Issue nº2
•
MGM Magazine
•
July 2014
FORTE DA OURA Our New Acquisition
INFINITI New Exclusive Areas
RENOVATIONS UPDATE Luxury at it´s Finest
WORLD CUP 2014 Live Football Games - 500sq ft Screen
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
01
Contents Issue nº2 • ATOM Magazine • July 2014
03 04 04 06 08 10 12 13 14 15 16 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 35 36 38 40 41 42 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55
Letter from your Editor A Message from the Chairman A Message from the Vice Chairman Global Presence New Acquisition Our Hotels - Portugal Welcome to Infiniti Plus Infiniti - New Exclusive Areas Winter Warmer Special Renovations Update Entertainment Restaurant & Bars Travel In Style MGM Travel Celebrate Your Wedding In Style Projeto Ocean Revival Cortiça Portuguesa Conquista Hollywood Cão de Água Português Our Goal Meeting Rooms For All Travel Tips A Panoramic View Emotions at the Ocean Golf World Cup 2014 - Live Football Games Spa & Health Club Our Hotels - Spain Kid’s Club All for You Garden’s in Bloom Comfort at Your Doorstep El lince ibérico se extinguirá pronto? Los touristas britanicos Invasión de Vikingos Rioja en la ciudad de Nueva York Interesting Facts About Portugal Interesting Facts About Spain Organiser un événement à Paris Pour les enfants Photomontages de Paris Coming Soon
08
13
15
35
Letter from your Editor Monicca Maran
Paint your Perspective First of all, I would like to extend my warmest sunny Algarve greetings to our dearest customers who might now be sun bathing or have a casual swim whilst the sun is busy wrapping you up in a bundle of holiday mood and warmness! This summer has brought with it, a sense of magic and new beginnings! ATOM Issue 2 has been compiled with overflowing love and excitement, considering all the ultra new facilities that have been added. It almost feels magical to be amidst all the sudden transformations that have been happening to the beautiful hotels, it has had everyone’s spell bounded attention for quite a while now. As the daughter of a Worldwide ‘’Nomad travelling guru’’, I have taken my travelling quite seriously and have embarked with not just my bags but my whole soul. I have constantly been accustomed to hearing the phrase ‘’Always leave your surroundings much better than you found them’’. In my experience of having travelled globally and having worked in a holiday industry, I have realized that this saying is not limited to just places but also to people, as it helps to paint our own perspectives because we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. Some experiences leave us better than how we started off ; a fresh passport, a hug from a child in Africa, street food by the road side in India, a smile from a stranger in Morocco. There are not just items on our itinerary but emotions in our itinerary too that need to be ticked off. Every country that we visit, helps us paint a stroke of awareness, a stroke of love and a stroke of sensitivity on our canvas called life. Too often, one only visits places rather than experiencing them, as travel makes one modest and helps one realize what a tiny place they occupy in this world! When I started to work and travel, I began to realize that my perspective
was like a blank canvas, only waiting to be painted with colourful strokes of understanding different people, cultures, values and traditions in order to turn my blank canvas to a master piece! Once we understand this, we cannot return to who or how we used to be. In London, I painted a stroke of passionate creativity, in Paris I added a few touches of love and romance to my canvas, in Portugal I dipped my paint brush into a realm of awareness and curiosity and in India, I drew a powerful stroke of belonging and familiarity. Brush stroke after brush stroke, my white canvas turned into a colourful artwork. So pick up that brush, paint a new perspective and leave your surroundings and yourselves as travel will teach you how to make time for serendipity! To travel is to embrace diversity and here at MGM Muthu Hotels, every day we are flooded with people from different parts of the world. Some of them come to experience the ‘’Algarvian’’ lifestyle, some of them come to relax and crawl under a canopy of sun loungers and clear blue skies, some of them come with heavy bags and leave with light hearts having been pampered by us, some of them come for business and there are those who feel they will never be completely home again, because part of their heart will always be elsewhere as that is the price they pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place. At MGM Muthu hotels, we religiously believe that Travel is a Therapy. So visit us at one of our hotels to experience your beautiful travel therapy and not to forget, you can only shake the sand from your shoes, but it will never leave your soul! Media Communications Manager Monicca Maran
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
03
A Message from the Chairman You our customer are our greatest strength, due to your continuous support and unconditional loyalty we have been able to provide you with the highest standard of service, therefore I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and hope that you will continue to shower us with the same. I hope to bring to you the new happenings in our hotels through this issue of Atom magazine to connect, bond and share our visions for the future. As always, we look forward to welcoming you to our hotels with lots of love and wish to bring to you the best of the best.
