Inside Algarve Magazine – Algarve News

Tag: Algarve Accommodation

Vila Vita opens new Italian restaurant Giardino

Giardino shines the spotlight on “traditional classic dishes from Italy”

– July 11, 2023

Luxury resort Vila Vita Parc in Porches, Lagoa, has a new Italian restaurant, Giardino – La Cucina Italiana.

The restaurant shines the spotlight on “traditional classic dishes from Italy” and joins the selection of 11 restaurants that the resort has to offer.

“Located on a covered Clubhouse terrace with an expansive ocean view, Giardino’s menu celebrates the regional cuisine of Lombardy, Piedmont, Naples, Capri and Sicily, with distinctive dishes such as the stracciatella pizza with burrata, peas, green asparagus and black truffle; the Bucatini carbonara pasta with squid and black basil; the XXL ravioli with ricotta, artichoke, sage butter and hazelnuts or the risotto with laminated veal,” the resort says.

“The menu is a love letter to the freshest produce and classic flavours that make Italy an icon for any gourmand, paired with Italian wines from the Mediterranean coastal region to which the famous Prosecco and Vermouth are added as appetisers,” it adds.

Giardino will be open every day in summer from 6pm to 9.30pm. Advance booking is recommended.

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July 11, 2023
New four-star boutique hotel opened in Monchique

The new four-star boutique hotel in Monchique has already been recommended by the prestigious Condé Nast guide

– May 3, 2022

Former D. Carlos Regis Hotel becomes Pure Monchique Hotel, a four-star boutique hotel promising to create a “paradise between the mountains and the sea”.

Pure Monchique Hotel is set within the small beauty spot of Caldas de Monchique and is one of the four hotels that are part of the Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort.

The hotel opened on April 21 following the complete revamp of the former D. Carlos Regis Hotel. It boasts 22 rooms and suites and is managed by Unlock Boutique Hotels.

In a statement to the press, Unlock Boutique Hotels says the hotel has been recommended by the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens guide (Condé Nast 2022—2023) and has also obtained the coveted Biosphere Sustainable Tourism certification.

“It is a new way of discovering and living the Algarve in the mountains, enjoying the sunrise with the chirping of birds, mild evenings, warm summer nights or the comfort of winter near the hotel bar’s fireplace, always surrounded by green nature,” the statement reads.

Miguel Velez, CEO of Unlock Boutique Hotels, says the group recognised the untapped potential of Monchique early on and that its investment has helped strengthen Monchique as a “high-level and unique destination”.

“It was always a goal of shareholders to renovate the Pure Monchique Hotel, because it is without a doubt an exclusive product and which deserves to offer a quality service,” said the CEO.

“Being exclusive in the Algarve, we wanted our guests to feel the synergies (of the area), enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, the fantastic alkaline waters, as well as the comfort and service of excellence, which is what Pure Monchique offers.”

Velez also said the group will continue to invest in the “quality and exclusivity that characterises us and which makes this hotel a unique space that our guests will want to return to.”

The hotel features the Pure Bar & Restaurant, which serves snacks and drinks as well as exclusive dishes from the ‘Unlocking Portuguese Flavours’ concept, and boasts panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Spa Termal with one of the most alkaline waters in the world

Guests can also enjoy the facilities at the nearby Villa Termal, such as the ‘Spa Termal’ which uses Monchique’s famous 9.5 pH water (described as “the most alkaline water in Portugal and one of the most alkaline in the world”), its outdoor pools and its bars and restaurant serving traditional food.

There is also a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy, from hikes along the Monchique-Alto da Fóia trail, which connects Monchique to the region’s highest peak, to bike rides.

Caldas de Monchique

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May 3, 2022
New Ferragudo Hotel aims to showcase “Authentic Algarve Experience”

Between land and sea: the new Brícia du Mar Hotel in Ferragudo

– April 7, 2022

A new rural hotel has just opened in Ferragudo, Lagoa. Brícia Du Mar is located between the countryside and the sea in Vale da Areia, just a short walk away from stunning beaches and the picturesque village of Ferragudo.

The four-star hotel boasts 56 rooms — 44 studios with a kitchenette and 12 standard rooms — as well as a restaurant, an event area, two bars, and a gym and sauna. Brícia Du Mar held its ‘soft opening’ in March with the plan being to have every amenity the hotel has to offer up and running by May or June.

The project is a dream come true for Boto Oliveira, a wellknown local builder with over 40 years of experience in his trade who, for the first time, has built his very own hotel from the ground up. “It makes me very proud to see this hotel open,” Boto Oliveira told us. “There is no other hotel in Ferragudo quite like this one.”

