What is Celinda’s Eco Retreat?

Celinda’s Eco Retreat is a regenerative wellness project in development on Portugal’s Silver Coast, in the village of Vau near Óbidos Lagoon.

The vision is simple and demanding at the same time:

• A place where burned-out professionals can reset their nervous system in days, not months.

• A living farm where soil, plants, animals and humans are all in active regeneration.

• A sanctuary where older rescue dogs can live their final years in peace – and quietly teach humans how to be present again.

This is not a finished “Instagram resort”. It is a long-term, honest project being built from the soil up.

Why start with Phase 0?

Right now, the land is in the very first stages of recovery:

• overgrown vegetation and invasive plants

• old stone structures that need careful restoration

• no safe access for guests or animals yet

• basic utilities and infrastructure still to be installed

Before cabins, spa sessions or workshops, there is a lot of invisible work that must happen: cleaning, repairing, making the land safe and alive again.

Phase 0 is about doing the unglamorous work that makes everything else possible.

What this campaign supports

Your contribution to this campaign directly funds Phase 0 of Celinda’s regeneration:

1. Land clearing & safety

• Selective clearing of overgrown areas

• Removing dangerous debris, old fences and rubbish

• Creating safe walking paths and basic access

2. Water & soil regeneration

• Cleaning and securing the old well

• Installing basic rainwater collection and storage

• First compost systems and soil-building beds for future gardens

3. Dog sanctuary preparation

• Fencing and shade structures for senior dogs

• Simple, dry sleeping spaces and safe outdoor runs

• Basic storage for food, bedding and veterinary supplies

4. Restoring existing structures

• First repairs on the old stone cellar (safety, waterproofing)

• Stabilising walls and roofs before deeper restoration works

5. Essential infrastructure

• Basic power and lighting for safe work on site

• Simple tools and equipment needed for ongoing maintenance

Every euro goes into making this land safe, functional and ready for the next phases of the project.

Why this project matters

Modern burnout doesn’t heal in a weekend spa. People need:

• time away from screens and constant noise

• contact with living systems – soil, plants, animals, water

• spaces where they can contribute with their hands, not just consume

Celinda’s is being designed for exactly these people: founders, managers, health workers, caregivers and creatives who have given everything and have nothing left in reserve.

At the same time, Portugal is full of older large sized dogs that are abandoned once they slow down. We want Celinda’s to be one of the places where they can retire with dignity, care and calm.

By supporting Phase 0 you help create a concrete alternative to burnout culture – and a real sanctuary for senior dogs.

How the funds will be used (budget snapshot)

Target: €15,000

Approximate allocation:

• €4,000 – Selective land clearing, path creation, debris removal

• €3,000 – Water & soil systems (well work, rainwater tanks, compost systems, first beds)

• €3,000 – Dog sanctuary preparation (fencing, shelters, storage, basic medical set-up)

• €3,000 – Structural safety works on the old stone cellar and outbuildings

• €2,000 – Essential tools, lighting and contingency for unexpected repairs

Any amount raised above the goal will be used to accelerate Phase 1: the first A-frame cabin prototype and the fire-heated natural spa.

A detailed breakdown and progress photos will be shared regularly through the Progress Journal on celindas.org and via 4fundme updates.

What supporters receive

This is not a “buy a holiday in advance” campaign. It is first about making regeneration possible and safe.

Still, I want to give something concrete back at every level:

• your name (if you wish) on the digital Founders Wall

• priority access to early booking when the retreat opens

• transparent monthly updates with photos, numbers and next steps

• invitations to private founder events on site as it becomes safe to receive visitors

Reward tiers are described below, but every contribution – big or small – moves the project forward.

Who is behind Celinda’s?

My name is Rafael Constantino Bugia. I live and work in Portugal’s Silver Coast, helping small businesses adopt practical AI and better systems.

Celinda’s is my long-term personal project: a place where I combine everything I care about – regeneration, burnout recovery, rural Portugal and giving older dogs a peaceful final home.

I’m not backed by a resort chain or a large investor. This is a slow, grounded build. That’s why this Phase 0 campaign exists: to push through the most difficult first meters of the journey.

If you read this far: thank you. If you choose to support, I’ll do my best to make every euro visible in the land.