Discover a peaceful eco-retreat built with care and creativity A Warm Welcome in Nature During our recent travels through southern Portugal, we had the joy of spending time at a truly special place — Naturally Cool Glamping , nestled in the peaceful Algarve countryside. From the moment we arrived, we felt embraced by the beauty and stillness of the land. Built with great care and intention by Sally and Paul, the glamping site is a beautiful blend of comfort, creativity and deep respect for nature. Every detail — from the eco-conscious structures to the gentle outdoor lighting — carries a sense of calm and thoughtfulness. One of the tents lit up by the solar lights Staying in Our Van — and Admiring the Tents We stayed in our campervan during our visit, but couldn’t help admiring the cosy and beautifully styled bell tents, which looked incredibly inviting and comfortable. Each tent has its own unique touch, blending rustic simplicity with thoughtful design. What we really appreciated is that the tents come with everything you might need for a comfortable stay. Each one includes a fully equipped outdoor kitchen — complete with a gas hob, fridge, pots and pans, utensils, a sink with running water, and a shaded dining area. You can prepare your meals with ease while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. It’s the kind of place where you can truly slow down and feel at home. Naturally Cool Glamping will soon be offering a designated camper park-up area, which means vanlifers like us could settle into this tranquil spot — and still enjoy all the comforts, including their signature wood fired sauna. The Sauna Experience: Heat, Herbal Drinks & Cold Plunge One of the highlights of our visit was the wood-fired sauna. Paul kindly lit it for us, and we were treated to a delicious, refreshing herbal drink and fresh orange slices from their garden as part of the experience — a detail that made the moment feel extra nourishing. After a good sweat, a cool plunge leaves you feeling brand new. The sauna is set amongst the trees, close to the charming "The Wonky Turnip" restaurant and the pool — a beautifully integrated space that invites both relaxation and connection with nature. Magic After Dark As night fell, the entire place transformed. Soft, ambient lights twinkled between the trees and along the paths, turning the already beautiful space into something magical. It felt like walking through a dream — peaceful, grounding, and full of charm. Heartfelt Hospitality Paul and Sally were not only generous hosts, but genuinely kind and welcoming souls who made us feel right at home. It’s the kind of hospitality you remember long after you’ve left. Why You Should Visit We can’t recommend this place enough. Whether you're looking for a restful getaway, a connection to nature, or simply a place to breathe, you’ll find it here and you will be in great hands. Let this be your nudge to visit — and to feel the magic for yourself.

Your go-to guide for discovering the best plant-based Lisbon spots – from cosy cafés to elegant dining. Lisbon has always held a special place in our hearts. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of exploring the vibrant plant-based Lisbon  food scene multiple times. After visiting in 2023 and again in 2025, we’re continually impressed by the city’s expanding range of vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes. Despite our many trips, there are still plenty of spots on our list to explore – and we’re excited to discover even more in the future! Here’s a look at some of our favourite vegan-friendly and plant-based Lisbon  gems: Barouk – A Hidden Gem in LX Factory Barouk | R. Rodrigues de Faria 103 edifício H 0.10B, 1300-501 Lisboa 🌱🌱🌱 (Growing) Food: Tasty and fresh, though not fully plant-based. The meze-style selection was satisfying. Atmosphere: Casual and quick, with helpful staff. While LX Factory is not exactly a hub for plant-based food, we stumbled upon Barouk , a Lebanese eatery, and were pleased to find a few delicious plant-based options . Although the menu does not clearly mark plant-based dishes, the staff was very helpful in guiding us. We enjoyed a meze-style selection, including puffed pita bread , falafel with tahini sauce , classic hummus , baba ganoush , and tabbouleh salad . The food was served quickly, tasted great, and made for a pleasant stop in an area where options can be limited. Comobå – A Cosy Spot for