Boto Oliveira started working in the construction sector when he was just 12 years old and has been running his company — Construções Boto Oliveira Lda. — for over four decades. However, building his own hotel is a dream he has had for some time.

“I want to slow down a bit and focus on one thing, so I chose to move forward with this project,” he said. As the builderturned- hotelier told us,“There are practically no hotels in Ferragudo, especially of this kind.” The project was already moving forward when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, and while it was “obviously frightening”, Boto said that it did not deter his plans for one second. “I’m the kind of person who wants to move forward,” he said. “I’m a perfectionist, I built my business myself and I am proud of what I have achieved.”

A taste of the “authentic Algarve”

Brícia Du Mar aims to provide a personalised experience for guests thanks to the hotel’s attention to detail. Hotel staff (a team of 18 people) will try to give guests a taste of the “authentic Algarve”, an experience only someone who is from the region or has lived here for years knows about.

While employees will be available to provide the best tips on how to enjoy the real Algarve, Brícia Du Mar will also boast its own restaurant. Du Mar Restaurant will focus on serving typical Portuguese food, made with local produce such as fresh fish, while event area Du Rústico will be open for themed events and will have its own independent entrance and parking.

Brícia Du Mar also features two bars — Pool Bar, a seasonal poolside bar open only to guests serving everything from snacks to cocktails, and Terrace Du Bar, a rooftop bar serving wine and tapas and hosting live entertainment and sunset events.

A 300sqm gym, one of the largest hotel gyms in the Algarve

Last but not least, Spa Du Mar boasts a spa and 300sqm gym, described as one of the largest hotel gyms of its kind in the Algarve. It will be open to everyone and also feature a Turkish bath and three treatment rooms. All the above-mentioned facilities (except for the Pool Bar) are open to the general public.

Art lovers will also be able to marvel at a 2.25mx1.80m azulejo (tile) mural by Inna Iefimenko, which welcomes guests and pays tribute to Boto and his family and the village of Ferragudo.

Between the countryside and the sea

The hotel’s strategic location between the countryside and the sea aims to show guests the best of these two different sides of the Algarve, while the proximity to popular beaches, the village of Ferragudo, and a wide range of amenities is expected to make the visitor’s experience even more pleasurable.

Brícia Du Mar is also located near the Bela Vista stadium and is already attracting interest from athletics and football teams from both Portugal and abroad.

Hopes are that it will become “the hotel of choice” for those who visit Lagoa for culture and sports events. In fact, the hotel is already reporting interest from visitors linked to the Grand Jeté International Dance Awards taking place in July in Lagoa.

Visit Brícia du Mar‘s website, or follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Text by Michael Bruxo

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April 7, 2022
Tivoli Carvoeiro hosts first Living in the Algarve seminar event

First Living in the Algarve Live Seminar happens this April 14, with expert speakers on taxation, residency, legal matters and more

– April 1, 2022

The first in a series of events by the Living in the Algarve is being organised by the Open Media Group, publishers of the Portugal Resident, will be held on Thursday, April 14 at the Tivoli Carvoeiro hotel.

The events are planned primarily to attract visitors to the Algarve who may be considering either moving here or buying a home with a view to living here, along with local foreign residents who may wish to learn more about various aspects of living in the region.

Expert speakers will be on hand at this first event, such as Gavin Scott, senior partner of Blevins Franks in Portugal, who will be talking about tax issues affecting expats living here with a focus on the NHR (non-habitual residence scheme).

Shelley Wren and Gavin Scott

From the Sovereign Group, head of business development for Portugal, Shelley Wren will be talking about residency for Brits and other non-EU nationals, providing expert advice on options such as the D7 and the Golden Visa.

Pedro Rosado and Michael Reeve

The event will also include a presentation from prominent Algarve lawyer Prof. Dr. Pedro Rosado of Rosado Advogados who will talk about the legal aspects surrounding property ownership, and from Michael Reeve, CEO of AFPOP, the association of foreign property owners in Portugal.

The seminar will be hosted and moderated by Open Media’s CEO Bruce Hawker who himself has lived in the Algarve for over 40 years

Open Media’s CEO Bruce Hawker

There will be two identical seminar sessions held at 11am and 3pm with plenty of time before and after each session for guests to meet the speakers and members of their teams.

This first event will be followed by more Living in the Algarve seminars to be held at different venues soon to be announced along the Algarve, with five events planned per year.

