Inside Algarve Magazine – Algarve News

Category: Must Read

  • Mizu at Vila Vita Parc

    Mizu at Vila Vita Parc

    Japanese fine dining arrives in the Algarve, including authentic robata-grilled food

    The new Japanese restaurant, Mizu, at Vila Vita Parc opened in February, following a brief closure for some fine-tuning after a soft opening in December. And, if the initial reaction from hotel guests and outside visitors is anything to go by, this is set to become another top spot at Vila Vita Parc for serious foodies.

    Having sampled a few of the dishes during the soft opening, I met up with restaurant manager Catarina Borges, a local Algarvean who has spent the last seven years working on the cutting edge of the London food scene. One of her positions was assistant manager at Roka, the award-winning Robatayaki restaurant on Canary Wharf, providing her with a good idea of what today’s customers expect from a premium Japanese restaurant.

    Skilled chefs have been recruited and no expense has been spared on kitting the restaurant out with a state-of-the-art Teppan bar and a Josper Robata grill in the kitchen, fired with Japanese white charcoal. Sushi and sashimi are, of course, an important part of the menu, as are tempura dishes, a variety of Japanese salads and other staples such as a seriously good white Miso soup with Shimeji mushrooms, but it is the Algarve’s first Robata grill that is expected to win over customers the most.

    Here, prime cuts such as wild salmon or black cod fillets and Wagyu beef are quickly grilled to perfection, sealing in the flavours. Fish and meat dishes are complemented with others from the Robata grill such as Konasu (baby aubergine with miso and soy) or Shitaki mushroom skewers with citrus and chilli.

    The menu is intentionally not extensive, focusing on a relatively small selection of prime fresh ingredients, backed up with a small but carefully chosen selection of 12 Sakes, including a sweet and a sparkling option.

    For details of opening times and reservations, call Vila Vita Parc on 282 310 100
    Text: Patrick Stuart
  • One night in Casa do Serro

    One night in Casa do Serro

    Inside magazine visited the magnificent, centennial, palatial guesthouse in Silves for an unforgettable getaway

    For many years, I’ve driven past the beautiful old building and thought how wonderful it would be to have a look inside the imposing house on the hill. I finally got the chance following the charming owners’, Jorge and Manuela Craveirinha, decision in August 2015 to turn a selection of the rooms into four en-suite bedrooms and open their home as a guest house. Both hosts were at home and offered a very warm welcome. Manuela told Inside Magazine: “I bought the house around 30 years ago and it had been lying empty for some 40 years prior to that. You can imagine how it was when I got the keys. I’d been in love with the building for some years prior to buying it and was very excited to get started on the renovation.”

    Being empty for so long and tradesmen being scarce in the Algarve brought all kinds of additional problems to the renovation, but Manuela took a very pragmatic approach to the project and allowed herself the time to find the right people and materials required to bring the house back to its original glory. It’s her eye for detail, personal touches and abundant taste that have made the guest house so very special. The house is actually even more impressive on the inside than I expected. The first thing you see is a glittering, 300kg, Iranian crystal chandelier hanging splendidly in the middle of the library over a handmade Tapete de Arraiolos (Arrraiolos rug). Walking through the large corridors was a joy as Manuela’s lifetime collection of original antiques and her portraits are tastefully displayed. The four rooms are stunning and all unique, with an excellent assortment of toiletries. With a constant temperature throughout the house, it is incredibly comfortable along with being spotlessly clean.

    The terraced gardens and patios offer amazing views over Silves and to the castle and the covered Jacuzzi/plunge pool by the fishpond is a great addition. The breakfast is something else and is served in the communal dining room which has the most beautifully restored ceiling with another gorgeous chandelier that shines over the traditional and delicious feast, including homemade preserves and enough fresh food to feed a small army.

    www.casa-do-serro-pt | Tel: 918 026 583
    Text: Mia Wallace
  • Cave kayaking for everyone

    Cave kayaking for everyone

    A seascape of grottoes, there´s more to see from the sea

    It’s a common human pastime to sit by water and enjoy its peaceful motion and the calming reflections. Inside Carvoeiro thought it was about time to get out of our comfort zone and join one of the local, beautiful seacave kayak tours. Egged on by images of the now world-famous cave in Benagil, we set ourselves the challenge of finding other less known secret spots.

    The first trip we took in this series was the two-hour kayak trip with Wildwatch in Ferragudo. We embarked the RIB at Ferragudo harbour with our marine biologist guides for a lovely, mini-coastal cruise west past Portimão, Praia da Rocha and Praia do Vau, stopping at Praia de João de Arens, where we placed our kayaks into the sea and took off in group formation.

