Happy New Year Everyone!

We hope that you have had a Merry Christmas and that you will have a happy and prosperous 2010. This is the time to give yourself something to look forward to later in the the year by booking a holiday. Many of our villa owners are giving early booking discounts of up to 15% so this is a good time to book. Even if you don't book now, have a browse round our websites and look for that extra special place or, perhaps, somewhere you have been before.

Our main website is still www.algarve-retreats.co.uk and from here you can book places such as the Marina Club, which has a 15% discount available if you book before 31st Jan.

Parque da Floresta, along with The View and

Quinta Encosta Velha  has a double discount available, up to 15% for booking early and free half days, quite a saving!

Also take a look at the Alto Club at Alvor which has lower prices than last year. "Travel Extras" takes you to a page of links for competitively priced car hire, flights, insurance and all those other things you need for a great holiday.

By clicking on "Search Here" on the home page, you will be taken to www.algarvevillasdirect2you.co.uk , here there is a choice of over 600 private villas and apartments along the Algarve, ranging from studio apartments to luxury 5 bedroom (or larger!) villas which you can book online with a card and your money is guaranteed!

New for 2010! We have just launched a new book online website www.holidays-in-portugal.co.uk where you can choose from an extra 400 properties in the rest of Portugal. For those of you who love Portugal and its people there is a different world out there, the North has spectacular scenery, very cheap prices and history (much of it bound up with the UK) is round every corner.

Sadly, for holidaymakers from Scotland, Globespan is no more and Easyjet have now pulled out of East Midlands but fear not, Ryanair is increasing its presence in Faro by making it a base for 3 aircraft and BMIbaby are increasing their flights from East Midlands, this means that cheap flights are still available to the Algarve. Have a look at Flightline or Wegolo for flight prices.

Don't forget the Dolphins! Go to Zoomarine to get a no obligation quote and book a visit to see them as well as have a great day out

Clicking on Algarve Activites takes you not only to Zoomarine but also has details of many other activities on the Algarve, including sailing, fishing trips and taking the fabulous 40mph ribboat ride out to see Dolphins in their natural state

Very importantly, clicking on any hotel link enables you look at most of the hotels on the Algarve, get a price and book your dates online. You only pay when you have stayed!

Finally, many of you will know that we have a strong affection for Portuguese Water Dogs. Rodrigo Pinto has recently established a website of his kennels with many beautiful photographs of his dogs in action, take a look at www.cdblagos.com, a must for all dog lovers!

Have a great 2010 holiday with Algarve Retreats