Plant-Based Delights Comob å | Rua da Boavista 90, 1200-085 Lisboa 🌱🌱🌱🌱 (Flourishing) Food: Excellent and varied plant-based options, including sweet and savoury treats. Atmosphere: Lively but still cosy, great for a relaxed experience. This stylish café, housed in a beautifully designed factory space, quickly became one of our favourites – so much so that we visited twice! Although not fully vegan, Comobå  offers an impressive range of plant-based breakfast options , all clearly labelled on the menu. We had the pleasure of trying their cinnamon bun, chia porridge, chai pancakes, burrito with tempeh, and pumpkin porridge . For drinks, we sampled cappuccino, chai latte, turmeric latte, and matcha . The vegan-friendly food  was outstanding, and although it was quite lively during our visits, the atmosphere remained cosy and inviting. Vegan Nata – A Taste of Tradition Vegan Nata | R. da Misericórdia 9, 1200-208 Lisboa 🌱🌱🌱🌱 (Flourishing) Food: Delicious pastéis de nata, a perfect plant-based take on the classic Portuguese dessert. Atmosphere: A small, charming spot – nothing fancy but great for a quick treat. Pastéis de Nata  are an iconic Portuguese treat, so we couldn’t resist trying the plant-based version from Vegan Nata. The vegan pastry  was delicious, offering a great alternative for those looking to experience this classic dessert without dairy. Valdo Gatti – Sourdough Pizza Perfection Valdo Gatti | Rua do Grémio Lusitano 13, 1200-211 Lisboa 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 (Full Bloom) Food: Exceptional sourdough pizzas with top-quality plant-based ingredients. Atmosphere: Friendly and attentive staff, a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. This was our second visit to Valdo Gatti , and once again, we were blown away by their incredible vegan sourdough pizzas . We had the Foglie  salad, two delicious pizzas – Vegana Ortolan a and Vegana Zucchina  – and refreshing kombuchas . Their plant-based options  are clearly marked, and the staff is both knowledgeable and attentive. The organic sourdough base  makes their pizzas gentle on the stomach, and we highly recommend booking in advance as this spot is always popular! Hello Kristof – A Coffee Lover’s Haven Hello Kristof São Bento | R. de São Bento 15, 1200-815 Lisboa 🌱🌱🌱 (Growing) Food: Some plant-based options, though a bit limited. Atmosphere: Cozy and quiet, perfect for a peaceful break. In search of a good spot to get some work done, we found Hello Kristof in São Bento. While the café officially states it is “laptop-free,” they do have around eight designated spots where you can work if you order something. We enjoyed their homemade iced tea , green smoothie , matcha , chai latte , and two avocado sourdough toasts  (we ordered without goat ricotta) with a side salad . Although plant-based dishes aren’t clearly marked on the menu, the staff was accommodating. It’s one of those vegan-friendly cafés Lisbon  has to offer where the food and drinks are great—just note they don’t offer decaf coffee. Gleba Bakery – A True Artisan Experience Gleba Bakery | Av. dos Cavaleiros 60 Loja 25, 2790-045 Carnaxide 🌱🌱🌱🌱 (Flourishing) Food: Incredible, artisanal breads with deep flavour and excellent texture. Atmosphere: Small but eye-catching spot inside a shopping mall with friendly staff. As people who grew up in Switzerland, we are used to high-quality bread , and it can sometimes be challenging to find the same level of craftsmanship in other countries. Gleba , however, truly impressed us with its artisanal approach. They naturally ferment all their bread for 24 hours, ensuring deep flavour and great texture. We tried their seasonal sprouted buckwheat bread , which was wonderfully fluffy and full of character. They have several locations throughout Lisbon, making it a convenient stop for excellent bread. Scoop n Dough – A Hidden Plant-Based Paradise Scoop n Dough | Praça David Leandro da Silva 8 8, 1950-064 Lisboa 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 (Full Bloom) Food: Entirely plant-based, with delicious doughnuts, macarons, ice cream and coffee. Atmosphere: A charming space in a plant shop. Despite not marketing itself as plant-based, Scoop n Dough  offers an entirely plant-based selection of doughnuts, vegan macarons, and vegan ice cream in Lisbon . We aren’t usually big on doughnuts, but our friends loved them, and we absolutely adored the ice cream – the hazelnut and pistachio