THE ALGARVE

News, views, resort and golf guide to the beautiful Algarve region - Portugal

Archive for the ‘Resorts’ Category

Apr
09

Vale da Telha & Aljezur

Posted by AlmancilOffice

Vale da Telha is situated in the Costa Vicentina National Park on the Western Atlantic coast of the Algarve. It is 6 kilometers from the charming white-washed hillside town of Aljezur, and is between the beautiful beaches of Monte Clerigo and Arrifana.

Vale da Telha

Vale da Telha is served by a small number of bars and restaurants plus a few shops, The town of Aljezur provides a daily market offering fresh produce including fresh fish, flowers and a host of locally grown vegetables. There are a range of banks, a post office, small supermarkets and shops plus local government offices and a good choice of restaurants in Aljezur.

Vale da Telha

Vale da Telha offers tranquility and amazing value compared to most areas along the south coast of the Algarve. If you feel tempted to find out more, why not come and check it out for yourself?

Click here for properties for sale in Vale da Telha

 Aljezur

The river that divides Aljezur was once navigable but today is just picturesque in spring and autumn and dry in summer. The ‘Old Town’ is built on a hill that leads up to the castle. The castle was built by the Moors in the 10th Centuary.

Aljezur

There are an array of small museums and galleries dotted along the narrow winding medieval streets & alleyways leading up to the castle. Crossing the river past the local ’strip faming area’ leads to the ‘New Town’. This is dominated by the new Church ‘Igreja Nova’ which has given its name to this part of the town.

Click here for properties for sale in Aljezur

Mar
13

Villa close to Quinta do Lago

Posted by AlmancilOffice

This luxury villa in the Golden Triangle is located only a short distance away from the premier Algarve resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, where you will find some of the Algarve’s finest beaches, top golf courses, as well as tennis and sports clubs.

Villa close to Quinta do Lago

As you walk through the front door of this villa close to Quinta do Lago, you are will immediately appreciate its luxurious, light and airy interior. Continue into the large open plan living/dining room and make your way to the large doors leading outside.


Villa close to Quinta do Lago Outside this luxury villa close to Quinta do Lago, you can relax on one of the many terraces, have a splash in the stunning salt water swimming pool or take the time to appreciate the private landscaped gardens. It is a wonderful place for ‘al fresco’ dining whilst gazing out at the beautiful views over the hills of Alte and Loule!!

Villa close to Quinta do Lago

This luxury villa in the Golden Triangle consists of four comfortable, modern bedrooms and four bathrooms. You have the added advantage of both air-conditioning and under floor heating in all of the bedrooms, ensuring your comfort at all times. Three of the bedrooms are on the ground floor. There is a large double room with double doors leading you straight onto the terrace and swimming pool. The other two bedrooms are twin rooms.

As you go upstairs, you will find the master bedroom with its Jacuzzi bath and shower and doors leading onto a large terrace with spectacular views!

Downstairs, there is a large basement which is ideal for use as a games room. Furthermore, there is a self contained flat which could comfortably sleep four people.

If you are looking for somewhere close to Quinta do Lago, but don’t want to pay Quinta do lago prices, this villa will prove an excellent choice. It’s ideal to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself in luxurious surroundings, be it as a holiday home or something more permanent, then this luxury villa in the Golden Triangle, which includes Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Almancil, is exactly what you are looking for! Click here for more details.

Gatehouse International have a number of Luxury villas for sale in Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and within the Golden Triangle.

Portugal: 00351 289 356395

UK: 0044 (0)1480 477773

Feb
18

Eating out in Vale do Lobo

Posted by AlmancilOffice

Vale do Lobo has 15 first class restaurants, where diners can enjoy international cuisine ranging from Asian to French, Italian to Portuguese seafood specialities - the choice is extensive.

