algarvePLUS 'December '23 by Martin

P L A C E S

M O R E H O H O H O T H A N Y O U E V E R I M A G I N E D

P E O P L E

I N F O R M A T I O N

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

P L U S

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Home

Of ce + 351 289 355 697

Mobile + 351 919 136 146

Centro O Tradicional - Almancil

info@sevenquintas.com

www.sevenquintas.com

Seven Quintas Property Search Mediação Imobilaria Lda. - AMI 7490

L UP A FR R O S N 24 W TH T E : I N A N 30 CO E LL IC K 48 CA LLE O T HI F CT N 50 20 SA G TI IO S A M 65 N M RE QU N E S O EW E C R 68 ST BO IP E I O O 73 G O N K A F 80 TH S SH RD ‘EM E E A 83 PO M PE NIN O G 86 U N TE RT P TH FO C 89 W HN LI H O O 91 A A DV TE 93 V M I ER CE O N 95 G HA EY TO O I 98 EX PP AG NG M A PA EN EN T L A ED N DA EG TER TS D A TO S L FI N ... A LL Y. ..

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Is your home ‘Christmas ready?’ Let Oliveira Decor help you make this Christmas special

HIGH QUALITY FURNITURE • DECORATION • LIGHTING • TABLEWARE • OUTDOOR LIVING • INTERIOR DESIGN

www.byoliveira.com Store: Rua Almirante Candido dos Reis, 243, Tavira, 8800-318 (Next door to the Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Centre) @ Oliveiradecortavira @ Oliveirafurniture Call: 962 379 584 Email: decor@byoliveira.com

START OFF PLUS

SUSI ROGOL-GOODKIND, EDITOR

+351 965 581 831 | susi@rogol-goodkind.com

C O N T A C T S MARTIN GOODKIND

KIM COLLEY

Publisher +351 963 146 398 martin@algarveplusmagazine.com

Art Director +44 (0)7973 426196 dk.colley@btinternet.com

(COST OF CALLS AT YOUR MOBILE PROVIDER’S RATE)

APT 1093, EC Olivas de St Ant (Loulé) 8101-904. Printed by Jorge Fernandes Ldª AlgarvePLUS is published monthly. 6,000 copies are made available through a hand-picked distribution network from Tavira to Guia, Almancil, the Golden Triangle, Loulé, São Brás and Santa Bárbara. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any written material or illustration in any form for any purpose other than short extracts for agreed review purposes, is strictly forbidden. AlgarvePLUS does not accept liability for loss or damage to any materials submitted for publication. Or claims made by advertisers. The views expressed by interviewees or contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or AlgarvePLUS. algarveplusmagazine.com

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l ALGARVE P L U S

It’s log fire time, and woolly socks, and hearty stews, and watching television in bed – an episode or three of one of the Turkish sagas on Netflix. My new year’s resolution is to actually check on the number of episodes in any single series before getting stuck in, getting hooked and getting to face up to the fact that there’s months ahead of twists and turns and family fractures and goodies vs baddies and does-she-love-him little side dramas. In the summer months, while we are enjoying outdoor living, television takes a back seat, but right now we want our Strictly every Saturday (the finals are on the 16th), and to know if Omer and Elif will end up together. Hot mulled wine and a bolo rei and we’re set. This time of the year, though, it makes sense to travel and discover more parts of this country that we call home. The hot summer months are not ideal for adventuring, but right now it is worth switching off the television, wrapping up warm, and heading out to new places. Our band of wonderful writers have an inbuilt curiosity about their surroundings and are ready, always, to investigate and share their findings with you. Our thanks go to them, to our uber-talented designer, to our everpatient proof reader, to our advertisers who make AlgarvePLUS possible, and to our readers who are fast to give us the thumbs up. We wish you all a happy, healthy and successful 2024.

Welcome

CÕRTE-REAL GALLERY S I M P LY T H E B E S T I N T H E A L G A RV E

VERY BEST WISHES TO ALL OUR FRIENDS GALLERY CLOSED DEC 17th - OPEN Jan 18th

PRESSIES PLUS

Kit & Caboodle in Almancil are stocking some great gifts and decorations this Christmas, from rustic wood to sparkle and glitter, as well as gorgeous gift wraps and cards. 289 394 257. kitandcaboodle.pt

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And so to bed. The New Burel Factory Art and Home Collection transforms and reinvents functional objects into pieces filled with essence, comfort and soul, in the ancient wool culture of Serra da Estrela region. Throws from €149; cushions from €78. burelfactory.com F R O N T COV E R : No snow. Just a jolly Christmas in the sunshine. The Algarve is a year-round home. Not just for happy holidays

Molton Brown has long been a big name in heavenly scented products for him, for her, for the home. This Christmas signature candle brings the delicious aromas of mandarin and spice together – treat yourself! From Dunas Living in Almancil. €55. dunas-living.com

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

First choice of kids today? Yep, new trainers please. Sneakers by Veja in Brazilian and Peruvian organic cotton for the canvas and laces, Amazonian rubber for the soles, plus various innovative materials made from recycled plastic bottles or recycled polyester. From €99. veja-store.com/pt

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Flying Balloon Heart by Mr Brainwash is a work in stencil and mixed media on a sculpture of fiberglass sitting on an acrylic base. 75x36x25cm, at Art Catto in Loulé. 289 419 447. artcatto.com

Christmas aromas from Algarve Candle Company. Nutcracker is a warm and inviting blend of rich spices and sweet vanilla with top notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. 40-hour soy wax candle, €19. algarvecandleco.com

One for the horse lovers ... bronze statue with a distressed finish, 39Hx35Wx12Dcm. €395, at Oliveira in Tavira, next to the Gran Plaza Shopping Centre. 962 379 584. byoliveira.com

PRESSIES PLUS

AlgarvePLUS dec23.pdf

17/11/2023

PRESSIES PLUS

TAVIRA - LAGOS - OLHÃO KOZIISHOP.COM

Launched earlier this year, Algarve 1434 is a fragrance from Portuguese house Leme that lives up to its name with an intoxicating aroma of orange and almond trees in bloom. Available in Casa da Bli stores in Loulé, Quinta Shopping, Vilamoura, Quarteira and others, as well as Mar d’Estórias in Lagos. 100ml. €44.90. facebook.com/Lemeportugal

Hand thrown, hand painted espresso cups, made and sold at Olaria Pequena on the EN125, at the Porches roundabout. €20 each. 282 381 213. olariapequena.com

Inspired by the citrus groves of Comporta and the Algarve, Memorice has three glorious products within its home rituals collection – a scented candle, €38; a home spray, €32; and a diffuser, €38. Full of summer energy, with a medley of Sicilian lime and zesty bergamot with juicy ripe mandarins, aquatic white florals, peppery basil and caraway seeds. Yum. 968 664 124. memorice.pt

CMY

Kozii is a fashion & interiors Portuguese brand, based in the Algarve. It is distinguished by maintaining the highest standards of quality and awareness in its material selection and production processes, blending contemporary sensibilities with long-lived printing and weaving traditions f rom the state of Rajasthan, in India. ! visit if you dare !

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PRESSIES PLUS

Limited-edition handknitted baby alpaca wool sweater from INTI, in guava, ecru or blue from Martina Fashion, Rua Jose Fernandes Guerreiro 39, beside Loulé’s municipal market. €199. 964 222 612. martina-loule.com

Teatro Nacional de São Carlos is one of Portugal’s cultural landmarks. Opened to the public after Lisbon’s big earthquake (1755), it is the only national theatre that presents opera regularly. The building itself, located in Chiado, is a masterpiece that deserves a visit. To celebrate its 230th birthday, the theatre partnered with Longines, the Swiss watch brand, to create a limited edition of 100 watches (only available in Portugal) with the image of the amazing façade of the theatre. €2,580.

boutiquedosrelogios.pt

Cork mat that looks like granite, for all those hot dishes. 33x18cm. From Ange Boutik in São Brás, a great place to shop for Christmas gifts. €12.50. angeboutik.com

What happens when two Portuguese brands such as Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro come together? The result is a collection called ‘The Meaning’ – big impact plates, fruit bowls, cups and tea pots in bold colours and patterns that give a new meaning (pun intended) to a festive setting. vistaalegre.com

The Finest Art Gallery in the Algarve

The Best Christmas Present Ever

www.artcatto.com Avenida José da Costa Mealha nº43 8100-500 Loulé | +351 289 419 447 | info@artcatto.com

A piece of cake T H E L O C AT I O N I S W A D D E S D O N I N T H E U K , B U T T H E V I S I O N , TA L E N T A N D R A W M AT E R I A L S A R E 1 0 0 % P O R T U G U E S E . J O A N A VA S C O N C E L O S ‘BAKED’ THE WEDDING CAKE SO WE CAN ALL H AV E A S L I C E O F P U R E A N D B O L D C R E AT I V I T Y

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STATEMENT PLUS

The Wedding Cake sits in the grounds of the farm belonging to Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, and is one of Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos’s most adventurous works yet. Three storeys high, it took five years from conception to realisation

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Everything about The Wedding Cake is delicious – the colours, the details, the complete originality. Wherever you look, there is another special feature

LL OF JOANA Vasconcelos’s pieces are

big. Occasionally, not in size but always in impact. The way she turns common objects into art makes us question concepts such as functionality and aesthetics; whether you love them completely – or not at all – you are never indifferent to them. The current exhibition showing at the MAAT, in Lisbon – named Plug-In and running until March 2024 – has been the talk of the town since the day it opened. Solitário (2018), the huge ring sitting outside the museum has been much photographed and posted on social media, with the river and the whiteness of the MAAT building forming the perfect background.

Take a bite But the most unexpected of Joana’s works in a long time is, undoubtedly, The Wedding Cake. It was commissioned by Lord

Rothschild, owner of Waddesdon Manor and the surrounding property and a long time fan of Joana’s work, and built – yes, it is not just an art installation, it is a building – in The Dairy, the farm’s old milk and butter making area, now transformed into a sophisticated venue for events. Nestled in the midst of old trees and bushes, The Wedding Cake emerges as a 12-metre-high pavilion, in pastel tones, in the form of a three-tiered wedding cake. There are several entrances and, everywhere you look, there are Viúva Lamego’s tiles, especially made for this piece of work, and ceramic figures such as Santo António, and fishes with water coming out of their mouths, like little fountains. Climb the stairs, and when you get to the top floor you can stand in the exact position where the bride and groom figures are usually placed on a cake. From there you have a treetop view of the property and, if in the mood, you can let your imagination take you to an

STATEMENT PLUS

Viúva Lamego, making tiles since 1849 First, a bit of background: In 2017, when the new administration arrived, the Portuguese factory in Sintra, Viúva Lamego, makers of the iconic ceramic tiles, was in a poor state. A whole new team – around 45 people in total – was hired and, altough the firm was a mess, one thing was immediately obvious: the relevance this old factory still had after so many years in production. Around three requests per day from all over the world (from architects, designers, artists) continued to come in, and the new owners realised that, although being disorganized and almost bankrupt, the brand still had its fame intact. They also felt that everyone had ideas of how best to save the brand, which meant that there was a general emotional attachment to Viúva Lamego, and that it was regarded as something of a national institution.

Re-emerging After six years of hard work (and a pandemic in between) the company is thriving again.

It is an atelier-factory so people who work there have to be very flexible. Almost all materials used are Portuguese. The clay is Portuguese, from Alcobaça, and most paints are also produced in this country. It is commonly said that Portugal is one of the few self-sufficient countries when it comes to ceramics.

And when it comes to the collaborantig artists, many ‘stay’ with the brand. Bela Silva, for instance, has an office there; she’s a kind of resident. Manuel Cargaleiro used to have one, too. But the company is always open to new talent, to young artists who want to visit, spend time there, and experiment. So what is expected of Viúva Lamego’s future? Being a business, profit is essential. Right now, the tiles they produce are considered fashionable. Many of the younger generations are not aware of the Viúva Lamego story but when they discover it, they are confirmed admirers. The ultimate goal is to make the firm stable, avoiding any ups and downs. The openess and encouragement to artists is to be continued and developed, as is its involvement with the community (they welcome children with special needs, for instance), and there are plans to bring old people to work there for a few hours a day, so they can feel useful and have fun at the same time. Because all the tiles are painted by hand, the limits to what can be done are few: the author’s imagination and physics. Anything else is possible. viuvalamego.com

First choice

More than just a claim, “Preserve the legacy to secure the future” is the basis of their whole strategy. The main goal was to make sure that Viúva Lamego will still be relevant for future generations. Rebuilding the business meant rekindling relationships with artists, going to fairs, putting themselves out there again. Nowadays, the business has three branches: architecture (working close to the ateliers to have a significant presence in the construction world); interior design (hotels, restaurants) and art (with artists or for artists). Each represents a third of the business. They have regular collections, some made with architects like Aires Mateus and artists like Bela Silva, to name just two. Joana Vasconcelos is one of the artists who values the history and heritage that the name Viúva Lamego represents. She challenged the company with an original project: to build that huge wedding cake in ceramics where people could walk around and climb the stairs. When presenting her larger-than-life concept to Viúva Lamego’s team, she asked if she could use some historic molds, and then she drew a slice of the – at the time – imaginary cake. Several members of the team went to fetch materials and tiles and all of a sudden they had a slice of the cake on the floor. That was the beginning of an amazing work of art that is a bit more than that. It is, actually, a three-storey building that involved licences and took around five years to be completed. The factory designated a team to be exclusively involved on the cake and they never stopped, not even during Covid 19.