flavours were incredibly smooth and rich. The atmosphere was fantastic, especially since it’s located in 8 Marvila , inside a beautiful plant shop. We had an interesting chat with the staff about how many people hesitate to visit simply because they assume plant-based food won’t taste as good. It’s eye-opening to see how strong some misconceptions still are, even when the quality speaks for itself! The Green Affair Chiado – Elegant and Delicious The Green Affair | R. Serpa Pinto 15A, 1200-443 Lisboa 🌱🌱🌱🌱 (Flourishing) Food: Exceptional plant-based takes on classic dishes, everything was beautifully plated. Atmosphere: Stylish yet cosy, perfect for an elegant dinner. We had dinner at The Green Affair , a completely vegan restaurant, and had an incredible experience. Our meal included vegetable gyoza with miso mayo, tagliatelle alla carbonara, mushroom risotto, and stuffed portobello with beetroot hummus . For dessert, we enjoyed tiramisu and warm chocolate cake . Everything was beautifully plated, full of flavour, and the atmosphere was stylish yet cosy. Nicolau Lisboa – A Brunch Spot with Pros and Cons Nicolau Lisboa | R. de São Nicolau 17, 1100-547 Lisboa 🌱🌱 (Seedling) Food: Tasty but a bit sweet and heavy for our taste. Atmosphere: Vibrant but the wait for a table was a downside. We had brunch at Nicolau Lisboa on a Saturday morning, but unfortunately, they don’t take reservations for breakfast, and we ended up waiting 1.5 hours for a table. We opted for the plant-based brunch option  with cappuccino  and chai latte . While the food was tasty, it was quite heavy and rather sweet. Of course, everyone has different taste buds and cravings for sweetness, so this is quite subjective. Sustainability and health don't seem to be their main focus, and overall, while we appreciate that they offer a plant-based option, we likely wouldn’t return. Ao26 – A True Highlight Ao26 | R. Horta Seca 5, 1200-213 Lisboa 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 (Full Bloom) Food: Outstanding, innovative plant-based Portuguese dishes. Atmosphere: Lively, warm, and comfortable. We saved Ao26 for our last dinner in Lisbon, and it was the perfect way to wrap up our trip. This restaurant specialises in plant-based takes on traditional Portuguese dishes, and every bite was incredible. We shared the Portuguese traditional starters board  and the melancholic sardines  as appetisers. For mains, we had Tofu À Lagareiro , Mountain Shadow , Ricotta Ravioli , and The Islander . Our dessert selection included crème brûlée , peanut and chocolate pie , and the chef’s special interpretation of Dubai chocolate  – a chocolate cheesecake with pistachio . Everything was outstanding, beautifully plated, and rich in flavour. The only thing we weren’t fond of was the chef’s special dessert, as it was very sweet, and the rice noodles in it weren’t quite to our taste. Our non-plant-based friends were completely blown away by the experience , which speaks volumes about the quality of the food. The service was warm and attentive, and the overall atmosphere was lively yet comfortable. Also, a little side note – Jill absolutely loved their fancy bathroom! If you plan to visit, we highly recommend making a reservation. O Gambuzino – A Memorable Experience O Gambuzino | Rua dos Anjos 5A, 1150-032 Lisboa 🌱🌱🌱🌱 (Flourishing) Food: Creative, full of flavour and housemade. Atmosphere: Rustic and warm, with a relaxed vibe. Although we didn’t visit O Gambuzino this time, our previous experience there was so good that we wanted to mention it. Fully plant-based since January 2021, O Gambuzino emphasizes handcrafted dishes and fermentation techniques. Their menu features items like portobello burgers with homemade kimchi  and tempeh bowls with sweet potato . The rustic ambiance and partially open kitchen allow diners to observe the culinary craftsmanship. We still remember their dessert  as if we had it yesterday – a perfect ending to a great meal! Help Us Grow Our List of Plant-Based Spots in Lisbon There are still so many more places in plant-based Lisbon  that we’d love to try! If you’ve been to any other incredible plant-based spots, let us know – we’d love to add them to our ever-growing list. Please note: All recommendations are based on our personal experiences, and we have not been compensated for mentioning these places. The links provided are for your convenience, offering easy access to more information.

