La Fora Ecolodge
La Fora Ecolodge is a chic, laid-back lodge retreat on the lower slopes of Fogo Volcano.
At 650 metres above sea level, and high above São Filipe, the air is cooler here than on the coast. The elevated position means that you get to watch the sun set over neighbouring brava.
Owners Aaron and Ellen packed their bags and travelled the world in search of the ideal location to create their relaxed retreat. La Fora is centred around an open-fronted kitchen and bar, with seating areas dotted throughout the herb garden, where Aaron and Ellen gather fresh ingredients to create delicious meals and cocktails. Ellen is an accomplished chef who caters for all tastes, offering an extensive range of vegan and vegetarian dishes alongside Cape Verdean fish and meat specialities. The restaurant is open to non-residents and is popular with locals, who often make the journey up from town to dine here.
Accommodation is lodge-style, with comfortable and private bungalows scattered throughout the grounds. Wi-Fi is available in every lodge. Aaron, a former professional in the US tech industry, will happily tell you about the kilometres of fibre-optic cable buried around the property to ensure a reliable connection. Beds are king-size and can be configured as twins, while a couple of triple rooms are also available.
Aaron and Ellen are highly environmentally conscious. All of the electricity used at the lodge is generated on-site by solar photovoltaic panels installed above the entrance carport. Water is heated naturally using the power of the Cape Verdean sunshine. The grounds are managed organically and without pesticides, while grey water from sinks and showers is recycled to help irrigate the gardens.