Over half of the restaurants are located at the beachside Praça, which is the social hub of Vale do Lobo in the evenings, resonating with the sounds of live music and buzzing with a relaxed atmosphere. The options at the Praça range from the exclusive La Place and TeaHouse Oriental to pizzeria La Terrazza, Monty´s steakhouse and the more casual dining options of Papagaio, Sandbanks and the Beach Bar, all of which offer children´s menus. During the day, La Crêperie is a perfect lunch or snack option. In Tennis Valley, Ken Lo´s Memories of China is an ideal dining option for those looking for a quieter environment. Tennis Café overlooking the courts does great value chef´s specials at lunch time, as well as light meals throughout the day.

 Eating out in Vale do Lobo

Meanwhile, catering in particular to golfers are Spikes Restaurant and Brasserie in Parque do Golfe and the half-way house, Café Royal.
Monty’s offers stylish food and drink in an informal atmosphere. The décor is modern and the live music provides a relaxed setting for diners to enjoy the restaurant’s excellent selection of international cuisine. Classic dishes include Tempura Prawns, Lamb Shank and Seared Salmon, not forgetting Cumberland Sausages and Mash! Later on in the evening, Monty’s is transformed into a late night music and karaoke bar which has now become one of the best-known night spots along the Algarve.

La Place offers gourmet French cuisine in elegant surroundings, with stunning views of the ocean from most tables. It is run by Moroccanborn chef Maurice Belhaj and his wife Fátima, whose former restaurant in Paris became so popular it was reported in the international press and the Michelin Good Food Guide. Eating at La Place, one can understand why. The menu offers a range of starters, meat and fish dishes and delicious desserts in traditional French style, accompanied of course by an excellent wine list. The restaurant’s ‘Trilogy’ concept, inspired by the French ‘Menu Découverte’, allows gourmets to sample small portions of three different and complementary dishes for one set price.

Based on health and vitality, the menu of Pure – the café-bar-restaurant at the Royal Spa – is composed of light meals to help with weight loss and promote a feeling of well-being. Dishes are non-acidic and low in salt and calories – great for detox – and food is cooked lightly in order to retain essential vitamins and minerals. The menu ranges from fruit and vegetable snacks to full meals, incorporating fish, meats and salads. An extensive and unusual drinks menu includes herbal teas and fresh fruit and vegetable juices, shakes and smoothies. Any dish or drink at Pure can be adapted for people with special dietary requirements or food intolerances.

Café Royal, also known as the Halfway House, is situated overlooking the picturesque 9th hole of the Royal Golf Course and offers the perfect place for golfers to take a break for some well earned refreshments. However not surprisingly, due to its beautiful location, the café also attracts visitors wishing simply to admire the stunning views and enjoy the peaceful setting. The café offers a range of delicious baguettes, sandwiches and pastries, as well as a selection of soft drinks, beers and spirits.

The stylish, absolutely modern design of Amore Pizza, Pasta Restaurant make it a must-visit. The restaurant has a vibrantly coloured dining room and large outdoor terrace, set on a height overlooking the centre stage of the Praça, where live music is played every night in summer.
A varied menu offers a wide range of home-made pizzas, fine pastas and fresh salads to cater for the different tastes of all family members.
On the upper level of Amore, a spacious Deck Bar has been created, where pre-dinner aperitifs or after-dinner drinks can be enjoyed in a relaxing, comfortable sofa area, with stunning views of sunset over the ocean.

Teahouse Oriental-The eclectic menu at this Asian-fusion restaurant features the best culinary experiences from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam, all prepared and served as appropriate to tradition. A fine dining option full of Eastern promise, Teahouse excels not only for its unusual, top quality dishes, but also for its exceptional service. The décor is simple and elegant and the restaurant enjoys a large outdoor terrace with wonderful sea views.

