About us
From dreaming to doing
For us it started with holidays in the Algarve. Every time we fell in love with this place all over again: the nature, the beaches, the sunny weather, the calm, the outdoor life and the friendly, welcoming people. And every time we went home, the same thought stayed with us — what if we actually lived here one day?
That thought kept coming back, and it grew more serious. Until, in 2024, we made the decision. We chose the adventure, left the Netherlands behind and started building a new life in Portugal with our family.
When we arrived there was nothing here at all. A house that had stood empty for thirty years, a few ruins and a piece of land. That's where we are now building Casa Festi: four studios and a spacious apartment for six to eight guests. Because we live on the grounds ourselves, we're always nearby for a question, a chat or a hand. And of course we respect our guests' privacy.
How we found it
A house that had stood empty for thirty years, a few ruins and a piece of land. This is where Casa Festi began.
Who we are
Back in the Netherlands, Justin ran his own restaurant with his brother for ten years. The wish to change course and find more calm and balance grew stronger every year. Marjet enjoyed her work in social services, but didn't want to miss out on this adventure: building something together, as a family, with more time and attention for the children and for each other.
With our combination of hospitality, restaurant experience and personal attention, we make sure our guests have a relaxed and carefree holiday, day after day.
Where does the name come from?
Together with our children Fenne and Stijn we enjoy life in the Algarve every day. They are the inspiration behind this place — and behind its name:
FEnne + STIjn = Casa Festi