A vibrant bowl of hummus, topped with crispy chickpeas, asparagus, and golden turmeric drizzle, served with fresh veggie sticks. 🌿✨ Anti-Inflammatory Hummus Snack: A Nourishing & Delicious Treat Looking for a snack that’s not only delicious but also brimming with health benefits? This anti-inflammatory hummus snack is a feast for the senses, combining creamy homemade hummus, sautéed asparagus, and a golden turmeric drizzle. Served with vibrant, fresh vegetable sticks, it’s packed with nutrients that nourish the body, support digestion, and help fight inflammation. Whether as a quick snack, appetiser, or light meal, this wholesome dish is as satisfying as it is nourishing. Why This Snack is a Health Booster Chickpeas  – The base of our hummus, chickpeas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fibre. They support digestion, help regulate blood sugar levels, and contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Tahini  – Made from sesame seeds, tahini is rich in healthy fats and minerals like calcium and magnesium, which contribute to bone health and a strong immune system. Turmeric  – The golden spice known for its active compound, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It supports brain health, digestion, and can even help boost your immune system. Asparagus  – A great source of vitamins A, C, and K, asparagus has anti-inflammatory benefits and supports gut health due to its high fibre content. Recipe: Anti-Inflammatory Hummus Snack Classic Hummus Ingredients: 400g soft cooked chickpeas (or 1 can of chickpeas with water) If using cooked chickpeas: keep the cooking water to add as needed 1 Tbsp tahini 1-2 cloves garlic 2 tsp olive oil Juice of 1 lemon 1/4 tsp cumin Salt & pepper to taste Instructions: Add all ingredients and some of the reserved cooking water to a blender. Blend well. If the hummus is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved cooking water or additional water to reach the desired consistency. Do not add all the water at once—add little by little until the texture is smooth and creamy. Add some ice cubes and blend again for a smoother texture. Adjust seasoning to taste. Sautéed Asparagus Gently peeling the ends of fresh asparagus for a tender and delicious bite. Instructions: Wash and trim the dry ends of the asparagus (about 1-2 cm). Peel the lower part slightly if needed. Heat a frying pan with a little oil and add the asparagus. Fry for a few minutes until slightly browned, then turn. Add a splash of water, cover with a lid, and steam for a minute. Sprinkle with salt and serve fresh. Turmeric Drizzle Instructions: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 tsp turmeric powder with 1 tbsp oil until smooth. Assemble Your Snack Pour the hummus into a bowl. Top with sautéed asparagus tips and crispy chickpeas. Drizzle with the turmeric oil mixture. Serve with fresh-cut vegetables of your choice. A Snack with a Purpose This snack isn’t just tasty—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients that nourish the body and mind. The combination of chickpeas, turmeric, and asparagus makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to add more anti-inflammatory foods to their diet. Whether enjoyed as a dip, a side dish, or even a light meal, this hummus snack will leave you feeling satisfied and energised. Give it a try and let us know what you think! For more nourishing recipes, explore our blog.