My 5 Golden Rules to Success Truth, Hardwork, Integrity, Character, Hope
Yours Sincerely, Chevalier Dr. M.G. Muthu Chairman
A Message from the Vice Chairman Welcome to the second issue of Atom, the MGM Muthu Hotels magazine for you, our guests and members. MGM Muthu Hotels has set in place a strong foundation which will take it to its next phase of development. The strategic planning will spearhead its growth and further establish MGM Muthu Hotels. It has a dedicated and experienced team who is focused on capitalizing on our strengths and identifying opportunities to ensure the ongoing success of the company. The start of the summer has been fantastic, MGM Muthu Hotels has brought to it an amazing 500 sq Ft TV screen, the first ever in
04
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Albufeira. As well as this it is a pleasure and with great pride to announce in this issue of ATOM our new acquisition the Forte da Oura hotel. This year has seen many new adventures embarked on for the company. With the growing demand for holidays in the Algarve we are continuing to add beautiful hotels to our ever growing portfolio. We are deeply committed to the growth of MGM Muthu Hotels. We are confident of the long term prospects of the hotel industry given the significant potential of the global travel industry. I hope you enjoy your magazine. Best wishes MGM Maran Vice Chairman
Experience elegance
and comfort in MGM Muthu Hotels
which is surrounded by the energy of the warm and sunny Algarve. You can feel the heartbeat of the Algarve at our hotels, with international standards,
overlooking panoramic views, we provide you the finest in hospitality. Our goal
is to ensure
that our dear guests
“experience quality service’’ whether travelling for leisure or business, guests will discover friendly hospitality, thoughtful amenities and picturesque scenery to unwind
in style.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
05
Global Presence We Follow You...
ENGLAND (Coming Soon) FRANCE •
Lourdes
PORTUGAL • • • • •
06
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Clube Praia da Oura OuraPraia Hotel Oura View Beach Club Forte do Vale Forte da Oura
SPAIN • • •
Infiniti Beach Club (VBC) Grangefield Oasis Club Royal Park Albatros
INDIA
• • • • • •
Eastwoods Resort Beach Resort Hill Worth Resort Hi-Way Resort Vailankanni Residency Mark Whitefield
SINGAPORE •
Rider’s Lodge
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
07
New Acquisition Forte da Oura
MGM Muthu Hotels has yet again added another feather to its hat. MGM Muthu Group started out with 6 European hotels in it´s portfolio. Since then we have put in place the necessary foundations and created a brand with quality, flexibility and choice, with a solid financial and legal infrastructure that guarantees the integrity of the products. Under the brand name, MGM Muthu Hotel´s the hospitality business has gone from strength to strength in the past 2 years. MGM Muthu Hotels´ first acquisition was of the Forte do Vale Hotel, in August 2013. Close to a year later another purchase has been signed and completed. This is yet again another proud moment for all at MGM Muthu Hotel´s. 08
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
As the sun beams and lights up our faces, we proudly stand beneath the vast sky near the shores of unrelenting waves of the Algarve, gasping our breath to extend to you a wave of utter excitement and delight! We bring to you, the joyful news of our new acquisition - “Forte da Oura” that proudly stands as one of the largest and magnificent hotels in the Algarve. It sits richly near the beach and amidst our sister hotels. Visitors can now bask under the sunshine as the beach is hardly 300 meters from the Forte da Oura hotel. The new Forte da Oura is a beautiful and spacious 4 star hotel that is next door to the OuraPraia Hotel. It is comprised of 115 spacious, air conditioned apartments. The Forte da Oura features a large outdoor pool with a private area for kid´s, private sun loungers, a chic pool bar, stylish restaurant, extravagant entertainment; kid´s play area and a tennis court. This modern hotel has well appointed rooms with private balconies and a fully equipped kitchenette. Our new acquisition offers a full range of services and facilities tailored to serve the needs of meeting planners, business travellers and leisure guests. Our heartfelt thanks to the Almighty and to all our staff who have worked effortlessly and earnestly to maintain the high standards of MGM Muthu Hotels. Our salute to every member of our team and to all our dearest customers - as without your generous support and confidence in us, this would not have been made possible.
As always, at MGM Muthu Hotels we anticipate to sweep you into a realm of belonging by providing you with our heartfelt service! Therefore, we look forward to welcoming you all to MGM Muthu Hotels, Forte da Oura with love.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
09
Hotels Portugal
Clube Praia da Oura is perfectly positioned on the golden beach of Albufeira in the Algarve. The Clube Praia da Oura provides two swimming pools, lush tropical gardens, sauna, disco, bars, restaurant, children’s playground area, kids club, self service launderette and sundeck. Forte do Vale
offers apartments with a fully equipped kitchen and a private balcony, just 500 meters from Forte Beach in Albufeira.
OuraPraia Hotel Ideally located close to Albufeira’s bars, restaurants and lively nightlife and also a short distance from the golden sands of Praia da Oura beach. Oura View Beach Club
With nothing between it and the Atlantic Ocean, Oura View Beach Club is in a position of privilege - matched by few other hotels in the Algarve.
The vibrant town of Albufeira is only a short walk away.
10
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
The beautiful entrance to our Forte do Vale Hotel.
Enjoy a night cap poolside at the OuraPraia Hotel.
Enjoy the fantastic facilities at the Oura View Beach Club.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
11
Welcome to Infiniti Plus The MGM Muthu Hotels Group has been working hard for you! Developing ideas from our members suggestions is always a great challenge and at Infiniti we are dedicated to improving our services. Infiniti Plus was created for our existing Infiniti members. Delivering something extra ordinary and exclusive so that together with the already usual benefits that come with being an Infiniti member Infiniti Plus members could feel extremely special.
We want to make sure as an Infiniti Plus member that you enjoy further benefits and enjoy more and more luxury and quality holiday options in Platinum Resorts using your Infiniti points!