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Alice in Wonderland kind of fantasy world. As said in the booklet launched for the opening of the piece, last June: “Wedding Cake is Vasconcelos’s most ambitious commission to date, described by the artist as a ‘temple to love’, celebrating festivity and marriage, inspired by the long, varied history of the wedding cake, full of symbolism and tradition... It was also inspired by the exuberant Baroque buildings and highlydecorative architectural ceramic traditions of Lisbon – where Vasconcelos lives and works. The tiles were made in the Viúva Lamego manufactory in Sintra, which has been operating for 170 years.” (More of this historic brand later.) The Wedding Cake is an immersive sculpture but also a building that looks so delicate and sweet, good enough to eat. Lord Rothschild commented about it and Joana’s work: “The vision, imagination and ambition exemplified in the Wedding Cake is a perfect match for the passion which drove Baron Ferdinand, the creator of Waddesdon, to build the Manor and the Dairy, where he intended that his many friends would be surprised and delighted at every turn.” About an hour’s drive from the centre of London, Waddesdon is an idyllic village to the north west with a small hotel – The Five Arrows – for those who want to stay the night and have more time to admire and venture into Joana Vasconcelos’s masterpiece that is the The Wedding Cake. waddesdon.org.uk

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ACCOLADES PLUS

Congratulations to the winners

lthough scheduled for 10 November, the organisers of the Algarve Awards had to take the decision to move to a different venue due to unforeseen problems at the original hotel. Staged on the 30th at its new home in the Wyndham Residences, Quinta do Lago, the awards night was a stunner, with the best of the best picking up their trophies and, along with their finalist colleagues, collecting their runner up trophies, applause and congratulations from a big and admiring audience. With no fewer than 340 submissions to this year’s awards programme, which offered new businesses, long-established companies, entrepreneurs and individuals the opportunity to showcase their achievements, this event recognises talent, dedication and determination of businesses here on the Algarve. Our heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists, the awards organisers who turned difficulties into a triumph, the Wyndham Residences for being so accommodating, and of course the sponsors who made the event possible. This year’s winners in the 19 award categories are: ALGARVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Winner: Lazer Telecom Runners up Especial 1 Seguranças SandyBlue BEST DIGITAL AWARD Winner: Dobro Agency Runners up Data Warrior Vendici Properties SUSTAINABILITY AWARD Winner: Quinta do Lago Runners up Algarve Solar Pool Heating Solutions Wyndham Grand Algarve

BEST NEW BUSINESS Winner: 2 Algarve Runners up Lasting Lawns PIE Lagos BUSINESS GROWTH Winners: Well, VdL Very Into Partying Runner up Yolo Lounge CONTRIBUTION TO CHARITABLE CAUSES Winner: Uschi Kuhn and Rotary Club Almancil Runners up Beverley Gibbons, Pinetrees Debby Burton, Alerta

CUSTOMER EXCELLENCE Winner: Sandy Blue Runners up Very Into Partying Wired Home Automation EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Winner: Mark Sebastian of Kiss FM Runners up Ricardo Claro, Well, VdL Daniel Andrade, Pinetrees Riding Centre HEALTH & WELLNESS Winner: The Campus Runners up Comfort Zone Concepts Saar@home INNOVATION AWARD Winner: SPArty Algarve Runners up Data Warrior Dobro Agency LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Winner: Ana Paulo Neto Runners up Anibal Moreno Mark Sebastian, Kiss FM MARKETING Winner: SandyBlue Runners up Pole with a View Quinta do Lago PRIDE OF THE ALGARVE Winner: Tubarões Runners up Debby Burton, Alerta Vila Sol Golf Academy

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Winner: Pole with a View Runners up Comfort Zone Concepts Golden Book SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD Winner: Debby Burton, Alerta Runners up Uschi Kuhn, Rotary Club Almancil Vila Sol Golf Academy TASTE OF THE ALGARVE Winner: Tribulum Algarve Runners up Donkey’s Bar & Restaurant PIE Lagos TEAM OF THE YEAR Winner: Wired Home Automation Runners up Pole with a View SandyBlue TOURISM & HOSPITALITY Winner: Pinetrees Riding Centre Runners up Quinta do Lago Well, VdL ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Winner: Lauren Venters of Very Into Partying Runners up Benjamin, Holist Fit Candice Everest, Honest Dragon

MY WAY PLUS

In the nick of time

ARRIVED in the Algarve over 20 years ago, when there didn’t feel like there was a wine scene here. Sure, the Alentejo and Douro regions were flourishing and had their very own sections in the supermarkets, but Algarve wine? Skip to today and we have restaurants that JUST serve Algarvian wine. Check out Bica Velha in Loulé – last time I was there they only served Algarve wines. A year ago, I ventured out on a mission to discover the wine farms here and experience some good old eno-tourism. Having grown up in Cape Town, I was well versed in wine tours. A great weekend out involved grabbing a designated driver and a bunch of alcohol-abusing friends and we’d go and educate ourselves in the ways of wine in places with names like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. You weren’t supposed to actually swallow the wine, just taste and spit... but really who does that? My cousin and I planned to visit three farms in the Algarve. Knowing how things work here, I felt a little uneasy that we hadn’t pre-booked, but that exact fact was going to add to the drama of the YouTube video (yup, it was a working excursion). We struck it lucky with our first choice, Quinta dos Santos near Carvoeiro, which reminded me of Boschendal, and a mixture of other gorgeous farms from my youth. Funny that, I learned the owners were South African! We sampled a small beer (yes, they have a brewery on their wine farm, too). We couldn’t try more than one each, as tastings were strangely only at a certain time. Odd. Lunch arrived with three small samples of wine, which was great. You’ll pay handsomely for the experience, but it’s a good one. Morgado do Quintão were wonderfully welcoming

For years I had driven straight past the gate of Quinta do Canhoto but never realised that there was a world-class wine farm right there.

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N I C K R O B I N S O N FA N C I E D A W I N E TA S T I N G E X P E R I E N C E H E R E I N T H E A LG A RV E , FO L LOW E D BY A G U I A- S T Y L E C H I C K E N P I R I P I R I . N OT A B A D WAY TO S P E N D A DAY

and squeezed us in between their regularly planned drinking (sorry TASTING) sessions. I can’t say enough great things about this place; our hostess was so friendly and giving of her time, even showing us the inner workings of the place, the bottling room and other tidbits behind the scenes. We moved onto tourist central… Albufeira. I’m not a huge fan of Albufeira but there are some wonderful things going on down there – great stand up paddling, excellent night clubs and a surf machine! We weren’t there for that, but we did enter a secret garden of delight after gliding up the drive of Quinta do Canhoto. For years I had driven straight past the gate, but never realised that there was a world-class wine farm right there. The tasting room was super well organised, modern, spacious and the owning family who served us were delightful. They have owned this farm for over 200 years and their pride, tradition and warmth really come through. My cousin and I had to soak up all these little tastings with some hearty Portuguese chicken piri piri, so we ducked down the road to the Algarve’s mecca of same: Guia. It’s a fascinating site seeing hundreds of people queuing for a simple dish that you can get anywhere in the country – if you’ve never been, it’s quite an experience. There are several really large chicken restaurants in Guia – the original is Ramirez; Teodosio’s is a little further up the road towards Tunes and a few others are dotted about. Guia is as good as your local chicken shack, but the real point of this little note is to remind you that the Algarve does play host to an ever increasing wine farm scene. Plan a visit. Do some research – actually, I have done it for you – check out my map on algarveaddicts.com/wine

F i n d N i c k o n Yo uTu b e / J o i n A l g a r v e A d d i c t s Fa c e b o o k G r o u p / D i s c ove r m o r e a t a l g a r ve a d d i c t s . c o m

Fragrant thoughts T H E FA M O U S H E R M È S P E R F U M E R J E A N C L A U D E E L L E N A S AY S I N H I S B O O K P E R F U M E : T H E A L C H E M Y O F S C E N T: “ PERFUME IS A STORY IN ODORS , SOMETIMES A P O E T R Y O F M E M O R Y. ” W I N E , T O O , H A S A D I S T I N C T O D O R , A F R A G R A N C E T H AT I S EMBEDDED IN OUR MEMORY

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HE TWO great elixirs

that have charmed the human spirit since the beginning of history are fragrance and wine. One of the things you learn in wine education is the value of scent and the ability to smell. Fragrance is part of my daily routine. If I don’t wear it, I feel something is missing. But have you heard of the ‘no perfume in the tasting room’ rule? It exists because scent can interfere with the taste of wine. There are a few guidelines about wearing fragrance in a wine sampling environment: the key one is to avoid anything excessively floral; honeysuckle and tuberose scents are

too powerful. Vanilla can be too sweet. But a powdery jasmine and iris fragrance can be worn, so long as it is just one spritz, and not applied to pulse points. With wine, the nose guides our initial thoughts and governs the decision to take the first sip and then several more. Fragrance sampling is the same. At first whiff, we determine whether we like it. When it comes to wine, we not only study where the grapes are grown, but how they are picked, pressed, aged, and stored. Although wine is just pure grape, when brought alive through the meticulous process of fermentation, it naturally emits bouquets of fragrances and flavours that often show intriguing similarities with perfume.

And the premium wines are likened to distinguished scents that display equal olfactory sensations. Did you know that it is possible to use wine and liqueur notes in certain perfumes? When we enjoy a cocktail or savour fine wine, part of the enjoyment lies in the aroma. The smell is an important component of taste, which may explain why cocktail culture has seeped into the perfume world and purveyors of liqueur and wine have entered the perfume business. Let me help you perfect your wine choice with fragrance pairing; complement the flavour of every glass with a signature scent. The senses are more connected than we realise; the subtle notes in wines can be picked up through both taste and smell.

FOR MEN Azzaro, Chrome (jasmine, cedar, coriander, Brazilian rosewood, bitter orange) Gucci, Guilty Pour Homme (rose, lavender, cedar, orange blossom, wood) Tom Ford, Noir Extreme (jasmine, vanilla, rose, wood)

FOR WOMEN Escada, Magnetism (sandalwood, amber, caramel, coconut, blackcurrant) Prada, Candy (musk, benzoin, toffee) Elizabeth Arden, 5th Avenue After Five (bergamot, plum, jasmine, lotus, saffron, sandalwood, tonka bean) FOR MEN KENZO, Homme (marine tones, leather, patchouli) Jean Paul Gaultier, Scandal Pour Homme (clary sage, toffee, vetiver grass) Alexandre.J, The Collector: Silver Ombre (rose, saffron, musk, amber, vanilla, woody tones)

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FOR WOMEN Carolina Herrera, Good Girl (Arabian jasmine, tuberose, tonka bean, cocoa) Chloé, Chloé (magnolia, rose, Virginia juniper, ivy) Yves Saint Laurent, Libre (Arabian jasmine, orange blossom, cedar wood, Madagascar vanilla)

Alentejo’s hot summers make ripening easy, and sweet grapes mean rich fruit and lots of body. Alentejo reds are made from a variable blend of grape varieties, including Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They may be rich and dense, but they have a certain opulence and easydrinking charm. Other red wines, including those from the upper reaches of the Douro, for example, also fall into this rich, ripe category. Historically, the vineyards in the Douro were planted with a mix of indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Barroca. These rich and full-bodied red wines are elevated by the scent of plums and figs, leather, woody accords, herbs, and musk. And there are exquisite aged red wines, with notes of ripe blackberry and raspberry, as well as toffee chocolate, and spices. If rich, full-bodied Portuguese red wines are your favourite, you will enjoy these fragrance, too:

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In Portugal, Dão has perhaps the greatest concentration of elegant reds where the altitude is high, the soils granite, the climate cool, the ripening slow. Fine-quality Touriga Nacional is blended with Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro, Jaen and other grapes to make intensely-flavoured, perfumed reds with good acidity and lovely balance. Also, the red wines of Palmela on the Península de Setúbal can be elegant; they are made from the Castelão grape, which gives red wines complex fruity flavours, good acidity and balanced tannins, with cedary character. Those who love elegant Portuguese red wines will really enjoy these particular fragrances:

rich, full-bodied reds

elegant reds

WINE PLUS

fruity rosés

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light, refreshing whites

WINE PLUS

The Portuguese rosé wines are crisp, fruity, and light with lower alcohol and lighter body when grapes are grown in cooler places or at high altitude. There’s not really a particular region in Portugal that is famous for making rosés – every imaginable red grape, national and international, is made into rosé. These wines present aromas of various red fruits, currants, strawberries, blackberries, and ripe raspberries. Rosé comes to life when paired with delicate flavours of rose and sweet fruits, with an aftertaste of blackberry preserves. These are the fragrances that pair particularly well with rosés: FOR WOMEN Lancôme, La Vie Est Belle

This unique style of white wine, which boasts the lowest alcohol content and high, fresh acidity, comes from Vinho Verde, the cool, hilly, verdant northwest of Portugal. Many also have a slight prickle of fizz, once a remnant of the carbon dioxide of fermentation, now often added at bottling time. These wines may be made from numerous grape varieties, but the greatest ones are the Alvarinho and Loureiro. Alvarinho is a particularly acidic grape, the result of the grapes’ close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. It presents notes of lemon, peach, passion fruit, lychee, orange peel, and jasmine. Loureiro is the secondmost produced grape in the Vinho Verde region. Its name comes from ‘louro’, due to the distinctive aroma. The Loureiro grape gives orange blossom, apple, peach, and linden notes to the wine. For those who love light, refreshing Portuguese white wines these fragrances will delight:

(blackcurrant, pear, jasmine, rose petals, orange blossom, vanilla, praline) Hugo Boss, BOSS Alive (apple, cinnamon, blackcurrant, plum, Indian jasmine, Madagascar vanilla, cedar) Guerlain, Insolence (berry, violet, rose petal, orange blossom)

FOR WOMEN: Nina Ricci, Nina Fleur (green apple, lemon, orange blossom, cedar) Burberry, My Burberry Blush (lemon, pomegranate, rose, green apple, jasmine, lilac acacia) Guerlain, La Petite Robe Noire (jasmine, rose, apple, cherry, orange blossom, white amber)

FOR MEN Jimmy Choo, Urban Hero Gold (pineapple, blood orange, tonka bean, lavender, sandalwood) Bond No. 9, New York Beaches Liberty Island (blackcurrant, bergamot, orange, bitter orange, jasmine, marshmallow) Guess, Seductive Homme Red (cinnamon, lemon peel, figs, orange blossom, amber, vanilla, sandalwood)

FOR MEN Hermés, Colognes Collection Eau de Citron Noir (citrus) Alexandre.J, The Collector: Mandarine Sultane (lemon, bergamot, orange, almond, peach, orange blossom, jasmine, bitter orange) Tiziana Terenzi, Halley (passion flower, black currant, rose, lemon, vanilla, woody tones, amber)