“This is a project that has been on the back-burner for us during the Covid pandemic,” said Bruce Hawker. “We had all five venues booked for our 2020 events and had to cancel everything at the last minute when Covid hit. But we are thrilled to finally be ready to stage our first event and, together with our event partners, we look forward to helping many foreign nationals learn more about living here.”

Admittance is free of charge, but visitors need to register and book seminar seats by visiting www.livinginthealgarve.pt

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April 1, 2022
Vila Vita Celebrates it’s 30th Anniversary with 30 events

Vila Vita Parc will celebrate it’s 30th anniversary with 30 weeks and 30 events, from gastronomy to art and wellness

– February 4, 2022

Vila Vita Parc Resort in Porches will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year throughout “30 weeks filled with 30 exceptional events” spanning the worlds of art, culture, gastronomy, wellness and lifestyle.

According to the resort, this anniversary represents an “important milestone for the brand” following 30 years of “precious moments, memories and experiences in the art of hospitality.”

“Since 1992, when VILA VITA first opened its doors, the resort has blossomed into a world leading destination that is now a magnet for globetrotters and gourmet lovers from around the world; travellers who are looking for exceptional, authentic cuisine, vibrant interiors, local community experiences to really explore the region, and to simply enjoy Portuguese hospitality at its most welcoming,” says the five-star resort.

The 30th anniversary festivities will take place between April and November and will celebrate the hotel’s “continuing innovation and creative vision, qualities that have seen VILA VITA Parc transform over the past three decades into a highly respected, leading voice on the global luxury travel stage.”

Foodies will have a lot to look forward to, as Vila Vita is planning a series of themed fine-dining dinners and events called ‘Reach for the Stars’, which will bring together a “unique constellation” of Michelin stars and renowned chefs from Portugal and all over the world.

There will be three editions of the event – Portugal, World and Asia

The Portuguese edition will feature leading Portuguese chefs with two Michelin stars who will be “cooking up a storm” at Ocean Restaurant with chef Hans Neuner.

Hans Neuner

The World edition promises to delight “discerning gourmands” as 10 renowned chefs from around the world with three Michelin stars will team up with top wine producers at Vila Vita Parc’s Clubhouse for a “memorable evening of sumptuous cuisine, an eclectic ambiance and world-class wines.”

For Asian food lovers, the Asia edition will see four international chefs specialising in Asian cuisine taking over the kitchen at the resort’s Mizu Teppanyaki restaurant on four different dates.

But these will not be the only gastronomic events taking place. ‘La Bela France’ will bring three renowned French chefs to the resort to create a “fabulous feast” at the Bela Vista restaurant on three different evenings.

Lastly, some of the Algarve’s best chefs will be “combining their culinary repertoire into a series of delightful dishes for dinner” at Adega. ‘Passionate About Algarve’ will also bring reputed wine producers from the region together with the chefs alongside live entertainment.

V Club

It’s not all about food though. The resort is also planning to launch the Vila Vita Social Club, a series of events focusing on “bars and mixology” taking place over the course of the 30 weeks. V Club, the hotel’s new nightclub, is also due to launch on July 7, and the start of summer will be celebrated with a ‘Summer Pink Pool Party’ where “everything will be pink head to toe, including the pool water, drinks and décor”.

Another highlight promises to be the ‘Art in the Parc’ initiative – a series of events taking place in the hotel’s gardens featuring concerts (Fado, Classical and Jazz), art exhibitions and local arts and crafts displays.

As Vila Vita Parc is also known for being a “leading spa and wellness resort”, it will also host a number of “visiting practitioners, motivational guest speakers, and a tennis academy with former world-famous players.”

The resort promises to offer further details, including the finalised programme and dates, in due course.

Visit vilavitaparc.com for more information.

Source: Algarve Resident Newspaper & Essential Algarve

February 4, 2022
Vila Vita Parc launches food delivery service

‘Home & Away’ is the name of a new food delivery and take away service launched by Vila Vita Parc resort in Porches.

“Apart from the wide selection of dishes created by the team of chefs at the resort, creative Christmas hampers are also available to be ordered for the festive season,” the resort announced.

The menu includes “ready-made Asian bites, prime meat dishes and a wide variety of cakes, petit fours and cookies, as well as home-made breads selected by the hotel’s pastry and bakery chefs.

“All the meat specialties are pre-confectioned and include simple cooking instructions to guarantee a delicious, fuss-free meal, in the comfort of your home.”

Customers can also choose from a selection of Christmas hampers, “carefully personalised with first-class products from Portuguese and international brands, available also at the V-LIFE store at the resort”.