    It was lovely to see families, couples and friends of all ages enjoying the low- impact, sightseeing activity together. Owner André Dias told us: “This kayak tour is perfect for anyone really, as we are always close by with the boat and you have a guide in the tour with you, so if people get tired, it’s not a problem. We can stop for a while and just float through the rock formations or even return to the boat where you can enjoy sunbathing, refresh yourself with a dip in the crystal blue sea and a cool drink.”

    The rock formations around Praia de João de Arens are stunning and easy to navigate. It’s a special sensation to actually go inside the caves and be able to reach otherwise inaccessible beaches. André explained: “It’s a pretty unique experience in which you can admire, up close, the beauty of the coast and unravel the mysteries of caves and beaches inaccessible by land. This is our beginners’ level – not too demanding so that all the family can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and have lots of fun!”

    Wildwatch also has a three-hour kayak tour that is a little more challenging and leaves around 8.30am, passing the famous beaches of Praia Grande, Caneiros, Paraiso, Carvoeiro, Centianes and then into the very popular Benagil Cave to enjoy the calm before the storm when the boat loads of visitors start to arrive after 9am.

    With Benagil ticked off the to-do list early, the group heads east and can cover as many as two nautical miles as far as Senhora da Rocha, depending on the group’s pace and strength; this is definitely for the more experienced kayaker. Cliff and rock formations are spectacular across the whole of the Algarve coast, but particularly so in this zone, with so many variations and small, secret beaches you would never have known existed. As with the two-hour tour, the boat is never far away and your knowledgeable guide will keep with your pace to ensure you have an enjoyable, informed and safe adventure. The kayak tours end with a coastal boat trip back to base at Ferragudo where the team offers some quick refreshment before waving you off to enjoy the rest of your day. There are a few things that make Wildwatch stand out in their field including taking videos of the experience and later emailing them to clients – a lovely keepsake and something to look forward to in your inbox when your holiday is a distant memory.

    Wildwatch also offers a one-hour cave trip that, for the less active, doesn’t require leaving the comfort of the boat; wonderful dolphin-spotting trips; coastal cruises; snorkeling trips and full-day sailing trips.

    Wildwatch charges €35 for the two-hour tour and €55 for the three-hour tour | www.wildwatch.pt
    Text: Mia Wallace | Photo: Anabela Gaspar & Wildwatch (Benagil cave)
  • A picture perfect passage

    A picture perfect passage

    Strolling through the picturesque Algarve on a photography tour with Dave Sheldrake

    When Dave and Alyson Sheldrake retired to Portugal in 2011, the artistic couple couldn’t have foreseen how their lives would pan out or know the extent to which they would become such well-known and loved local artists. Based in the Algarve for six years now, being a professional photographer has been a dream come true for Dave. Having learnt the art of photography at college in the old days of 35mm film and dark rooms, he now enjoys the freedom that digital photography brings.

    He has become pretty famous for his seascape photography, events, sunsets and product shoots, we often bump into Dave at functions and exhibitions where he is happily snapping away for the event organisers.

    Exhibiting alongside wife Alyson’s paintings at their pop-up events across the Algarve and through his website, Dave has been selling his images for a few years now and has gained a loyal following for his work on social media. He loves to photograph older people, where he can imagine their life stories, and trying to capture something of that in a single shot is a challenge that the photographer really enjoys.

    Being a friendly chap, many people felt comfortable to ask for his help when they were trying their hand at photography. He was always happy to help, which led him to the idea, back in January 2017, of organising an informal group to help people become better photographers. The idea is not to offer formal teaching, just to create events advertised via a Facebook group page, where people can meet up at different locations across the Algarve, walking, talking and taking photographs. Dave is on hand and glad to offer help to individuals during the walks, while sharing some of his favourite places in the Algarve along the way.

    The setting for the first walk and talk session was the beautiful Sítio das Fontes near Estombar, Lagoa, and generated a great turnout of 16 keen photographers: “The friendly groups were all keen to join in, offering advice and making new friends. The walks are designed to last around two hours and are a combination of quick demonstrations with lots of chances to try things out and get advice and help along the way,” Dave told us.

    The Sítio das Fontes was a great location as a pilot session and the groups were quickly off exploring the beautiful landscape and river walk together. During the afternoon they took the opportunity to come ‘off auto’ and discover what all the buttons and settings on their cameras were for.

    Alyson explained: “There was a lovely mix of people and abilities and cameras across the group. The idea is simply to encourage everyone and get them enjoying their photography – whatever their ability or experience – and regardless of what type of camera they have.”

    There is no charge for the walk, but instead Dave will be asking people to make a donation at the end of each walk (if they can). All of the money collected will be donated to Dave’s charity of choice – Madrugada – at the end of the year, before selecting a new charity next year.

    The aim is that each walk will cover different aspects of photography in a relaxed way while enjoying the outdoors, meeting new people and sharing experiences together. The walks are designed to be practical, informative and enjoyable with the focus on improving the individual’s skills with their cameras, while exchanging opinions on how to get the best out of their hobby. The intention is to keep the group under 25 participants so as not to dilute the experience and ensure that everyone receives enough guidance and assistance.

