A STORY ABOUT
“RETIREMENT...”
Following our son’s passion for ice-hockey in
Canada, introduced us to our passion for people!
Travelling with the team, staying in different accommodation types, meeting people,
getting to know different cultures… All these factors sparked an interest in both of
us — igniting the creation of a potential future “retirement business.”
Not sure exactly when, but soon after our Bed and
Breakfast dream began.
Ana and José Borges have been
married for 27 years and have a
son, André, who is 24 years old.
With Portuguese roots they met in
Canada where they made a big part
of their lives until they moved back
to Portugal in 2012.
Ana, with University administration
background, and Jose, as owner of
his own construction company,
decided to leave their jobs to
dedicate themselves to a simpler and
fulfilling way of living life in front of
the Atlantic Ocean.
life design
Nowadays they own and personally
run their own Bed and Breakfast
close to Lisbon where they welcome
guests from all over the world.
We knew that our backgrounds were not related to this field, me in academic
administration and Jose in managing his own construction company, but in early
2012, life circumstances allowed us to seriously think about making this move
sooner rather than waiting for “retirement.”
We arrived in Portugal in June of 2012 and decided to put our B&B dream into
place. Our home was not designed for a B&B so we had a lot of work to do. After 6
months of preparation, we partnered with www.booking.com and have not looked
back since.
We have had guests from all over the world – people with great stories and
experiences – sharing their knowledge and allowing us to learn and grow.
“
Our so called dream of retirement
has now become a lifestyle.
From “retirement” to Life Style
A bit nervous of moving from the big city Toronto to the small village of Atalaia in
Portugal we are now truly enjoying our surroundings…
We wake up early, taking in the sunrise and ocean fresh air coming in off of the
cliffs. We set our stage using our kitchen and dining rooms overlooking the Atlantic
Ocean. Now ready for the day we tirelessly make breakfast for our guests ensuring
that nothing is forgotten.
Mid morning we enjoy our plant and vegetable gardens; watering, pruning, replanting. Sometimes, we go for a walk to the beach and even get to go for a swim
before lunch!
When afternoon comes we eagerly wait for our next guests to arrive and greet them
with a friendly drink of their choice.
Once nighttime falls, we ensure that bread and pastries are ordered and that
everything is in place for the next day, then off to sleep.
Once waken by the sunshine and the singing of the birds, our beautiful new routine
will start again.
CONNECT WITH ANA AND JOSE
www.facebook.com/pages/Silver-CoastVacation-Inn/238652032899032
14 | Dey Dos Magazine
We have had to overcome our longing for our son, family and friends left behind in
Canada but as each day passes we appreciate the fact that we have found
something truly rewarding and that we love to do.
We are delighted with the fact that “the world comes to us” without us having to
leave our doorstep; definitely our dream has come true.
If we have learned something from our experience is that it does not make sense to
live thinking of what will be… Whatever dream you have for your future, take a
chance and do it now.