Home deliveries are available in the Algarve within a 50km radius of the resort. Orders can be placed daily by telephone or email between 9am and 6pm. During festive periods (Christmas, New Year and Easter), advance orders must be made with 72 hours’ notice.

The menu can be consulted in its entirety at vilavitaparc.com/en/restaurants-and-bars/home-and-away-service

282 310 184 | fb@vilavitaparc.com

December 17, 2020
Sleeping beautifully

Inside looks at the increase of luxury and lifestyle accommodation on offer in the area

Hitting the top of the “Best place to retire in the world” list for the fourth year in a row and topping several travellers’ bucket lists, the Algarve is definitely in the spotlight at the moment. Those in the know have been enjoying the best this region has to offer, along with investors who are canny enough to be ahead of the game and strike gold. In the light of the new wave of tourism with a more discerning palette, Inside found a few fabulous boutique type B&B, lifestyle lodgings and renovated hotels to bring the quality up a notch or two.

THE TIVOLI HOTEL

When Minor Hotel group took over the struggling Tivoli group, no one knew what to expect but based on their grand presence in Asia, hopes were high. The former Almansor underwent a total renovation and now has five-star status, a massive SkyBar, beautifully decorated lush rooms, a spa, gourmet restaurant, public bar and fabulous, bright, minimalist façade. Boasting family rooms, suites and stunning sea view rooms, the hotel is now able to offer something for everyone. All facilities are open to the public and the SkyBar will soon be accessible from the street, along with disabled access. It is well worth popping in and enjoying the view.

www.minorhotels.com/pt/tivoli/tivoli-carvoeiro

THE GRAND

This old bakery has been taking form in the centre of Carvoeiro for a few years now and it was worth the wait. With a wonderfully sympathetic restoration, it boasts a reception area and ground floor with original tiles and wall decorations, where possible. A sweeping staircase takes the guests up to the five colour-themed rooms that are decorated in a blend of modern and classical styles. Due to the structure of the building, each room has its own shower and bathroom facilities at the end of the corridor. Comfortable communal areas, including a terrace, make it a great place to sleep in the heart of Carvoeiro. The Decadente degustaria/concept store is on the bottom floor and is an absolute treat for wine lovers, where everything, including the tables and ashtrays, is available for sale. It does however close before 11pm, so as not to disturb the residents of The Grand.

www.airbnb.pt/rooms/20162761

CASA DE LUZ DITE LA “MAISON VIRVAIRE”

A designer’s haven set in a villa in Solfeiras, Carvoeiro, created by the creative and colourful Interior Designer host, Thierry Virvaire. It offers three very unique rooms, all based on his travels, designer’s eye and Parisian style. You get a wonderfully welcoming reception and instantly feel at home in the gardens, pool and communal areas. Each room has its own private outdoor space and Thierry can be as involved or removed from your holiday as you like by catering for you, showing you his favourite spots, introducing you to local gems and information that you could otherwise miss on a short break.

Alternatively, he will leave you to your own devices to enjoy this beautiful home. The rooms are all very well priced and have their own facilities, with an Indian/Bollywood inspired room, complete with the obligatory disco bulb. The Azul room is dedicated to Rajasthan while the Terra Cotta junior Suite is all about lighting and the Suite being inspired by the traditional Ochre colour of Algarve. The focus here is really on design, lifestyle and enjoying the wonderful and generous hosting skills of Thierry, who will happily pick you up from the airport at no extra cost.

www.thierryvirvaire.com

ONE2SEVEN

This is a true lifestyle destination venue, with four large and spacious three-bedroom townhouses with private front facing and roof terraces. In addition to this, there is also a selection of independent bedrooms, suites and a fabulous penthouse apartment, all built around an infinity pool with a very cool viewing window in the onsite music studio/bar area. Belgium owner Miguel is a very creative, outdoor loving guy, and has thought of everything here, offering use of his kayaks, sauna, hot tub, wine kitchen, poolroom and all communal areas, while providing private accommodation with all the facilities you might need to have a completely independent holiday.

One2Seven is a very dynamic place that can cater for lone travellers, families and groups all at the same time.

www.one2seven.org

THE LAGOA HOTEL AND THE CARVOEIRO HOTEL

These two properties were very badly neglected over the years but thanks to Glamour Futur Hotels, the old Lagoa Hotel and Aparthotel Solfeiras are now bright and comfortable, modern, well-equipped hotels that offer value for money accommodation and good onsite facilities including restaurants, conference and meeting rooms.

