About Us
Meet Hugo and Joana, the hosts of Step by Step Atlantic. A guesthouse created with calm in Azurara, Vila do Conde, on the Portuguese Coastal Path.
How it all began
We met on a surf coaching course, between waves and smiles. Years later, we crossed paths again on a beach - and it was there, with the sea as a witness, that our love story began.
Since then we have shared many waves, many journeys and the building of a family. Along the way, a dream was also born: to create a space where other people could feel the same tranquillity and connection to nature that we have always found in the sea.
And so Step by Step Atlantic was born.
Hugo
A surfer for over 30 years, a coach for 20.
He competed in longboarding for a decade, seven of which were on the world circuit. Along the way, he was also a championship organiser, surf trip organiser and surf guide in the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia - one of the most iconic destinations on the planet.
He is a Level 2 Surf Coach by the Portuguese Surfing Federation, with additional training in SUP, mental training and high performance, rescue and first aid.
More than titles, he believes that true knowledge comes from decades of experience at sea - from travelling the world, sharing waves and meeting people who share the same passion for the ocean.
“Life is about the endless opportunities that lie ahead. Never the failures that occurred in the past.”
Joana
Joana is a psychologist, Reiki master, yoga practitioner and surf coach.
He moves between the knowledge of the mind and the wisdom of nature - it is in this encounter that he builds his unique way of welcoming.
Whether in an outdoor yoga class, a Reiki session, a quiet conversation at the end of the day or in the water, his invitation remains the same: to align the inside and the outside, awakening a more conscious and meaningful relationship with life.
A constantly evolving journey
We have in common a way of looking at life as a journey that is never finished. We believe that travelling can also be a way of taking care of the body, mind and soul - and it is with this intention that we welcome each person who arrives here.
Here you won't find a surf camp, or accommodation just for passing through. You'll find a house designed for those on the move - on foot, on a surfboard, or simply looking for some time to themselves.
Why here
We've lived in various places, from the north to the south of the country, always close to the sea. But this one touched us in a special way.
The tranquillity of the street, the beach just opposite, the quality of the waves and the proximity to the harbour create a rare balance.
It was here that we felt we wanted to create this project.
The guesthouse is in Azurara, Vila do Conde, directly on the Portuguese Coastal Path. It is 30 minutes from Porto, 18 minutes from Francisco Sá Carneiro airport, and a 7-minute walk from the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve.
Come and meet us
Walking, surfing or simply relaxing in front of the Atlantic. We look forward to seeing you.