Throughout the past few months the MGM Muthu Hotels Group have come together to launch our Infiniti Plus membership to make your holiday planning easy and fun and with new and exciting benefits just especially for you!
We will give you greater flexibility, preferred access, exclusive privileges and you can even use your points for travel services, excursions and airport transfers!*
* Benefits are only available at Infiniti Platinum Resorts only and subject to services available in each Resort availability.
12
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
New Exclusive Areas to Infiniti Members All of us at Club Infiniti look forward in welcoming you to your Resorts and would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the new exclusive Infiniti areas at Clube Praia da Oura.
Clube Praia da Oura now has an exclusive sun deck (above the Ocean Bar) and an exclusive Infiniti Ocean Bar for our Infiniti Members, where you can enjoy a relaxing time while taking advantage of the 15% discount on all items. Enjoy a relaxing drink while the children are entertained by the games console, board games and TV! The private sun deck is serviced by one of our Infiniti Concierges, who will ensure all your needs are catered for.
The member’s areas at Clube Praia da Oura are only the first of many more new and exclusive areas to be introduced at all your favourite Infiniti Platinum Resorts! Just relax and enjoy the view of the Algarve Coast.
Say hello to your Infiniti Team!
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
13
14
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Renovations Update For the last 3 months the Clube Praia da Oura has under gone extensive refurbishment. All of the rooms have been fitted with luxury furniture and fittings as well as beautiful pieces of art. As well as this all of the balconies and walkways have been given new flooring and aircon has been installed. The 3 month renovation project has transformed the rooms into upscale accommodation and perfected every aspect of the guest experience.
The Clube Praia da Oura is now home to modern design, state of the art technology and stunning new aesthetic accents that accent the beautiful ocean view.
We hope that you enjoy and embrace these superb and magical changes and we look forward to you visiting us very soon.
Disclaimer: the contents of this brochure are to demonstrate to you the changes that we, as a company intend to make. The photos in this brochure are not exact and are subject to change. Complaints or liabilities will not be accepted and the management will not be held responsible.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
15
Entertainment At all of our resorts we have a full program of entertainment just for you. From live cabaret shows to water sports, on a daily basis a dedicated entertainment team is there to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the maximum. With new activities being added all the time, everyone is catered for through all of the seasons. Be sure to pick up your entertainment program from reception to see what is happening whilst you are on your holiday.
16
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Night-Time Entertainment: At night-time, our bars and restaurants offer you the best performances so you can enjoy even more your evening with us, with live dance shows, live duets, tribute shows with the best singers, dancers and entertainers in Albufeira. Our In-house entertainment team has prepared a great summer with brand new shows, live acts, floor shows plus a lot more‌ all has been prepared to give you the best shows and holiday ever.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
17
Daytime Activities: Our daytime activities cover all ages. We dedicate part of the morning and afternoon to the children, with the opening of our Barney Bee Club where there are many fun activities taking place. For the teenagers and adults we have different sports activities with the classic competitions such as darts, pool and table tennis, and the most famous archery and shooting tournament. Also during the day, we offer dance classes, such as ballroom, salsa and hip hop for all the guests. Not to be missed is the most popular activities, to keep you fit and healthy: water aerobics, fitness walks, zumba and much more. Many other activities are running on our program and now that the summer is coming, the water sports in our pools are a must. Not to forget of course our fantastic pool parties where the entertainment team are pool side keeping you entertained.
18
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Events
Sunset Ocean Bar Clube Praia da Oura Our events nights are not to be missed. Coming up this Summer, we have for you: Kizomba White Party with a professional Kizomba DJ. Portuguese evening with typical Portuguese tapas, folk dances, traditional games and popular Portuguese music to dance to. Latin Night with the professional band “Cuba Libre”, where the Latin heat and rhythms meet on the dance floor. For more information on our events and entertainment visit www.muthuhotels.com
Our Sunset Ocean bar is uniquely positioned with the Ocean as it’s backdrop. Against such a glorious backdrop, the sunrise & sunset add a dewy orange effect every morning & evening! The bar is made to help you unwind and relax. It is a real joy to enjoy your drink by the Oceanside.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
19
Barney Bee’s Kid’s Club
Guests staying in any of our resorts are invited to use the Barney Bee’s Kid’s Club at our sister resort Club Praia da Oura. The club offers great facilities for your children’s entertainment.
Kids Activities: Face painting, balloon modeling, bouncy castles, dance classes, Wii games, cooking classes, pool and park activities…
20
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
All for You: •
Tropical Gardens
•
Live Entertainment
•
Restaurants
•
Bars
•
Café Bars
•
Kids Club
•
Disco
•
Shops
•
Supermarkets
•
Kids Playground
•
Tennis Court
•
Swimming Pools
•
State of the art Gyms
•
Spas
•
Jacuzzis
•
Saunas
•
Free Wi-Fi
•
Piccadilly Circus Pub
•
Live Music
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
21
Restaurant & Bars
22
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
A delicious way to start your day is waiting for you in our restaurants. A full selection of breakfast specialties is served every morning. Lunch is served al-fresco, or relax poolside on your sun lounger with a snack. Rotating themed dinner buffet selections are sure to entice the palate created by our International Chefs.