PROMOTION PLUS

ALGARVE P L U S

Floralia a festival of flowers

F L O W E R S , B E T H E Y G R O W I N G A U N AT U R E L I N T H E W I L D , O R C A R E F U L LY C U LT I VAT E D T O C O N F O R M I N S H A P E A N D S I Z E , O R G AT H E R E D T O C R E AT E A R E L A X E D A R R A N G E M E N T O F D I F F E R E N T C O L O U R S , H AV E A LW AY S B E E N A F AV O U R I T E W I T H A R T I S T S

interweaving it with vines, this creative process and the halo she produced represented the circle of life. Many centuries later, Queen Victoria chose orange blossom in preference to jewels and precious metals for her wedding headdress, reviving the tradition of ladies wearing flowers in their hair. By this time, the festival of Floralia had been adopted across much of northern Europe. What had been six days of revelry and celebration in Roman times was reduced to a single Mayday. Picking wild flowers, weaving floral garlands, setting up a Maypole and crowning a May Queen are traditions that originate in the worship of Flora. Laura Bofill has recently been attracted to Flora’s flawless appearance. Laura was born into a creative family in Barcelona in 1983. Stimulated by her surroundings, she went on to study art and photography in London, Dublin and New York. She has worked in a variety of creative industries, including film, textile design, photography and ceramics. Since 2010 she has combined her gifts for photography and painting, producing and exhibiting her art all over Europe and North Africa. In her latest work, Laura amalgamates a female figure with elements of nature. After creating her initial painting, the image is photographed, transferred onto wood, metal or canvas and over-painted by hand. Using texture to add contrast and subtle relief, she will often add gold or silver leaf, then finally highlighting the whole by coating it with resin. The current display of Laura’s paintings is enhanced by the surroundings of Galeria Côrte-Real in Paderne.

in honour of Flora, the Goddess of Flowers, was a celebration of fertility and natural beauty. In Rome’s Circus Maximus, a magnificent temple and altar were dedicated to her and constantly attended to by a priest or priestess. Selecting a variety of perfect floral specimens to create a crown, Flora’s headdress outshone the myrtle halo worn by Venus, and the glories that adorned the other goddesses of the ancient world. Her image, embellished with blooms and blossoms, is a subject embraced by multimedia artist Laura Bofill, whose exquisite pictures are on display at Galeria CôrteReal in Paderne. Rembrandt was similarly inspired by the goddess to such an extent that he depicted his wife on three occasions as Flora. Crowned with a multitude of flowering plants and foliage, one of these paintings takes pride of place at the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. In Botticelli’s version, Flora is one of nine gods and goddesses contained in the worldrenowned painting, Primavera on display at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Crowns and coronets have been used throughout time to represent status and accomplishments, but floral crowns are equally steeped in tradition and meaning. Different types of foliage held various associations. Wreaths of olives and halos of laurel were reserved for sporting champions. To be presented with a crown of grass was a military honour and to signify love and fertility, a bride would pick verbena on the morning of her wedding;

Who would you choose as three most beautiful/iconic women? Actress Meryl Streep, artist Frida Kalo, and opera singer Maria Callas. What are you own favourite flowers? I would always choose roses. Are your dreams full of colour? I could say yes, but although I am a very positive person, I can also be very realistic. I can have colour dreams, but also, they can be grey and black. Trainers, high heels, or barefoot – what would you choose? Definitely tennis shoes/trainers. Your camera – what is it? My camera is my mobile phone. Your favourite place in New York Central Park can be beautiful, but also hard. It is the escape for New Yorkers – all sorts of people who live in the Big Apple.

C Ô R T E - R E A L i s s i g n p o s te d f ro m B o l i q u e i m e , F e r r e i r a s a n d P a d e r n e . O P E N : T h u r s d ay to S u n d ay f ro m 1 1 : 3 0 to 1 6 : 3 0 / T: 9 1 2 5 2 8 6 7 9 /c o r t e r e a l a r t e . c o m

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HE ROMAN festival

about the artist

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In a f lap T H E I DY L L I C A L G A R V E , FA M E D F O R I T S S U N - D R E N C H E D S A N DY COA STLI N E S , CLI FFS , WE TL AN DS AN D M E D ITE R R AN E AN L AN DSC AP E S , I S A B E L O V E D D E S T I N AT I O N F O R B O T H H U M A N ‘ S N O W B I R D S ’ A N D T H E I R F E AT H E R E D C O U N T E R P A R T S . T I M E T O T W E E T

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WINGS PLUS

OR BIRDS of a feather, enthusiasts of the science

and hobby of ornithology, Portugal’s South offers itself as an all-encompassing biodiverse, birdwatching wonderland. With happy temperatures and frequent blue skies, birdwatchers are given countless opportunities to observe a vast range of avian residents and migratory ‘tourists’ travelling between Northern Europe, Africa and North America.

There’s something about birds Even if you’ve never devoted much time to watching birds, it’s highly probable that the mere sight or sound of these delightful creatures has at some point brought you delight. I recently watched a bird happily hopping all the way down a set of grey cement stairs – one by one like a human might – at the Campanhã station in Porto. Among everything I saw in that two-hour stretch of boredom between bus rides, the bird is what I vividly recall because it instantly brought a genuine smile to my face. Lucky for everyone, birds tend to thrive everywhere, creating moments of wonder even in bustling urban environments. The Algarve is very bird-blessed. Even strolling through Faro, one can’t help but notice the iconic Algarvian White Stork residents with their giant nests, or the sounds of the thousands of birds overflowing in the town’s trees after their long day in the countryside. Birds aren’t just beautiful to observe or listen to. They are amazing and

ALGARVE P L U S

vital to life on our planet. They are intelligent, creative and even artistic. Birds can guide humans to honey, use tools to catch prey and even decorate their nests to attract mates. Not only are they chirpy human ‘cheereruppers,’ they also assume roles as farmers, pollinators, honey guides, natural exterminators and animal sanitation workers, to name a few. They also undertake astonishing migrations. In the Algarve, one of the most interesting birdwatching regions in Portugal, there is an opportunity to see birds from over 300 (some sources say 400) different species. Have you ever heard of the Arctic tern, a bird that flies more than 80,000km each year in search of sunny weather? What about the Alpine Swift, a bird that can eat, drink and sleep while flying for up to 200 days straight? Did you know that swallows can consume up to 60 insects an hour, helping keep our living spaces a lot less insect-y? Each of these amazing birds can be found living or migrating through the Algarve region.

The benefits of birdwatching Ornithology is the official name for the branch of zoology that studies birds. Curiously, one of its distinctions as

a discipline is how this science, unlike most others, relies largely on contribution of time and resources from ‘amateur birdwatchers’. Bird enthusiasts can adopt the hobby and potentially become a ‘Jane Goodall’ of the avian world. Birdwatching has soared in popularity, particularly in Europe, emerging as both a beloved pastime and a thriving new niche in the world of tourism. It is a hobby, and for some an art because it caters to and blends in with such a wide range of interests. With options for using binoculars, cameras, pencils, paintbrushes, or simply your eyes and/or ears, there’s a way for everyone to enjoy. Birding can also be a way of practising mindfulness, a chance to wander and lose track of time just being guided by your senses. Science has consistently affirmed that being in and moving about nature has a profound positive impact on long-term mental health and overall wellbeing. A big part of birding is walking in nature in search of the next bird, sometimes farther than you realized or had in mind. Many birders find they venture out at different times of the day in pursuit of different avian species. It’s a hobby with exercise. Birdwatching can be a way to spend time alone in nature or to be with and make new friends to share knowledge with. There are countless ways to interact and collaborate with birders of all types, including birding/photography tours, online forums, Facebook Groups, and all kinds of bird-related websites. The Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA, BirdLife’s partner in Portugal since 1993), for example, has been gathering members, partners and volunteers to help with monitoring the state of Portuguese birds, building nests, removing invasive species, pushing for better laws and fighting environmental crime.

ALGARVE P L U S

WINGS PLUS

Previous page: the Sparrow Hawk. This page, above left, clockwise: Passeios Ria Formosa bird watching boat; marsh sandpipers; Cattle Egrets; White Stork. Opposite page: Pink Flamingos

Birdwatching in the Algarve The Algarve enjoys a privileged location at the intersection of three distinct bioregions – North African, Mediterranean, and North Atlantic. It’s also in close proximity to Andalusia and the Alentejo, both recognised as crucial habitats for various migrating and nomadic species. With a limited industrial sector and service-based economy primarily centered on tourism, the Algarve has minimal pollution, something both humans and wildlife appreciate. Usually renowned for its sun and beaches, this province’s remarkable biodiversity deserves to be more recognised and appreciated. The landscape, a mix of cork oak woods, grasslands, coastal lagoons, salt beds and marshlands, provides a habitat and sustenance for diverse birdlife in Portugal. Situated on the migratory routes for rare birds from Africa, North America and northern Europe, the Algarve welcomes species like marsh sandpipers, northern pintails, Rüppell’s vultures and Eurasian dotterels. The Algarve is home to ten important birdwatching areas, including three standout locations: the Ria Formosa, the Castro Marim Wetlands and the Lagoa dos Salgados. These sites have useful information panels and strategically placed birdwatching posts. One of the chief advantages of birdwatching in the Algarve is the compact size of these areas, enabling birders to explore multiple sites and observe a wide array of bird species all in a single day if they choose.

There are many species of year-round Algarvian birds, including the wading Spoonbills, the iconic Western Swamphens, the gorgeous blue Iberian Azure-winged Magpies, the vibrant loud Iberian Green Woodpeckers and the amusing Cattle Egrets, known for their habit of perching on the backs of cattle. Tip: With a protected status since 1987, Ria Formosa is one of the most popular all year-round spots for birdwatching in Portugal. Between September and November, this area transforms into a main migration corridor for more than 4,000 Raptors from over 20 different species, including harriers, sparrowhawks, kites, vultures, falcons, and eagles.

Winter Birding and Ria Formosa Winter months invite large congregations of waterfowl to the wetlands of Ria Formosa and Castro Marim. The same marbled blue-green gorgeous 60km long Ria Formosa lagoon system that draws beach and nature lovers from all over the world is also proudly a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, a Natura 2000 site (Special Protection Area for Birds and Special Area of Conservation) and a Wetland of International Importance (or Ramsar Site). It offers home and sanctuary to more than 200 species of birds and usually gathers an impressive assembly of over 20,000 avian inhabitants. Among these are a variety of ducks such as the Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, and Eurasian Teal, as well as waders like the Common Redshank, Grey Plover, Common Ringed Plover, and Dunlin. Tip: Try to arrive before noon to witness the most birds and activity.

Spring through Summer At the same time nature begins its new cycle of thriving – as early as February and until about mid-March – you will start seeing new birds arriving like the Iberian Chiffchaffs, the Spectacled Warblers, and the Short-toed Eagles. From April towards the beginning of summer you can spot species such as the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, the Hawfinch, the Golden Oriole and the Nightingale.

If you prefer a more interactive and collaborative birdwatching experience, numerous tour options await. These range from guided private or group walking tours to eco-tours on solar-powered electric boats that have minimal impact on the local environment. Some of the best Ria Formosa birdwatching walking or boat tours can be booked when the season kicks off each autumn, and also throughout the rest of the year. Passeios Ria Formosa, offers a number of birdwatching trips by boat from various points – Olhão, Tavira, Fuseta, Cabanas de Tavira and Santa Luzia. 962 156 922/961 189 857 / reservas@passeios-ria-formosa.com / As far as getting to know and learning about over 300 species of birds, there is really only one way to do it: bird by bird.

RESOURCES, GUIDES AND TOURS It is easy to get started, even on your own. The Algarve Tourism Board has put together the Algarve Birdwatching Guide, which is available for free download. This invaluable resource offers comprehensive information on the ten important birdwatching areas, including a detailed bird list, all kinds of useful tips, maps and the 32 routes covering the whole region. Numerous other guides are readily accessible for purchase in stores or online; the renowned Collins Bird Guide is one such example. If you are interested in a local and detailed guide specific to the Algarve, you might consider having a look at The 100 Best Birding Hotspots in the Algarve by Gonçalo Elias.

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Where (and how) to begin Birds in all seasons

In truth and at its most basic, you could birdwatch anywhere, but the prime spots for birdwatching in the Algarve are: Ria Formosa near Faro, Salgados Lake, Castro Marim, Sagres and Monchique. Although many birdwatchers today seem equipped with sizable, costly camera lenses and advanced binoculars, the fundamental essence of birdwatching remains simple: all you really need is to walk out your door with your senses, preferably at dawn or dusk when birds are most active, and wander into areas rich in bird food sources.

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unfortunately Jack and Walter won’t be able to give us the opening dates of Casa Amor as a gift! Thinking they would be ready for the holiday season, the duo had already planned the decorations – very classic, in red, white and green – but if, as promised, the final coat of paint on the façade of the enchanted historic building is completed, they will be decorating the five balconies of Rua Bombarda to bring on the magic of Christmas in the Algarve. Good news is that online bookings are now open on the Casa Amor website. “We have received so many enquiries,” says Jack, “that we decided to open bookings this month. It is quite incredible, even without finished photographs, we have an audience ready to pick their dates and confirm.” “The beautiful illustrations by Agathe Bazin that were featured in the November issue of AlgarvePLUS really tell a strong story about the personality and atmosphere of our boutique hotel,” adds Walter. Two retreats have already been booked for October and November 2024, and countless stays start in the spring –

proof that future guests want to be part of that story, and right from the start. “What they have to say touches us immensely,” says Jack. “Things like ‘We’ve been following you since the beginning, we met you at the coffee shop, we know we’ll be happy at Casa Amor, no need for photos!’ Reactions like that make us forget all the difficulties we have had to deal with. They are the best ever early Christmas present.” In November, the duo focused on the layout of the ground floor and patio. Next, all attention is on the bedrooms. In the patio, the hundred-year-old olive tree suffered an incident and lost all its leaves. “We were very afraid of losing it, but it is strong and it has resisted,” says Walter happily. “Sr. Antonio, who our friends-farmers at Horta de Cima introduced us to, is an expert and a wise man. He said our tree would live. He took out his little chainsaw and shears and made a nice cut, very short behind the ears! By Spring, and our opening, it will be magnificent, and ready for our guests.” And in the meantime, some then and now images... casaamor-olhao.com

Bookings are being taken from 20 March 2024 but that date may well be brought forward if the completion of the building is earlier than now expected.

