Who we are
A company with a purpose
Gandum Village is more than a place to stay - it is the materialization of a vision that combines comfort, inspiration and positive impact. Created by Wiedemar & Almeida, Lda, we are a family business with purpose, founded by Martina Wiedemar and João Almeida, who have transformed their values and learning into a project that makes a difference.
Our History
Martina Wiedemar and João Almeida, both with training and experience in sustainable and regenerative development, share a passion for creating solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Martina, with a background in Geography and Climate Change, brings a scientific and practical perspective to environmental impact. João, with a degree in Sustainable Development, combines theory and practice, with an approach focused on tangible and social results.
Together, they created Wiedemar & Almeida, Lda, a company that puts purpose at the heart of its business, focusing on regenerative practices, sustainability and the well-being of its clients and the local community.
What Purpose Means to Us
Being a company with purpose means that profit is not our only objective. Every decision made at Gandum Village reflects our commitment to:
1. Regenerating the environment
We chose to build Gandum sustainably, with rammed earth walls, solar energy and an agroforestry that restores balance to the land.
2. Supporting the Local Community
We work with local producers and artisans, promoting the Alentejo's economy and valuing its traditions.
3. Offering Comfort with Consciousness
We want our guests to have an authentic experience, where well-being meets sustainability.
4. Inspiring Positive Change
We believe that every visit to Gandum can be an opportunity to show that living consciously is not only possible, but also rewarding.
A Family Business,
A Shared Mission
As a couple and partners, Martina and João guide Wiedemar & Almeida with the conviction that business can be a force for good. At Gandum Village, every detail has been thought out to create a lasting positive impact, both for guests and for the planet.
Join Our Mission
When you choose Gandum, you are taking part in a bigger story - that of regenerating, connecting and inspiring. We want to share this journey with you and show that every choice counts.
Discover how Gandum is more than a stay - it's a space where comfort and purpose meet.
Team
At Gandum Village, we believe that it's the people who make the difference. Our team combines talent, experience and a shared passion for creating unique moments. Get to know who is behind everything we do:
Founders and Directors
João Almeida and Martina Wiedemar
João and Martina are the visionaries behind Gandum Village. Combining their experiences and passions, they have created a sustainable and welcoming space, leading the project with determination and creativity.
Operations Management
Ivo Tavares
Ivo Tavares is a renowned chef and founder of the Mexican restaurant Izcalli in Lisbon. With an international career that includes stints in London and Taiwan, he has brought his vast experience in gastronomy and operational management to Gandum.
Accommodation Management
Cláudia Fonseca
Born in Montemor-o-Novo, Cláudia Fonseca has a solid background in hospitality, having worked at the prestigious L'AND Vineyards. Her dedication and local knowledge guarantee a memorable stay for our guests.
Human Resources and Administration Department
Patrícia Pereira
Patrícia is the organizational heart of Gandum, taking care of the team and management with exemplary dedication, ensuring everyone's well-being.
Reception
Constança Vaz Pinto and Miguel Almeida
They are the first people to welcome you to Gandum, always ready to ensure you have an unforgettable stay with professionalism and warmth.
Housekeeping
Amélia Banha, Paula Ramalho and Custódia Trigueirão
Originally from Montemor-o-Novo, these professionals ensure the cleanliness and comfort of our spaces, guaranteeing impeccable environments for guests.
Kitchen
Gudo Martins, Tiago Gouveia, Catarina Projecta and Rita Vedor
Talented chefs and cooks who transform each dish into a unique experience, leading our kitchen with creativity and passion.
Living room
Miriam Charrua, Pedro Kazmina Marques and Rui Rebelo da Silva
Miriam, also from Montemor-o-Novo, brings with her the experience she acquired at Areias do Seixo, providing excellent service with contagious friendliness. Pedro brings attention to detail and dedication to the customer, while Rui, formerly Incógnito's PR man, is the embodiment of hospitality, guaranteeing a welcoming and memorable experience.
Field
Jerónimo Banha
With a deep connection to the land, Jerónimo is responsible for keeping our outdoor spaces vibrant and well-kept, reflecting the natural beauty of the region.
Maintenance
Wellington and Marcelo Arimateia
Father and son, originally from Brazil, take care of every technical detail at Gandum. Their skills ensure that all the facilities work perfectly, providing safety and comfort.
At Gandum Village, each member of the team contributes their talent and dedication to creating a unique and welcoming environment. Together, we work to make your experience with us unforgettable.
VISION
Finding and sharing practical and accessible solutions to sustainability challenges, thus building the village we need to create a better future.
MISSION
Starting from a place where all decisions have sustainability at their core, Gandum's mission is to inspire families, teams and communities to create a better world. With a rural hotel, workspaces, restaurants and bars, a regenerative farm, and a diverse offer of courses, workshops and events, it creates a place of experimentation for the "village of the future", bringing a new meaning to tourism and a new impetus to our lives.
FOR WHOM?
A place for locals and travelers. For dreamers and doers. For parents and children. For friends. For genuinely creative people who make, think, love and share. Moved by positive ideas. United by a common future.
WHY?
Because sustainability is an opportunity.
We see sustainability as an opportunity, not a problem, and we put it into practice in everything we do: from the food we produce, to the workshops we offer, to the architecture and energy in our spaces.
Because there is a new type of public (and they need a place to stay).
Whether it's for companies looking for a more relaxed place to work and provide moments of team bonding, families looking for a vacation out of the ordinary or creatives in search of inspiration, Gandum is the place for people looking for a meaningful experience.
Because rural tourism can (and should) be more.
We want to bring a new spirit to the hospitality sector, with a cultural offer and a purpose, which seeks solutions to everyday challenges and those of the future, which is inspiring and creative, of innovation, experimentation and learning, seen as a new form of entertainment.
Because Gandum brings together the best of the countryside and the city.
We want to combine the useful with the pleasant. That's why we bring the best design, quality of service, comfort and fun typical of big cities and combine them with the uncompromising beauty, honesty, closeness and peace of mind of the countryside.
Because the Alentejo is a world (and has a lot to offer).
Just 60 minutes from Lisbon, Montemor-o-Novo has an attractive potential with plenty of room to grow. So close, yet far enough away to disconnect from all that is superfluous, it is the ideal refuge to spend a day, or several, and focus on what really matters.
Our History
In the heart of Montemor-o-Novo, Gandum Village was born out of a dream shared by two people who believe in the power of sustainability and the strength of community. João Almeida, with a degree in Sustainable Development from the University of Basel and experience at Foodways Consulting, and Martina Wiedemar, a geographer with a degree from the University of Bern and a climate change researcher, decided to turn theory into practice.
Gandum isn't just a hotel or restaurant - it's a reflection of their life experiences and their desire to create a space that respects nature while welcoming people from all corners of the world. Here, every detail has been thought out to show that it is possible to live in a regenerative way, combining comfort, design and a sustainable vision.
The idea began to take shape when João and Martina arrived in Montemor-o-Novo and fell in love with the region. Inspired by the landscapes, the rhythm of rural life and the cultural richness of the local community, they decided to create something that was more than a destination - an example of how sustainability can be accessible and improve quality of life.
Over time, they assembled an extraordinary team, made up of people with unique talents and inspiring stories. Each member brought something special to the project, from the excellent gastronomy led by chefs such as Gudo Martins and Ivo Tavares, to the care taken by local professionals, deeply connected to the land and Alentejo culture.
Today, Gandum Village is a place where relaxation, authentic experiences and a clear vision come together: to live in harmony with the planet and inspire others to do the same. It's a project in constant evolution, but always with the same purpose: to create impact, bring people together and celebrate the best that life has to offer.