Enjoy our bountiful breakfast buffet selections featuring fresh baked breads and pastries, seasonal fruits, smoked salmon, cereal, yoghurts and more.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
23
Travel In Style Jump on board the MGM Muthu Hotels Open Top Bus and take a tour of Albufeira. Our hop on – hop off bus service is completely free of charge to all of our guests and will pick you up and take you to any of our hotels every 15 minutes, 7 days a week. With scheduled trips to down town Albufeira, it is a great way for you to take in the scenery and to get the fresh air you need without having to make too much of an effort and of course topping up the tan at the same time. Our Open Top Bus offers you a hassle-free and time –friendly service, plus it is also a great opportunity to take some fantastic holiday photos. To find out more information on the time schedule of the bus please ask at reception.
You can see that many of our guests are already taking full advantage of this fantastic bus and are even catching a few extra sunshine rays in the process.
24
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
TRAVEL LDA. With car hire prices starting from as low as 20€ per day and transfers starting from 12€ per person. MGM Travel is a travel agency that is proud to be integrated in the MGM Muthu Group. MGM Travel is formed by professionals with extensive experience in national and international tourism. Equipped with the high quality vehicles MGM Travel is always at your disposal offering a top quality service. Please contact us to find out more information on the packages and services that we have to offer.
It’s a Pleasure! MGM Travel Lda. - Travel Agency Telf.: (+351) 289 508 562 | Telm./ Mobile: (+351) 925 341 083 Edifício OuraPraia, Lj. 8, Areias de S. João, 8200-381 Albufeira E-mail: geral@mgm-travel.com | Web: www.mgm-travel.com RNAVT 4257 ATOM Magazine • July 2014
25
Celebrate Your Wedding In Style MGM Muthu Hotels prides itself on being the best of the best in the hotel industry. But why stop there? Continuing with our great service into the wedding sector, we promise to give you and your partner the day that you have always dreamed of. We offer a range of packages to suit all needs and with our dedicated Weddings Team, we are on hand to help organize your special day from start to finish. Our hotels are superbly located on Portugal’s Algarve Coast and with the immaculate beaches just a stone’s throw away; it makes the perfect location to say those two important words “I DO”.
To know more, please download our Wedding Brochure from our website, www.mgmmuthuhotels.com or email us at weddings@petcheyleisure.com 26
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Projeto Ocean Revival Portimão A Visão - Para transformar o Algarve num destino subaquático a nível Mundial e atrair mergulhadores de todo o mundo à costa algarvia . A Estratégia - Criar uma estrutura de recifes artificiais constituindo um factor distinto para promover o turismo subaquático. O Projeto – Criar um Parque Subaquático ‘Ocean Revival’ de Navios de guerra da Marinha onde foram afundados quatro navios desactivados da Marinha Portuguesa. O projecto Ocean Revival, nasceu com o objetivo de promover o turismo subaquático na região, criando um destino de mergulho excepcional. Pela primeira vez, quatro navios ligados á História, foram deliberadamente afundados no mesmo local. Os quatro navios de guerra, representantes de uma frota da marinha, formam a maior estrutura do recife artificial única no mundo, com as condições ideais para a proliferação da vida marinha. O parque subaquático Ocean Revival estará localizado a leste da Estrutura Recife de Alvor, a 26-32 metros batimétricos com um mínimo de 15 metros de alcance visível de água cristalina. O local de mergulho ficará
Os Navios • The Zambeze Ocean Patrol (292 toneladas, 44 metros de comprimento e 8 de largura) • The Oliveira e Carmo Corvette (1420 toneladas, 85 metros de comprimento e 12 de largura) • The Almeida Carvalho Hydrographic ship (1320 toneladas, 64 metros de comprimento e 12 de largura) • The Hermengildo Capelo Frigate (2,700 toneladas, 102 metros comprimento e 12 de largura)
situado a uma milha da área da marina de Portimão.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
27
Cortiça portuguesa conquista Hollywood Depois de Nova Iorque, Japão, Arábia Saudita e muitos outros cantos do mundo, a cortiça portuguesa chega agora a Hollywood. O aglomerado de cortiça conquistou Hollywood para assumir o papel de protagonista em cenas de efeitos especiais, quando é preciso simular explosões, como aconteceu nos filmes “Missão Impossível”, com Tom Cruise, “Gangster Squad”, com Sean Penn, ou “Total Recall”, com Colin Farrel. Em “Ghostbusters” ajudou a simular detritos que caíam dos edifícios, em “Dante’s Peak” serviu para recriar rochas vulcânicas e, por regra, sempre que nos filmes há balas a embater contra algum material. as partículas projetadas pelo ar após o impacto são feitas de cortiça. A cortiça é a casca do sobreiro (Quercus Suber L), uma árvore nobre com características muito especiais e que cresce nas regiões mediterrânicas como Espanha, Itália, França, Marrocos, Argélia e, sobretudo, Portugal, onde existem 716 mil hectares de montado de sobro, bem como uma indústria da cortiça de grande importância económica. É uma árvore espantosa, de grande longevidade, e com uma enorme capacidade de regeneração. Consegue viver em média 150 a 200 anos, apesar dos muitos descortiçamentos que lhe fazem ao longo da sua existência: cerca de 16 intercalados por períodos de nove anos.
