TURBANS

LAST MONTH, we left Jack and Walter nervous but excited, enthusiastic but anxious, as they waited for the completion date of the Casa Amor development, which they’d hoped would be ready to welcome guests in the autumn.

When we met them early that month to talk about our October issue, they didn’t know if their time goal would be achieved. So, while getting ready for the big opening, we asked them about the ten places they particularly like in the Algarve... the ones that they will share with their future guests.

“Our ten favourite places? Not to mention Olhão, its beautiful islands or the Ria Formosa? Okay, I’m going for it,” said Jack. “I’m thinking of Pedro and Michael’s Côrte Real Gallery. It’s a wonderful discovery, in Paderne.

“The gallery itself, tucked up a hill above the village, is a very special place, an old farmhouse, where we like to get lost, while never forgetting to lower our heads going from room to room and up the stairs to yet another area. We appreciate their artistic choices and it is here that we discovered Juan Galan whose creation will join Casa Amor. He usually paints plants and patios like no one else; you can hear the water flowing and feel the freshness...”

And Walter? “Right next to Olhão, in Moncarapacho, I like to venture into the Monterosa grove and mill. They produce olive oil there – very special olive oils, each with its own taste personality. The Maçanilha is perhaps my favourite – it’s fresh and elegant, perfect on toasted bread from Pão com Manteiga. We will have both at Casa Amor. At Monterosa, you can participate in tastings or take a walk in the splendid grove, with the scent of orange blossoms, the view of olive trees. The drive in is beautiful, lined with palm trees”.

On the Algarve you can’t escape the beach conversation, and you just have to take the boat from Olhão to the islands. The beach of Cacela Velha is another real love of the duo’s.

“First there’s the charming little village and the view of the Ria Formosa and the ocean... there is an air of the Caribbean here,” says Jack. “We take the path that descends to the ocean and we cross on foot or by small boat – the tide makes the decision for us – and we walk a little. Even in August there are wide open spaces, and out of season it’s a real pleasure.”

“And if you like walking, just wander along the beaches, but also look at them from above: the 7 Hanging Valleys offer a magical hike from Algar Seco and the cave of Boneca to the Praia de Marinha, a 10-kilometre walk that will clear your head and let you see beautiful hearts. Amor, Amor,” Walter smiles.

Next, it’s to São Brás de Alportel, where Jack and Walter discovered the Museu do Traje. “The historic house itself that is home to various collections is exceptional,” Jack reports. “As a costume museum, it is rich in content that tells a story of the past. The collection is not focused purely on the folkloric, but also tells the lightness of the Roaring Twenties and the harshness of war.”

For Walter, the Faro Museum deserves a visit: “It is housed in the former convent Nossa Senhora da Assunção, which dates from the XVI century. I love its cloister – so soothing – and the huge mosaic of the ocean of the 3rd century, so delicate.

“In a radically different style is the sardine museum of Portimão, that tells through photographs, sculptures and displays how this little fish has carried an entire country.”

And when a change of scenery is called for? “Olhão is ideally located to discover the region – you could say that from here you are far from nothing,” muses Jack. “For surfing, Aljezur and the Vicentine coast are only an hour and a half away, and on a heatfilled day in Olhão, escaping to Monchique is always a good idea: you discover another Algarve. Mount Fóia is the highest point in the region, and if you are short of breath, you can just enjoy the thermal baths, forget the worries and de-stress.”

A destination is missing to conclude the top ten of Casa Amor: “It’s difficult to limit yourself to ten,” sighs Walter, “but let’s go to Silves and its red sandstone castle. During the medieval festival in August you are transported back in time. It is an amazing experience that is fun for the whole family.”

So life goes on for the Casa Amor supremos as they ready themselves for the big day. When will that be? Jack and Walter don’t want to give a definite date right now as they don’t want to disappoint those who are waiting patiently and looking forward to what will be the grand event of the autumn.