(By Chris) The saying "you are what you eat"  has become a core part of how I approach food, and the more I’ve reflected on it, the more I’ve realised just how true it is. What we put into our bodies shapes not just our physical health, but our mental state as well.  I’ve experienced this first-hand since transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, and I believe it’s something worth exploring in greater depth. The Role of Digestion in Food and Well-Being It wasn’t until I started paying more attention to my diet that I really began to understand how much digestion affects everything else.  Digestion isn’t just about breaking down food— it's the foundation for how our body absorbs nutrients, how well our immune system functions, and even how our brain operates. Both Jill and I read a couple of eye-opening books— Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body's Most Underrated Organ  (by Giulia Enders) and The Diet Compass (by Bas Kast)—which gave us a new perspective on the importance of gut health. We learned that about 70-80% of our immune system is located in our gut,  and our gut bacteria play a huge role in our mood, stress levels, and even our ability to focus. In fact, I was fascinated by the idea that our gut is often referred to as the "second brain,"  because it produces many of the same neurotransmitters that our brain does, including serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone.  This helped me realise that improving gut health was about more than just digestion—it was about my overall well-being.  After going vegan, I noticed a big difference: no more bloated, heavy feeling after meals, more energy throughout the day, and my skin started to clear up. We also watched the Netflix documentary Hack Your Health , which delves into the science of gut health and how what we eat can influence our microbiome. It became clear to me that the quality of food we consume impacts how well our digestion functions, and ultimately, how we feel both physically and mentally. The Mind-Body Connection: How Food Affects Well-Being What struck me most after adopting a plant-based diet was how closely linked food, digestion, and mental well-being really are.  Before, I hadn’t given much thought to the connection between my gut and my overall mood, but now it’s something I’m much more aware of. When I eat foods that are rich in nutrients—plant-based, whole foods—I feel more energised, more focused, and generally lighter. Jill, on the other hand, experiences an even stronger connection between food and her mental state. She notices that when she eats less fresh, more processed foods, it affects her mood and energy levels.  Through her, I’ve seen how food choices can influence not just digestion but also mindset and emotions. While I personally don’t feel a strong negative shift after the occasional processed meal, I’ve learned how much of an impact it can have on others.  Watching Jill go through this cycle has made me even more conscious of how food affects us beyond just the physical. Nutrient Density Over Calories One of the most important lessons we’ve learned throughout this journey is that it’s not about counting calories, but about choosing nutrient-dense foods.  I’ve come to realise that what truly fuels my body is food that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  Whole plant foods—vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds—provide not only the energy we need but also the building blocks for optimal health. Eating colourful meals, full of variety, is a key part of this.  At Planticious Bliss, we love the motto "Eating the Rainbow."  It’s something we practice in our own lives and encourage others to do as well. The more colours we incorporate into our meals, the more nutrients we’re getting, and the better we feel overall.  It’s not about restricting foods—it’s about abundance. When I look at a plate full of vibrant veggies, I know I’m nourishing my body and mind. A delightful dish featuring roasted cauliflower on a bed of creamy turmeric hummus, garnished with tangy pickles, vibrant pesto, and a smooth tahini drizzle. Conclusion Looking back, the shift to a plant-based lifestyle has been a journey of discovery,  and it’s something that has deeply influenced both my body and mind. We didn’t make the change overnight; it was a gradual process that opened our eyes  to the deeper implications of the food industry and the importance of being conscious about what we consume. But the results have been undeniable. I’m not here to say that everyone needs to go vegan—far from it. What we’ve come to realise is that the key is awareness.  Being mindful of the foods we choose to eat can have a huge impact on our health, mood, and energy levels.  It’s not about perfection, but about making small, conscious choices  that align with how we want to feel and live. So, what’s on your plate today? And how does it make you feel?

