Blending coastal culture, healthy living and remote work in Portimão
– July 9, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Hi-Cam-Portugal
What began as a surf shop rooted in a shared passion has evolved into something more, with a broader community vision that blends surfing, healthy eating and creative collaboration into a single lifestyle destination.
The story began in 2016 when German-born Patrícia Pereira and Portimão-native Carlos Barão decided to channel their energy into something meaningful. Both with a strong affinity for surf culture and coastal living, they set out to build a place that reflected their values.
Nine years later, Rocha Beach House has undergone a facelift and was transformed into a multifaceted venue. “We wanted to be more than just an equipment shop,” says Patrícia. “We want to be a space where surfers of all ages can meet, exchange experiences and share stories about the sea.”
The revamped Rocha Beach House combines a surf shop, a coworking area and a casual dining space, all anchored in a relaxed, seaside spirit. The goal is to offer a more holistic experience in a place where people can not only shop or grab a bite to eat but also find community and creative energy.
“It’s about encouraging people to live better; to find a balance between work, leisure and well-being, all in a space with good energy and a strong connection to the environment,” Patrícia explains.
The pandemic-era shift towards remote work played a part in shaping the updated concept. As more professionals are seeking places that offer flexibility without isolation, Rocha Beach House serves as a supportive place, conducive to creativity and the exchange of opinions. “Somewhere people can work, surf, eat healthily, breathe deeply and, most importantly, feel at home.”
This expansion wasn’t born purely out of business ambition – it emerged organically from conversations with visitors and long-time clients. Their input helped shape what Rocha Beach House is today: a soulful, pet-friendly setting where you can book surf lessons, settle in with your laptop, enjoy a fresh poké bowl, and perhaps spark a conversation with someone new.
With the summer season now underway, the space is also gearing up to host a series of events focused on well-being, creativity and cultural exchange.
The goal is to bring together locals, digital nomads and tourists in a relaxed and inspiring environment.
The coworking space has been designed for comfort, with ergonomic furniture, 24/7 access and views of the Atlantic.
“Here, people can focus but also relax, develop new connections, and enjoy the best of the coastal life,” Patrícia and Carlos highlight. Whether starting the day with a speciality coffee or rounding it off with a surf session, the space encourages a fluid rhythm, “a unique energy, a fusion between comfort, practicality and a sense of belonging”, according to Patrícia.
Her own journey reflects this mindset. Originally from Mülheim, near Düsseldorf, Patrícia holds a degree in Industrial Engineering and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Digital Transformation at the ESSEC Business School in France. Three years ago, she decided to leave behind her corporate career leading international projects for good to build a life in Portimão with Carlos, a respected surfer and a major force behind the business.
“We wanted to create something truly unique in the city, where surfing, well-being and community meet,” they say.
The transformation of Rocha Beach House has been gradual but deliberate. The shop doubled in size in 2018, allowing for a more inviting and social layout. A year later, they launched the area’s first Stand Up Paddle (SUP) school, with trips to the caves along the coast.
By 2022, the Poké Bar was added in “response to the growing desire for healthy, local and sustainable food”, and this year they added the coworking space. “It was a natural step to create a real ‘third space’ for our community,” says Patrícia.
Their concern for sustainability is evident in their preference for regional and national ingredients, such as the speciality coffee roasted in Aljezur by KOYO Specialty Coffee Roasters, or the 100% biodegradable take-away packaging.
That same philosophy extends to their support of emerging talent, such as sisters Suri and Sienna Rodrigues, young surfers who recently placed first and second at the ASCC Super Groms in Lisbon, and local surfer and board shaper António José Matos Miguel of Cru Surfboards.
Visiting Rocha Beach House feels less like entering a shop and more like stepping into a well-lived-in idea built around nature, connection, and a sense of place.
“We’re growing with our feet in the sand and our hearts in the right place,” says Patrícia. And there’s more to come. A collection of eco-conscious clothing, made from GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic fibres and produced in Germany, is set to launch this summer, and a new digital platform is also on the horizon.
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