Overhyped, overpriced, and ultimately underwhelming — The Salty Pelican in Cascais
I don’t usually write reviews, but in this case, I feel future guests deserve a more realistic picture — and the Salty Pelican team might benefit from some honest feedback too.
Let’s get straight to it: this place looks great online, but the experience doesn’t live up to the promise.
The dreamy combination of surf, yoga, and good vibes is heavily dependent on branding — not on the actual on-the-ground quality.
Location: not what you think
While the website suggests you’ll be steps from the surf, the actual surf spot is a 20-minute scooter ride away. And even the nearest beach requires a steep 6–10 minute downhill walk — which is less fun on the way back up, especially if you’re barefoot or carrying gear.
That easy, breezy coastal feeling? It’s not what you’ll get.
Accommodation: tired and poorly positioned
We stayed in the second house, which is a bit of a trek from the main area with the pool and communal vibe. That wouldn’t be an issue if the house itself was a pleasant retreat — but it’s not.
It’s dated,
The showers are worn,
Rooms are small and basic, and
It has a more “budget hostel” feel than the boutique wellness space it claims to be.
Value for money: way off the mark
This is where it really falls apart. The price-to-quality ratio is completely off. You’re paying a premium for what’s essentially an average stay with a nice concept around it. Yes, the yoga was good. Surfing’s always great. And the idea of a retreat is attractive. But in practice, it’s not cohesive, not luxurious, and not worth the money.
To their credit, the staff are warm, kind, and genuinely helpful. They do their best — this is not about them. The problem is structural: the infrastructure doesn’t match the promise, and the location logistics are far from ideal.
If you're thinking about booking here, my advice is this:
Book your own surf lessons, yoga classes, and accommodation separately. You’ll likely get a more comfortable stay, better flexibility, and save a significant amount — all without the disconnect between expectation and reality.
Because in the end, the Salty Pelican sells a vibe it doesn’t quite deliver on.
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