 Eating out in Vale do Lobo

Spikes restaurant, in the heart of the resort, offers fantastic views of the putting greens and sculpture park. It is chef’s policy to ensure that the food groups are equally represented in each dish on the modern European menu, and to always be in a position to cater for special requests. Menu classics include Duck Breast Salad with foie gras and Roasted Lamb Carré with spinach gratin, as well as unmissable desserts such as the legendary Apple and Blueberry Crumble with vanilla ice-cream. Spikes also makes being healthconscious easy, with appetizing salads, fresh vegetable soups and grilled meats served with vegetables, which taste so good they make watching your diet enjoyable!

The late Ken Lo, author of over 30 books on Chinese cuisine, is the main founder of “Ken Lo’s Memories of China” restaurants and cookery school in London. After his enormous success there, he inaugurated a new branch of his restaurant in Vale do Lobo. The restaurant offers a refined and relaxing ambience and includes a magnificent terrace overlooking Tennis Valley, that is used all throughout the summer season. The menu is diverse, providing a fine selection of chinese dishes to suit every palate.

Sandbanks is located in a prime position, overlooking the beach and enjoying spectacular views of the ocean. At lunchtime, an extensive range of salads, grilled fish and light meals can be enjoyed. A special children´s menu means it is an ideal choice for families. The restaurant’s picturesque view also makes it perfect for evening meals, where diners can enjoy fresh seafood specialities in a relaxing ambience. Sandbanks is a particularly popular choice in the summer, due to its beachside location, and has been enjoyed by many well-known holidaymakers, including the England Football Team and their families.

La Terraza-This stylish restaurant serves great Italian food in cosy, atmospheric surroundings. The inside is ideal for intimate dining, or picking up pizzabaking tips from the chefs hard at work in the open-plan kitchen. Meanwhile a spacious terrace provides the perfect setting for families to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Praça, especially in Summer. The menu offers an excellent range of home-made pizza and pasta dishes, as well as meat and fish specialities cooked to original Italian recipes with fresh ingredients. There is also a children’s menu.

Papagaio Beach Restaurant enjoys a perfect location overlooking the beautiful Vale do Lobo Beach. Delicious fresh fish and seafood is available, with specialities including fresh sole, cataplana and lobster. A wide range of salads and light bites, including melts and burgers, are served throughout the day for those who want to stop for a snack between sunbathing. Papagaio is also ideal for a midafternoon drink, just a short step from the beach. Later on, the relaxed atmosphere moves up a notch, with lively music and fruity cocktails being the order of the evening.

 Eating out in Vale do Lobo

La Creperie-Delicious crêpes, snacks, light meals and salads are available all day at this modern café, attractively located in the centre of the Praça. The all-day breakfast served in winter is a must for holiday-makers with a relaxed schedule, while the ice-cream and smoothie bar is a great temptation to beachgoers on hot, summer days. In the evening, La Crêperie’s strategic location right at the centre of the lively Praça comes into play. Situated right beside the stage where live music is performed in the evenings, this is a great venue for families to enjoy the summer evening menu (including a children’s menu), or simply an apéritif or digéstif “al fresco”.

For a selection of properties for sale in Vale do Lobo click link below

http://www.algarveprop.com/property-for-sale-Vale%20do%20Lobo.html

Jan
26

The Savannah’s Village

Posted by AlmancilOffice

‘The Savannahs’ is a wonderfully exclusive village providing a peaceful secure environment for people that appreciate tranquility, glorious surroundings, and the idea of living amongst peers from generations that they are familiar with and understand. The village is only available to people over 55 years of age, thus creating a unique environment and atmosphere. It is located in Almancil, just a short drive from shops, restaurants, the beach, and the renowned golf courses of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.

The Savannah’s Village

The Savannahs will consist of 250 residences – townhouses and apartments; a piazza with a small supermarket, local shops, and boutiques; a clubhouse with function rooms for get-togethers and club activities; bar and restaurants; leisure facilities such as indoor and outdoor pools, putting course, tennis and bowls; guest accommodation suites; a business centre; spa and medical facilities; and a nursing home.

