La Fora Ecolodge

La Fora Ecolodge brings a chic and comfortable retreat to the lower slopes of Fogo mountain.

Located high above Sao Filipe, at 650m, where the air is cooler here than at the coast and the height allows expansive views down the slopes over town and over the ocean to neighbouring Brava.

Owners Aaron and Ellen packed their bags and travelled the world searching for the ideal place to create their relaxed retreat. La Fora is designed around an open-fronted kitchen and bar, seating areas arranged throughout the herb garden from where Aaron and Ellen pick flavours to make fresh cocktails and delicious meals. Ellen is an accomplished chef and caters for all needs with an extensive vegan and vegetarian selection as well as Cape Verdean fish and meat dishes. The restaurant is open to all and locals do make the journey from town to dine up here.

Accommodation is lodge-style in comfortable and private bungalows dotted amongst the grounds. There’s Wi-Fi throughout each lodge. Aaron is an escapee from the US tech industry and will happily tell you about the kilometres of fibre buried within the grounds to ensure good connection! Beds are king size and can be made into twin configuration. There’s a couple of triple rooms available too.

Aaron and Ellen walk their eco talk very impressively. All electricity used is generated on-site by solar photovoltaic panels on the entrance car port. Water is also heated naturally by the heat of the Cape Verdean sunshine. The grounds are managed organically and pesticide-free and your shower and sink waste grey-water ends up feeding the plants.