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The kitchen as it was, above, and now; left. One of the many lounges of Pensão Helena, below left, and the fireplace that is a main feature today. The patio, and the ancient olive tree that is getting stronger every day. And top, the sculptures that will feature throughout the house

VISION PLUS

Stall order

E V E RYO N E K N OWS T H E A LG A RV E L O V E S A F E S TA , A N D C H R I S T M A S IS NO E XCE P TION . TH E R E AR E FE W CITI E S , TOWN S O R VI LL AG E S T H AT D O N ’ T D R A P E T H E M S E LV E S IN LIGHTS AND HOST A TR ADITONAL CHRISTMAS M A R K E T, B U T H E R E A R E SOME OF THE BIG ONES...

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DEBBIE REYNOLDS

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MARKETS PLUS

VALE DO LOBO

QUINTA DO LAGO

When: 2 December Time: 16:00–20:00 Dishing up ‘the festive feels’, the market coincides with the big Christmas Lights Switch On event, where the giant Christmas tree will light up the evening sky in the plaza at The Campus for the first time. Marketing Manager Joana Serra says the various stalls will offer mostly traditional handcrafts and treats. “So, expect candles and soaps, along with flowers and breads,” she said. “Besides the traditional Portuguese drinks like Ginjinha, there will also be mulled wine and hot chocolate and the normal offer at our family-friendly, barn-inspired Dano’s Sports Bar & Restaurant. Our DJ will play favourite Christmas tunes and there will be entertainment for the children.” Everyone is welcome, but if you plan to eat at Dano’s to book ahead.

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When: 2 and 3 December Time: 10h00–17h30 Kicking off the festive season, with free entry to residents and the public, this 13th edition of the Christmas Market hopes to set a record of exhibitors and visitors. According to the marketing team it is designed with families in mind and is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. On offer will be numerous local exhibitors offering a wide range of products, including wines, gourmet food, crafts, ceramics, paintings, fashion, jewellery, beauty products, sweets, regional produce, flowers, toys and more. Algarve Fine Food will be on hand over both days, serving delicious meals, hot snacks and refreshments. In addition, a delightful entertainment programme has been created for children to complement the market areas, including Christmas music and various children’s entertainment activities. Best of all, funds raised from the event go the Wolf Valley Charity Fund, which for 25 years has been helping local charities in the area, such as cancer prevention by early diagnosis (Associação Oncológica do Algarve): mental health awareness (Associação de Saúde Mental do Algarve) and the Hope and Peace Association. Making sure the market is suitable for all weather conditions, it takes place across the Parque do Golfe complex, Vale do Lobo Auditorium and the gardens.

Top: Market and music in front of Dano’s in Quinta do Lago. Left: So much to discover at Vale do Lobo’s two-day market which raises funds for charity

MARKETS PLUS

ALGARVE P L U S

SÃO BRÁS DE ALPORTEL When: 2 December Time: 15:00–23:00 This charming town launches its Christmas calendar with Red Night and a festive Christmas market. Most of the action takes place in Largo de São Sebastião, and the main commercial arteries of the village. “All around there will be stalls selling local handicrafts and regional sweets,” says the municipality’s Rita Luis. “During my visit to this market last year, I snapped up some beautiful aromatic Christmas candles, delicate soaps, some great home-made tableware, Christmas decorations and children’s toys and clothes. “Red Night was started by the municipality a few years ago to promote local commerce, and, in this sense, purchases made at participating establishments allow customers to qualify for prizes and vouchers for purchases at the Municipal Market, participating stores and restaurants,” said Rita. To add to the fun, the Santa Claus Arrival Party starts on the main stage at 15:00, followed by enterainment by various singers and groups from 17:00–23:00.

LOULÉ CRIATIVO Palácio Gama Lobo When: 9–23 December Time: 10:00–18:00 Around 35 artisans/designers representing the Loulé Criativo community will be showing their wares at the Christmas Bazaar. You’ll find beautiful locallyproduced collections that include jewellery, ceramics, bookbinding, copper pieces, wood and many more. Do not miss out on some brilliant original works that have a story to tell and will be passed on in the years ahead. These are items to keep and love – and not just for Christmas.

Above: The main square in São Brás is the place to be for some great shopping opportunities. Below: Santa strolls through Vila Vita Parc

ACCA The Algarve Tennis and

VILA VITA PARC

Fitness Club, Almancil. When: December 9 Time: 11:00–17:00 Another Christmas market supporting a worthy cause, the children’s charity ACCA is pulling out all the stops to create a funfilled and festive day. According to organiser, ACCA President Wanda Crawford, the market is one of the oldest in the Algarve, which adds to its festive spirit.“We’ve built up a wonderful following over the 18 years we’ve been running the market,” she says. “I’m originally from America and when I got homesick, one of the things I missed most was the Christmas markets, so I decided to start one here.” Wanda promises there will be lots on offer, from artisan foods and fashionable goods to home accessories and artworks. “We’ll be serving gluhwein, and there will be quality food stalls, Christmas carols and, for the kids, a bouncy castle, face-painting and a visit from Santa at midday, with every child getting a little goodie bag.” Entrance is free to everyone in the spirit of the ACCA’s ethos to “give back to the community”.

When: 21 and 22 December Time: 14:00–17:00 Another of the Algarve’s top resorts hosts their Christmas market around the Piazetta’s stylish boutiques, giving grown-ups the chance to shop for last-minute luxury brands, while the kids get to enjoy painting sessions, magicians and a visit from Santa. PR and Communications Manager Rita do Brito Gonçalves says it’s all about “shopping, eating, drinking and being merry”. “The V-Life shops include a variety of national and international lifestyle, fashion brands like Etro, Tamara Comolli, whose new collection will be launhed at the market, Mimo (with brands including Camila and Spry), Olhar de Prata, EdJóias and the V-Store, with only Portuguese and local brands,” says Rita.” As far as the refreshment offering, she said there would be stands spread along the Piazetta close to the lake with seasonal delights, local food and wine, gluhwein, cotton candy, sweets and chocolates. “Live music will set the rhythm of the event, along with Santa’s visit and some fun workshops for the whole family,” she says. “The market is open air and always has a very nice atmosphere. It is a good way to dive into the Christmas spirit and spend some quality time with friends and family, enjoying good food and shopping for high quality products and brands.”

There are other Christmas markets definitely worth a visit in the bigger towns – Albufeira, Portimão, Faro and Loulé, but unfortunately at the time of this article’s deadline, no details of precise dates and content were available. To find out more, check out the various tourist board websites for information.

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DECEMBER

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NEW STEPS PLUS

P L A N N I N G Y O U R F E S T I V E E AT I N G ? L O O K I N G F O R E N T E R TA I N M E N T I N T H E H O L I D AY P E R I O D ? W A N T T O T H R O W A P A R T Y ? M A N Y L O C A L R E S TA U R A N T S W I L L B E C L O S E D ( T H E Y N E E D T I M E O F F, TO O) BUT THE HOTEL S AND RESORTS WILL BE

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C E L E B R AT I N G I N S T Y L E

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PINE CLIFFS RESORT Albufeira

TIVOLI HOTEL Carvoeiro

Christmas Eve dinner is available at the Pescador restaurant, offering a The Tivoli hotel is offering a package for a relaxing break family friendly a la carte festive menu, which will need to be booked in over Christmas, which would be ideal for couples wanting advance. The Corda Café also has a lovely menu serving some fantastic to celebrate alone, or perhaps for those whose families are Portuguese dishes, with seating on a first-come-first-served basis. too far away to be able to gather together. Dinner on the If you prefer something a little more private, you can book 24th is included at the MED restaurant, and breakfast also. accommodation for the night in a choice of villas and have a Starting at €230, this would be a lovely gift for your someone Christmas-themed menu delivered straight to your door. special, and a memorable way to wake up on Christmas Day Christmas Day lunch will be served in the Jardim Colonial in the luxurious surroundings of the hotel. With the beautiful restaurant from 1pm, and at €62pp this Portuguese-inspired buffet beach in walking distance, sea views and fresh air, this could be is definitely one to think about. Soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee a Christmas celebration like no other. are included, but for an extra €22, wine and beer can be added in. tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-carvoeiro Serving vegetarian, pescatarian and children’s options, plus your good old-fashioned turkey, this would be an ideal choice for the CONRAD ALGARVE entire family. Make sure to book in advance to secure your spot, Quinta do Lago as this will be a fast seller. The Conrad has created a roaring 20s-inspired celebration under After Christmas, Pine Cliffs is offering a huge choice of the heading Golden Age, promising an unforgettable choice of activities for the family to enjoy together, including brunch entertainment and gastronomic delights that are both adult- and menus. And if you haven’t celebrated enough, then get geared child-friendly, meaning that the entire family can rejoice together. up for their New Year’s Eve beach party. For Christmas Eve, there are two dining experiences at the hotel. This adults-only event, at €300pp, includes a set menu (the You can indulge in the seven-course festive menu at the Michelin-star seafood options are impressive), an open bar, music, dancing restaurant Gusto (€210pp; children €168) or go for the traditional and a Champagne toast in the exclusive lounge at midnight. Portuguese four-course meal with entertainment all evening at Louro If you fancy something a little more sedate, there are restaurant (€100pp, €60 per child). various options at the other restaurants in the resort, from On the 25th, a very similar choice is open to you, with lunch being casual child-friendly buffets to elegant fine dining choices. served in both restaurants from 12:30pm. Gusto plans another sevenThe food and atmosphere at Pine Cliffs make this a course menu with Mediterranean flare that starts with a Champagne and guaranteed winner. canapé reception at the bar (€195pp, €156 per child), while Louro will pinecliffs.com/en/festive-season/ offer a Christmas lunch buffet with entertainment (€150pp, and €80 per child). To ring in the New Year, the Conrad is staging a glitzy party in the ballroom that starts at 19:00 and will go into 04:00 on the first day of the

ALGARVE P L U S

DINING PLUS

At Tribulum on Christmas Day there is a set five-course menu, which includes a wonderful steamed plum pudding and mince pies.

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new year. For €395pp you can enjoy a four-course meal with wines and Champagne and a welcome cocktail on arrival. Each couple will receive a bottle of Laurent Perrier for the countdown to midnight as the fireworks begin, and then enjoy the after party with DJ and dancing. If you fancy saying goodbye to 2023 with a lavish meal, then book at Louro and enjoy a sumptuous buffet with wines and a bottle of Champagne (€245pp) or head to Gusto for an impressive eight-course menu, wines and Champagne (€475pp). experiences.algarve@conradhotels.com

DOMES LAKE RESORT ALGARVE Vilamoura If stunning views of Falesia beach and the beauty of the private lake appeal, then Domes Lake could be the place for your festive celebrations. Sporting several incredible restaurants which pride themselves on a constantly evolving and modern take on traditional cuisine, your taste buds are sure to be wowed by the special menus on offer, and you’ll be kept smiling by the entertainment programme. From 20 December, the special Christmas Kids Club begins, as well as the Christmas market, which runs until 8 January. On 21 December you can get your carol fix with a Christmas Choir performance, and two days later, on the 23rd the Christmas Jazz Band will get toes tapping. On the 24th, there is a choice of a buffet meal in Gustatio or dinner at Topos. Live music will be going on in the Raw Bar on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,

too. On the 25th there’ll be a brunch in Topos, and meals in the other restaurants. For New Year’s Eve feel the heat with the Latin Affair party kicking off with welcome cocktail and canapés before dinner is served. You will be treated to the passionate music of the Latin band before enjoying the countdown to midnight with sparkling wine and a fireworks display. Then head to the after party with its open bar and nibbles that are part of the New Year’s supper package. This will be an energetic and memorable way to see in 2024. info@domeslakealgarve.com

VILA VITA PARK Porches Vila Vita should be your one-stop shop for all things festive this year, as they have a jam-packed schedule of goodies for the entire family. The luxurious resort is easy to get to and the staff are super friendly and helpful. Joining in with the theme of Vila Vita Fever (a great celebration of the disco era) don’t miss the Christmas market on 21 and 22 December where you can enjoy live music and beautiful decorations at the Piazetta. Hot mulled wine, Christmas teas and sweet treats will be available as well as workshops for the kids to enjoy. I would suggest getting in touch to enquire about booking for workshops and what is needed. If you just want to soak up the atmosphere you can shop for that last-minute gift, and from the 18th there are various activities for your

JULIA’S Julia’s in Praia Do Garrão, the original beach restaurant and a real favourite, will be closed on the 25th but from Boxing Day their extensive a la carte menu will star (if you haven’t tried the king crab, avocado and mango salad, you’ve missed out on amazing flavour combinations). Lunch and dinner every day (not New Year’s Eve though), and a fair share of great music. You must book ahead – Julia’s pulls in the crowds! 289 396 512.

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little ones to get involved with, such as tree decoration making and Christmas being held (€270pp). If you’d rather dine in the luxury of the card making, and a special teens camp from the 26th, which focuses on team plush hotel itself, then Christmas dinner is available on the work and sports. 24th and 25th, as well as the opulent Casablanca five-course Christmas day lunches should be pre-booked. Choose from Bavarian theme dinner on New Year’s in the Grand Salon. The team here pride with live music (€46pp) to Italian classics or live cooking stations serving you themselves on delivering quality, not quantity as they focus on delicious offerings (€115pp). You will not be disappointed. local produce and a more sustainable view to food production If you are looking for somewhere to host a bigger get together, both methods and waste reduction. Lap up this sumptuous menu for work or family, then Vila Vita caters for groups and will help you pick in the colonial vibes of the restaurant and enjoy breathtaking from their 12 restaurants. Depending on your number of guests, dietary views for the evening. requirements and budget, the team will guide you to making the ideal info@grandhousealgarve.com choice for your celebration and can add in bespoke needs on request. Then, before you get your glad rags on for the New Year’s Eve Festive TRIBULUM Gala, make sure to join in the group dance class on the 30th from 4pm Almancil and learn some true show-stopping moves from the 70s and 80s. For €15 If you want to enjoy a stunning meal in a warm and inviting you can ensure that you will be the one to watch when the DJ starts the setting with family, friends or your work colleagues, then Tribulum music near midnight! Time to release your inner disco diva. is the place to visit this year. From 1 December until the 23rd, reservas@vilavitaparc.com you can take advantage of the superb group menu that head chef Jonnie Pratt has created. A three-course meal plus cover is €45pp GRAND HOUSE HOTEL for groups of six or more, and the most traditional of guests will Vila Real De Santo António be delighted with the roast turkey and honey baked ham on offer. If you fancy a change of scenery for the festive period then why not For Christmas Day there is a set five-course menu for €90pp, which give the Grand House Hotel a visit and celebrate in style. Soak up includes a wonderful steamed plum pudding and homemade mince the elegance and sophistication of this stunning hotel and spend pies. On New Year’s Eve, Tribulum will treat you to a lavish six-course your days wandering the quaint streets of the town and taking in dining experience for €100pp where you can truly appreciate Jonnie’s the view across the river to Spain. Being a pet-friendly residence flare for incredible flavours and quality ingredients. means that no four-legged companion should be left behind either, info@tribulumalgarve.com so enjoy the festivities with your fluffy loved ones. If the sun is shining on the big day, take full advantage of it and WINE BISTRO VILA SOL book Christmas Day lunch at the Beach Club (€62pp), which is Planning the perfect festive gathering and keeping everyone happy also where the ‘Havanna Night’ theme New Year’s Eve party is can seem like an impossible task, but thanks to the team at Wine Bistro, Don Giovanni and Borges it will be easier than ever this year. Available throughout December until the 23rd, you can tailor make your special celebration at a time to suit you. The dedicated staff will meet you to discuss group size, budget, menu options, dietary requirements and a host of other bespoke details. They will ensure that your party is just as enjoyable for you as for your guests and entertainment can be added in when you start the planning process. A stylish lunch in the Wine Bistro will provide you with beautifully presented and delicious food, or you could opt for the traditional Borges in Almancil, which promises the best seafood in the area. Of course, there is also the comforting familiarity of Don Giovanni and the mouth-watering wood fired pizzas to try. Whichever choice turns out to be the perfect match for your December bash, you will be delighted. lucy.winebistro@gmail.com

DINING PLUS

LET THE

HOLIDAYS PLUS

festivities begin...