Both hotels have self-catering options in all units and communal swimming pools, with 44 rooms in Lagoa and 68 in Carvoeiro. The Lagoa hotel also has a great, little hairdressers tucked in the back.

www.lagoahotel.pt/en

www.carvoeirohotel.pt

These are just a few of the accommodation options on offer around Lagoa, but we feel that they are of a high-standard and represent a good price/quality comparison in the area while giving the guests a unique, knowledgeable, safe and comfortable base from where to enjoy their time here.

People play a huge role in a holiday experience and we believe that the guesthouses and hotels listed here feature great personal touches that make their guests feel appreciated. Those opening guesthouses and rental properties are generally people who have fallen in love with this part of the Algarve and want to share their experiences and local knowledge with their guests.

Text: Mia Wallace

October 9, 2017
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

April 20, 2017
Casa Tuia

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Glamping has never been more luxurious, as Inside discovered.
In peaceful surroundings, standing high above the ground on wooden stilts and appointed with authentic Balinese furniture, four charming glamping tents ensure that being closer to nature has never been more luxurious. You would be forgiven to think that we’re talking about an exotic, far-flung destination, but thanks to the vision and ingenuity of one Belgian couple, a new definition of rustic luxury can be found right here in the Algarve, just outside Carvoeiro.
The brainchild of Olivier Beliën and Kim Sterckx, Casa Tuia has redefined the concept of glamping, in what previous guests have described as “Out of Africa meets Bali in the Algarve”. The safari-like tents, which cater for four to six guests, sit within a 3.5-hectare plot that overlooks vineyards close to Intermarché supermarket, but the tranquil setting allied with clever interior design and welcoming hosts, adds soul to a location that feels like it’s a million miles away.

Opened earlier this year, the idea, according to the founders, is to provide an experience of being closer to nature and enjoying the outdoors but with luxury at its core – picturesque canvas tents hold real, comfy beds, a kitchen (with fridge-freezer and microwave) and a bathroom, with lavastone sinks and even a luxury hydromassage shower complete with music and lights. Outside, the terrace features outdoor cooking facilities, a dining table and sumptuous bean bags that embody the very definition of al fresco living.
While the glamping concept had always been in the couple’s plans, it was only after they found a unique plot on the outskirts of Carvoeiro that the rest of the project developed. “Initially we wanted to make houses in the ground, but when we found this plot, everything changed.

We had this big building and we had to do something with it,” explains Kim, whose background in decoration and interiors was key in designing Casa Tuia. In fact, the project really is the result of the couple’s blood, sweat and tears, as Olivier, who ran a construction company for 10 years in their native Belgium, built much of what can be seen here, from the large container that is home to the communal bar, to the beds, doors and wardrobes made from authentic Balinese wood.
The result was three beautifully furnished apartments (two with double bed and bunk-bed and one with a double bed and two singles, with the possibility of adding a further two single beds to cater for six people), each comprising a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and coffee machine, a lounge area, an elegant bathroom with large walk-in rainfall shower and a private terrace.

Guests staying at Casa Tuia also benefit from a large outdoor swimming pool and sun loungers, while the lounge bar is the perfect meeting point should they choose to mingle with their fellow guests, whether it’s a relaxed drink or an informal barbecue or pizza night.

While it only opened its doors in the spring (August is now fully booked), Casa Tuia has already welcomed countless nationalities, with guests aged between 25 and 60, including young families and older couples who are well catered for in the winter months for long-term rentals.
But while the couple’s passion for Bali, where they have spent many family holidays, can be seen in every piece of furniture and decorative item at Casa Tuia, from the Balinese umbrellas right down to the bath and bed linen, their relationship with Portugal was an altogether more fortuitous affair. “Kim always wanted to move abroad and had had enough of the hectic lifestyle, while I was happy to stay in Belgium,” explains Olivier, who soon changed his mind when they discovered Portugal three years ago. Within one year, they had sold their house and moved to the Algarve with their two young children, and after narrowing down their search on the back of a motorcycle, they chose Carvoeiro as their home.
With a complementary car rental business – Retrorent offers two Meharis and two 2CVs, at the disposal of guests and the perfect way to travel during the summer –, Kim and Olivier have plenty of plans in store for Casa Tuia, including a children’s playground, further relaxation areas, an oriental-inspired wellness area with massage and sauna, and eventually three or four more apartments.
For now, at least, they are concentrating on what makes this ‘Out of Africa meets Bali in the Algarve’ experience so sumptuously special: nature, luxury and nothing but good vibes.

www.casatuia.com

July 8, 2015