Casa Fuzetta - The House of Stories

Casa Fuzetta - The House of Stories

10 years ago Tara Donovan was looking forward to a romantic weekend with her husband Jonathan. Little did she know that she would come home with a lot more than duty free! They were headed to Olhão, a working fishing town in the Eastern Algarve in Portugal, a previously prosperous place where the polish had faded but the charm had not diminished. Tara had never been to Portugal, didn’t speak the language and at that point would have struggled to differentiate her cobra from her downward dog yet a decade later she is the proud guardian of Casa Fuzetta, named by CNTraveller in 2024 as one of the top yoga retreat venues in the world. Tara and her friend (of 30 years) Kate Rowland draw back the curtains of Casa Fuzetta. Through conversations and interviews with the people and community in this special corner of the world, they uncover why serendipity is a regular occurrence and coincidence is the stuff of everyday magic

Episodes

May 24, 2025 35 mins

In this final episode of Season 2, Tara and Kate explore the fascinating journey of Anna Henriques, founder of the Golden Web Retreat, a healing sanctuary situated near Fuseta, in the eastern Algarve of Portugal. 

Anna shares her incredible story, from her origins in Jamaica and New York, to her unexpected Portuguese citizenship through Sephardic Jewish heritage, and her ultimate decision to settle in Portugal. The narrative interw...

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In this episode, Tara spends time in the sun on the rooftop of Casa Fuzetta with Kate Sass, founder of Sass Wellbeing. Kate will be hosting her second yoga retreat at Casa Fuzetta in April 2026 but this recording was made whilst she and her husband Gino were workation guests in February 2025.

Tara and Kate explore the balance of work and relaxation that a workation offers, the exchange of ideas among guests, and the story of manife...

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Join us for a deep dive into the energy of Casa Fuzetta. 

Experience a special sound bath recorded under the full moon during our February workations, guided by Sanne and Johnny. 

The episode gently leads you through relaxing breathing exercises and meditation, encouraging self-forgiveness, healing, and reconnecting with your body and inner self. 

We invite you to find a quiet space to immerse in the sounds and energy, enhancing th...

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In this episode, the focus is on the profound experiences at Casa Fuzetta, particularly unraveling the captivating practice of sound baths led by Johnny and Sanne. 

Johnny shares his unique journey from being a self-taught musician inspired by Nirvana to becoming a sound bath curator. 

The conversation delves into the spiritual exchange during sound baths and the importance of vibration and frequency in tuning into higher energies....

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EPISODE 6 - A Journey of Yoga and Sound Healing at Casa Fuzetta

In this episode, Tara and Kate explore the life and experiences of Sanne, a Dutch yoga teacher who has been part of the Casa Fusetta family since 2016. 

Sanne discusses her journey from the Netherlands to Peru and ultimately to Portugal, where she now resides and conducts yoga sessions and retreats. She shares insights into her early introduction to yoga and meditation...

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In this week’s episode of Casa Fuzetta - the House of Stories, we hear from Jane Mackie, founder of Rora Dairy on her perspective of Olhao, Casa Fuzetta and our Workations as a first time guest.

I challenge you not to smile as you hear Jane fall under the spell of Olhao’s everyday magic - from the crazy mix of architecture to be found across the town, the beautiful attention to detail, the charm of the local people and of course, t...

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In this episode, Tara visits the beautiful gallery and apartments of artist Meinke Flessman in Portimão, Portugal. 

They discuss Meinke’s journey from Olhão to Portimão, the challenges and joys of renovating a historic 'palacete,' and the vibrant artistic community emerging in the area. 

The conversation includes Meinke’s creative process, her dream of hosting artistic retreats, and the various art workshops she already welcomes to...

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EPISODE 3 - Exploring the Creative Spirit of Olhão

Tara and Kate go over to their favourite local interiors shop, Zé e Maria to meet with Stephane Gaillard, the store's creative lead.

Stephane shares his passion for blending traditional Portuguese crafts with contemporary design, the importance of community engagement, and teases a new project set to launch in 2026.

The discussion touches on the intricate relationship between loca...

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The Wonderful World of Workations and Art Retreats 

In this first episode of our new season, Tara and Kate dive into the concept of 'workations' and introduce Dora, an energetic local artist and art teacher. 