T H E C A P T I VAT I N G C H A R M O F C H R I S T M A S V I L L A G E S A W A I T S . W I T H C A S T L E S , L I G H T S A N D C O N C E R T S , H O T W I N E , T R E AT S , A N D A C H A N C E T O M E E T S A N TA , P O R T U G A L’ S M A G I C A L V I L L A G E S P R O V I D E H O L I D AY C H E E R A P L E N T Y. H E R E A R E S O M E M U S T - S E E S . . .

ALGARVE P L U S

Wo rd s: K A Y L A M E I R I N H O

LOULÉ Aldeia Dos Sonhos – Dream Village

VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO

Forum Algarve Christmas Village, Aldeia Natal When: On now until 15 December Check the website for opening hours, which vary from day to day and time to time. The shopping mall’s beloved Christmas village is transformed into a real-life Christmas storybook where magic comes alive. Glide across the ice rink with friends and family, then snap a photo with the jolly old man himself, write down your Christmas wishes, enjoy a carousel ride, and receive the 17th edition of Gui’s Book from Santa Claus. Students are challenged to unleash their imagination by decorating a fruit or vegetable inspired by Gui’s adventure that will be showcased at Forum Algarve and visitors get to choose the winners. algarvenoticias.com/pt-pt/noticias/ faro-magia-do-natal-chega-ao-forumalgarve-no-dia-11

ALBUFEIRA Baixa da Cidade When: 15–23 December Time: Monday to Thursday 16:00–21:00 Saturday 11:00– 22:00 Sunday 11:00–21:00 At Albufeira Natal, you’ll be able to experience the magic of Santa’s house, an exhilarating ice rink, and enjoy a variety of fantastic themes. A Frozen II-theme with iconic Lego characters will cater to children aged three to eight, while older children can dive into the Marvel Missionthemed ‘Escape Room’ adventure. In addition, enjoy a heartwarming theatre performance on 10 December, a winter concert by the Orquestra do Algarve on the 15th at the Municipal Auditorium, and the adrenaline-pumping Christmas Race on the 17th at Mercado de Caliços. Cap off the year with the

S. Silvestre Algarve on the 29th at 20:00. The enchanting edition of ‘Guia Natal’ will continue until 7 January Albufeira is famous for its New Year’s Eve celebrations and this year’s event should be the best yet. Expect fireworks, aerial acrobatics, a sea and sky laser show, street food, fabulous concerts featuring The Gift and Ritchie Campbell, DJ sessions on the beach, plus the Paderne Medieval Fair. It will be one long party! cm-albufeira.pt/content/albufeiraapostada-em-ser-melhor-passagem-deano-de-portugal

SILVES Praça Muthamid Alegria do Natal – Joy of Christmas When: 6 December to 7 January Time: 14:00–20:00 When: 24–31 December Time: 14:00–18:00 Closed 25 December and 1 January Silves is transformed into a festive wonderland, with delightful entertainment, festive decorations, and captivating shows. Children and families can enjoy a variety of attractions, including a ball pit, a whimsical carousel, a Christmas train, adorable mechanical animals, and specially decorated spots for memorable photographs. The event promises a diverse range of Christmas shows, featuring circus acts, theatre performances, gospel music, Christmas concerts, New Year’s Eve festivities, puppets, magic shows, and dance performances – guaranteed to bring out smiles with the joy and endless fun. Stay tuned for the complete schedule and event details. cm-silves.pt/pt/menu/2912/silvesalegria-do-natal-2023.aspx

FARO

The amazing giant nativity scene in the António Aleixo Cultural Centre in Vila Real de Santo António is reputed to be the largest in the country, attracting many thousands of visitors each December. Taking over a month to build, it features close to 6,000 figures and models of local landmarks. A truly remarkable work that should not be missed.

ALGARVE P L U S

When: 3 December to 6 January Time: Saturdays 10:30–19:00 Weekdays and Sundays 14:30–19:00 Santa Claus spreads cheer with the opening of the enchanting Aldeia dos Sonhos, on 10 December at 15:00. Discover Santa’s house, the elf square, the carousel, the Christmas train, the ice rink, and stalls brimming with sweet seasonal delights – recreating Santa Claus’s Lapland village. Captivating exhibitions, toe-tapping music shows, and alluring activities for all. cm-loule.pt/pt/agenda/26773/aldeia-dossonhos-em-loule.aspx

ALGARVE P L U S

HOLIDAYS PLUS

VENTURING UP NORTH

The city streets at Christmas are always ablaze with colour and dazzling with sparkle. In past years, above, top left, clockwise: the trees were dressed to shine in Cascais; Sintra went for arches; Lisbon goes for big and bright, and Porto for pink and purple

CASCAIS Christmas Village When: 30 November to 1 January Welcome to the magical realm of the Cascais Christmas Village, where the holiday spirit comes alive with the enchanting ‘Little Market,’ the delightful train, the heartwarming Santa’s House, and a mystical Enchanted Forest. Picture a world where the wonders of Christmas unfold at every turn, captivating bright-eyed children with authentic reindeer and playful elves. This is a carefully-crafted Christmas retreat where every laugh, every song, and every sparkle embodies the true essence of the season. Be mesmerized by the twinkling lights, savour the aroma of festive delicacies in our food court, and let the magic carry you away. Buy tickets when you arrive. cascaischristmasvillage.pt/

LISBON Wonderland Lisboa When: 1 December to 2 January Christmas magic in Lisbon at Parque

Eduardo VII, less than two kilometres from the iconic Rossio square. This location is a haven for Christmas enthusiasts, boasting an array of delights. Glide across the ice at the rink, explore handcrafted treasures, take a whirl on the giant Ferris wheel reaching almost 30 metres, and step into the whimsical world of Santa Claus’s house. The festive atmosphere is heightened with live music and captivating performances on the stage. Accessing this winter wonderland is a breeze – simply hop on the metro to either Parque or Marques de Pombal, and head for the heart of Lisbon’s Christmas celebration. And the lights on Liberdade alone are a good enough reason to visit the capital. tvi.iol.pt/wonderland

SINTRA Reino de Natal Where: Parque da Liberdade and Terreiro Rainha D. Amélia When: 1 December to 6 January Step into the enchanting Natal Kingdom as the historic centre of

Sintra transforms into a magical wonderland. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with delightful moments at Parque da Liberdade, Largo do Palácio Nacional de Sintra, and the News Museum, promising an authentic Christmas experience. Parque da Liberdade becomes a fairy-tale realm, adorned with fairies, elves, snowmen, and reindeer. The festivities include sporting activities, games, workshops, concerts, and captivating musical and theatrical performances. Admission is free, with the opportunity for visitors to contribute food or animal feed to support charitable associations. The magical kingdom opens its doors on 1 December at 11:00, marked by a concert from Conservatório do Música Sons e Compassos and the arrival of the iconic old man with a white beard in a motorbike parade. Visit the giant Christmas tree near the Sintra National Palace in Largo Rainha D. Amélia and explore the traditional Christmas market for unique and original gifts. Don’t miss the Christmas train

Health & Social Care

When: Open now, until 31 December Every year, this quaint village undergoes a magical transformation into a sprawling Christmas haven. Óbidos Castle stands as a majestic backdrop to the festive market, creating an enchanting scene. Enjoy captivating shows and exhibitions, and explore the charming Santa’s house. Immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere featuring an ice skating rink, a whimsical Ferris wheel, and a delightful Merrygo-round. Nestled in the historical centre, Óbidos Christmas Village exudes a picturesque charm that caters to all ages, with a special focus on creating magical moments for the little ones. Buy tickets at the entrance, or in advance on the website. obidosvilanatal.pt

PORTO Where: Gardens of Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) When: 1–23 December Nestled on Avenida das Tílias, the Christmas Market at Palácio de Cristal unfolds in the gardens of one of Porto’s most beautiful park locations. This market is a blend of traditional charm and contemporary design. There are stalls offering delectable sweets, festive

Vila Natal – Christmas Village

We make your Care, our priority 24/7

ÓBIDOS

drinks, workshops, and seasonal souvenirs; the air is filled not only with the fragrance of delicious food but also with the festive cheer of Santa Claus, singers, clowns, magicians, caricaturists, and dancers. It’s a celebration that captivates all ages, blending tradition with a touch of modern flair. Enjoy the harmonious sounds of music and entertainment echoing within Palácio de Cristal and in the streets and neighbourhoods across Porto; the city’s parishes and the renovated Bolhão Market will host a range of musical performances. Viseu will enchant visitors from 8 December to 8 January with a programme that includes a Christmas Market, workshops, shows, and concerts. For details of all Porto Christmas events: visitporto.travel/en-GB/ christmas-porto-style#/

ALGARVE P L U S

winding through the historic centre’s streets, departing from Parque da Liberdade at 18:00. Engage in the festive spirit with workshops, video mapping shows, and dance performances. The News Museum invites young ones to record and share a television report about Christmas, adding an interactive touch to the celebrations. Check the complete schedule online. reinodonatal.sintra.pt

Fully licensed & insured

CABEÇA Where: Aldeia Natal When: 8 December to 1 January In the picturesque village of Cabeça, near Seia, the country’s first 100% ecosustainable Christmas village returns this year. Enchanting decorations, including those using the renowned Serra da Estrela wool, are crafted with materials sourced from nature, and created by the residents themselves, as Cabeça illuminates the holiday season with eco-friendly brilliance. The festivities extend beyond the visual delights, offering a rich array of activities. Enjoy musical performances, theatre plays, film screenings, and even partake in hiking adventure! Experience the holidays in an one-of-a-kind setting where sustainability meets tradition, creating a Christmas celebration unlike any other. cm-seia.pt/eventos/cabecaaldeia-natal/

OUR HOMECARE SERVICES INCLUDE: Nursing Care Live in Care Dementia & Alzheimer Care Palliative & End of Life Care Physiotherapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Private Ambulance Services

Transport & Healthcare Escort Respite Care Rehabilitation at home Support during your holiday Special needs / Learning Disabilities Funeral Services Maternity Help

Call Us 961 310 877 www.saarathome.com

I N F U S E YO U R WA R D R O B E W I T H F E S T I V E F L A I R A N D E M B R A C E O U R P I C K O F T H E M U S T - H AV E P O R T U G U E S E F A S H I O N B R A N D S T H AT W I L L H AV E Y O U A N D Y O U R L O V E D O N E S L O O K I N G G R E AT A N D E N J O Y I N G T H E F E E L I N G O F H O L I D AY M A G I C

Wo rd s: P I P P A O ' K E E F E

days of fabulous 2

KLEED Luscious velvet is the answer to Christmas morning chic. Proud to do things differently, Kleed designs beautiful, sophisticated loungewear with a conscience. They are committed to making a difference, reducing their carbon footprint, and becoming 100% sustainable. It also donates 5% of its profits to wildlife conservation. kleedkimonos.com

MARTINE LOVE Martine Love is a women’s clothing store in Lisbon that offers exclusive lines of sustainable clothing made from linen and GOTS-certified organic cotton. Marta, the owner, loves colour so her designs really will brighten up a winter wardrobe. The brand is also stocked at Pine Cliffs Resort. martinelove.com

TREATS PLUS

SUUKY Children’s Christmas couture is vastly more exciting than school uniforms and sportswear. Suuky is a brand where comfort and material are the priority, but design has not taken a back seat. This charming child’s corduroy jumpsuit is made with 100% organic cotton in a delightful powder pink hue that is like something out of a Lewis Carroll novel. suuky.com

JOSEFINAS You are never too

ALGARVE P L U S

rings this year, we propose your true love shops at Arneiro Jewellery. Founded in 1969 right in the heart of the village of Sintra, the Arneiro family have been accessorizing special occasions for many years. Nothing sparkles quite like diamonds at Christmas. arneiro.com

ARNEIRO Instead of five gold

young for a gorgeous pair of shoes and Joesfinas children’s shoes are no exception to that rule. These little leather party pumps are handmade to order and are the perfect addition to any festive frock. josefinas.com

AS DEOLINDAS Let the festivities

well and truly begin with this headturning gown. All of As Deolindas pieces are tailored to order with top-quality materials from Portugal. Christmas is for treating yourself… asdeolindas.com

MIRAKAYA Mirakaya is another 2020 success story and another example of Portuguese craftsmanship at its finest. Designs are minimalist with a hint of Japanese influence, but most importantly they are made for comfort. This jumpsuit is the perfect fit for bubbles on the beach on Christmas day. mirakayastore.com

TREATS PLUS

this creamy merino wool sweater. ISTO’s motto is ‘transparently made in Portugal’ and they are big on being green, which means their designs are made from sustainable materials and made to last. All their suppliers have GOTS Certification, which stands for Global Organic Textile Standard. Basically, a big deal. isto.pt

HURRICANE LAB If you want something done, do it yourself. Unless it’s the Christmas dinner... let someone else do that. Artisans Tânia and Francisco decided to share their love for hats and fashion and create a brand with the hats they couldn’t find on the market. Hurricane hats are a perfect gift or statement party accessory this season. hurricane.pt

ALGARVE P L U S

ISTO Channel your inner Jude Law with

10 PORTUGUESE FLANNEL Portuguese Flannel is a familyrun business spanning four generations, and the shared knowledge, care and authenticity is evident in their designs. The inspiration for Portuguese Flannel shirts comes from the surrounding region and the people that live within. Men – it’s time to ditch the Mark Darcy Christmas jumper this festive season and don this suave-looking navy wool jacket. portugueseflannel.com

VOLTA Socks and Christmas are bedfellows and are always a winner on the shopping for your cousin’s cousin to-do list. Volta are a quirky brand who are a success tale from the hiatus of joy we endured in 2020. A group of Portuguese friends and entrepreneurs got together to reinvent the universe of socks. And that they did. Not only are their socks fun and alternative, but each pair donates to carefully selected causes. voltalisbon.com

LACHOIX Tired party feet are so last year. Lisbon-based Lachoix shoes are the gift of comfort this season. Founded in 2018 by Fátima Carvalho who struggled to find elegant non-heeled shoes which, let’s face it, is a necessity in Lisbon, so she decided to design her own. Fátima should mean fashion in Portuguese because she has the savoir faire fancy footwear designs. lachoix.com

Elegance

ALGARVE

Algarve Elegance is the beauty within your home. Experience unique design by Donna Vinall.

