Spotlight Cascais

About Us

Niki Smart

Founder

I understand how important community is, and for me, sharing enjoyable experiences and helping people come together, is what life is all about. My hope is that Spotlight Cascais can be a useful resource for us to share and enjoy this beautiful place we call home.

Background:

I worked at a crisis intervention shelter for teenagers for 18 years, and I've written two memoirs, Hell Camp and Helter Shelter (thank for reading if you have/or will :)

I was the managing editor for the LA Fashion Magazine and am currently for SoCal Magazine. I play/write music (you can listen here) and I teach yoga. Most importantly, I fricken love my daily coffee. Okay, that's it. 😃

Please reach out with any ideas or suggestions you may have...I look forward to hearing from you.

Jane Thompson

Collaborator

Jane and her husband Dave moved to Cascais from Loveland, Colorado (after previously living in Ohio, Florida, Montana and New Mexico). Retired from a major health insurance company, Jane also worked in related ﬁelds including hospital fundraising, managed care, sports and wellness. Furthermore, Jane has done proof reading and freelance writing for various publications. Her passion for fitness saw her teaching Senior Sneakers (a fitness program for seniors) and she was a Les Mills Body Pump Instructor. As an avid runner, The 2022 Montepeio Half Marathon in Cascais was a special highlight for her. Living in Cascais has enabled Jane and Dave, who both love traveling, to take trips within Portugal and travel extensively around Europe. Jane writes about their adventures (and misadventures) on Facebook. They also enjoy discovering restaurants, breweries and wineries wherever they travel. A particular favorite is Crafty Cellar, the Pato Brewing tap room, which is in Cascais city center and provides great beer as well as people watching! Cartuxa Adega in Evora is also a special place