    Dave told us: “I love to walk the cliffs and coastal paths and soak in the amazing views, bright blue seas and skies and stunning landscapes. I also enjoy wandering around little villages meeting local people and enjoying the simple way of life that the Algarve can provide and these are some things that have inspired me to start Algarve Photography Walks.” The group is encouraged to post their photos and work after each walk onto the Facebook group’s page where Dave will also be offering tips and advice along with sharing his work.

    With a wide portfolio and a life of lessons under his belt, Dave has a great eye for detail and is more than happy to share his knowledge with those who are interested in learning.

    Facebook: Algarve Photography Walks | It’s necessary to ask to join, as it’s a member’s only page
    Text: Mia Wallace | Photo: Algarve Blog – Alyson Sheldrake

     

  • Carvoeiro the village

    Carvoeiro the village

    From quintessential fishing village to flourishing resort town

    Standing on the cliff top above Carvoeiro beach, it’s surprisingly difficult to pinpoint the changes that have taken place over the last three decades. The white houses that dot the hillsides still look the same – but there are more of them. The view of the beach below me has changed even less, except for the disappearance of the old fishing boats and the addition of the huge boulders to the east of the bay where part of the cliff collapsed – thankfully when the beach was empty – in 1995. The difference between Carvoeiro and most other coastal towns is that development has been outwards rather than upwards. There are no high rises and most of the development has been sympathetic to the landscape. While the population, both resident and tourist, has spiraled, the “village”, as it is affectionately known to most expats, has managed to retain a good deal of its aesthetic charm.

    I moved to Carvoeiro at 11 years of age in 1978 with my parents joining the handful of villa owners from Britain, Holland, Germany and elsewhere who had all discovered their perfect unspoilt seaside village in the sun. Needless to say, change was fast to come and by the mid-80s Carvoeiro was riding the crest of the Algarve’s real estate boom. Fortunes were made and lost, property prices soared and Carvoeiro rapidly grew from a sleepy fishing village into a full-blown resort town.

    Anyone who has known Carvoeiro since those early days cannot help but feel the occasional pang of nostalgia. But in some ways, the “village” of today is a better place to live and, not surprisingly, continues to exercise its charm over both tourists and prospective residents alike. One of the most positive aspects of today’s Carvoeiro is precisely the fact that there are more people around. Thirty or so years ago, the last days of September would see the village turn almost overnight into a ghost town for the autumn and winter months only coming back alive at Easter. These days, thanks to a permanent population of over 5,000 and the off-season tourists drawn by golf courses and other facilities, many establishments stay open year round. Another important improvement is in the basic infrastructure: roads have been surfaced, mains drains extended to outlying areas, there is a medical centre, decent supermarkets and a whole range of upgraded facilities in nearby Lagoa.

    Carvoeiro has come a long way since it was “discovered” by the first visiting foreigners in the 1960s. The local Carvoeirenses can be proud that their village has moved forward with the times and taken growth in its stride without succumbing to the unsightly development that has blighted so many of southern Europe’s coastal resort towns.

    While Carvoeiro has fallen victim to a few cases of tasteless development, namely the area immediately to the east of the town centre which is lined with bars, restaurants and apartment buildings, they are fortunately obscured from view when looking at Carvoeiro from its best vantage points – up on the cliff tops at either side of the bay.

    Text & Photo: Patrick Stuart
  • Makeover for Tivoli Almansor Hotel

    Makeover for Tivoli Almansor Hotel

    Makeover for Tivoli Almansor Hotel

    The Tivoli Almansor hotel is undergoing major refurbishment this winter and aims to be open at the beginning of April 2017.

    Having been open for 25 years, the four-star hotel was showing signs of aging when the new owners, Minor International, closed its doors in November 2016. The new and improved plans will no doubt boost the hotel’s status to five stars, which are certainly more fitting to its frontline location.

    A totally new, bold façade will change the entrance, which will open up to a whole new outlook. The number of rooms will be reduced, from 293 to 246, in a bid to offer more spacious and comfortable accommodation, including family rooms and a presidential suite. Three restaurants will be available: a Portuguese gourmet eatery, an Italian trattoria and one other offering international cuisine.

    The new Grotto bar will offer a modern and relaxed setting with amazing views where visitors will be able to enjoy cocktails designed by the hotel’s mixologists, whilst the Sky Bar, located on the top of the hotel, will bring a luxurious and cosmopolitan meeting place to Carvoeiro, boasting lounge areas, a comprehensive drinks menu and best of all, uninterrupted sea views.

    The hotel will also have a new spa, a fitness training centre, seven meeting rooms and a special venue for wedding receptions plus a range of activities designed for the younger guests.