Find us here: Rua Vale Formoso, 8100-267, Almancil or contact us on T: 960 116 396 E: donna@algarveelegance.com W: algarveelegance.com

ANSWERS PLUS

but when asked for an opinion will always recommend neutral colours. The shades that never go out of fashion are white, black, and grey. 11 What about work surfaces and walls? There is such a vast choice of colours and designs today but most people will opt to have the same material on the worktop and the splashback.

1 How long has Austral been here on the Algarve? We launched here in 1998, this year is our 25th anniversary. 2 Is it a single brand or part of a bigger portfolio? It’s a single brand, and a family owned-and-run business. 3 Where are the Austral components produced? We are supported by several factories in Spain and Germany. 4 What are the main materials you work with today? It’s really down to the clients choice. Some prefer wood, others lacquered or laminated finishes and shiny or matt. We will show them the materials available and often help them made the decision.

front, and worktops, and perhaps walls surfaces between top and bottom cupboards. 7 What is the average price spent on a kitchen today? I would say somewhere between €20,000 and €30,000, but of course it depends on what is chosen. Prices vary considerably according to the materials. 8 What is the starting point when you are designing a kitchen for a client? Firstly, we listen to their own thoughts – that gives us a real perspective on what is wanted – what their dream kitchen is all about. Will it be a family-shared space, a busy kitchen? Once we have a picture, and have measured the space, we put various proposals together.

5 How many kitchens have you designed and installed on the Algarve? Over 5,000 from East to West, and up to the North of Portugal, too.

9 Do you produce designs digitally, so a client can see exactly how their finished kitchen will look? Yes, we have a special 3D programme and provide the kitchen design service for free.

6 Do you find people are looking for a revamp, or want all things new? Mostly new, as kitchens last for over 20 years people tend to renovate completely. But when clients simply want a fresh look – a new colour for example – we just replace doors and drawer

10 And what is the most popular colour for cupboard doors – is there a distinct trend? In recent years, dark colours and wood effects were in demand, but every year new colours are introduced. We will always respect the customer’s choice,

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P L A N N I N G A D R E A M K I TC H E N ? W H O B E T T E R TO A DV I S E T H A N A B U S I N E S S T H AT H A S B E E N DESIGNING AND BUILDING THE BEST FOR 25 Y E A R S . M E E T M A R I S A LO P E S O F A U S T R A L . . .

13 Okay, so what is the trending? Ultracompact surfaces with low porosity that makes them highly resistant to stains, scratches and knocks. That’s what everyone regards as priority. 14 What are the latest innovations in design and composition? Virtual reality, as if you were inside the room. 15 What about equipment – do you incorporate all of that? Yes, we can provide all types of household appliances if required. 16 And when it comes to equipment, what is the newest? Hobs with an integrated extractor, machines that automatically dose detergents, cooking directly on a worktop surface – almost everything is controlled by a smart phone. 17 Is open plan still popular? Yes, almost everyone wants a kitchen with an island and open to the living room as it gives extra working space and allows for family and guests to participate. 18 Do most people want to be able to eat in the kitchen? With an island, yes, but not in the kitchen working space. 19 How long, roughly, from design agreement to ready-to-cook? Eight to 12 weeks depending on the materials. 20 Do you handle everything from design to production to installation? Yes, we do everything, except connecting the gas.

Co ntac t M ar isa at Au stral / T: 2 89 399 23 0 / E: coz i nhas@aust ral .pt / W: aust ral .pt

ALGARVE P L U S

20 questions...

12 Are marble and granite the top choices still? Not anymore. Man-made surfaces offer a bigger range of options and they are also easier to maintain.

RECIPE PLUS

Sticky Cola Ham O N E F O R T H E C H R I S T M A S TA B L E : M A R K , P A R T N E R O F M U C H - L A U D E D F O O D WRITE R B ECK Y E XCE LL , SPECIALIST IN ALL THINGS G LUTE N - FRE E , HAS DONE THE HONOURS WITH A HAM, SPICING THINGS UP A BIT USING THE N AT U R A L A C I D I T Y O F C O L A T O T E N D E R I Z E T H E P O R K , A N D A S T I C K Y, SWEET MISO AND FIVE-SPICE GLAZE

RECIPE

of the month...

SERVES 10

TA K E S 1 5 M I N U T E

3 HOURS COOKING TIME

I NGR E D I E N T S 

  

   

1 smoked or unsmoked boneless gammon joint, 1.8–2.2kg 1.75 litres cola (gluten free) 2 large carrots, chopped into 2cm chunks 1 small leek or onion, roughly chopped, (if leek, then the green bits) 1 cinnamon stick 2 dried bay leaves 4 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce 500–750ml gluten-free ham stock

FOR THE GLAZE  100ml maple syrup or honey  50ml black treacle  1 tbsp sesame oil  1 tsp red miso paste (gluten free)  2 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder

M ET HOD 1 Place the gammon in a large flameproof, ovenproof pot that has a lid, then add the cola. Add the carrots, leek/onion, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, soy sauce and as much stock that’s required to almost completely cover the gammon joint – this will vary depending on how wide your pot is. 2 Pop the lid on, place over a medium heat and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat down to low and simmer for two hours. 3 Preheat the oven to 160°C fan / 180°C / 350°F. 4 Mix all the ingredients for the glaze in a jug. 5 Drain and discard the liquid and boiled vegetables and place the gammon in a foil-lined

roasting tray. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice off and discard the top layer of skin and a little of the fat, leaving only a thin layer of fat. Score the fat with a sharp knife, creating a criss-cross pattern. 6 Spoon or brush a third of the glaze onto the ham, ensuring even coverage. Place in the oven for 20 minutes, then remove and spoon/brush on another third of the glaze, before returning to the oven for another 20 minutes. Remove and spoon/brush on the remaining glaze and return to the oven for a final 15 minutes. 7 Allow to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Some cheaper brands of cola actually aren’t

TIP gluten-free because they contain barley,

so make sure you check the ingredients of yours before using this recipe. Freezable: Once cooled, slice and freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Best served at room temperature.

In Gluten-free Christmas, (Quadrille, €25.74, from FNAC), Becky Excell serves up 80 fuss-free recipes, from Christmas Eve nibbles to seasonal feasting. Her 352k Instagram followers – @becckyexcell – will adore the options

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Feeling frazzled? T H E C O U N T D O W N T O T H E H O L I D AY P E R I O D I S A L M O S T O V E R A N D F O R S O M E T H AT I S L E S S A B O U T J OY A N D H A P P I N E S S A N D M O R E A B O U T S T R E S S A N D OVE RWH E LM . H OW CAN WE AD D SO M E M U CH - N E E D E D CALM TO THE FR ANTIC FESTIVE SE ASON?

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OT TO BE all doom and gloom over here nervous system and emotions. With her help I’m but the looming holidays can be a source going to dive into the neuroscience side of things. of stress for many people. Whether you’re “The nervous system is very complex,” Jurga anxious about a big family gathering and says, “the autonomic nervous system is the part potential rifts, or facing a solo Christmas of the nervous system that is involuntary. Part of and not looking forward to it, ‘tis not the our animal body and how it expresses itself. Even season to be jolly for some. A 2019 though we have the human brain that allows us to YouGov survey found that for a quarter think and make decisions, have ideas, concepts, and of the British population, Christmas is the most challenging beliefs, that mind lives in an animal body. That animal time of the year when it comes to mental health. For women, body reacts as any other animal would. 51% said they have felt stressed at Christmas, compared to “We are mammals, social beings that depend on 35% of men. each other for survival. We co-regulate together, Stress over the holiday season comes in many different our nervous systems interact beyond words, beyond forms, from financial worry, illness, and seasonal affective concepts, beyond our conscious choices – there is disorder (SAD) aka the winter blues, to lost loved ones constant interaction happening. And that is why it can no longer taking a seat at the table, children to entertain, be challenging, especially during the holiday season, with and family fallouts. Many people can feel less than joyful families getting together, relationship issues popping up, at the thought of the holiday period. a lot of activity going on, cooking, giving presents, trying TV and social media perpetuate the idea of a to please others. All of that becomes a challenge for our perfect Christmas, leaving many feeling compelled nervous system.” by the need to give great gifts, display wonderful decorations, radiate joy and peace to all, and have Understanding the system the cooking skills of Gordon Ramsay on the big day. Traditionally, the autonomic nervous system has two Needless to say, when it all falls apart, so do we. branches, the sympathetic branch, which responds to stress But what is really going on when we fall apart? through activation (also known as ‘fight or flight’), and the Jurga Bliss is a somatic therapist based in parasympathetic branch, more synonymous with calm and Western Algarve, applying Integrative Bodywork relaxation (also known as ‘rest and digest’). Jurga says: “When the and Movement Therapy alongside the framework nervous system gets overloaded, for example too many people, too of Polyvagal Theory to help clients regulate their much social activity, too many things to do, our bodydo, our

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CALM PLUS

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perceives it as danger and activates the sympathetic branch of the nervous system and we go into ‘fight or flight’ mode. We are not able to connect as well with each other because we are heightened to perceived danger. This is why when we are stressed, conversations go awry, and things go south very quickly. Because biologically our ability to connect with each other, work together, cooperate is severed during the stress response. “We experience heart palpitations; our breathing rate will change. Also, according to the research, in this state people tend to read neutral faces as angry ones, meaning conflict can arise. When the stressful situation goes on for too long or our nervous system feels there’s no way to fight or flee the situation, then the body goes into a freeze and shutdown response. “From an evolutionary perspective this makes sense, preserving our survival when we cannot fight or flee, conserving energy by shutting down and moving into baseline functioning. But in modern day life, this results in feelings of disconnection or isolation, even if there are people around.”

Coping with it If you’re one of the many who gets stressed over the holiday season, it’s important to remember that it’s not a conscious choice we make to get stressed or disconnected; our nervous system decides for us. As Jurga points out: “Via the vagal nerve (the largest direct connection between the brain and body), 80% of neurones are informing the brain from the body; meaning the body is sending signals to the brain. Conversely, only 20% comes from the brain to the body. So, the body informs the brain more than the brain informs the body. This is good news, as when we work with the body, we can have an impact on how we feel physically, but also inform the brain that things are ok. Somatics as a modality works through the body by applying certain techniques to impact the nervous system, through exercises, practices, and techniques. What I like to call a bottom-up approach!” Bringing back the mind-body connection that many of us have lost leads to a less stressful holiday period. And it is key to reducing the psychosomatic symptoms of stress, such as migraines, indigestion, aches and pains. While the festivities may already be in full swing and you might have friends and family to entertain, the befriending you need to prioritise is that of your own nervous system. Check out Jurga’s tips, right, for bringing some calm to the chaos.

Jurga holds one-to-one in-person or online sessions as well as regular movement and meditation groups at La Casa del Corpo, Lagos. For more details, check out her website somaticbliss.eu or Instagram @somaticbliss.

5 tips to calm the nervous system

CALM PLUS

Breathwork

One of the simplest ways to regulate our nervous system is to breathe in to a count of four and breathe out to a count of six. Repeat this for five to ten rounds. Generally, with every breath in, our heart rate goes up, and with every breath out it slows down. By prolonging the out breath, we slow down our heartbeat in a stressful situation, signalling to the nervous system that we’re ok, we don’t need to fight or flee. You can do this when cooking, sitting at the Christmas table with guests, or at any social gathering.

Mindful eating

Bring yourself back into the current moment through mindful eating at the festive table. Pay attention to the taste, the temperature, the texture, the look of the food, really savour the experience. This can help you to feel more grounded.

Engage your senses

The holiday period involves lights, decorations, the changing of nature outside. Make a conscious effort to take in your surroundings. Smell the pine of the Christmas trees, the cinnamon in the baking (cinnamon is known to lift mood), take a moment to see things that you might not have noticed before. Engage all five senses to help stop the mind from overthinking.

Release tension

Take a moment to feel how your body feels, do you have tension somewhere? Make a mental note of it, then take a deep breath in and tense all the muscles of your body, hold for a few seconds then completely relax everything on the out breath. Repeat three times. When we are stressed, muscle tension builds up and even though it seems counterintuitive, by maximising muscle tension and then letting go, it relaxes the body. During the ‘fight or flight’ response, a lot of energy is stored in the muscles for us to use quickly. If we don’t use up that energy, for example by running from a stressful situation, then that energy has nowhere to go. By tensing, holding, and releasing, the energy gets used up and the body can relax afterwards.

Shake it off!

