Merry Christmas

Leading golf destination

The Algarve was voted Europe’s Best Golf Destination for 2014, beating off challenges from several illustrious destinations across Europe.

The awards, staged in Tarragona, Spain are voted for by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) from 62 different countries. They considered criteria such as customer satisfaction; quality of golf courses and accommodation; value for money; support from suppliers, tourist boards & airlines; professional conduct of suppliers; and accessibility to tee times, when casting their votes.

The IAGTO awards are the highest accolade for golfing destinations. The Algarve beat off the challenges of other nominees which included Dublin and Central Ireland, Gran Canary, the Scottish Highlands, the French Riviera, and Lisbon’s own Golf Coast.

Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean Diet was nominated, World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The recommendation was submitted by Portugal, Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Morocco. The nomination took place at the 8th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, this December.

According to a prepared statement by UNESCO, “The Mediterranean diet is a set of traditional practices, knowledge and skills passed on from generation to generation and providing a sense of belonging and continuity to the concerned communities.”

The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes primarily plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts, healthy fats, such as olive oil, eating fish and poultry and limiting red meat, reducing additional salt intake and drinking red wine in moderation.

Benefits include the decrease in the risk of heart disease, increases life span, reduces internal inflammation, slows cognitive loss that leads to Alzheimer’s disease and a may prevent and help cure Type II Diabetes. 

Autumn highlights

As I make my way across the fields I can only be thankful for the late autumn that has been such a blissful time. After another busy season, it’s a pleasure to slow down and explore for the sake of witnessing the beauty of the deep tones of nature, before it slides into winter. The gold, red, and orange hues are even more beautiful when they contrast against the blue sky, throughout rows of twisted vines, and old thick posts, as well as the luscious wild grapes that the bright sun seems to illuminate. 

The greatest get-together

Loulé white night is an evening of family entertainment where the centre of town turns into a stage for a wide range of performances including live music, parades, street artists, jugglers, fire eaters, human statues, clowns, magicians and a host of entertainers.  Shops are open until late and the windows are decorated in white while the streets become a giant chillout lounge with seating spread around. This is indeed a special evening enjoyed by all generations, residents and visitors that marks the end of the summer season for tourists and where as a tradition the dress code is simply white!

Europe’s best beach destination

The Algarve has won five prestigious awards in what is now known as the ‘Oscars’ of tourism, the World travel Awards, after being nominated in fourteen different categories.

The rest of the country also made a good impression, with Lisbon taking the title of Europe’s Leading City Break Destination and Madeira taking the title of Europe’s Leading Island Destination.

The complete list of winners can be seen at: www.worldtravelwards.com

Joining the festivities

Silves returned to the past, recreating the history, culture and traditions of the centuries gone by, during the Medieval fair, which took place between the 2nd and the 11^th of August in the historical town centre. Both resident and tourists were able to step back into the sights, sounds and flavours continuing the tremendous success of previous years.

Bloom season

While looking ahead to the magic of summer, a morning walk in the fields with Rico and my little friend Lily, reminds me of how we all need to recharge our lives, every so often, and how simple pleasures can turn an ordinary routine into something extraordinary. For some of you spring does not arrive as early, but I do hope that so far everyone has enjoyed the days getting longer. All these vibrant colours certainly make me wish for time to halt so that all the flowers would remain bloomed all year around… It’s so pleasant to be able to set up the outdoor table and chairs by the garden and grill spicy piri-piri chicken served with a salad of local produce, and wine from Portugal’s best vineyards, while the sun comes down through the bougainvilleas. It’s amazing how year after year so many people return. Have you yet? I am where I want to be and hope you’ll find the inspiration for your next holiday right here in the Algarve!

When fun begins

With a tradition that is over 100 years old, Carnival at Loulé is an event not to be missed in the Algarve that will welcome once again the traditional parade of allegoric floats, street entertainers, samba schools and giant puppets with hundreds of people taking part to bring colour and excitement and sharing a general feeling of joy.

Out and about

This time of the year is truly magical. Impressive almond trees along the paths or overlooking the sea certainly highlight the scenery around. Totally immersed in nature I particularly enjoy watching the winter white and pink blooms giving way to tiny tender green leaves letting me know that spring is not too far away. If you are not a fan of short days, and bone chilling weather is not for you, get in touch for our special off season offers and join us for the intensity of the moment. You’ll be over thrilled!