28
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Cão de Água Português Corajoso, meigo e pescador exímio. O Cão de Água Português foi, durante muito tempo, inseparável companheiro dos pescadores, a quem ajudava na pesca e na defesa do seu barco e propriedade. Hoje, o também chamado Cão de Água Algarvio, já pouco é utilizado como animal de trabalho. Raça autóctone com uma inteligência invulgar, os cães pescadores são corajosos, afectuosos, resistentes à fadiga e com um porte alegre e altivo, conferido pelo corpo robusto e musculado. Geralmente são pretos e uma das suas características específicas é a membrana interdigital que faz deles excelentes nadadores e mergulhadores. Noutros tempos, o Cão de Água Algarvio tinha lugar cativo entre a tripulação, sempre pronto e atento aos movimentos da faina, transportando mensagens de um barco para outro, para ir buscar as redes rasgadas ao mar ou puxar as cordas que prendiam os barcos em terra. A imensa amizade existente entre o animal e o dono fazia com que os Cães de Água, apesar de terem grande valor, nunca fossem vendidos, mas sempre oferecidos, num gesto indicador de que estes dóceis caninos não tinham preço. Recentemente, a raça ganhou publicidade inesperada após a família do presidente dos EUA, Barack Obama, ser presenteada pelo falecido senador Edward Kennedy (Ted), com um cão de água português como mascote. O cachorro, chamado Bo, foi apresentado ao público a 14 de abril de 2009, e despertou grande interesse à imprensa.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
29
Because Our Goal Is To Please You
30
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Meeting Rooms For All At Forte do Vale Hotel - Albufeira Where Bright Ideas Are Made ATOM Magazine • July 2014
31
Travel Tips 5 Reasons to Travel Lightly 1. No baggage fees or charges 2. No Waiting at the luggage carrousel 3. No lost bags 4. Feel lighter and carry less weight 5. Lose less in the hotel rooms The key is to pack things that can mix and match (and to do some hotel room laundry!)
What’s the plan? What are you planning on doing? A beach vacation needs swimsuit and beach accessories, a wedding getaway needs your wedding attendee gear.
What’s the weather like? Always pack a light umbrella, but that being said, pack according to the weather of the destination. Raincoats for wet places, shades and sunscreen for tropical.
Keep Hydrated! Always have a bottle of water on you. It’s so important in hot climates to keep the skin and brain healthy.
Shoes are Usually Heaviest To prevent your shoes from crushing delicate clothing, tuck them around the perimeter of your suitcase.
Roll Roll Roll Your Clothes Fill the corners of suitcases and duffels with casual clothes rolled into little sausages. This way you can distribute lots of items evenly throughout a small bag.
Space Issues Drop the bag on the floor - things will settle, & you’ll find extra room. 32
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
A Panoramic View
A panoramic view of the swimming pool at the Clube Praia da Oura capturing the full beauty of our amazing pool and sunbathing area.
A full view of one of our apartments at the Oura View Beach Club. Bright and stylish.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
33
Emotions At
34
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
The Ocean
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
35
Golf If you are looking for the ultimate golfing experience then the Algarve is the place to be. MGM Muthu Hotels has various packages to suit all. With championship golf courses less than 15 minutes away, our deals are a sure hole in one. For a great golfing experience visit our website: www.muthuhotels.com
The world-class holiday region of the Algarve has scooped the prestigious title of International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) European Golf Destination of the Year 2013 - the pinnacle of golf tourism awards.
36
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
With six courses in the recently released prestigious Golf World Top 100 Courses in Continental Europe, the Algarve continues to provide a heady mix of world-class layouts and value for money - a blend which was, no doubt, in the minds of more than 500 golf tour operators who voted in the awards.
12th June - 13th July
500sq ft screen - The largest and first in Portugal! 500 Sq.ft Big Screen What a fantastic start to the summer we will be having here at MGM Muthu Hotels. With the FIFA World Cup we bring you a 500 sq ft TV to watch all those important games. We will have 2 for 1 drinks offer, cheerleaders, VIP area, free children´s area and much much more! We can´t wait for the games to begin and for the Ocean Bar to be full with laughter, cheers and joy. The atmosphere is going to be euphoric!
Ecrã Gigante de 45m² Que início de verão fantástico, vamos ter aqui no MGM Muthu Hotels. Para assistir aos jogos mais importantes do Mundial de Futebol, nós disponibilizamos-lhe um ecrã gigante de 45m². Teremos ainda bebidas 2x1, claques, área VIP, área para crianças e muito mais! Estamos impacientes para que os jogos comecem e que o Oceano Bar fique cheio de risos, aplausos e alegria. Já se sente o ambiente de eufória!