In the wise words of Taylor Swift, shake it off. Using the same theory as the above tip (4), release any stored energy in the muscles created by the ‘fight or flight’ response that may be causing tension by shaking your body. Put on some music, and literally shake your entire body, your arms, your legs. Go for it! If you have watched enough David Attenborough documentaries, you’ll know that animals do this after a life-threatening event to release tension (just not to Taylor Swift.)

RESOLUTIONS PLUS

Promises promises O K AY - W H AT A R E Y O U V O W I N G T O C H A N G E I N T H E Y E A R A H E A D ? A N D I M P O R TA N T LY, W I L L Y O U A C T U A L LY S T I C K T O Y O U R N E W Y E A R P L A N S M U C H PA S T M I D N I G H T O N T H E 3 1 S T O F T H I S M O N T H ? O R W I L L 2 024 B E YO U R Y E A R TO M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E ?

“To raise money for the Samaritans, I’m planning on running 300km in January.” Pippa O’Keefe

MEINKE FLESSMAN

“To create something that will serve both my personal and professional life, and implement it on happy and nurturing routines – a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism, a complex whole.”

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“My new year resolution is to learn how to create digital art. Unfortunately, this means investing in a new Samsung S9 Ultra tablet and its NotePaper screen. And I will probably have to buy an arty stylus, too. The Staedtler Noris one is a pleasing digital recreation of the traditional black-and-white pencil they are famous for. So I am starting 2024 in poverty...” Chris Partridge

“To learn how to pick a show on Netflix quickly AND actually press play before I fall asleep.” Christina Moreno

“I resolve to only buy furniture that has experienced more historical and dramatic events than I have and to treat all these preloved items to a life of epic books and marathon long board game sessions.” Philippa Taylor

“To create a scrapbook of photos, mementoes and quotes from loved ones for 2024. Each month I want to make sure there is something new, fun or meaningful that I record!” Laura Shea

RESO LUTIONS PLUS

“To tear up the bucket list – and enjoy life.” Burford Hurry

“To do that morning routine that I never do!”

DAVID CAMPUS

“My New Year’s resolution is to drink MORE. Next year I’ll be drinking, specifically, lots of orange wine and focusing on introducing lots of it into our rotating sips list at austa. Orange wine is not a style you see a lot of in the Algarve - yet it’s utterly and salubriously gastronomic. Saúde!”

“Easy - break as many ‘age’ rules as possible!” SUZI STEINHOFEL

“My resolution for 2024… to not throw all my toys when a lunatic motorist overtakes me and (usually) three other cars around a bend on the N125 in Tavira. By 2025, I might resolve to stop swearing at them.” Debra Sheryl Dreyer

“Every day I shall live in the knowledge that I don’t have an infinite number of days.” Sara Spalding

“I absolutely promise to try as hard as I can to ask myself would my children approve every time I pick up anything with leopard print.” Dawn Annandale

“I think I will be looking at consuming less ‘grape juice’ and aiming to resurrect another challenge of posting a random photo everyday.” Daryl Gabin

SALLY DIXON

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NICK ROBINSON

“My resolution this year is not to listen to the editor of this magazine. When she asks me to write on any subject, including New Year Resolutions, she then blue pencils what she doesn’t agree with.” Anthony Martin

“In the words of Kim Cattrall, I don’t want to be in a situation for even an hour where I’m not enjoying myself.”

“I have a few: To interact with nature more – surfing, biking, walking; to finish all the DIY projects I started during the pandemic; to attempt to finally learn how to stand on my head; to break all New Year’s Resolutions and not feel guilty about it.” Garrett Walsh

“To plan an epic adventure travel to a place I’ve never been before.”

“More a wish than a resolution: Peace and Love, please.” Joana Dias, Loulé Design Lab

“After the shock of the early death of a very good friend recently, I have decided to live more in the moment. So I resolve to sod the overdraft, and holiday more with my nearest and dearest. Life is too short!” Kim Colley

“To stop fibbing to myself about my calorie intake and insisting the scales are not working properly.”

“Saying yes to bad ideas. They sometimes turn out ok.”

Susi Rogol-Goodkind

KAYLA MEIRINHO

59 l

“I didn’t come this far to give it all up. Now I am really hoping to take Italian seriously. Any Italian!”

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“In this ever-evolving world of AI, it’s important for us to acknowledge the value of human intelligence, or HI. My quick New Year’s resolution would be to prioritise and make time for nurturing our own human intelligence. Let’s strive to engage in meaningful conversations, explore new hobbies, read books, spend quality time with loved ones, and embrace our creativity. By balancing the wonders of AI with the richness of human intelligence, we can make the most out of this new world and continue to grow as individuals.” Beau McClellan

ADRIANA BRINGUENTI

Luis Nascimento, Casa Vostra

GUIDES PLUS

Where there’s

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a will...

Right: Looking down on the streets of Olhão. Opposite page, top: The Bank of Portugal in Faro, an example of neo-Manueline revivalist architecture; below: The work of architect Manuel Gomes da Costa in Faro. Following page: modernist architecture features across the Algarve

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A MAN WHO SPENT MANY YEARS AS AN ARCHITECT AND U R B A N P L A N N I N G C O N S U LTA N T I N T H E N E T H E R L A N D S IS CO M B I N I N G H IS LOVE O F ARCH ITEC TU R E AN D TH E A L G A R V E W I T H A N E W W E B S I T E A N D A P P. W I L L KÖ H L E N I S T H E M A N TO S H OW YO U A R O U N D

l ALGARVE P L U S

ILL KÖHLEN, now retired, has lived in Olhão for the past six years and started blogging about the town’s history and buildings out of pure love for it. But he hasn’t stopped there. building activity intensified across Mozambique; Will has now launched his Architour Algarve Guedes was also involved with many of the churches, website, architouralgarve.com, with inbuilt app, which is where Will came into further contact with to allow users to step inside the parts of the his work. Inspired, Will then discovered, through his Algarve they love the most, virtually. own research, Portuguese architect Manuel Gomes da Will says he always felt he had a connection with the region. Costa, said to be one of the most influential architects Living in Maastricht in the Netherlands, which is renowned for its of his generation in the Algarve, where he was born and medieval-era architecture, Will was sent to Lisbon in 1986 to learn worked between 1950 and 2002. Portuguese before heading to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, He is said to have left an indelible mark on the for four years to work for the Christian Council there. landscape and was believed to be responsible for the planning of around 400 buildings; think Casa Miracle and Influences Casa Gago for starters. Will says he felt the two architects It was in Mozambique that his passion for modernist he admired so much had many similarities having studied at architecture really evolved when he discovered Pancho the same time, and really ignited his interest further: “I felt Guedes. Born in Lisbon in 1925, Guedes is described as one very connected to them,” he says. of the earliest post-modernist architects in Africa, having left Portugual for Mozambique with his mother when he was just New vs old seven years old. He designed hundreds of buildings in the Will admits that there will always be a big debate surrounding 1950s and 60s, many in Maputo where Will was based, as so-called traditional and modernist architecture, especially in a place like the Algarve with its rich history, and he’s happy to encourage it – anything that gets people talking about the buildings around them. He says he does understand people who are nervous of what locals call the “Vilamourisation of Olhão”, but this is why he is careful that his website also caters for those who prefer the older and sometimes more intricate side of the Algarve’s most famous towns. It’s with this in mind that Will takes me back to his time in Tavira, where he lived before settling in Olhão, and which is filled with classic and gothic buildings. It’s here that he made the acquaintance of a tour guide, who has come to be a good friend. Her son is an architect and she had also lived in Mozambique and did walking tours of the town, so the pair had a lot in common. She introduced Will to the works of Fernando Pessoa who was

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especially keen that those using the app learn to develop an eye for architecture with the help of his trained eye. He wants them to learn to look at cities and towns and landscapes in another way, through discovery and discussion. He says that even if you don’t like a building, you should learn how to appreciate it, something he himself is doing with the “more decorative” aspects of the Algarve’s older buildings – which as a modernist, he says is new for him, too. He says that all the payment he needs is people enjoying themselves, coming together to debate architecture, and maybe a cup of coffee at the end of a walking tour. Will’s mantra is that you have to look for “the diamonds” and he’s also keen to point out how, importantly, tourism is changing the face of cities like Faro, which he says is actually a very modernist town shaped by the people who flock to it. The ongoing redevelopment of the airport from Faro Airport to Gago Coutinho International Airport is just one example of how modernism is shaped by the ever-growing tourism industry. So, how does Will promote his new venture? His website contains his blog, and he is firing off newsletters to let born in Tavira and whose work is celebrated every year in the town. She residents and visitors know what’s on offer, you just have had her own connection with the photography club which held regular to know where to look. There are a range of locations on exhibitions, and it was when Will made the move to Olhão that he decided offer to tour virtually. They include Faro, Tavira, Loulé, and to join Recriativa (now known as República 14), another arts club, so of course, Will’s beloved Olhão. One thing that Will cannot he could meet like-minded people and pursue his love of the arts and see is how many people are using his tours website and this architecture. It wasn’t long after this that Will decided to help put is part of the reason why he’s looking to develop his own app. together photography exhibitions, and eventually, start walking tours of The only way that he can see actual figures is by setting up a his own. He says that some of the people who joined knew more about pro contract with Pocket Sights, the app which he currently has Olhão than he, being a newbie, did, so it was a great chance to learn installed on his website, which he doesn’t want to do. more about the town in which he was living. Spurred on by the interest and growing enthusiasm, Will began And coming up... creating tour maps and handing them out so people could walk the So, where would Will like to look at touring next? He tells me he streets at their leisure without a guide. Later, he came up with the has Portimão firmly in his sights. He’s currently investigating what idea to go digital: establishing a beautiful website and gradually it will take to make this addition, by meeting people and looking introducing videos, photos, history pages and details of upcoming at points of interest and of course, the buildings. I have no doubt architecture events. that he’ll make this happen and visitors to the website will get to Through his expertise in digital technology, he discovered the experience the city, known for its old quarter, busy marina and long Pocket Sights app that guides visitors from one point of interest beaches, in the near future. to the next using GPS. But crucially, it is a tour builder allowing All this talk of tours comes at a wonderful time for Portugal’s users to create a route that takes them anywhere they choose to tourist industry. New analysis of 28 European holiday destinations go - and they’re not restricted to roads or major pathways. This by Oak Tree Mobility has revealed the is something that Will plans to incorporate in his own app – he best countries for Brits over 50 to travel had started to build a virtual tour app, but Covid disrupted the to this Winter. Every October, searches for “Winter Holidays” and “Winter Sun process. So, for the time being, he continues to host Pocket Holidays” peak in the UK as Brits seek Sights on his website as he loves what it can do. But he is hoping to escape the cold and windy weather to get planning again on the Architour Algarve app by the end that batters it. With this in mind, Oak Tree of the year. Mobility has created an index of the best places for a winter break. When it comes With a passion to the best destination, Portugal scored the Will says he wants his app to be accessible to everyone and he most points for its high number of ‘bucket wants people to love exploring as much as he does. I ask him list’ activities, high median age, safety relative if and how he is looking to monetise his website and future to other countries and high November to app. He offers me a chuckle and says that, as a retiree, he February temperatures on the study. What doesn’t need the income, and this is a true labour of love. better news could there be for Architour He’s looking to give something back which will also whet Algarve? his appetite for architecture and his love of buildings. He’s 9 2 0 4 8 6 47 7 / w i l l k o h l e n @ g m a i l . c o m / a r c h i t o u r a l g a r v e . c o m

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READS PLUS

FULLY booked

By Ben Miller Publisher: Simon & Schuster Genre: Children’s Christmas tales

By Toni Shiloh Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Genre: Chick lit

In this heartwarming tale, we journey into a magical snowy landscape where Jackson, a curious young boy, meets Father Christmas on Christmas Eve. Jackson learns about the flying reindeer, the secret North Pole workshop, and the magic that allows Father Christmas to deliver presents worldwide in just one night. But there’s one thing Jackson doesn’t know: how did Father Christmas become Father Christmas? As Santa shares his incredible story, we discover the true meaning of Christmas. Along the way, we encounter Torvil, a mean-spirited and miserly elf, who is about to experience a transformation that will forever change his perspective on the holiday season. With beautiful illustrations, The Night I Met Father Christmas reminds us all of the magic and wonder of the festive year end. It’s a sheer delight for kids both big and small, and a perfect read to capture the true spirit of Christmas.

Starr Lewis reluctantly returns home for the holidays jobless, single, and not at all prepared to be dragged into her sister’s wedding activities, or to witness her sister’s marriage to Starr’s ex-boyfriend on Christmas Eve. But, when her brother’s charming best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, Starr begins to believe that maybe coming home isn’t so bad. As she endures wedding preparations, Starr takes comfort in Waylon’s presence and finds the perfect distraction in helping him keep his late mother’s Christmas shop afloat. As the spark between them grows, Starr must decide what she wants out of life – to go back to New York City or to stay and pursue a new dream. A joyous, heartwarming, and magical holiday romance from Christy Award-winning author Toni Shiloh that will keep you cosy under the twinkling Christmas lights.

YOU MAKE IT FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS

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THE NIGHT I MET FATHER CHRISTMAS

S H E ’ S I N TH E C H R I S TM A S S P I R IT, WITH B O O K S TH AT H AV E A FES TIV E TA L E TO TEL L , B U T TH EN O U R I NTR EP I D R E V I E W ER DAW N A N N A N DA L E H E A DS FO R H O R RO R , FA S T-AC TI O N S P O RTS , A N D FO O D, WITH A CO O K ERY B O O K FRO M A S TA R O F S I M P L E C U I S I N E . A N D W E’ V E LI S TED O U T TH E 2 023 M A N B O O K ER FI N A LI S TS . . . BY TH E TI M E YO U ’ R E R E A D I N G TH I S TH E WI N N ER WI L L H AV E C L A I M ED TH EI R £50,000

READS PLUS

FORMULA ONE LEGENDS

By Mark L’Estrange Publisher: Next Chapter Genre: Horror

By Dan Peel Publisher: Sona Books Genre: Motor Racing

I normally love a short story but this lot are definitely not for the faint hearted! Scary Christmas tales are all designed to frighten you witless... and they succeed! It’s Christmas Eve: a time of wonder, magic, anticipation... and terror. A father who will go to any lengths to feed his hungry children; an unsuspecting woman who inherits a house with a deadly secret; a murderous widow who shares a train carriage with Jack the Ripper; two burglars who bite off more than they can chew during a late-night raid. These and many more bedtime stories come hideously to life in Mark L’Estrange’s 19 tales of terror, each set on the most festive night of the year. Will anyone survive until Christmas morning?

