Simply
FR E
E
August 2018 Issue 28
Loulé, Almancil, Vale do Lobo,
Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, S. Brás
Welcome... ...to your August edition of the Simply Algarve magazine. This month we have switched things up so keep an eye out for the changes we have implemented to futher benefit the flow and ease of reading, as always we appreciate your feedback so if you see something you like or dislike then please do let us know! To kick things of we sit down with Jim Van Hek, a man we feel that you need to know, with his recent move to a bigger space in Almancil he tells us all about his new ventures and of course how he got to them. Following Jim we have Sam’s favourite beaches, whether it be with Family, just friends or both, he has the perfect sun soaked destination for you. Moving on, we find out all about Olhão’s architecture from Caroline Kain with paintings from Roman Markov, after that you will find your stomach excited by taking a look at Twins Garden who as can see from our cover, deliver amazing food from a beautiful restaurant in Quinta Do Lago. If you’re like me and you have been living a busy life in the Algarve and are thinking of taking a trip elsewhere, we have just the person for you; Pippa Rose, having recently started her bespoke travel agency she tells us all about the process behind finding your perfect destination. Following Pippa’s travel tease we take a step in to the world of fashion with La Dolce Vita, one of the first places to bring up-market clothing to the ladies of the Algarve. All of this of course is laced with our monthly property and financial updates, news, sport and not to forget Anthony Martin’s latest tale! If you have any stories or ventures to share with our readers, please email us at simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com or call 966 044 143. Richard Bassett, Publisher
PUBLISHER Richard Bassett
EDITOR Richard Bassett
ART DIRECTOR
DISTRIBUTION
6,000 copies printed. All advertisers are issued copies for distribution, along with retail outlets.
Jake Bassett
COVER PHOTO
WRITERS
Richard Bassett
Susi Rogal-Goodkind Anthony Martin
ADVERTISING
Call Jake on 966 044 143 or email simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com
2
All rights reserved. Except for normal review purposes, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the contents are only meant as a guide to readers. The proprietors of this magazine are publishers not agents or sub agents of those who advertise therein. The publisher cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication.
Unipessoal Lda
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
10
Contents NEWS
5
PEOPLE
8
Your local news The man you need to know
FOOD
18
FINANCE
38
MAP
26
FASHION
40
GRACIOUS LIVING
28
WHAT’S ON
46
PROPERTY
30
SPORT
48
LIFESTYLE
32
GOLF
49
MONEY MATTERS
37
LAST WORDS
50
Eating out at Twins Garden Almancil and surrounding areas
IDEAS
10
PICTURE PERFECT
12
ART
14
A property update from the experts at Yellow Homes
HOME COOKING
17
Bespoke travel with Pippa Rose
Sam’s favourite beaches
The photo of the month
Olhão’s architectural heritage Scallops with squid ink tagliatelle
Property of the month
News from Currencies Direct
32 www.simplyalgarvemag.com
18 An update from experts at AFM The Sweet Life
A full programme of ‘to-do’s’ in August Sports news from Chris Wright Pro tips from PGA professionals Eddie and Richard Tales of an expat in Portugal
Susi RogolGoodkind is a freelance journalist/ editor who works between the UK and the Algarve where she and her husband have had a home for 30 years. She is also a member of the ACCA children’s charity committee. susi@rogol-goodkind.com
3
4
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
News
Local news Simply Algarve keeps you up to date
he Maritime Museum Almirante Ramalho Ortigão, the oldest museum in the Algarve reopened on Friday 27 July. According to the Southern Maritime Command, the ceremony took at 11:00 am in the Maritime building at the harbour in Faro. The event was attended by the great and the good, including the Mayor of Faro, the Regional Director of Culture and the Director of the Navy’s Cultural Commission. The museum houses an ethnographic collection on maritime activity and the Algarve’s fishing industry where equipment, tools, instruments and all things maritime are on display across three rooms. The museum will be open between 14:30 and 16:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with Wednesdays reserved for booked visits by groups. The Almirante Ramalho Ortigão Maritime Museum is the oldest in the Algarve and was created on 4 January 1889; it was then known as the Museu Industrial Marítimo da Escola Pedro Nunes. Its collection was assembled from objects and models built privately by the Navy Officer, António Artur Baldaque da Silva, a collection that was exhibited at the Paris World Fair (Exposition Universelle) in 1900. In 1916, the collection was formally handed over to the Navy and Commander Ramalho Ortigão helped preserve and reorganise the exhibits to form the basis of the Museum which then opened its doors in 1931 in the Southern Maritime Department. In 1946, the Maritime Museum was renamed the Museu
I
Marítimo Almirante Ramalho Ortigão, in honour of its founder, and settled at its current address between 1962 and 1964. Rua Comunidade Lusíada 8000 – 253 Faro + 351 289 894 990 | fax: + 351 289 894 997 museu.ramalho.ortigao@marinha.pt
NEW FERRAGUDO LIFEBOAT CREW RESCUES TIRED SWIMMERS
O
n the 23rd of July, the Ferragudo lifeboat carried out an operation to help tourists who were in difficulties inside the famous cave at Benagil. According to the Maritime Authority, “the vessel was in the Lagoa coastal zone on a training exercise for a new lifeboat crew who detected four tourists in difficulties within the cave at Benagil.” The tourists, apparently, had swam to the inside of the cave, but due to fatigue, did not feel they had enough energy to leave and safely swim back to the beach. “They were transferred to the lifeboat and dropped off on Benagil beach safely, without needing of medical assistance.” The Maritime Authority advises that, swimming into the cave is not recommended as there is a risk of falling rocks. In fact, there is a warning sign written in several languages alerting people to this fact.
GREEN LIGHT GIVEN FOR 1,234 YOUNG DOCTORS: ALGARVE TO GET 50
n the wake of endless protests over lack of manpower and conditions, the government has finally announced that it is making 1,234 places available for young doctors up and down the country. Despite the fact that the number itself looks like it has been pulled out of a hat, the country’s association of doctors has said it simply isn’t enough. “According to our calculations, on the basis of the ‘extra hours and hirings’ through temporary service agencies, around 5,500 (new) doctors are needed in Portugal”, head of the association Miguel Guimarães told Correio da Manhã. Nevertheless, the extra hands “will improve response” of the State health service even if they don’t go all the way to filling the gaps, he agreed. The issue now is how soon can these doctors come on board. According to the government, they should be in place by the end of September. Guimarães queries this, saying that the recruitment
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
programe should have come a lot sooner. As to numbers, the hospitals of Lisbon Central, Coimbra, Évora and the Algarve are those with “the most vacancies”, says CM. Whether they get filled or not is the big question. The areas around Lisbon and the coastal north, however, are hiring the most ‘young doctors’: with 239 and 495 places to fill respectively. Secretary of State for Health, Fernando Araújo, has said that the plan is to “attract doctors who are outside the SNS health service”, ie newly-qualified, or even from abroad. Financial incentives for “areas in need” (of which the Algarve is one) will also be offered. But how successful the programme will be is the question. The Algarve has repeatedly failed to attract doctors, in spite of financial (and other) incentives. As to the job specifications of the 1,234 vacancies, 839 are for hospitals, 378 for ‘general medicine’ and 17 for public health, say reports.
Sources: www.algarvedailynews.com
T
THE ALGARVE’S OLDEST MUSEUM REOPENS IN FARO
5
News
EXHIBITION OPENING IN LOULE’S ARTCATTO
I
t was a hot – not just in degrees but in atmosphere at the opening of ArtCatto’s summer exhibition. Chilled wine flowed as guests viewed works by Spanish artist Ana Perpinya, Vicente Romero and Gerald Engelvin at the luxurious Loule gallery, where signed prints by the ever-
popular Jack Vettriano were also exhibited. Seen here (above), (Right pic) Patrícia Abreu and Roberta Ramos (Left pic) gallery owner Gillian Catto and Melissa Raposa of interior design house Melissa Jane.