(By Jill) Hi and welcome to our very first blog post! We thought there would be no better way to start than by sharing a little bit about who we are, how our journey with food began, and what led us to create Planticious Bliss. Because for us, food is so much more than just what’s on the plate —it’s about connection, care, and bringing people together. How It All Began - Our Journeys Food has always been a central part of our lives — but in very different ways. I grew up in a family that was vegetarian from the start, with a strong focus on health and natural foods. From early on, we ate organic and very diverse meals, and most of what we had was homemade — convenience food was almost never part of our lives . But like many teenagers, I went through a phase where I wanted to explore other ways of eating, rebelling a bit against what I had grown up with. Yet, over time, I found my way back to a holistic and conscious lifestyle, appreciating everything my parents had passed on to me. Chris, on the other hand, was born in England but moved to Switzerland with his family when he was six years old. Growing up, his family’s meals were a mix of British classics and European favourites. There was definitely an awareness of what they ate, but not necessarily a focus on health. What he remembers most is how much he loved being in the kitchen — helping, experimenting, and trying out new things.  Becoming a chef was always somewhere in the back of his mind, and when he eventually gave it a try, he realised how much he truly enjoyed it. That’s why he decided to pursue a chef apprenticeship — and it's been a huge part of his life ever since. Over the past ten years of being and living together, we have always loved spending time in the kitchen. Cooking has become our way of slowing down, reconnecting, and caring for ourselves and each other  — a kind of meditation and shared ritual that brings us back to the present moment. Why Plant-Based? For us, eating plant-based is not about following strict rules or expecting everyone else to do the same. It’s simply the way of eating that feels best for us right now  — a way that makes us feel healthy, connected, and nourished . Our vision is not to convince anyone to eat a certain way , but rather to share the joy, beauty, and creativity that we find in plant-based cooking. We hope to inspire people to embrace more colours, variety, and natural foods , in a way that feels good for them — without pressure, without judgment. Our journey toward a plant-based lifestyle began step by step , and definitely not overnight.Back in 2019, during a trip to Bali , we were deeply moved by the amount of plastic waste we saw everywhere. It made us start thinking seriously about our own impact on the planet  and what kind of footprint we want to leave behind. From there, we began questioning many things in our daily lives — including what and how we eat . Slowly but surely, we began making small changes , and over time, those small steps led us to a fully plant-based way of eating. It has been a natural and conscious evolution  — one that aligns with our values of caring for ourselves, others, and the planet . For us, plant-based eating is about celebrating nature’s abundance  — all the beautiful colours, flavours, and nutrients that plants offer. It’s about cooking and eating in a way that feels joyful, kind, and nourishing  — for body, mind, and earth. And so, when we create food — whether for a wedding, a retreat, or an intimate dinner — it comes from that place of love, care, and creativity . Our Journey from Passion to Planticious Bliss For as long as we can remember, cooking has been our favourite way to connect  — not only with each other but also with others. But during our two years of travelling through Europe in our campervan , we realised how much we actually missed cooking for other people . Of course, we enjoyed discovering new places and having our little kitchen on wheels, but the moments that stayed in our hearts  were always the evenings we spent sharing food with others — gathering around a table, laughing, connecting, and simply enjoying good food together. When we worked at Suryalila Retreat Centre in Spain , this feeling grew even stronger. Being able to cook for so many different people, to create nourishing meals in a communal space , brought us so much joy. It felt natural and deeply fulfilling. And then, almost without us even looking for it, we received our first official booking  — simply by having a conversation about future dreams . That moment sparked something inside of us. We realised that this is what we want to do  — to create and share beautiful, nourishing food with others, in a way that reflects our values, creativity, and care. And that’s how Planticious Bliss  was born. With Planticious Bliss, we’re combining our passion for plant-based cuisine, conscious living, and connection  — creating experiences that go far beyond just a meal. It's about bringing people together, celebrating the beauty of nature’s food, and creating moments of joy and care . Celebrating the beauty of fresh, vibrant vegetables in our plant-based kitchen. What You'll Find Here Now that you know a little more about us and our journey, we want to share what you can expect from our blog. This space is all about connecting with you , sharing our experiences, and offering inspiration that can enrich your own life. Here, you’ll find: Behind-the-scenes stories  from our travels, cooking adventures, and events. Plant-based recipes and tips  to make nourishing food both easy and fun. Ideas for conscious living , including ways to reduce your impact on the world and live more harmoniously with nature. Inspiration for bringing people together  around beautiful food — whether it’s for a casual dinner, an intimate gathering, or a bigger event. Our goal is to spark joy, creativity, and connection  through food and conscious living. We want to give you the tools, stories, and ideas to make your life a little brighter, healthier, and more connected to the world around you. Let’s Connect We’re so glad you’re here, and we’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re looking for recipe inspiration, event ideas, or just want to chat about conscious living, we’re always excited to connect with like-minded souls. Feel free to leave a comment, reach out through our contact page, or follow us on social media — we’re all about building a community of joy, inspiration, and support. Thank you for joining us on this journey — let’s continue to grow, learn, and create together. 🌿💛