Welcome to our 1st Newsletter of 2006 - all at Algarve Retreats wish you and your families a very Happy New Year
The Wines of Portugal - the start of a great new monthly series
Discover Portugal through the unique Pousadas
Spotlight on Sagres
Restarante Atlantico in Praia da Luz
Algarve voted best golf destination
Special Offers
Algarve Weather
Forget Chardonnay, Shiraz and Merlot and all those other grape varieties that you know about, the Portuguese rely on old methods and indigenous grape varieties for their wine and “if it ain't broke, don't fix it”.
Algarve Retreats is very pleased and proud to welcome Martin Ward of Wine Educators International, full time educator and lecturer on wine, with sponsorship from the Portuguese Trade Office, to present a monthly article, expertly steering us through the ins and outs of Portuguese wine and the wine growing regions. He starts the series with a look at the basics and a brief word about Vinho Verde. Click here to see the first article.
Scattered throughout the whole of Portugal is a group of hotels renowned for their magnificent setting or historic associations. Some are former monasteries; others are converted country residences or castles and some are purpose built. Algarve Retreats can now arrange your stay in a Pousada and details of the first 20 or so hotels in the portfolio are launched this month. Click here to view the impressive choice of hotels offered.
Sagres sits atop the cliffs and is the most south westerly community in Portugal. Henry the Navigator established his Maritime school on Sagres point and Cape St Vincent Lighthouse is a little further on. The Pousada de Sagres, one of only three in the Algarve, sits on a headland overlooking the ocean. Sagres is popular with surfers, windsurfers and walkers and birdwatchers. Click here for our spotlight on Sagres.
You will find the Restaurante Atlantico just down from the church towards the seafront in Praia da Luz. The chef specialises in both International and Portuguese cuisines and it is well worth a visit - try the fish soup. Click here for details.
The Algarve has been elected best golf destination for 2006 with the award being presented last week at the International Golf Travel Market in Gran Canaria. The Algarve was voted the best golf destination by 190 golf tour operators from 35 different countries. The criteria upon which the selection was made included client satisfaction, quality of accommodation and value for money. The prize will serve to reinforce the prestige of the Algarve as a golf destination. Click here for Algarve Retreats golf packages.
Rio Arade: 18th century Algarve Manor House recently voted number one in the Tripadvisor popularity index for B&Bs/Inns in the Portimao area. Lots of facilities - click here to find out more January and February special: 7 nights B&B for only £120 per person based on 2 sharing Click herefor Rio Arade golf offer