back to school 2018 vs5.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2018 11:46 Page 1
Simply
Simply
FR E
E
April 2018 Issue 24
Loulé, Almancil, Vale do Lobo,
FR E
E
May 2018 Issue 25
Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, S. Brás
Loulé, Almancil, Vale do Lobo,
Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, S. Brás
BACK TO SCHOOL Fill your shopping trolley with school essentials for kids in need in the Algarve SAM_i24_April18.indd 1
27/03/2018 02:38
Simply
FR E
E
SAM__i25_MAY18finished.indd 1
29/04/2018 23:46
Simply
June 2018 Issue 26
Loulé, Almancil, Vale do Lobo,
SAM__i26_June18Finished.indd 1
FR E
E
July 2018 Issue 27
Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, S. Brás
Loulé, Almancil, Vale do Lobo,
Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, S. Brás
28/05/2018 02:19
Missed an issue? visit our website! www.simplyalgarvemag.com Contact us on 966 044 143 6
What’s needed Backpacks Reams of paper Black A4 notebooks (plain, ruled and squared) Rulers Scissors
A4 files Pencil cases Felt-tipped pens Coloured pencils Calculators Compasses Set Squares
DROP OFF POINTS Alcantarilha: The Golf Shack, Guia, EN125 Almancil: The Hut, opp Apolonia; Almancil: Curiosa Indoor & Out, Troto, EN125 Armacao de Pera: Holiday Inn Boliqueime: Diamond Properties, EN125 Guia: Iceland, Retail Outlets Lagos: CARDS, Centre; Moveison, EN125 Moncarapacho: Casa do Povo Portimao: Iceland, Portimao Shopping Centre Sao Bras: The Museum Silves: Castelo dos Sonhos Sta Barbara de Nexe: Julia’s Bistro Tavira: Somewhere Else, Dave’s Bar
For further details call Lynda on 936 463 177 Account: Ass. Solid. Crianças Carenciadas Algarve - ACCA IBAN PT50 0079 0000 4342641910 122 Swift/BIC BPNPPTPL NIB 0079 0000 4342641910 122
WE CAN SHOP FOR YOU €5 buys a backpack
€35
buys a backpack complete with contents Donations of items or money can be left at one of our registered drop-off points
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Jim hairst ylist
Hair by: Jim van Hek Makeup: Judith van de Loo Bride: Katie Mancini Photo by: Dan Birch Location: Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
For more information call us on 289 398 178 or visit our website jimhairstylist.com Find us here: Estrada Vale Do Lobo 947 B, 8135-016 Almancil
People
The man you need to know
He may look like a rock star, but hairstylist Jim van Hek has the patience of a buddha. Despite the calmness, he is feisty, determined and driven and, with blossoming business interests, an adventurous entrepreneur who seeks opportunity and maximises on potential
B
orn in Holland of Indonesian parents, Jim van Hek was attracted to a career in hairdressing when he read about the success of the likes of Tony & Guy, Vidal Sassoon and Alexandre de Paris, all celebs in their own field, whose opinions were courted and whose own-name products were on shelves of every toiletries department. He visited their shows, fell in love with the creative and business opportunities hairdressing offered and, in the 1980s, enrolled at the Hair Academy. Not the best move; Jim had his own, distinct ideas and wanted the freedom to follow a self-directed path rather than be regimented by the techniques of others. Two highly-successful salons in Holland later, Jim and his wife, Suzan, and their two very gorgeous children, followed their dream of living in the sun, away from the cold and wet Dutch lowlands. And – as we all know – where better than in Portugal? Over here They pitched up in the Algarve in 2002 and coped, somehow, with the famous red-tape and bureaucratic system that is required to start a new life. Jim’s talent with the scissors, and his passion for raising the creative bar, resulted in a following of adoring clients, some residents here, others international visitors who would plan their haircuts and colour treatments to coincide with their holiday time spent on the Algarve. Celebrities, models, business people, golfers, teachers – you name them and Jim could count them among his list of appreciative fans. But there was always a plan in place for the ‘next stage’. And just two months ago, in June, Jim opened the doors to his luxurious eponymous concept store in Almancil on the road to Vale do Lobo. The salon’s windows are frosted to create atmosphere and a sense of privacy and calm. Outside there is parking; inside there is a lavish 200sqm space fashioned to look like a huge, designer-decorated living room. The furniture is distinctive, plush and inviting, the props extravagant and appropriate, the artworks supreme. All that, and an amazing
8
service by Jim’s highly-talented team. Every hair and beauty need, including special treatments and colour, manicures and pedicures, are on offer and you couldn’t want anything more than the fabulous results that are produced every time. In the centre of the flagship store, like an elegant flight-control station, is Jim’s new venture, Quintabay, a glass-walled shop-within-a-shop, co-owned with Storm Ross, that is focused on the sale of new and pre-owned luxury items. If your idea of heaven is an amazingly great hairdo, a perfect manicure, and some serious designer label shopping, this is the place to live out those dreams. There’s more to come, too, in Jim’s carefully-define development strategy which knits together his talents and his exclusive client base; joining the portfolio shortly is Qrentals – think special spaces... and watch this one. I do I do There’s more to come. In September, Jim will be realising another ambition, one that he has had on hold for two years while he researched a particular market. Now, reconnecting with the leading luxury wedding planners, he and his team will be providing exclusive services for brides tying the knot here, kicking off with that all-important big-day trial session, and a glass of bubbly. The ultimate wedding hair experience is promised, and that is what Jim van Hek will certainly deliver. Right now hair advice from the expert... ... Use a lot of UV hair protection spray when sunbathing because the sun has no mercy on your hair. ... After the summer get rid of all the damaged ends or go for a radical change! ... Remember always… life is too short to have the same haircut twice
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
TEAM JIM Salon manager, hairstylist Natalie Salon hairstylist and wedding hair organiser Chevron (Chevy) Salon beautician Pollyanna Personal assistant to Jim Fleur 289 398 178
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
9
Ideas
Sam’s favourite beaches whether it be with family or just with a few friends! Native German and living in Portugal since 1995, Sam is a partner at Management Works! and of Blue Sky Villas, with over 8 years of experience and knowledge of the local area.
I
t is no news that the Algarve is home to some of the best beaches in Europe – nicknamed the European California. In this piece of paradise, beaches are so many that it gets hard to choose favourites. To help clear your doubts, we compiled a small list of beaches in the region. And remember, when in doubt… ask the locals! Beach for Families in the Algarve Going to the beach with children, especially young ones, is a sure way to build lifelong memories: the first swim, building sand castles, floating on an inflatable crocodile, collecting shells on the shore… all of this can quickly become a parenting nightmare if you choose the wrong beach! Here is our family beach checklist: • Easy access, because who wants to carry three bags, two umbrellas, one – or more – baby strollers, and the inevitable inflatable doughnut/turtle/ flamingo for Kilometers while the kids are asking “Are we there yet?” every five minutes... A beach with parking nearby or easy access from the city is
10
just what you need! • Bathrooms, because have you tried changing nappies on the beach? • A beach bar/restaurant/kiosk, because the kids deserve an ice cream, and you most probably deserve a beer or two. • Calm waters, perfect for toddlers on their first beach experience. • Water sports – the kids will love it and you will earn some quiet time between one sand castle and the other... or just jump in with them! Here are some spectacular beaches that match these requirements: Alvor Beach, Galé Beach and São Rafael Beach in Central Algarve; Anção Beach near Quinta do Lago (which has one of my favourite restaurants, Dois Passos); Manta Rota close to the Spanish border. Secluded beaches in the Algarve Here the task gets tough during the silly season: finding a calm beach away from the crowd is hard but not impossible. They all require a bit of travelling, either by boat or car from the main cities, so they are not suitable
for the lazier beach lover. Food and drinks are not within easy reach, so make sure you take the essentials with you. Some require hiking or walking on slippery terrain, so bring your shoes! Here are our favorites: Desert Island Beach. The name says it all – located on the Ria Formosa Lagoon near Faro; it is reachable only by boat. Here you will find just one restaurant, and only one inhabitant. Vale Figueira Beach. This lengthy strip of sand between two cliffs is located on the West Coast, near Aljezur. It is reachable only through a narrow, unpaved road, and populated by seagulls and occasional surfers. Igrina Beach. On the way to Sagres, this beach has slighter darker rocks and a laid back beach café; it is extremely quiet even in mid August; These are some of my favourite beaches, but honestly, any day on the beach is a good day! If you would like to contact me you can send me an email me at: contact@blue-sky-villas.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
INTERIORES + ARTE
gosto Dom Rua
High quality individual Italian, Portuguese and Brazillian branded clothing (including Artigli and Spaccio) and accessories. Personal one on one sessions are available to find your style and what suits you the most to make you feel amazing no matter where you are.