Pantalla gigante de 45m² Qué inicio de verano más fantástico vamos a tener aquí en los Hoteles MGM Muthu con la Copa del Mundo de fútbol, les ofrecemos ver los partidos más interesantes en una pantalla gigante de 45 m2. Ofrecemos 2 por 1 en bebidas, animadoras, zona VIP, zona para niños, regalos y mucho más! Estamos impacientes de que empiecen los partidos y que el bar Ocean se llene de risas, aplausos y alegría. El ambiente va a ser fenomenal! ATOM Magazine • July 2014
37
Beauty Starts with the Soul
Spa & Health Club Our Facilities at a Glance Spa • Indoor Heated Pool • Jacuzzi • Pediluvium • Sauna • Turkish Bath
38
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
• • • • •
Bithermic Shower Douche Vichy Scottish Shower Whirlpool Hydro Massage Room Massage Rooms
Gym • Weights Room • Cardio Room • Strength and Flexibility Room • Fitness/Group Class Studio • Changing Rooms with Lockers • Reception Area
Our spa´s echo the key elements of MGM Muthu Hotels, focusing mainly on your enjoyment and relaxation. In the sanctuary of our spa´s, a team of specialized masseurs is waiting to transport you to a peaceful haven. They will help select the perfect treatment and carefully craft it to suit you. Whether you are looking for a head massage, foot massage or an all over body treatment, we have a long list for you to choose from. Once you enter the treatment room, you instantly feel transported. From the aromatic scents in the air, warm décor and calming music, we seek to envelop you in comfort and serenity.
We invite you to genuinely focus on your own wellbeing, and you are in a uniquely, beautiful place to do just that. Our spas are unmatched elsewhere in Albufeira. ATOM Magazine • July 2014
39
Hotels Spain
Royal Park Albatros
- Imagine a holiday resort that is 100 meters from the ocean, adjacent to 27 holes of championship golf, has mountains for a backdrop and is set on one of the sunniest islands in Europe - Tenerife’s Royal Park Albatros is that resort.
Infiniti Beach Club (VBC) can be found on the refreshingly un-spoilt Almeria coast, a southern Spanish coastline that offers a taste of ‘real Spain’. The Grangefield Oasis Club lives up to its name, being a true holiday haven, an oasis of relaxation and tranquility.
The vibrant night life in Spain is not to be missed. Our hotels offer a wide selection of entertainment so there is something to suit everyone.
40
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Enjoy the tropical surroundings of the Infiniti Beach Club
Take in the beautiful gardens as you sit and relax poolside at the Grangefield Oasis.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
41
Garden´s in Bloom
Grangefield Oasis Club At the Grangefield Oasis the gardens are a true sanctuary and so enchanting, they are always in full bloom. The lawns are green and for all of those who pass through the gardens there is something to admire. All of the beautiful flowers have exploded into a kaleidoscope of color, each bloom trying to outdo the other. However all of our flowers are just as precious, delicate and as fragrant as the other. Our gardeners work extremely hard to maintain these treasures for you, with the clear sunny days and warm evenings the gardens need special care and attention every single day.
The Oasis gardens are an oasis for all and a true admiration amongst our guests. Rafael Martins is our head gardener and has been tending to our plants and gardens since 1996 with the assistance of his team. He tells us that he tries to change the aesthetics of the gardens every year in order to “break” the monotony of the landscape, through pruning the trees and shrubs, so that different shapes and layouts are in place, so that to exploit the most colorful of each season. The gardens have been cultivated with aromatic and culinary plants so that our chefs can enrich the dishes that we serve to our guests.
42
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Here is a little bit of information about some of the lush flowers that are planted for you. Petunia There are over 35 different species of the Petunia all which have a wide range of color and size. This is an annual flower that is a part of the Solanaceae family. It requires at least 5 hours of sunlight a day and can tolerate high temperatures. The best time of year for these type of flowers to grow is in the spring.
Geranium There are over 233 different species of this annual flower. The Geranium can be found throughout different countries of high temperature, in the mountains and tropics but mostly in the eastern part of the Mediterranean. Geraniums have 5 petals and are colored in white, pink, purple or blue.
Roses The Rose is from the Rosaceae family of which there are over 100 species. The flowers vary in size and shape. They range from compact in size to climbers of over 7 meters in height. Most of the species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America and northwest Africa.
Gazania The Gazania is native to Southern Africa. They produce large, daisy like flowers in rich shades of yellows and oranges. The Gazania´s are grown for their brilliant colors. There have been 16 recognized species of the Gazania however 7 of these are now extinct.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
43
Interesting Facts About Portugal The Portuguese language is spoken by about 230 million people around the world (incl. 210 million native speakers), and is the official language of 9 countries.
Almost 12% of the inhabitants of Luxembourg and 3% of the people in France are of Portuguese descent. Paris has the largest Portuguese community outside Portugal and is the second largest Portuguese city after Lisbon based on the number of Portuguese residents.
The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon is the longest bridge in Europe with 17,185 m (56,381 feet).
The Lisbon-based S.L. Benfica is the world’s most supported football club according to the Guinness Book of World Record.
In October 2011, Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara caught the biggest wave (30 m / 90 ft) ever surfed to date at Praia do Norte, near the town of Nazaré, in central Portugal.
44
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Interesting Facts About Spain Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have been ranked as the world’s two richest football clubs since the 2008-09 season. Real Madrid has clung to the top of the Deloitte Football Money League since 2004-05.
The Spaniards have a completely different life rythmn from other Europeans. They typically have lunch between 1 and 3 pm, dinner around 10 pm, and rarely sleep before the early hours of the night. Prime time TV in Spain starts at 10 pm and lasts until 1 am. Likewise the peak for radio listening in the morning is around 10 am.
Spanish culture greatly influenced modern art from the late 1800’s, with artists like Antoni Gaudí (Art Nouveau), Pablo Picasso (expressionism, cubism, surrealism), Joan Miró (surrealism), or Salvador Dalí (surrealism).