The village is set in small clusters of houses along a one way street that meanders through the village, accessed by the sole security gated entrance. A multi-denominational chapel will be located near to the heart of the village. Each of the generously appointed properties will have a private terrace or roof terrace looking onto the glorious gardens designed by Charlie Dimmock. The walkways that wind through the village, linking residences, gardens, and village centre, will be illuminated at night and will be suitable for the journey of electric buggies and wheelchairs. Each property will have a private covered parking space.

Community fees will cover communal insurance, repairs, decoration, gardening, and cleaning etc. When required, meals, medical care, and home nursing will also be available.

The Savannah’s Village

Click the link below for a selection of properties on the resort and

in the Almancil area

http://www.algarveprop.com/property-for-sale-Almancil.html

Jan
19

Algarve Beach Apartments

Posted by AlmancilOffice

Algarve beach apartments 

CABANAS: An excellent rental investment within walking distance to the waterfront and ferries to the beach. Currently under construction, this private condominium of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments is in a prime location just 100m from the waterfront and the fishing village of Cabanas. The apartments come with air conditioning, fully fitted kitchens, fitted wardrobes in the bedrooms, ample terrace areas, and underground parking. The complex is built around a tropical garden area which incorporates 2 private swimming pools. Some limited off plan properties are available.

Click here for more details

Algarve beach apartments

BENAGIL: This unique development of 49 x 2 bedroom townhouses is in a prime cliff top location in this small but beautiful fishing village. Specifications include fully equipped kitchens with Zanussi appliances, double glazing, security entrance door with intercom, pre-installation for air conditioning, and an electric safe. The development has a communal swimming pool, parking, and automatic irrigation, and each townhouse benefits from a spacious roof terrace with sea views.

Click here for more details 

Algarve beach apartments

CARVOEIRO: This development consists of 80 x 2 bedroom townhouses in a great cliff top location close to the centre of Carvoeiro. The houses are sold fully furnished and with air conditioning, satellite T.V, and fitted kitchens, and many enjoy sea views. Facilities include tennis courts, communal swimming pool, gymnasium, health club, restaurant, and discounts on nearby golf courses. Quarter share options are available from just €49,500.

Click here for more details

Algarve beach apartments

LAGOS: This luxury 5 star spa and beach resort is situated between Lagos and Praia da Luz, overlooking the picturesque Porto de Mós beach. The development comprises 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses, spa bedroom suites, and 2 bedroom townhouses, the majority with sea views. All are surrounded by beautiful secluded landscaped gardens with a bar and restaurant. The leisure facilities include a 5 star health and beauty spa, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam rooms, gymnasium, aerobics studio, 1 indoor and 4 outdoor swimming pools, and 2 tennis courts.

Click here for more details

Algarve beach apartments

LAGOS: This new development can be found just a few steps away from the town walls of Lagos and its historical centre, with breathtaking views of Lagos’s natural bay and sandy beaches. The development features a commercial zone, swimming pool, private parking and ample green spaces. The apartment comes with fully fitted kitchens, pre installation for air conditioning and with high quality wood finishings.

Click here for more details

LAGOS: This private electric-gated condominium consisting of only 15 apartments is in an amazing location, just 100 metres from the beach. The heart of the apartments - the kitchen and living room - was designed in an open plan style and exudes space and light. The contemporary fixtures and fittings are of a very high standard with feature doors and furnishings. The ‘pièce de résistance’ of these apartments is a most beautiful communal roof top terrace, complete with heated swimming pool. The views are simply stunning - the longest stretch of beach in the Algarve, Meia Praia, over to the Monchique Mountains, and along the coast to Alvor and Portimão. The apartments also feature: elevator, satellite T.V, air conditioning, luxury kitchen with appliances, double glazing, electric shutters, and pre-installation for central heating, central vacuum system, and surround sound system.