ctopus
Dinis
walkway
O
Avenida Prof. Dr. Aníbal Antonío Cavaco Silva Boliqueime
Quarteira Find the shop here: Rua Dom Dinis 17, 8125-301 Quarteira call Maria on 931 315 382 or follow her on Facebook, search “Boutique Maria Flor”.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
11
Picure perfect
Sony RX100II: s=1/800; f 5,6 - 10,4 mm; ISO 160
Photo of the month
K
By Gerty Geerts
een photographers – both amateur and professional – share the same passion for the unexpected... the twist of a road or the curve of a bay that opens up to present a vista that never fails to surprise and delight. The Algarve is rich with scenic beauty – cloudless skies of a brilliant blue, white-gold sands, jagged cliffs and sparkling waters. There are wild plants that thrive in the heat and ancient trees that provide a canopy of cool. Everywhere along the coast are secret little coves that are untouched by tourism’s signature beachbeds and brollies, and waiting to be discovered by the curious. They are a particular joy to those with their camera in hand. This hidden cove and tiny sun-lit bay at Praia de Albandeira, Carvoeiro, is a favourite of Gerty Geerts and
12
her husband Raymond; Gerty captured its calm perfectly in this shot, which has been chosen as the Photo of the Month by the Algarve Photography Walks Group, of which she is a member. The group brings together like-minded enthusiasts who have a sense of adventure and are always ready to discover something new that can be captured on camera. The group is run by Dave Sheldrake and Chloé Ophelia who know better than many what the region has to offer. Find out more by emailing Dave Sheldrake on dave@davesheldrakephotography.com or by joining the group’s Facebook page. You’ll find it at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ AlgarvePhotographyWalks/
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
AMI 7490
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
13
Art
Olhão’s architectural heritage Much of the architecture in Olhão has a Moroccan flavour, replicated in paintings by artist, Roman Markov, now on display at Galeria Côrte-Real in Paderne. Caroline Kain reports
A
distance of 230 Kilometers from shore to shore, Olhão’s trade links with Morocco are centuries old. It is assumed that sometime in the 18th century local traders, influenced by what they had seen in North Africa, began building their houses in the Moroccan style. Seen nowhere else in the Algarve, they are cube-like with flat roofs that are used as terraces; known as ‘acoteias,’ the terraces form an outdoor extension to each home. All the houses are similar but no two dwellings are exactly the same. Single, two or sometimes three-storey buildings, many having external staircases and others boasting the addition of a small watchtower on the terrace. It is said that from these vantage points, women would look out for their husbands’ boats returning from the sea.
14
In the fishing quarter of the town the narrow cobbled streets are laid out in straight rows and, just like in an Arab medina, it is easy for strangers to lose their way. Large parts of Olhão were built in the 19th century but towards the outskirts, nearer to the EN 125, there are newer houses that continue to adopt the traditional Moroccan design. Clearly such buildings are still considered to be well suited to this climate of ours. Artist Roman Markov is intrigued by the simplicity of the design and the slight variations between the houses but as he points out: “Other architectural influences can be seen around Olhão and also nearby in Faro where I live. A hundred years ago there was an influx of educated, sophisticated people from cities in the north of Portugal. They came to run new factories and businesses that sprung
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
up across the Algarve, processing cork oak bark or canning tuna and sardines. Many of the new arrivals required smart houses and apartments built in the fashionable Arte Nouveau style. All along Olhão’s main boulevard, Avenida da República, there are plenty of examples, with colourful tiled friezes and ornate wrought-iron balconies. These showy homes were built to accommodate executives and office staff, but it is the humble abodes of the fisher-folk that are unique in Portugal.” Roman has been commissioned by Galeria CôrteReal to produce paintings of Olhão’s urban environment, particularly the distinctive Moroccan architecture. The form of these houses crosses the boundaries of the art movement known as Cubism that developed early in the 20th century. Like Cubist paintings from that period
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
there is a dominance of straight lines, right angles and a lack of fussy detail. Picasso’s painting, Demoiselles d’Avignon is considered to be the first Cubist work and the artist acknowledged that he was influenced by Africa. In his case it was the use of geometric shapes tessellated together to create wooden face masks. The owners of Galeria Côrte-Real frequently promote exhibitions of Roman’s work and maintain a permanent collection of his paintings. Galeria Côrte-Real is signposted from Boliqueime, Ferreiras and Paderne. The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday, 11am until 5pm Telephone: - 912 737 762 Painting by Roman Markov, part of a new exhibition at Galeria Côrte-Real in Paderne.
15
A new restaurant in Almancil offering a variety of international dishes with the highest of quality coupled with excellent service. We also have a great range of wines for before, during and after your meal so come and give us a try!
For reservations and opening times please call 281 356 379 or 914 479 794 Rua Sacadura Cabral N20 - 8135-144 Almancil
16
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Home cook
Scallops with squid ink tagliatelle Black pasta looks stunning when paired with the bright red tomatoes, white scallops, and green rocket Serves 4
Time 40 mins
Gluten free
INGREDIENTS 2tbs olive oil 2tbs unsalted butter 225g cherry tomatoes, halved Salt and freshly-ground black pepper I packet of black tagliatelle 225g scallops 2 garlic cloves, crushed 60g baby rocket METHOD In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and butter over a medium heat. Once bubbling, add the tomatoes, cut side down, and cook for two minutes without turning. Meanwhile, bring a pan of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta until al dente and drain, reserving 500ml of the cooking water. Flip the tomatoes, add the scallops, and cook over a high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one minute more. Add the reserved cooking water and season well with salt and pepper. When the liquid begins to bubble, add the cooked pasta and rocket. Toss gently. Taste and add more salt and pepper is needed. Serve immediately.
1 2 3 In Pasta Reinvented, published by DK earlier this year, food writer Caroline Bretherton tells you how to make the pasta from scratch, too. The book is available from Amazon
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
17
Food
Eating out...
When a group of keen restaurateurs come together to search for the perfect property within the golden triangle and find an elegant little ‘chateau’ that locals flocked to in previous incarnation, the recipe for success is in place
T
ake the road from Almancil to Quinta do Lago and a short distance down you’ll see a sign on the right, pointing up a little track, bearing the words ‘Twin’s Garden’. Puzzling? Yes, until you discover the restaurant of that name, so called after the children – yes, twins – of the boss, Hungarian Adam Illes. With his team that includes fellow countryman, chef Csaba Botond, and head waiter Cristian Cojocar, Illes has brought to life the premises that once housed Aux Bon Enfant (if ‘twins’ and ‘enfant’ start you thinking ‘children’s haven’, stop right there – this is a very grown up, very elegant eatery and a refreshing change to the better-known restaurants in the area). Taking up the ground floor of this wonderful building and seating just 45 inside and, in the new gardens and terrace a further 70, the atmosphere is intimate and charming, relaxing and, yet, sufficiently formal to provide the perfect excuse to dress up for the evening, should you choose. Everything on the menu, from the crunchy, crusty bread to the array of desserts, is made in house under the watchful eye of Csaba Botond, a 28-year-old whose career
18
has taken him to England, Ireland, France, Hungary and, naturally, Portugal. The cuisine is international and the presentation five-star. Delicious combinations create unusual dishes with a special personality; a joyful coming together of textures as well as tastes. Always a surprise The menu changes regularly with new dishes entering the arena, introducing intriguing twists on the classics – flavour-filled, edible innovations that marry together the very best ingredients, sourced locally, from respected talhos, fisheries and farmers’ markets, with sophisticated additions coming from specialist importers. Duck breast with a fine carrot and ginger purée, and Irish beef filet served with Portabello mushrooms, a confit of cherry tomatoes and fondant potatoes were two of the top scorers on the menu recently, challenged by a mouth-watering slow-roast shoulder of lamb, seared hake with couscous and an orange and pinenut emulsion, and a stunning, slow-cooked belly of pork accompanied by red cabbage slaw, celeriac purée and pink pepper jus. Vegetarian? No problem, there are beautiful pastas and risottos with surprise elements that serve to satisfy.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
19
Food
toldos - awnings sun wind rain protection
toldolanda
info@toldolanda.com | www.toldolanda.com | 914 609 517
20
www.simplyalgarĂĽvemag.com
What makes the Twins Garden stand out is that every dish is a thoughtful composition – an idea that has been worked through and developed so that the end result is both different and special. Serving the same choice of vegetables with every main course, is not, thankfully, the style here. Wines too, are carefully chosen to introduce variety and complement the core dishes on offer and the price range is considerable – a real change from the upscale restaurants that have nothing that begins with a ‘1’ on their list and mark up the everyday supermarket wines ten-fold.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Music is on the menu, from time to time, which is inviting to many. But it is the gardens, newly-designed and perfectly-planted with dashes of brilliant colour, that will specially delight diners. Ancient trees provide a cooling canopy in the summer months – there could not be a better setting for a treat of a great meal. The Twins Garden is open for dinner every night, except Tuesday. Main courses start at around €17. For reservations call 281 356 379 or 914 479 794
21
BEAUTY CENTRE | CENTRO DE BELEZA HAIRDRESSER | CABELEIREIRO BARBER SHOP | BARBEIRO BODY AND FACE TREATMENTS TRATAMENTOS CORPORAIS E FACIAIS NUTRITION / IMAGE CONSULTANT NUTRIÇÃO / CONSULTORA DE IMAGEM ANTI-AGING CENTRE ANTI-ENVELHECIMENTO WOMANS FASHION | MODA FEMININA LOUNGE BAR ART GALLERY | GALERIA DE ARTE ESTHETICS | ESTETICA
When Rua 5 de Outubro, n°229 8135-103 Almancil GPS: N 37°5'29' W 8°2'15' +351 911 572 265 | 963 529 144 Fashion: www.dareu.pt Beauty: www.dare-u.pt Email: info@dareu.pt
Guided road bike & mountain bike tours! Easy , Intermediate & Challenging rides available www.algarvebikeholidays.com e.mail: paul@algarvebikeholidays.com 22
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Buy with Confidence, Sell with Success! Your home, your lifestyle...It´s our purpose. by Dora Guerreiro
DG Algarve Properties | (+351) 289 355 336 | (+351) 912 391 925 | dora@dgalgarveproperties.com Rua Manuel Teixeira Gomes 947 1º Dto, 8135 - 016 Almancil, Portugal
www.dgalgarveproperties.com
om fr s n 5 Mi lé Lou
AMI 14557
We buy and sell high quality furniture.