In July 2005, Spain became the third country on Earth to legalise same-sex marriage, after the Netherlands and Belgium. In the same year the country also legalised full joint adoption by same-sex couples.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
45
Comfort at Your Doorstep Royal Park Albatros
In a peaceful residential area on the beautiful south side of the Island, Royal Park Albatros offers 160 self-catering apartments clustered around a large outdoor swimming pool with a cascading rocky waterfall and immaculate tropical gardens. Royal Park Albatros is a surefire favorite for golf lovers, families and couples alike.
The Presidential Suite is a fully furnished lavish four bedroom apartment that sits on the highest floor. The private jacuzzi overlooks the beautiful pool. Relax and take in the breath-taking views!
46
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
¿El lince ibérico se extinguirá pronto? El lince ibérico es la especie felina más amenazada del mundo. Existe el temor de que puede llegar a ser el primer gato que se extinga desde los últimos 2.000 años. Después de haber disminuido continuamente la población durante los últimos 200 años sólo hay dos poblaciones reproductoras aisladas y pequeñas, las cuales se encuentran en el sur de España. Se tratan de aproximadamente 100 animales adultos, con tan sólo 25 hembras reproductoras. En el siglo 19 el lince ibérico se encuentra en España, Portugal y sur de Francia. La población ha disminuido de manera constante desde entonces, llegando a los niveles peligrosamente bajos que tenemos hoy. Gracias a los esfuerzos conjuntos de las administraciones nacionales y regionales españolas, así como diferentes grupos de protección como el WWF y la Unión Europea, la población total está aumentando actualmente. La muestra de ello está en la introducción de 230 linces, entre ellos 7 adultos en el área de Guadamellato, España, lo que sería el tercer territorio de linces. Tenemos que añadir los 81 animales que forman parte del Programa de Cría en Cautividad. Aunque hay signos de recuperación, el futuro de especies es aún frágil.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
47
Los turistas britanicos han gastado 2.5 billones de euros en lo que va de año en España El gasto de los visitantes extranjeros es un 12% mayor en los primeros cuatro meses de 2014. Los británicos gastarán más en España que en cualquier otra Nación. 2014 sigue siendo un año positivo para el sector turístico español, las cifras de abril muestran que el gasto de los visitantes extranjeros está en alza en comparación con el año pasado. Según las cifras, los visitantes extranjeros en España gastaron 4.790 millones de euros en abril, un 18,4% más que en el mismo mes del año pasado. Una vez más, los británicos y los alemanes encabezan la lista de los gastos mediante la contribución del 19,6% y el 16,6% del total, respectivamente. Esto es en parte como resultado de la Semana Santa que fue en abril de este año. Hasta el momento las cifras se están barajando son muy superiores a las del año pasado, con un gasto total de los turistas extranjeros hasta un 11,8% más, que es aproximadamente 14.856 millones de euros. Esto se debe al hecho de que más y más personas están visitando España; ha habido hasta ahora un 13,2% más de visitantes en lo que va de año. Los visitantes de este año han gastado una media de 111 euros por día y cerca de 1.000 euros durante su visita. Una vez más los datos muestran que los británicos y los alemanes son los que más consumen, representando más del 17% cada uno del total. La región que más turismo recibe en la actualidad son las Islas Canarias sin embargo, es probable que le sea arrebatado el primer lugar durante el verano; que es cuando Cataluña recibe la mayor parte de turismo más estacional. Con este aumento de cifras, España esta gradualmente saliendo de la crisis. 48
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Invasión de Vikingos este verano en Barcelona Cuando escuchamos la palabra “Vikingo”, la imagen que nos viene a la mente es la de los invasores de pelo largo con casco con cuernos, saqueando poblados vestidos con pieles de animales, pero una nueva exposición en el Museo Marítimo de Barcelona nos da la oportunidad de averiguar si esta imagen es cierta o no. “Vikingos” está en el museo hasta el 28 de septiembre y tiene como objetivo revelar la verdad sobre el mundo vikingo y su forma de vida. La exposición ha sido elaborada con la ayuda del Museo Statens Historiska de Estocolmo y el Museo “partner”, que transporta a sus visitantes a un viaje por las tierras heladas del norte de Europa de hace más de mil años. Las ocho secciones de la exposición nos llevarán a través de la historia de los vikingos del siglo 8 al siglo 12, así como su expansión desde sus orígenes en el Báltico y en el Mar del Norte hasta el sur de Francia. La exposición permite a los visitantes aprender más acerca de su modo de vida, de las armas y objetos de guerra con sus instrumentos de labranza, joyas y obras de arte. El punto principal de la exposición es una réplica a escala completa de un “drekar”, la típica barca funeral de los vikingos. La entrada cuesta 5 € y el museo está abierto 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
49
La semana de Rioja en la ciudad de Nueva York
Vinos españoles galardonados, date un chapuzón en la Gran Manzana El pasado noviembre, el vino Rioja ha creado un gran revuelo cuando el Cune Rioja Imperial Gran reserva 2004 fue elegido como el vino del año 2013. Esta es la primera vez que un vino español ha encabezado la lista. Mientras que los franceses e italianos no han tenido quejas,” el Vino Spectator” dijo: la distinción refleja una revolución de estilo y carácter que redefinió la región de la Rioja en los últimos 20 años. El Rioja esta programado para ser lanzado la primera semana de Rioja en la ciudad de Nueva York este año. Restaurantes, bares, y tiendas de vino en todo Nueva York serán los anfitriones de vinos y degustaciones de alimentos, así como rifas y también se ofrece ventas al por menor con especiales descuentos. Para rematar el evento la “Gran degustación de comercio y medios “serán los anfitriones de los profesionales de la industria del vino con un Festival Rioja Vino y Tapas. Sirviendo como evento principal, la fiesta del vino y tapas contara con más de 200 vinos y 25 cocineros españoles que ofrecen una muestra de la región de la Rioja. Los asistentes podrán caminar por las calles rodeadas de improvisados stand con tapas, disfrutar del jamón curado español en un bar, una aventura en la cueva del queso y observar el proceso de elaboración de la paella en Paella Garden. El evento se celebrará en el reciente reabierto Weylin B. Seymour, un hito de 138 años de edad en Brooklyn situado a los pies del puente Williamsburg. Las ganancias la fiesta serán para beneficiar al programa de Becas de la fundación James Beard.
