A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!
We write this on a beautiful sunny day from the Algarve; the weather this November has been lovely with daytime temperatures averaging around 20 degrees, warm enough to have had lunch outside everyday.
In this newsletter we report on another lunch outside, this time at Hotel Monte do Casal, near Estoi. For that special break, this beautiful small hotel has it all, terrific service, beautiful food and all in luxurious surroundings. Monte do Casal has one night packages available for both Christmas and New Year and if you stay a few days more, there is a 10% reduction on their normal rates. You can see full details and new photographs by going to www.algarve-retreats.co.uk and clicking on Hotels.
Also on a Christmas theme, a visit to Zoomarine and a swim with the dolphins is a wonderful present for the family or maybe just for yourself. Prices for next year are, for the moment, frozen so booking in the next few weeks will save you money.
We hope that, by now, you have explored our new website by clicking on the “Search Here” box in the middle of the home page or gone direct to www.algarvevillasdirect2you.co.uk . Many owners are encouraging early booking by providing a discount if you book by the end of December, for next year. You can search on those properties that have this available by clicking on Advanced Search Options and ticking Early Booking Discount. It is here that you can also filter in many other options such as swimming pools and air conditioning, please take a look for your ideal holiday villa or apartment for next year.
It is 1799: Dona Maria has been declared insane and Dom Joao VI formally takes over as Regent. Through its support of England, Portugal gets caught up in some tit for tat between the English and French and under threat of invasion, the Royal family and government move to Brazil. Wellington now enters the picture and eventually drives the French out of Portugal but, by 1820, Portugal is in the grip of it's first attempt at revolution. For the full story, read David's latest installment of Portugal's history.
In Portugal, everyone opens their presents at midnight but before that, the family sits down to eat the traditional Christmas Eve meal of Bacalhao (Salt Codfish). So, here is the first in a series of three modern recipes using Bacalhao and traditional Portuguese ingredients, which Chef Peter prepared for us during his 2008 visit to the Algarve. Put a bit of Portugal into your Christmas and try Bacalhao tapas com Batatas!
Tony looks back at the 6th Internacional de Escultura em Areia or Sand Fiesa held each year, between May and October, at Pera. The theme is different every year and 2008 saw a Hollywood spectacular of gigantic proportions with Marilyn and Charlie rubbing shoulders with Harry Potter and The Simpsons. Get motivated to visit Fiesa 2009 by taking a look at the fantastic sculptures seen at Sand Fiesa this year.
Monte do Casal is special - a touch of class. Set in beautiful gardens, this small, luxury, 4 star Hotel sets out to provide impeccable personal service and first class food. Our lunch was served on the terrace overlooking the lake - it was glorious weather, the food delicious and the setting perfect. For that touch of luxury or for a special occasion, then Monte do Casal is the perfect choice.
It's a slightly shorter programme this month with walks north of Sao Bras, from Poco Barretto and from Bensafrim. The next walk with dogs is Sunday December 7th starting near Vila do Bispo. As usual, everyone is welcome - just turn up at the appointed time and place - full details are in the Let's walk in the Algarve December programme.
Next public holiday in the Algarve is 8th December.