An enjoyable shopping experience with amazing choices at affordable prices. Why go anywhere else. Bedroom - Dining room - Lounge - Garden - Office - Kitchenware - Lighting - Soft Furnishings - Pictures - Mirrors - Objets d’art OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY, 10:00AM - 17:00PM TEL: 289 395 197 OR VISIT WWW.HOUSE2HOUSE.PT
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
23
26
3
2
1
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
4
A
Follow the N125 West for Togofor-Homes, Vilamoura Foll Wes ow t Yell t for he N1 ow 25 Hom es
B
Monica's restaurant
C
Sesil Home
re
Da U
D
Follow to find House2House
Golfers Paradise
7 Quintas
Optica Joia
Management Works!
E
F
4
3
2
1
7
8
9
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
6 6
5
5
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
27
Property
Property of YELLOW HOMES Land & Houses Algarve Real Estate Agent since 1995 Tel: +351 289 301 294 Email: info@yellowhomes.com www.yellowhomes.com EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime (opposite DHL)
AMI: 6232
28
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
PROPERTY DETAILS • 4 bedrooms with fitted wardrobes • bathrooms (2x en-suite) • Character filled low maintenance property • Plot of land with over 5000 m2 • Not isolated but very private with stunning views • Spacious living / dining room with a wood burning stove • Fully fitted and equipped kitchen • Basement: garage for 2 cars/ plenty of storage • Shaded and open terracing • Covered BBQ • Wood and bamboo ceilings • Terracotta floors • Air conditioning • Satellite TV • Swimming pool (11x5m) • Solar panels for domestic hot water • Mains water • Cistern to collect rain water • EC Class F
€550.000 Ref: VDJ
the month
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Exclusive Listing by YELLOW HOMES Beautiful single story rustic style villa nearby Loule with spectacular views over the countryside
29
Property
Alojamento Local: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Property expert Robert Bijker advises on the current property market
N
ew rules regarding short term holiday letting are not only a setback for the holiday sector but also for other parts of the economy, as it is adding uncertainty to homeowners and prospective buyers interested in covering some of the expenses by renting out properties. This is an issue which has been highlighted by various property associations like the Association of Hospitality, Restaurant and Related Institutions of Portugal (AHRESP), Associação dos Profissionais e Empresas de Mediação Imobiliária de Portugal (APEMIP) and the Association of Local Accommodation
in Portugal (ALEP). The Algarve remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Although only a small percentage of vacationers are home owners, the majority are either staying in hotels or private holiday accommodation. It is worth pointing out that while you are having a good time staying in your rented villa, apartment or village house, you may be putting your family at unnecessary risk. By law, all private short-term holiday accommodation needs to have a rental license also known as licença de Alojamento Local (AL). These properties pass legal and safety requirements to protect you and your family.
GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS
SPACIOUS 3 BED PENTHOUSE APARTMENT WITH STUNNING VIEWS NEAR FERRAGUDO. Unique penthouse apartment in a premium resort with 3 large bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, large living areas, a fully equipped kitchen, front balconies and a roof terrace with incredible panoramic views of the Algarve coastline, the Monchique Mountains and the lights of Portimao in the evening. AMI: 6232 Price: €650.000 Ref: BN-7 EC class C. Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
30
Although the number of licensed properties has been increasing since holiday letting portals such as Booking and AirBnb threatened to de-list properties without a license, the odds are that you may be staying in an unlicensed dwelling as out of an estimated 200,000 available accommodations in Portugal only around 25% (51.000 properties registered by year end 2017: source Deloitte) are legal and registered with the correct license. It is public knowledge that the A.L. legislation is a mess. It resembles the times long gone by, like the wild, wild west. Spaghetti westerns such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly create an impression of the rough times with excellent music blended in. Those were the days of God-fearing law-abiding citizens, poorly-drafted laws, weak law enforcement, all varieties of tugs and plenty of violence and gunfights. Except for the violence and gunfights, the situation regarding short-term holiday letting offers great similarities. For excellent music, blend in some Fado. The Good in this story are the owners of AL licensed properties and their property managers who have gone out of their way to comply with an ever-changing law, arranging for the proper registration of vacationers at SEF (department of boarder control and immigration), who are paying tax over their rental income in Portugal while at the same time having to deal with unfair competition from unlicensed properties and their
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
illegal support teams who are often paid under the table. These holiday homeowners often have gone out of their way to create a home away from home and want to share their little piece of paradise with you. You know that you are staying in a licensed property when: - It has an AL number - It has a complaint book, fire and safety precautions - You will receive a payment receipt (it must mention the certificate number of AT-authorized billing software); hand-written or self-made receipts are illegal. The Bad are the politicians and law-enforcement organs. Instead of drafting a comprehensive law that is practical, enforceable and that has the support of citizens, they have not been able to come up with one since the introduction of AL in 1997. The initial law was so poorly drafted that even if a homeowner wanted to comply, they could not obtain the mandatory rental license from the authorities. This only changed 20 years later when the law was amended with a simplified licensing process. The first licenses were issued in 2008. Also, the lack of law enforcement is damaging to the sector and is unjust to those who are compliant. Getting away with non-compliance undermines the rule of law in general; why bother if there is only the threat
of fines and no enforcement? The current fine for an individual is €4,000 and for a company €40,000. Furthermore, the tax authorities are only occasionally doing inspections. When they do, they check licensed properties and are more concerned about an owner having included in the declared rent the commission paid to the holiday letting portal. This commission can be as high as 10%. The tax revenue from AL was approximately €130 million in 2017. If half of all bookings came from portals, the shortfall of tax by not including the commission in the reported rent could be as high as €6.5 million. Whether this commission should or should not be included (as tax is paid by the portal over this amount, it would be taxed twice which seems incorrect), on paper this is a significant amount. However, it pales in comparison by the loss of revenue from unlicensed/ untaxed properties, which amounts to a loss of around €390 million. As the tax authorities do not feel they are responsible for checking if a property is licensed, neither ASAE and nor the local council, it comes back to the government. The government could have shown leadership with the recent change of law. However, the new legislation regarding the AL law and approved by Parliament (and effective 60 days later) passed with favourable votes
GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS
MODERN LIGHT DRENCHED 4-BED VILLA WITHIN A SHORT WALK TO THE CENTRE OF ALMANCIL. The villa with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms stands on a fenced plot with automatic gates and an open plan, fully developed basement comprising of a bar, entertainment area, bathroom, a games room with snooker table and a garage with space for several cars. Swimming pool with a shaded summer kitchen and BBQ, perfect for outside dining. Really a great house! AMI: 6232 Ref: TNH Price €795.000 EC class B-. Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