50
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Organiser un événement à Paris Vous souhaitez organiser un événement à Paris? Que ce soit professionnel ou pour une occasion privée (mariage, baptême, bar-mitzvah)… L’Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de Paris peut vous aider à trouver le lieu et les prestataires les plus adaptés pour votre événement. Le Bureau des Congrès de Paris a pour mission d’apporter une réponse sur mesure aux professionnels (entreprises et associations) qui souhaitent organiser un événement à Paris. Seul ou en partenariat avec des professionnels parisiens, le Bureau des Congrès participe à des salons internationaux et à des workshops pour présenter l’offre parisienne sur le marché dutourisme d’affaires. Il organise également des démarchages et des éductours ciblés, à l’intention des prescripteurs, dont la presse. Pour les privés, l’Office prend également à cœur de les guider dans leur recherche de lieu et de services.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
51
Pour les enfants À Paris, de nombreux endroits se spécialisent dans les activités pour enfants. Des spectacles de marionnettes, des cirques, des magiciens, des conteurs, et des chanteurs, tant de représentations de qualité pour de superbes sorties en famille. Le cirque Bouglione, Blanche Neige à Bobino, le petit Poucet au théâtre Aktéon, Disney vivant au Grand Rex... Cette année à nouveau, un énorme choix pour les petits. Et il y a en réserve des surprises culturelles pour les enfants ainsi que pour les plus grands, avec de grandes expositions pour 2014. Pixar, 25 ans d’animation, la Guerre des Étoiles et beaucoup plus. Comme le fameux et très apprécié festival pour enfants “Pestacles” au Parc floral, la plupart des spectacles extérieurs sont ouverts aux enfants et représentent une opportunité pour un pique-nique en famille. Enfin les ateliers d’Art de certains musées tel que le Louvre, Orsay, le musée en herbe, la Pinacothèque, le palais de Tokyo et le Centre Pompidou pourraient transformer vos enfants en fameux artistes. Paris a beaucoup à offrir pour occuper les enfants, les familiariser avec l’art et leur offrir plein de merveilleuses surprises. Durant toute l’année, vous trouverez une sélection d’évènements importants pour toute la famille dans PARISINFO.
52
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Photomontages de Paris, mélangeant le vieux et le nouveau.
Un artiste parisien, fasciné par l’aspect hors du temps de la capitale, a décidé de mélanger le passé et le présent de la ville. Julien Knez, un directeur d’art, descend dans les rues avec son appareil photo, vers ses endroits préférés de Paris ou bien encore emprunte les photos de Google Street View pour capturer l’aspect actuel de la ville. Il travaille ensuite ses clichés avec des cartes postales anciennes de la cité lumière, datant depuis 1900. Le résultat est fascinant. Dans un montage, une foule de parisiens des temps modernes se trouve dans un coin de rue, avec sur fond la cathédrale Notre Dame, alors qu’une multitude des années 1900 se déplace sur la même portion de rue. Il est incroyable de voir combien d’endroits ont si peu changé alors que d’autres sont transformés. De nombreux immeubles de pierre et certaines rues ressemblent beaucoup à ce qu’ils étaient il y a un siècle mais d’autres ont complètement disparu. Knez semble être très imprégné de cette collision avec le passé. Il écrit dans son carnet de notes où il a placé les images: “c’est intéressant de plonger dans cet ère où il n’y avait pas de voitures et où seuls les véhicules tirés par des chevaux circulaient sur les pavés de la capitale. “De l’Opéra au Moulin Rouge en passant par Notre Dame, voici mes séries de photos”.
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
53
Coming Soon We´re Growing!
MGM Muthu Hotels will soon be popping up in England and France. With different locations to be announced for both of these destinations, the wait will soon be over.
We are very excited and cannot wait to share the news with you about the properties that will soon be joining our portfolio, offering you a wider range of exceptional and beautiful destinations.
We are very excited about the opening of these properties and cannot wait to share the news with you. Stay tuned to find out more about the properties that will soon be joining our portfolio, offering you a wider range of exceptional and beautiful destinations.
54
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
Issue nº2
•
July 2014
WWW.MUTHUHOTELS.COM
Follow us on:
ATOM Magazine • July 2014
56