AURA by Maria

AURA by Maria started during the pandemic as a brunch-box delivery service, before its founders opened a physical space at Urbanizacao Vila Sol in Quarteira in July 2025. The site describes the project as coming from people with different backgrounds who found a shared purpose in building something with its own identity, centred on connection and community. The menu is split into three parts: Brunch, made with fresh, local ingredients; Cafe & Bebidas, its specialty coffee and artisanal drinks; and Doces, sweets made daily. Beyond food, AURA runs workshops (ceramics, painting, candle making, tote bag customisation, cake decorating, floral arrangements and themed classes such as Pilates) on scheduled dates or as private bookings for birthdays, bachelorette parties or team-building events, each including a mini brunch. It also offers catering for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, christenings and private or corporate events. AURA is open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30am to 5pm, and closed on Mondays. The site directs workshop and catering enquiries to WhatsApp, though the WhatsApp link on the site itself does not have a phone number attached, so no working contact number could be confirmed from the site (see report).