from the ruling Left Bloc, the Socialist and the Communists has made it Ugly. Councils are from now on allowed to restrict the number of licenses in a neighbourhood. In addition, homeowners with a condominium can also be stopped renting out to vacationers in case a majority of neighbours are against it, for whatever reason. In addition, condominiums can also demand an additional and controversial payment of fees when a property is rented out of up to 30% to cover the increased use of communal areas by holiday makers. Instead of a national law with clear rules and regulation, decision making has now moved to a local level where subjective reasons can and will come into the equation. Instead of unifying owners at condominium meetings, it will more likely divide them. On a more positive note, the controversial obligation to register at Segurança Social and pay social security will be scrapped starting 2019. Also, the tourist tax will be scrapped thanks to Brussels. Cities like Lisbon, Porto and Sintra who levy €1-€2 per night will have to stop the practice. There were plans to introduce this tax in the Algarve, too. When introduced in 2014, the current Prime Minister António Costa thought this to be a good idea which could generate between €7 million and €8 million a year. One cannot stop but wonder as to why politicians and tax authorities are fixated on relatively small amounts, when the loss of revenue from undeclared rental income amounts to approximately €390 million. Robert Bijker Yellow Homes Land & Houses Algarve www.algarvepropertysearch.com www.algarve-portugal-immobilien.de Vilamoura Office EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime 8100 - 068 Boliqueime Tel: 289 301294, Fax: 289 301439 AMI 6232 Tavira Office Rua Dr. José Pires Padinha 178 8800 - 354 Tavira Tel: 281 320 281 Fax: 281 321 901 (AMI – 6232)
31
Promotion
LIFESTYLE DECISIONS Bespoke travel is everything that hotel-sourcing websites and cut-price airlines are not. It’s the stress free answer to holiday planning - it’s about personalised trips that take into account your taste, your wants, your wish list. It is rather like having your own, expert concierge who will not only create or suggest itineraries but look after you every step of the way
W
hether your chosen holiday destination is an exotic island, or one of the world’s great cities, travel in style and you can have the best of everything – including advice from the cognoscenti on the elegant little eateries, the specialty shops, the hidden art galleries that the locals favour but the tourists simply never get to hear about. An exceptional new designer service has launched here in the Algarve which is based on delivering tailor-made
32
travel of the highest quality, for those who expect the best and retain a curiosity about the unknown. Owned by Pippa O’Keefe, Pippa Rose Lifestyle is the latest addition to the O’Keefe family luxury-serving businesses; her father Seamus owns Iberia Constructions which develops stylish top-of-the-market villas, and her uncle Christopher is the boss of Arcadia Luxury Villas dealing in property rentals and management. This new venture is a result of her own experience, her sense of adventure and, of course, her personal passion.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Nihiwatu With a background in sales, marketing and PR for some of the biggest names in the luxury travel sector including clients such as the Royals, and twice-award winning number one hotel in the world, Nihiwatu in Indonesia, Pippa has developed an address book of powerful players in the business. This is a young woman whose sheer enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge have created a distinct platform where every experience is precious, and every request can be perfectly fulfilled. “People’s views and expectations of ’luxury’ vary
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
enormously,” she says. “To many, ‘luxury’ is associated with glitzy hotels and fast cars. But I’m not about that. I work with hand-picked boutique hotels and give a personal service. My clients tap into my knowledge and know they couldn’t get better recommendations, or help with everything from easier flight routes to heli skiing to private events. I do it all for them. And, importantly to me, I work in purposeful travel, focusing on hotels that are environmentally friendly or that work with the local community and sustainability. “The most wonderful thing about travel is opening
33
Promotion
Munich
Douro Valley other people’s eyes to a world outside of their own.” Think of Pippa as your very own, dedicated personal concierge who knows the nooks and crannies of many a destination, from small but perfectly-formed boutique hotels, to luxurious health and well-being retreats, to aweinspiring sights that you can only get close to if you have the right connections. Why trawl the internet or spend timein conversation with high street travel agents when you can get an expert like Pippa to do it all for you. Pippa believes that regardless of budget, people’s time away is precious and therefore everything she does is
34
entirely bespoke and tailored to a client’s specification in order to make sure that they get exactly what they desire and within their given time frame. If you would like to investigate the world of luxury travel options contact: Pippa Rose Lifestyle T +44 (0)7990 824249 / +351 913 482 651 E info@pipparoselifestyle.com W pipparoselifestyle.com @pipparoselifestyle
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
T (00 351) 289 419 447 www.artcatto.com
GALERIA DE ARTE | ART GALLERY
Summer exhibition 19th July 2018 7.00pm to 9.00pm at the ArtCatto Gallery in Loulé
Top left:
Vicente Romero Untitled | Top right: Gerald Engelvin Jade aux boiseries bleues | Bottom left: Ana Perpinyá Circus | Bottom right: Jack Vetriano The Picnic Party
Tel: (00 351) 289 419 447 | info@artcatto.com | www.artcatto.com | Avenida José da Costa Mealha nº 43, 8100-500 Loulé Gallery opening hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 6.00pm, Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
35
Art For Everyone Find us in front of Hotel Vila Gale Tavira. Rua 4 de Outobro, 24, Tavira
Telephone 96 201 2111 www.taviradartes.com taviradartes@gmail.com 36
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Finance
UK political tensions weigh on pound exchange rates Keep up to date with our currency expert Chantelle, Client Account Executive at Currencies Direct
S
taying on top of the latest currency news can help you time your transfers more effectively, so, find out what you should be looking out for over the next couple of weeks.
Latest currency news Signs that the UK economy picked up speed in the second quarter initially encouraged the pound but, since then, domestic politics and Brexit worries have given rise to fresh uncertainty. The pound-to-euro exchange rate has struggled to find much momentum in recent weeks, hitting a high of 1.13 before dropping to a four-month low of 1.115. Things have been a little volatile for the GBP/USD exchange rate; meanwhile, thanks to ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, disappointing UK inflation data also contributed to the GBP/ USD exchange rate hitting a ten-month low. What’s been happening? Political developments have dominated the mood towards the pound recently, with markets still nervous over a relative lack of progress regarding Brexit. A crunch cabinet meeting yielded a white paper that outlines a softer form of Brexit, something that businesses and investors tentatively welcomed. However, the shock resignations of Brexit secretary David Davis and foreign secretary Boris Johnson shortly afterwards saw GBP exchange rates slump sharply. Worries over a potential leadership challenge against Theresa May weighed heavily on the pound, although these fears soon eased in the face of positive domestic growth data. Confidence in the US dollar, on the other hand, fluctuated in response to the
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Trump administration’s threat to impose additional tariffs on China. The prospect of a worsening trade war between the US and China spooked investors, leaving USD exchange rates on a weaker footing amid fears over the negative impact this will have on US growth. What do you need to look out for? Things haven’t been great for the pound lately but as long as the BoE still looks set to raise interest rates on 2nd August GBP losses may be limited. Commentary from the Federal Reserve could undermine the appeal of the US dollar, meanwhile, as worries over the impact of the Trump administration’s protectionist policies mount. Finally, if the Eurozone economy saw stronger growth in the second quarter, this could help boost the euro, encouraging bets that the economy is recovering after a disappointing start to the year. Since 1996, Currencies Direct has helped more than 210,000 customers with their currency transfers; just pop into your local branch or give them a call to find out more. For detailed information, you can contact Chantelle at the Almancil office on 00351 289 395739 or visit www.currenciesdirect.com/portugal and register to get regular updates on the currency markets. (Mention Simply Algarve magazine when making contact with the company.)
