Susan Clare Cassidy

Susan is the heart of the Bica Boa kitchen.With more than forty years of experience in traditional, Buddhist‑inspired cuisine and a deep love for vegetarian dishes from around the world, she cooks with the kind of care that can only come from a lifetime of devotion to nourishing others.Her food is simple in the best possible way — honest, balanced, and full of quiet wisdom.Every meal reflects her intuition, her respect for ingredients, and her connection to the rhythms of nature.She combines local flavors from the Monchique region with global vegetarian influences, creating dishes that are both comforting and inspiring.Susan doesn’t just cook; she nurtures.She listens to the seasons, to the group, to the energy of the day.Her kitchen is a place of warmth, stories, and the gentle joy of preparing food that supports body, mind, and spirit.Guests often say they can taste the love in her meals — and they’re right. Susan’s cooking is an essential part of the retreat’s balance, grounding each day with nourishment that feels like home.