Quinta Beija Flor

A Charming Retreat

Quinta Beija Flor is a stunning garden that transmits peace right from the entrance. But more than a space, it is a life project. Located in a suburban neighbourhood of the country’s capital, Mahotas, the garden is synonymous with beauty and warmth. Whoever enters leaves with a purified, tranquil, energised and rejuvenated spirit. From afar, it doesn’t look like much. However, the gate opening is enough to be immediately surprised by the indisputable beauty of the place. The space is full of green that dissipates throughout the plants, interrupted by a hodgepodge of roses, orchids and palm trees that create a paradisiacal contrast. The walls hide inside the splendour of a small fascinating nature for anyone who seeks therapy for the soul there. With an area of almost seven hectares, the Quinta belongs to the Ismael family, having passed from generation to generation. What was once just a banana farm, has now become a stunning botanical garden.

More than a space, the Quinta is a life project that emerged after Faruk Ismael graduated in landscaping.

“Many people who visit the space are always fascinated by the beauty of the plants,” Faruk Ismael, the Quinta’s manager says. “The space is composed of a variety of more than 150 plant species, including edibles and ornamentals.”

The idea of transforming the space into a garden emerged, he says, shortly after he graduated in landscaping. He work for a time at HCB, but later decided to focus exclusively on the Quinta. There is, he reveals, no use of fertilizers to maintain the green and the brightness of the plants that draws attention to the space. “We are practicing smart agriculture, where we transform the fallen leaves of the plants into fertilizer,” the owner explains.

And what is it like to manage a space like Quinta Beija Flor, keeping it constantly attractive? Faruk Ismael has no doubt that enjoying what we do overcomes any obstacles that may arise. “I enjoy tremendously what I do, so I don’t see any challenge. I take care of these plants every day,” he concludes.

“Estamos a praticar uma agricultura inteligente, onde transformamos as folhas caídas das plantas em fertilizantes”, explica Faruk Ismael.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has slightly reduced the number of visits, according to the manager, they continue to register people looking for that space in search of peacefulness and to be close to nature. In fact, Quinta Beija Flor is more than a garden. It is a space that conveys life and hope to those who need inspiration.

▶ How to get to Quinta-Beia Flor: https://bit.ly/3i0fS5d

Issue 67 May/Jun | Download.