Things have been a little volatile for the GBP/ USD exchange rate; meanwhile, thanks to ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, disappointing UK inflation data also contributed to the GBP/ USD exchange rate hitting a 10-month low
37
Money matters
Answering questions from our readers
F
Keep up to date with our Finance expert, chartered accountant Ricardo Chaves from All Finance Matters
rom time to time we receive questions from readers who want to know more about specific financial issues and often their queries and concerns are shared by others. In view of that, we have decided to take Q&A approach in this column to help give you a better understanding of various scenarios. Do email us with specific your queries. Can you explain the tax implications of selling a property here? I understand that if I down-size and move from my house to an apartment, I will be taxed on the difference between the sale and the purchase price. Is this correct? And what if I sell but don’t buy, and choose to rent? First of all, let me tell you that you can only use the reinvestment to avoid capital gains if you are resident and the property you are selling is your main residency. This means that your address at the tax office, must be the address of the property being sold. You are only liable for tax if you had a gain on the transaction. Please note that the value you paid for the property needs to be adjusted, according to the inflation coefficient, applicable to the year of purchase. This means that the purchase value will increase for the capital gains calculation. Also, from the sale of your property you can deduct the costs incurred with the purchase operation and sale of the property, costs incurred over the past 12 years, such as property refurbishments or other monies spent to increase the value of the asset, including the cost of the energy certification. If after this, you have still made a gain, then you can reinvest the proceedings of the sale on another purchase within the EU. This needs to be done on a purchase made between 24 months prior and 36 months after the sale. If the reinvestment in the new property is lower than the total sale, than the tax will be calculated pro-rata. So in this case, if you are selling for €400,000 and your tax bill was going to be €25,000, you will only be tax exempt if you reinvest the full sale price €400,000. If your new apartment only costs €200,000, then your tax bill will be €12,500€ as you only reinvested half. If you decide to rent and not to reinvest, then you are liable for the full tax bill. The payment of the capital gain, occurs in August of the year following the sale. I still have a property in the UK and a bank account there, credit cards etc, but am spending an increasing amount of
38
time at my home in the Algarve, where I also have a bank account and debit cards. I am not a resident. My clients are UK based, and I invoice them for consultancy services in the UK and in sterling. Can I continue with this if I take up residency here. Would I be better off invoicing them in Euros from my Algarve address? It’s important that people realise that even if they are nonresident, but the consultancy services they provide, are made from a fixed based in Portugal, then it should be taxed here anyway. The same would apply for a Portuguese resident, operating from a fixed based in the UK. On another note, if you are spending more than 183 days per year in Portugal, then you should be taking tax residency. To be able to invoice your clients from Portugal and be registered here, either as a resident or as a non-resident you would need to register under category B. If you are non-resident and registered on the simplified regime, you would be taxed at a fixed rate of 18.75%, irrespective of your earnings. So, per each €10,000 invoiced, you would pay €1,.875. If you were resident, the tax to be paid would depend on your overall income, as the taxation would be on a sliding scale. For instance, if invoicing only €10,000 per year and without any deductions, you would be paying €1,144. But on the first year you register as a sole trader, the calculation would be over 50% of the income and over 75% on the second year, so a lot lower. Also, as a resident you may deduct other expenses, such as medical bills and use the number of dependents as a tax deduction. So the tax bill is likely to be lower than this. As a new resident, you can also apply for the NonHabitual residency scheme and your tax rate would be set to a maximum of 20% of your income. This is particularly attractive for tax payers with high levels of income. Please note that if you decide to become Portuguese tax resident and rent the property you leave in the UK, you will be liable for tax on your rentals in the UK (if above the threshold). In Portugal you will also have to declare this income, but Portugal grants an international tax credit for tax paid in the UK, and then assesses the rental income under Portuguese rules. Please feel free to send us any questions you may have regarding personal finances. Email ricardo@allfinance.pt We will select those most appropriate to readers.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
AFM-Boat-2017-B5
20-02-2017
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
07:23
Page 1
39
Fashion
The
Sweet life
When it comes to high fashion, nothing could be sweeter, or more full of life, than the uber-chic Almancil boutique, La Dolce Vita, the pride of owner Marité Stabile and the essential destination for fashionistas wanting to make a statement
T
hose of us who remember the Algarve 33 years ago, will remember that if you wanted to be well-dressed you shopped in Lisbon, or Seville or, preferably, when you went back home for a visit. There was no Quinta do Lago, no Algarve Forum, no Algarve Shopping... just a couple of okay shops in Faro, and one or two stocking beach accessories in the then tiny praça in Vale do Lobo. Designer labels? Forget it. Then Marité arrived. A chic, sharp bundle of energy with a passion for fashion and a sharp eye for potential. A graduate in Arts and Humanities, she was born in Naples, bred in Reims and polished in London, where she managed a small hotel in the centre of the capital. The move to the fashion desert that was the Algarve was prompted only when her then-husband was offered a prestigious position in Portugal. “Settling here was a trauma,” she recalls, “especially when my son started school and I found myself with nothing to do. I did not speak Portuguese, knew nobody, and felt this place was the back of beyond. I complained to everyone willing to listen. Then some of my friends in Italy suggested that I try to sell the clothes that they were producing in Positano.” The rest, as the cliché goes, is history.
40
Building the dream On a wet day in November, Marité opened shop on the track from Almancil to Loulé where there were no other businesses. No cafés, no restaurants, no interior design shops, no nothing. “Everybody thought I was mad. But what I did was ‘out of the box’ and made me stand out; and the fact that I had no fashion training was a blessing in a way, because I simply did what I felt was right. On that opening day, the heavens opened and the dirt road in front of my shop turned to mud… my first clients had to wear wellington boots to reach me!” Thirty years on, La Dolce Vita is an integral part of the landscape here, surrounded by other companies who delight in the association. And clients are treated, as always, the way Marité herself would want to be treated – her customer service formula has never changed. Nor has her philosophy that if you are different, and good at what you do, people will find you. But what has changed is the shop itself – what started at 30sqm three decades ago, is a burgeoning retail empire today, offering luxurious labels, designer names, real choice and even an outlet, with a very tempting 70% -off offer. “We carry a huge stock,” she says, “but only one per
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
size of any given item, to help avoid the possibility of a client meeting another in the same outfit. We also enquire about which function an outfit is for and keep a note of it. To guarantee complete individuality, we offer a bespoke service, designing a dress with the client, that is then made up by our excellent seamstress.” Marité does most of her buying in Italy and the majority of the styles she carries are exclusive to the shop. “I always look for creative, design-driven labels,” she says, “rather than established names that can be found everywhere. My clients come to La Dolce Vita to see what I have chosen for them. Most of them are 40+ and have a pretty good idea of what suits them. Our job is to let them select what they like and then to encourage them to experiment with other choices that they would not necessarily have made for themselves. To me it is essential that they fall in love with what they buy – that’s what self-confidence is all about.” The buying decisions And she buys extraordinary pieces – statement-makers that could not fail to get the wearer noticed. Fabulous fabrics (many with stretch), amazing colours, adventurous prints. She looks for the most flattering silhouettes – cuts that
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
emphasize the positives, clinging in all the right places. And white and ivory dresses that would thrill the destination bride. That sizing runs from S to XXL is another big bonus for buyers – it means a client will always find something that is right for her, and perfect for the occasion… and at the right price, too; dresses go from €120 to €295, tops are €65 to €195 and cocktail and evening dresses range between €200 to €500. But of course, not everyone is a standard size or height, and here’s where the value of a talented inhouse seamstress comes into play. Trends are irrelevant to Marité’s choices. “Fads and fast fashion are not my thing,” she says. “For example, red may be the colour of the season but in my opinion, if it does not suit you, forget it. What I mean to say is that every season at La Dolce Vita fashion will be lastingly beautiful, easy-towear and to care for; my aim is that every piece will become a favourite for years to come. I do my best not to have too much black, although I traditionally sell a lot of it in the winter months but I’ll combine it with electric blues, soft reds and even warm yellows.” It is no surprise that la Dolce Vita is regarded by many as a one-stop-shop, a haven of creative styling, a treasure trove of one-off pieces, where experts are on hand to advise
41
Fashion
suggest, and encourage. Marité applies her ‘go for it’ philosophy to accessories, too, introducing jewellery, bags and hats to add that extra dimension of ‘attitude’; La Kontessa from Tuscany is a new addition to the portfolio of brands and promising to score points. A client’s delight There are clients who visit Marité for a whole wardrobe for the season ahead, others who are there for one special piece for one particular event. And they come from near and far – some from as far as the US – just to shop, knowing they will walk away with an amazing addition to their wardbrobe. Most spend at least an hour in the shop, even when they don’t buy anything, simply because they enjoy the atmosphere, and the opportunity to chat, meet other people, have a coffee. They can also confide their troubles if they have any, or leave them outside the door for a while and collect them on the way out. The clothes at La Dolce Vita are versatile… a day outfit can easily be transformed for a glamorous evening party by adding palazzo pants, bold jewellery and skyscraper shoes, all easily packed in a small bag so that one does not have to go home and change. That’s perfect for the active working woman who has little time to spare but lots special occasions to attend. Marité is a walking example of her own fashion strategy. She looks the part every day – gorgeous, glamorous, confident, and completely at home with her personal style decisions. Her jewellery is outsized, her heels high, her
42
laugh loud and infectious. Here is a woman who feels good about herself and gets a reaction. She does fashion shows three or four times a year and these, too, have their own personality. “I stopped using professional models nine years ago, when I decided that they did not represent what we are,” she says. “My clients now take to the catwalk, so that within a single show we celebrate all shapes, all ages and all sizes. My models are aged from 14 to 84, and for that one day, they are focused on makeup, hair and rehearsals. “Ten years ago, we staged a hugely successful runway show in the Casino of Vilamoura, with 450 guests and 40 people on stage – models, dancers and singers, including Bonnie Tyler. Since then, we have done many special performances in places like Vila Vita Parc and the Conrad, but the ones that are the best commercially are the ones staged in La Dolce Vita itself.” In 2017, after 30 intense, power-packed years, Marité took the decision to spend more time with her family and her friends, doing all the things that she’s never had the opportunity to do in the past. “I love being in the shop but I am also enjoying that bit of freedom now,” she says. Her sales team have been with her for many years and learned her philosophy early on. “I trust them to look after my baby, and our clients with love, and commitment.” And they do. La Dolce Vita Address: Estrada Vale Formoso 262 Telephone: (+351) 289 397 581
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
43
A TRUE LINKS COURSE ON THE SPANISH BORDER AT AN INCREDIBLE PRICE
ENJOY
Costa Esuri RESERVATIONS: COSTA ESURI GOLF CLUB Urbanización Costa Esuri Avda Juan Pablo II, S/N, A49 – Salida 131 21400 Ayamonte, Huelva, Spain Tlf:(0034) 959 328 071 www.costaesurih2ogolf.com
Restaurante
Abstracto Traditional Portuguese Cousine
General Auctions Plus Antiques and Collectables General auctions are held on the 1st Saturday of the month and Start at 10:00 am.Viewings on the Thursday and Friday before the Auction Rua Dr. Antonio Cabrera, 34 between 09:00 and 17:00. 8800-344, tavira
DETAILS OF ALLTel 937 037 712 restaurante.abstracto@gmail.com
FURTHER AUCTIONS ARE ON OUR Gardens Square WEBSITE Rio Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 14:00pm Gilao Sat: Open Auction days Email: valuations@ahalgarve.com Office: 289 832 380 Restaurante Tel. Mark: 914 774 438 Abstracto Sitio do Besouro, Conceição, Faro
WWW.AHALGARVE.COM Restaurant.Abstracto.Tavira
44
www.eastalgarvemag.com
Roman Bridge
Bishops Square
BRITISH STYLE AUCTION HOUSE
• Direct Sales • Business and House Clearances
Direct sales, Business and house clearance service, online catalogue, & Monthly Auctions! Free valuations and Monthly Auctions!
