeping mountain scenery, with views stretching out to the Atlantic.

Sun Terrace & Garden Spaces

Spacious terraces and quiet gardens for resting, reading and soaking up the natural surroundings.

Kevin Barry Bar

Our Irish-inspired bar serves cocktails, cold beers, fresh juices and Cape Verdean coffee, with mountain views in a relaxed setting.

Organic Garden & Farm-to-Table Dining

Seasonal fruit and vegetables grown on the property are used wherever possible. Our restaurant brings together African, Creole, American, European and Cajun influences in every dish.

Animals Raised on the Property

Most of our animals are raised on site with care, part of the natural rhythm of life at The Retreat.

Fast WiFi & Dedicated Workspaces

Reliable internet for when you need to stay connected, with plenty of quiet space for when you’d rather switch off.

Rooftop Yoga & Movement Space

A dedicated space for yoga, stretching and quiet movement, surrounded by mountain views.

Shared Library

A quiet, shared library with a selection of books to help you slow down and unwind.

A Look Inside The Retreat

Ferry Transfers, Guided Hikes & Meals

We want to make your stay as seamless and enjoyable as possible. From arrival to your time exploring Santo Antão, we can help organise the details, just get in touch for more information and pricing.

What Our Guests Say About Us

"Truly amazing and unforgettable experience. The Retreat is a gem in the paradise of Sao Antão. Nestled high in the mountains, one is well and truly rewarded for the journey to reach it. Our room, with a balcony, was surrounded by banana and papaya trees, I noticed they grow their own vegetables, and have a salad and herb patch also. Before dinner, it’s obligatory to sit at the infinity pool with a gorgeous red wine or cocktail. Food was plentiful (very!) and tasty. After a comfortable nights sleep, the sound of the rooster and donkeys nearby are the only alarm clock you need to signal dawn. Time stands immaculately still here and in such a location, it is very admirable how conscious the business is about sustainability and limiting their carbon footprint. Highly recommend this experience."

"Surrounded by mountains and the crashing waves of the Atlantic, I found true peace at The Retreat, Pinhão. It is an award-winning hotel perched in the peaks, totally immersed in nature, yet equipped with every modern facility you could need.
They take immense pride in their food, with much of the produce coming straight from their own organic gardens. Whether you want to swim in the pool, get lost in a book in the library, browse with high-speed internet, or enjoy rooftop yoga, it's all here. We especially loved ending the day with a cocktail at the Kevin Barry Bar.
After a short 10-minute walk, we entered a world apart. If 'Heaven on Earth' exists, this must be it. The staff are incredible, always willing to go the extra mile, they even carried our bags up the mountain path for us!"

"Favorite place we stayed in Cape Verde! It's a beautiful location with amazing view. It's a bit secluded but that definitely adds to the charm. You enter an oasis of peace. The staff is super sweet and helpful. You can do hikes from the hotel but also have a lovely chill day at the hotel if you want a quiet day. I loved the communal dinner with all the guests! You can easily meet other travellers. Food was amazing and the rooms were super clean and beautiful with amazing views of the mountains. Beds were the most comfortable we had so far! Will definitely come back when visiting Santo Antão again!"