Dora shares her journey from Canada to Olhão, her passion for teaching beginner adult artists, and the community's evolving art retreats. 

The discussion highlights the blend of vacation and work, the unique energy of Casa Fuz...

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Tara catches up with Haruka and Nora, previous participants from last year's Workations and season 1 of the House of Stories.

The conversation revolves around their experiences and personal growth, the connections and creative community formed at Casa Fuzetta, and the inspiring energy at the house giving them the courage to let their dreams take wing and fly! 

The episode closes with a sneak peek into the next episode featuring loc...

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In this concluding episode of their first series, hosts Tara and Kate reflect on their journey and introduce guest Haruka Aoki. 

Haruka shares her experience of moving from New York to Lisbon, driven by a desire to embrace her artistic self and find deeper connections in her new home. 

With parallels to Tara's own story, Haruka discusses the challenges and joys of adjusting to life in Portugal, forming meaningful relationships and ...

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November 3, 2024 33 mins

Discovering the Magic of Casa Fuzetta: A Conversation with interior designer, Nora Bohm

In this episode Tara flies solo to interview Workation guest Nora Bohm, an interior designer from Germany. 

Nora shares her experience of her different stays at Casa Fuzetta - on retreat with Kat / founder of Cheeky Yoga Club (interviewed in Episode 3) and for a Workation, her love for the house's detailed interiors, and the unique community vib...

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In this episode, Tara and Kate delve into Portugal's rich history and its contemporary challenges. 

They share insights from an impromptu conversation with Anglo-Portuguese friend Paul Azevedo over lunch at a favourite local restaurant in the heart of Olhão. 

Topics covered include the historical significance of the Algarve during the Roman and Salazar years, the impact of Portugal's colonisation in Southern Africa, and the current...

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An Interview with Emma, co-founder of garden to table restaurant concept, Austa 

In this episode, Tara and Kate invite you on the road with them to start exploring unique local ventures. 

The focus centres on an interview with Emma Campus, co-founder of Austa, a garden-to-table restaurant concept showcasing the treasures of Portuguese culture and cuisine. 

The episode emphasises the importance of community, creativity, and the ques...

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Soundscapes and Stories from a Portuguese Fishing Town

In this episode, Tara and Kate invite you on a journey through the coastal town of Olhão in the Eastern Algarve, Portugal. 

The episode captures the lively atmosphere of Olhão's fish and produce markets along with interactions with locals, painting a vivid picture of the town's charm and culture. 

For visuals - please see:INSTAGRAM REEL

They also delve into Portuguese coffee tr...

EPISODE 3 - Casa Fuzetta - From Skeptic to Yogi: Kat's Cheeky Yoga Club Story

In this episode of 'Casa Fuzetta: The House of Stories,' hosts Tara and Kate share a heartfelt interview with Kat Achtelik, founder of Cheeky Yoga Club, who reveals her personal journey with yoga and the challenges and joys of hosting retreats at Casa Fuzetta and beyond. 

They talk about the significance of community, trust, and resilience, providing insp...

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EPISODE 2 - Casa Fuzetta: Tales of creativity & synchronicity

In this episode of 'Casa Fuzetta: The House of Stories,' hosts Tara and Kate recount the incredible journey of transforming two derelict buildings in Portugal into one of the best yoga retreats in the world, as named by Conde Nast Traveller in early 2024. 

Following Tara's initial visit to Portugal in September 2013, the story navigates through the selection of archi...

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In this inaugural episode of 'Casa Fuzetta: The House of Stories,' hosts Tara and Kate recount the remarkable journey of transforming a series of dilapidated buildings in Olhão, Portugal, into one of the world's best yoga retreats.

The story begins ten years ago with Tara, the former CEO of Jamie Oliver’s Media Group, who had never visited Portugal or practised much yoga. Motivated by an unexpected trip to Olhão and her husband's s...

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In the premiere episode of 'Casa Fuzetta: The House of Stories,' hosts Tara and Kate invite you to join them as they explore the journey and magic behind Casa Fuzetta, named one of the best yoga retreat venues in the world by Condé Nast Traveller in 2024. 

They share insights on the transformation of derelict buildings in a working fishing town in the eastern Algarve of southern Portugal, into an enchanting retreat. 

From heartfelt...

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