About Gemas de Tavira
Meet Your Hospitality Experts
70 years of combined experience creating exceptional experiences
Hi, we’re Inge and Derek, and from a young age we’ve dedicated our lives to creating exceptional hospitality experiences,
now focused on sharing the magic of Tavira with guests seeking authentic Portuguese adventures.
Our Story
Inge's 35-Year Hospitality Expertise
From childhood on, Inge knew she wanted to join the world of fine-dining & hospitality, so she attended the reputed culinary & tourism school Spermalie in Bruges, Belgium. During Week-ends she was already gaining hands-on experience, both as cook and waitress.
This resulted in a career in premium hotels and fine dining restaurants (2 Michelin stars) where she quickly evolved to being maître d’hotel, and eventually owning a business in private catering | Chef@location.
She understands that high quality standards combined with a personalized approach, are the ingredients to a successful experience for guests.
Derek's 35-Year Hospitality Expertise
Derek (as a 70’s-born) developed a strong interest for those new machines: PC’s, and studied ICT.
During studies, a job in hospitality – mainly on banqueting and conferencing in hotels – helped having a little extra… and the hospitality-virus bit.
Ever since, he has had the luck to be able to work in ICT during business hours, and hospitality outside of those.
He understands that to provide guests the deserved accommodation and service, administrative and organizational know-how are a must to support operations.
The Perfect Combo
💛
It was while both were working at a Hilton Hotel, that Inge & Derek met, and started seeing each other
…fast forward 10 years…
Hapilly combining carreers and lives, it was time for family-expansion
…fast forward 5 years…
2 young daughters richer, they wanted more family-time.
So, Inge started her chef@home business, as this allowed more flexibility and compatibility with family-life. As this business quickly grew too big for one person, it was obvious that Derek would join her. The ‘smaller scale’ vision was changed, some Airstream-trailers were converted into mobile kitchens, some ex-colleagues/friends were contacted, and an all-inclusive high-quality catering service for parties, events, foodtruck- and other festivals was born.
The joy of organizing and executing high-quality hospitality-experiences became complete.
Portugal Passion Since 2016
(or is it 1989?)
Inge came to Portugal (more specific Armona island in front of Olhão) in 1989, and had the time of her life.
Once a couple, Inge & Derek wanted to visit again, but life, as fun as it was, didn’t allow a long time from home.
In 2016, business was temporarely set non-operational for the expansion, and (with some pressure from the daughters 👧👧), a 3 week holiday was spent in Portugal. Mainly in the Algarve.
They stayed in the hills behind Santa Catarina, explored the whole Algarve from there, and fell in love with Tavira’s timeless beauty and authentic culture.
The result ? Coming again each year, sometimes more than once, even if it was for just some days, to have ‘that feeling’ again.
Early retirement and a move to Tavira became the objective.2020 – something completely unpredictable happened : Covid
From 1 day to another, business was not operational, and it was clear that it would be for at least some weeks.
This unforeseen free time was turned into a vacation at home, and vacations give time for day-dreams
like : ‘What if we moved to Tavira now ?’
Weeks turned into months, and the day-dreaming turned into more serious considerations,
and there was the new calling :
We could use our extensive experiences to share our love for Tavira with travelers seeking genuine experiences !
Our Hospitality Philosophy
At Gemas de Tavira, we believe vacation rentals should offer more than just accommodation. Our three carefully curated properties – Casa da Torre, Casinha Secreta, and Casa do Bairro – each hint a unique story of Tavira, from luxury rooftop experiences to authentic village living.
We combine professional service standards with personal touches that transform ordinary stays into memorable experiences. When you book with us, you gain access to insider knowledge, local recommendations, and the kind of personalized service that only comes from genuine hospitality passion.
⭐What Our Guests Say ⭐
🏆 Proven Excellence
Our continuous Airbnb Superhost Rating and Booking Traveller Awards since we started, reflect our dedication for hospitality excellence, combined with the genuine will to provide guests a care-free ‘home away from home’.
What Sets Us Apart
Professional Service Standards
Hotel-quality standards in intimate vacation rental settings
Attention to detail from fine-dining restaurant backgrounds
Easy availability via WhatsApp for any assistance
Multilingual in Dutch, English, Portuguese, French and German
Local Expertise & Personal Touch
Insider knowledge of Tavira’s hidden gems and authentic experiences
Restaurant recommendations only locals know, to your preference
Cultural insights and tips for an authentic Portuguese experience
Direct host access – no management company
Proven Track Record
70 years combined hospitality experience
200+ high rating reviews across all platforms
Consistent excellence proven by platform awards, both on host as accommodations
International hospitality standards combined with Portuguese charm
Ready to Experience Tavira with Expert Hosts ?
When you book direct with us, you’re choosing more than just accommodation !
Detailed Questions ?
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A comprehensive list of facilîties ?
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We look forward to welcoming you to this Portuguese paradise and sharing the authentic beauty of Tavira with guests who appreciate the perfect blend of professional approach and genuine hospitality.