• Free Valuations • Online Catalogue
WANTED!
Mediterranean ANTIQUE AND restaurant VINTAGE JEWELLERY AND HALLMARKED STERLING SILVER.
Do you have antique and vintage jewellery you would like to sell? Have you got some hallmarked sterling silver items you no longer want? These items are creating a lot of interest at Auction at the moment and are achieving realistic prices. Why not give us a no obligation call to discuss what you may like to sell? We offer honest valuations Largo and free advisedo to allMercado, Cacela, Faro, Portugal potential sellers. Call: 281 956 118 Email: essencia.net@sapo.pt
Facebook: essencia.algarve
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
45 49
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
45
What's On
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Each month, Simply Algarve will be bringing you a hand-picked selection of the events on the region’s calendar. There are, of course, many more, but we will focus on the lesser-known and possibly more interesting. Got an event coming up? Email us with the details at simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com.
THE ARTS JAMES GILL
ArtCatto, Loulé From 1 September The work of legendary American artist James Gill, one of the protagonists of the Pop Art movement, hangs in museums and galleries across the world. In 1962 the Museum of Modern Art, New York acquired his Marilyn Triptych, shortly after the death of the actress; in 1965, his drawing Laughing Woman in Car and Close-up was exhibited between works of Picasso and Odilon Redon; In 1967 along with artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Indiana, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, Claes Oldenburg and Edward Hopper, Gill was chosen to represent the United States in Brazil at Sao Paulo 9 Biennale. His laterday fusion of abstractism and portraiture is seen in his presentation of classic Pop Art icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor, Grace Kelly, John Wayne and Paul Newman.
DOING THINGS CREATIVE EXPERIENCES
Loule August Throughout August, under the inventive Loule Criativo programme, you can learn how to sew a little sardine to represent the tradition of fishing in the Algarve, or how to work with clay at the potter’s wheel. August experiences include copper beating and palm weaving – all presented by local experts and shop owners in the winding backstreets of Loule. There’s even a cookery class where you can learn how to make the best of your purchases at the market. Visit loulecriativo.pt for full details of what’s on offer when.
46
PIERRE WILLIAMS
Corte Real, Paderne On now You cannot walk past a fine ceramic sculpture by English artist Pierre Williams. His work is arresting, thoughtprovoking but above all, beautiful in its sensitivity, and it captures attention and never fails charm. His figures show reference to the classics – the work of Rodin – and to modernist Antony Gormley and his execution, in blue and white with highlights of gold creates a magical, mystical effect.
PICNICS AND MOVIES IN THE PARK
South Course Clubhouse Tee 1 Quinta do Lago Call +351 289 351 909 or email guestservices@ quintadolago.com to find out what movies are on and enjoy a totally relaxing family session on the green. The kids will love it.
CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT
Vale do Lobo Praça Till 30 September 6.30p- 11pm Kids can jump on the bouncy castle, enjoy exciting workshops and experiment with face painting under the watchful eye of professional child minders from Oficina dos Sonhos. Also returning this year are mini cars for younger guests to be able to explore the Praça from behind the wheel!
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
MUSIC A Concert at the Algarve Art Retreat
Ticket N°
Saturday, September 1st, 2018 Start 19:30 Red for Passion A Night to remember Dresscode: Red
Concert with Wesley
THE VOICE that touches your soul
John & Doina - He has the music in his fingers - She enchants with her voice Clube de Danças João de Deus - Argentine Tango & more Programm: 19:30 Start with Welcome Drinks and Canapès 20:00 Concert 21:00 Interval with Fingerfood 21.30 Concert Drinks at pay bar
FOLKFARO
Price: 35.00 € p.p. (Tickets limited) Payment by IBAN N° IBAN:PT 50 0018 0003 45908225020 55 (with note „Concert“ Ursula Brigitte Kuhn)
order@algarve-art-retreat.com T +351 913 355 132 +351 289 411 425
OPEN AIR CONCERT
The Algarve Art Retreat Vale Telheiro Saturday 1 September 7.30pm Red for Passion is the theme of what promises to be an exceptional treat. Wesley, a finalist in TV’s The Voice, will be featured on the piano and vocals; John Evans – ex West End musical director will accompany Doina, vocalist; dancers from Clube de Danças Faro will be performing the thrilling Argentinian Tango and more. Enter into the mood for the evening and wear something RED. Tickets are €35 euros and include a welcome drink, canapés and finger food. A pay bar is also available. Early booking advisable as numbers are limited. For info call 913 355 132 or email order@algarve-art-retreat.comand The Originals.
Faro 18-26 August This delightful annual festival is joyous, bringing together locals, visitors and a host of entertainers for singing, dancing, parades and animations. The streets are packed and the celebratory mood runs throughout the capital. The opening gala is at Teatro das Figuras on the 18th and the charge is €10 a ticket. All the events throughout Faro are free though, so you can skip the gala and save your tenners for street food and drink!
UNDER THE STARS
The East Boardwalk Quarteira 11 August 10pm Enjoy a typical Portuguese meal in one of the many restaurants in the seaside town of Quarteira, then take a stroll down the long walkway beside the beach and tune in to the glorious sounds of the Orquestra Clássica do Sul accompanying singer Ana Bacalhau. You ca get up close, on sit back on the sand and enjoy.
SPORTS PADEL NATIONS CUP
2-3 August, Vale do Lobo This prestigious tournament will be held in Vale do Lobo for the first time. Big names taking part include the Juan Martín Díaz – world champion for 13 consecutive years – Fernando Belasteguim, widely regarded as the best player of all time, and the highly entertaining Gonzalo Diaz, also known as ‘el grand Gordo’! For further information/tickets contact the Tennis Academy T:+351 289 357 850 E: info@premier-sports.org
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
47
Sports
SPORTS NEWS
Brought to you by Chris Wright
C PORTIMONENSE LOOKING SHARP
W
ith new manager António Folha pulling the strings, SC Portimonense will be hoping to at least match last season’s tenth place finish in the Primeira Liga. António Folha played most of his professional career at FC Porto where he won 18 major titles including seven Primeira Liga trophies and five Portuguese Cups. Ten years ago Folha was appointed to coach the Dragons junior side and more latterly he took charge of the reserves. It was therefore appropriate that one of the Portimão based club’s pre-season fixtures should be against his former club. Following a 4-0 victory over Dundee, André Clóvis (30’), Hackman (48‘), Yuta Koike (57‘) and Wellington (62‘) scored the goals; SC Portimonense had a moral-boasting 2-1 victory over the league champions. Pires and Tabata found the back of the net but most eyes were on Yuta Koike, the club’s recent signing from Kashmir Antlers (Japan). Portimonense kick-off the new season with a home game against Boavista on the weekend of 11-12 August. Troubled Lisbon outfit Sporting are the opponents on 6-7 October whilst the large band of Benfica fans in the Algarve will have to wait until 2 January before their beloved Eagles swoop in to Portimão.