Click here for more details

Algarve beach apartments

PRAIA DA LUZ: Close to the heart of Praia da Luz and less than 200 metres from the beach, this complex comprises luxury studio apartments and 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. All the apartments are fully equipped with under floor heating, satellite TV, and a central vacuum system. The underground parking comes with a large amount of storage space. Leisure facilities include gymnasium, aerobics studio, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, café, bar, and restaurant. There is a poolside snack bar, a multi purpose sports area for tennis, basket ball and football, a playground, and outdoor swimming pools for both adult and children.

Click here for more details

Algarve beach apartments

BURGAU: This brand new development of apartments with high quality finishings is ideally situated in the small fishing village of Burgau, just minutes away from the small bay and cafés and restaurants. The apartments benefit from private parking, a communal swimming pool, and some have sea views. Additional features include air conditioning, double glazing, and pre-installation of central vacuum system and surround sound system.

Click here for more details 

Dec
12

Penina, Portimao

Posted by AlmancilOffice

 Penina portimao club house

Built in 1966, the 18-hole par 73 Championship Algarve Golf Course is Sir Henry Cotton’s masterpiece – the course by which he wished to be remembered. Originally paddy fields for rice growing rice has been converted into a flat challenging course and especially for the stronger player. Something short of half a million shrubs and trees were planted in the conversion. As the fairways are flat Henry Cotton introduced strategically placed water hazards to catch the unwary long hitter. This Championship Golf Course was the first course in the Algarve and it has been ranked ever since amongst Europe Top 100.

The resort also encompasses two 9-hole facilities, The Resort Course, a pleasant Par 35 with 2,987 metres; and The Academy Course, a Par 30 with 1,851 metres. The Hotel rises above the 360 acre wooded estate, providing beautiful views of the golf course and lush countryside with the backdrop of the Monchique range.

Penina golf Portimao

While Le Meridien Penina is recognised for its golf courses, it also offers an amazing range of other sporting and leisure facilities, with a choice of training programmes for all ages and abilities. These include a FIFA-sized football pitch, jogging circuit, Olympic size swimming pool and fitness studios with sauna and massage services, while The Tennis Academy has six floodlit courts and a resident pro. The Penguin Village is both fun and educational, where children are occupied while parents may relax or practice their favourite sport. A courtesy hotel shuttle runs to Alvor Beach in summer, where a private area is available for clients, equipped with sun lounges, shades and towel service.

Portimao is the Algarve’s main fishing port and both the fishing industry and tourist fishing trips thrive here. You’ve a choice of divine Algarve beaches around the location, including one of the best beaches on the Algarve - Praia da Rocha. There are historic buildings and stylish architecture as well as the new Algarve villas and additionally Portimao also benefits from a developing new marina offering a choice of more chic restaurants, bars and shops.

Click here for properties for sale in Portimao, Algarve

Dec
09

Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club

Posted by AlmancilOffice

Read the rest of this entry »

Dec
02

Alto Golf and Country Club

Posted by AlmancilOffice

 Alto Golf & Country Club

Alto Golf and Country Club, located in Alvor in Portugal’s Western Algarve, is set in beautifully landscaped gardens, with villas apartments golf and townhouses, many with superb views of the sea, the golf course or the fabulous gardens. It was opened in June l99l, in the presence of the Portuguese President. It is located between Alvor and Praia da Rocha, and 5 kilometres from the city of Portimao.

The 18 hole, Par 72 golf course, spans across two gently sloping valleys and runs to 6125 meters from the back tees. The opening nine holes offer fine views over the bay of Lagos. The back nine, set on rolling slopes, include the remarkable Henry Cotton Challenge, the longest Par 5 in Europe.

Alto Golf has a first class driving range (with both grass and all weather mats), a practice bunker, a putting green and a short game target green. There is also a well appointed Club House overlooking the 18th green. The glass fronted entrance opens into a large shop and reception area. There is a bar and restaurant with terraces.

Alto Golf and Country Club

The country club nearby has a combination of luxury dream homes including villas apartments for sale, set around stunningly landscaped gardens.

Click below for a selection of properties for sale in the Alvor area

Click here for Alvor properties for sale