S
PROMOTED FARENSE RETURN TO THE SECOND TIER
C Farense, managed by former Olhanense skipper Rui Duarte, are on their way back! The Faro-based team gained promotion from the Campeonato de Portugal and will now be challenging to get back to the top flight where they last played 16 years ago. Farense has a colourful history including qualification for the UEFA Cup 23 years ago, a brief association with Malcolm Allison when he managed the team in the late 80s, and 40 years ago England international Peter Barnes pulled on the Farense shirt even if it was for just one game! A 2-0 defeat by Millwall and a 4-1 victory over Primeira Liga side CS Maritímo in pre-season will see them in good shape for the start of their campaign in the Segunda Liga. The club plays at the historic Estádio de São Luís.
48
MADRID TO TURIN
ristiano Ronaldo has finally said farewell to Spain with his €100m transfer from Real Madrid to Juventus. Five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo’s signing was a massive coup for the club, both from a football perspective and a marketing one. The ‘Serie A’ giants will hope the Portugal International can not only help them compete for the Champions League but also sell stacks of merchandising to help them recoup some of the massive ongoing costs. Ronaldo has signed a four-year contract with an annual salary of around €30m. In Italy clubs have to pay the same amount in tax, which takes the total cost of the transfer, over four years, to at least €340m. He wore the iconic number seven at both Manchester United and Real Madrid as well as when he captained Portugal to the European Championship title in 2016. Juan Cuadrado was happy to relinquish the number 7 shirt before deciding to wear number 49, or ‘seven squared’ as ‘Cuadrado’ means ‘squared’ in Spanish. Fans immediately started buying ‘Ronaldo 7’ jerseys with lengthy queues at the club shop. Juventus know that many of the visitors to their online shop will specifically want his shirt and have a section of their homepage dedicated to the maestro. The replica home jersey costs €105 and can be further customised to add the Champions League logo for an additional €10. It is reported that the club sold 520,000 units both in-store and online within 24 hours of his transfer!
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS FACE WORLD CUP RUNNERS-UP
A
lgarve football fans are in for a treat when Portugal entertain Croatia at the Algarve Stadium, Faro, on Thursday 6 September. The thought of 33 year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and his former team mate at Real Madrid, 32 year-old Luka Modrić, going head-to-head is an exciting prospect. Ticket prices are €10, €12.50 and €15 with a special deal for families. Go to: www.fpf.pt to register, order and pay. Tickets can then be collected from the ticket office at the Algarve Stadium on the day of the game but be warned, arrive early as the queue to collect tickets can be lengthy. Certain supermarkets may also sell tickets closer to the date.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Golf
Francesco Molinari wins
The Open
Richard Hudson and Eddie Charnock, Algarve Golf Guru, PGA Professionals suggest you set up a Performance Plan when on the driving range
W
hy did Francesco Molinari win The Open? Molinari has been a very consistent player on the European tour but this year has been especially impressive, winning in America and climbing to World #6! Playing the final round with a resurgent Tiger Woods is a tough ask, but Molinari appeared to breeze through the occasion and save his best till last with a great birdie 3 to win on the final hole. The answer is that two years ago Francesco Molinari started to work with Elite Performance Coach, Dave Alred who is best known for his work with the England Rugby Team working closely alongside Jonny Wilkinson and Luke Donald when he reached world #1 and topped the money list in both Europe and America. “In many ways, Dave has been a great addition to the team,” Molinari said after his third round on Saturday. “He’s a personality and a figure that I was missing and the whole team was missing.”
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Dave Alred works with people in ‘the ugly zone’, getting frustrated and getting annoyed. Alred said: “The big area was to look at Francesco’s resilience and build on that.” You get frustrated and annoyed with yourself when you can’t do something, or feel you should have done better. So to prepare yourself for this on the golf course. It is a good idea to set up a Performance Plan to put some pressure in place when practicing – eg Hole 10 putts from a metre before you can leave; drive a ball five times between two points on the range or chip five balls within a metre from the edge of the green. These are just a few ideas to think about. If you would like to contact Richard or Eddie for an opportunity to discuss a Performance Plan to improve your game like Francesco Molinari you can find them on their website: www.algarvegolfguru.com or by email to sales@algarvegolfguru.com and make sure to mention Simply Algarve as a point of referral.
49
Last Word
Tales from an expat in Portugal Anthony Martin climbs up on the platform to have a rant about the lack of dislike options on social media
I only became a Facebook member to sell some unwanted furniture. Yes, I know they all say that, but in my case it is true
I
have a confession to make: I’m a voyeur. I skulk around listening and watching what others are doing, who they are talking to, where they are going, where they have been and where they are at present. In fact, if it wasn’t so hot I’d probably be wearing a crumpled raincoat. I haven’t always been like this, it crept up on me; I didn’t see it coming until it was too late, by then I was trapped and within a few weeks I was yet another sad soul hunched over his laptop, twitching the curtains of cyberspace. It started quite innocently. I only became a Facebook member to sell some unwanted furniture. Yes, I know they all say that, but in my case it is true. Overnight I became unbelievably popular, with scores of total strangers wanting to become my friend. Why? Was it because I sold a set of dining chairs to a couple from Estoi or that the Facebook community now knows I don’t like the consistency of mushrooms? Somehow I don’t think so. Feeling a bit negative Or, is it possible that I mistakenly pressed the ‘accept’ button and released to the computer-literate world the fact that not only do I have a thing about Michelle Pfeiffer but my right testicle didn’t drop until I was 12 years old. Moreover – and this is the worrying part – has this information been picked up by Cambridge Analytica’s algorithm and routed to the Trump team giving him the edge in the presidential election? If so I profoundly apologise to… well to everyone. Facebook, and to a lesser extent its younger sister Twitter, was born as a vehicle to bring people together and, as an infant, it did just that. But the child is growing up, and unfortunately growing up without parents to teach it moral responsibility. It is now 14 years old, a feral teenager with conflicting personalities and multiple egos. Mark Zuckerberg, you have a lot to answer for, but that’s a separate rant. Frankly Facebook, all I want from you is to know what my daughter and various grandchildren get up to, which friends haven’t invited me to the dinner party they had the previous night, and whether there have been enquiries from someone who wants to buy a Sky box and satellite
50
dish or some other superfluous item. Fascinating as it may be for some, I do not find pictures of my cousin’s dinner plate at last night’s restaurant particularly interesting nor the fact that a total stranger, who has claimed me as a friend, is en-route between Skegness and West Hartlepool or, in fact, anywhere. And why am I constantly presented with a ‘like’ button which, when clicked, informs two billion people that I agree with a post. Why can’t we have a ‘dislike’ button? That one I would certainly use. Use for all the posts that shout: “Look at me, look where I am, look at what I’m doing”. Silly buggers, what they don’t realise is that what they are actually saying is: “Look at my insecurity”. Pushing buttons And why is it that Facebook users only travel to faraway exotic places where the sun always shines and check into hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants? I’ve yet to see a post from someone tucking into a jam buttie in a boarding house in Blackpool. Now that would be a person comfortable in their own skin. And, on the subject of buttons a ‘why’ button would be a welcome addition, this to be utilised whenever a stranger wants to befriend you. One problem, however, is that once you have started, Facebook is very more-ish. When opening various pages there is a temptation to look beyond. To click on links and delve into the pages of people I barely know and possibly even their friends. This can lead to finding out things that you really don’t want to know. My eldest grandson is about to start ‘big school’ and I told my daughter that I would pay for his uniform. He, in his new blazer and surrounded by carrier bags stuffed full of school kit, was on Facebook and it was there where I learned that the cost of the basic essentials (without the cricket gear) was greater than an entire term’s fees when his mum was at prep school and equal to a year’s rent of my first flat when I left my parents’ home. hhere are some things you are better off not knowing. Or seeing. Like photographs of the people you grew up with who still have full heads of hair and trim physiques. Life’s unfair – and you are often better off in the dark. And without Facebook at the ready to delivery the news – whatever its shape and form.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
51
Europe's Best Golf Venue *Membership prices for anual subscriptions.