Over its more than 70-year history, Formula 1 has grown to become one of the most exciting and most watched sports on Earth. With its thrilling mix of danger and drama – not to mention high speed and supreme skill – it continues to keep fans entertained and engrossed, it’s the characters, personalities and rivalries of the men behind the steering wheels that are Formula One’s real star attraction. In Dan Peel’s book, we celebrate some of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, from the early superstars of Juan Manuel Fangio and Jim Clark to the golden-age greats of Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell, as well as modern masters Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. We also re-live ten of the greatest F1 races of all time and run down the most iconic circuits, as well as looking back at the most successful F1 teams and a selection of the sport’s pioneering team bosses. So strap in and prepare to celebrate the fastest show on Earth!

CHRISTMAS EVIL

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BRITAIN’S LANDMARKS AND LEGENDS By Jo Woolf Publisher: National Trust Books Genre: History for the family

Book of the month

RICK STEIN’S SIMPLE SUPPERS Discover the history, legends and folklore of Britain’s most intriguing landmarks. This beautifully illustrated book reveals the secrets and stories of 50 icons of Britain’s landscape. Some are natural wonders, such as Cheddar Gorge, Sherwood Forest and the white cliffs of Dover. Others were made by our distant ancestors: the standing stones of Avebury and Calanais, the Uffington White Horse, the burial mounds of Sutton Hoo. Discover how they came to be, the legends and traditions that surround them, and how they have inspired famous writers and poets. Reconnect with our ancient landscape with this fascinating and surprising guide.

THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2023 The six finalists recognised in this year’s key literary Awards programme were: Study for Obedience, by Sarah Bernstein If I Survive You, by Jonathan Escoffery Prophet Song, by Paul Lynch Western Lane, by Chetna Maroo The Bee Sting, by Paul Murray This Other Eden, by Paul Harding The winner of the £50,000 prize was announced at the ceremony on 26 November, at the Old Billingsgate.

By Rick Stein Publisher: BBC Books Genre: Cookery I really struggled to choose just one Christmas cook book to share with you, but Rick Stein’s Simple Suppers won. Of his collection of stylish, easy recipes for midweek, weekends and every eventuality in between, Rick says: “These are my simple suppers. Recipes that are straightforward and informal, yet effortlessly delicious. The idea of supper appealed to me because it suggests an ordinary meal. When one is not trying too hard; maybe something you’re going to cook in your jeans and Polo shirt, a glass of vinho verde on the worktop.” This is my new favourite cook book for simple suppers that taste and look incredible.

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GARDENING PLUS

POTS and PIAS PI CK I N G TH E B E ST PL ACE TO B E H O M E T O F AV O U R I T E P L A N T S TA K E S A B I T O F CONSIDERED THINKING. BUT GET THE POSITION RIGHT AND THE PLEASURE WILL BE HUGE... AND ONGOING

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HY DO we have pot plants? To prettify, to reassure, to inspire? Probably most of us would settle for the first although in my mind those other factors should also play a large part. Prettifying used to be the principal aim in Loulé when the Câmara filled flower beds and containers with fairly ephemeral flowering plants such as scarlet polyantha roses. This has changed over the years as the Loulé Câmara, now mindful of the scarcity of water, fills our street with a more thoughtful, permanent, attractive selection of drought-resistant plants and succulents such as gazanias, plectranthus, echeveria, kalanchoe and crassulas The new combinations are a handsome selection of different textured and coloured leaves with the occasional flowers. The strength and exuberant growth of such plants as a plectranthus spilling over the edge of her container impresses and gives pleasure in the searing heat of summer as well as in the biting chill of winter.

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Above: Pinky reds and green – rows of Echeveria Agavoides of the same size and in simple matching pots form a charming feature. Opposite page, below: The shiny-leaved succulent, Crassula ovata always looks so healthy

A carefully considered choice In doing this, the Câmara has recognised and then seized the opportunity to make the connection between containers and us and our world. So, while we enjoy seeing containers filled with lovely plants, we are also being introduced to those that are less demanding in terms of either maintenance or precious water. The Câmara is in tune, too, with the ground swell of local gardeners and nurseries as well as movements like OGten Net and the Mediterranean Garden Association of Portugal, who are promoting Mediterranean water-wise gardening. This was very evident at the rich and rewarding MGAP fair which was held at the end of October. The result of all this is that the greening of our town now involves us, the plants and the Câmara, and the connection has become a three-way system of communication. Perhaps, too, the municipal planting has influenced the way we choose plants for our own containers, although good sound common sense will also be a factor. I notice that many of the town’s citizens now have one or two succulents sitting at their front door. One ground floor apartment has a modest and heart-warming collection of pots

on her steps. There is a small agave (Agave attenuata), side by side with a leggy dragon tree (Dracaena Marginata Bicolor) and a graceful silver, exuberant grey chalk stick (Curio ficoides) all there to welcome the home owner, the visitor or the passer-by. Half of me wants to knock on the door with a packet of washed pebbles to dress the foot of the chalk stick and a piece of green string to replace the piece of white plastic holding the plant upright. Both of these gifts would be intended to present the chalk stick in the best possible light. However, my other half is in awe of the obvious affection the woman has for her collection, so I do nothing. After all, who is to say what would be best for the look of her chalk stick plant? More and more plants in pots are taking a bow on the town’s window sills as well as in doorways and entrances to shops. Some less dramatic and serious than others. At the back of a café in Loulé there is an amusing tumble of echeverias spilling out of the sideways mouths of three clay pots placed on different levels, cocking a snoot at order and discipline. Of course, living in an apartment does place restrictions

GARDENING PLUS

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Right: Plectranthus scutellarioides, its scarlet leaves edged in green. Far right: the boldly-coloured striped gazania, wonderful in a cluster, and just as pretty in its own pot. Below: a real favourite, the Agave attenuata

on how and where you can position a container. But for those of us who have a garden there is more space and many more opportunities to place our containers in the right spot. In my garden in early September, three containers give me a friendly hello when I open my door and step into my garden. I have done this in the hope that they will do the same for my visitors when they arrive as they are at the end of my path as you walk in through the front door. The group consists of a small circular clay bowl of tiny white windflowers (Zephyranthes candida), which is under one of my lemon tree and for days in autumn there are starry splashes of new, snow white petals above their green grasslike leaves. I leave the bowl there in summer, as when given some water the bulbs and their leaves can take fierce summer sun. For company they have the striped stiff leaves of a mother-in-law’s tongue (Dracaena trifasciata) in a conical fired clay pipe, together with a large roughly chiselled stone pia, containing an unusual variegated ribbon bush (Hypoestes aristata) which volunteered in my garden.

Displayed with care I go back to thinking about the organisation of pots in my garden. Why is it I am so prejudiced about rows of pots in gardens or on window sills either next to one another or at equal distances between each other? Perhaps it has something to do with the apparent thoughtlessness of the arrangement. This is even truer when each plant looks neglected or unloved and your eye moves from one neglected plant to the next. For me, plants in pots serve as important focal points in your garden, your composition in clay or plastic and foliage and flowers for the observer to return to time and again. For this reason their arrangement deserves thought. If you do put thought into the arrangement of your containers then you should also consider the space in between and around pots as an essential factor of your composition, and follow in the footsteps of Japanese gardeners of viewing gardens, or artists painting on silk or screens, or ikebana flower arrangers who all regard space as much a factor in their gardens or pictures or floral arrangements, as the gardens, plants or containers themselves.

So, when you position the potted plant either alone or in separate groups, the arrangement should draw your eye to the container and the foliage or the form in it. That being the case, a large solitary bromeliad positioned on a bare platform of Santa Catarina clay tiles is more striking than a couple of different scattered pots in the same space. Isolated, it floats on the clay stage and gives the occasional trumpet of scarlet and blue flame flower through her speckled grey leaves. A large solitary crassula (Crassula ovata) would be just as arresting – even more so if the plant and pot were carefully chosen. In addition, crassulas have the advantage of nearly always looking leaf-and-stalk perfect. Having said that, sometimes an island jumble of pots can also make a statement. For example, in spring, a cluster of sedums, aloes and echeverias could jostle with each other next to one another competing for attention – that smooth-leafed voluptuous Aloe (Aloe striata) next to an orange-leafed sedum (Sedum Nussbaumerianum) below a pot of glossy emerald green winter-leafed bloodlilies (Haemanthus coccineus). However, once again this would be an atoll of growth rather than part of a continent so that your eye would be drawn to the excitement of the different foliage and would not be distracted by other nearby shrubs or plants. Containers, pots and pias filled with different plants and placed thoughtfully on window sills or steps or in focal points in our gardens can all serve to please and delight us. Which brings us back to why do we have them? My feeling is that containers and their plants should communicate with us on all levels. Reassure us? Yes. Inspire us? Yes. Prettify? Yes of course – at times. And in so doing enhancing our daily lives. OGten Net is a growing grassroots movement aimed at helping fellow Algarvian gardeners to establish mediterranean water wise gardens. There are no fees to pay and there are no organisers, only facilitators. Interested? Contact Burford on burfordhpt@gmail.com for more information

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Backhanded benefits WE ALL KNOW A LIT TLE EXERCISE IS GOOD FOR US . BUT COULD TENNIS BE THE GR AND SL AM OF SPORT WHEN IT COMES TO LONGEVIT Y?

Wo rd s:

S A L LY D I X O N

F YOU’RE a regular reader, you’ll know that we’ve been looking at the ways

in which different forms of exercise can increase lifespan and life quality. And we might just be finishing our fitness series for the year on a corker. Step forward tennis. Full disclosure, I’m not a tennis person. I am shockingly bad at it; I’m one of those people who gets over enthusiastic about returning the ball and ends up lobbing it into the next court or into the next-door property. Enough said about my non-existent tennis skills. However, a report that came out a couple of years ago might just sway me into venturing back on to the court. In 2021, The International Longevity Centre UK produced a report title The Longevity of Sporting Legends. The report looked at seven popular sports (football, cricket, rugby, tennis, golf, boxing, horse racing) and the lifespan of some of the top male players. While we must consider a

SHAP E UP PLUS

ALGARVE P L U S

lot of other factors including that professional sports players will be more focused on their diet and wellbeing in general, there were some interesting takeaways. Takeaways that might encourage you to squeeze in a few more games of tennis in 2024. When compared with men from the general population born in the same year, professional sportsmen lived up to 13% longer (with a couple of sporting exceptions). Most interestingly though, the report found that: “there are 36% more Wimbledon finalists alive today than would be expected if they had the same mortality as the average male.” And in fact, tennis topped the list of seven sports as being the best sport for adding years to your life. Closely followed by golf, some of you will be pleased to know! Those of us not intent on becoming sporting legends might be interested to know that another 2021 study (albeit a small one) found that participation in regular recreational tennis over 50 years young may have benefits to cardiometabolic health, including better blood glucose regulation. A sedentary lifestyle is not one that sets us up for success in our later years, which is why finding an exercise that you enjoy and can continue throughout your life is key.

There’s increased coordination and cognitive function, improved reaction times and agility having to follow that small ball around the court

So, why is tennis such a big hitter on the life expectancy scene? We already know that regular exercise, tennis included, is associated with positive health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, increased fitness levels and better weight management. But there’s also the social aspect to consider, and especially in Portugal, the outdoor aspect. Tennis isn’t a solo game; it involves other players, and that social interaction is key to improved mental wellbeing and connection with like-minded folk. Being outside in the glorious Algarve weather means increased vitamin D absorption, important for bone health and immune function. Plus, the beauty of playing tennis outdoors and in fresh air is an instant sigh of relief for the nervous system, improving mental health and relieving stress. There’s also increased co-ordination and cognitive function, improved reaction times and agility having to follow that small ball around the court. Playing tennis may also improve bone density and protect against osteoporosis due to it being a weight-bearing sport. Need I go on? Anyone want to teach me how to play tennis?

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MOVE IT PLUS

TRACK

RECORD

The train to Vila Real do Santo António, with Spain across the water. Photograph courtesy of wetravelportugal.com

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Wo rd s: : C A R O L Y N K A I N

Beautiful tilework decorates many of the train stations, and there are some wonderful clocks, like this one at Tavira

HE TRAIN might be a bit of a bone

Literally and panoramically, there is the viaduct over the River Gilão in Tavira; the bridge that spans the River Arade on the outskirts of Portimão; the 17th century fortress of São Sebastião at Castro Marim; and the dramatic landscape of Monchique.

Beaches And along the coast there is Lagos Bay and lesser known sands and dunes on the stretch between Meia Praia and Lagos. Hop off the train at Meia Praia and step directly onto the beach or take a short walk from Lagos train terminus. The modern station is alongside the marina where the restaurant facilities are excellent and yachts manoeuvre around pontoons. Beaches at the eastern end of the line are mostly difficult to reach. From the station at Cacelha, it is a 20-minute walk to the seaside resort of Manta Rota. This is at the far end of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve where there is a pretty sandy beach.

Remote and risky Some stations are so far off the beaten track it’s a wonder they are ever used. Beware, although the scenery might look tempting for a quiet stroll, but they are miles away from civilization, taxis are non-existent and the next train might not be scheduled to stop.

Attractive architectural landmarks Other stations are handily situated in the centre of bustling towns. Portimão, Faro, Olhão and Tavira are worth singling out since they are so convenient they are used by shoppers and commuters. The exterior of Tavira station is decorated with checkered azulejos and bronze figures stand on the street. Close to the platform, the station’s bread oven has been retained, as well as a ‘nora’ for drawing water

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Highpoints

shaker, covered in graffiti, but the journey will not be a disappointment. The variety of views is endless: beautiful seascapes, unspoiled countryside, the Serra mountain range, citrus orchards, olive groves, fields of animals, quaint villages and sections of interesting urban sprawl.

MOVE IT PLUS

ALGARVE P L U S

Above: Heading west with Lagos the next stop. Below: En route to Faro, the track curves round the coastline alongside the walls of the old town

and equipment once used for filling the tanks of steam locomotives. Fuzeta ‘A’ is another station well placed for town, a beach and the ferry to Armona, but it should not be confused with nearby Fuseta-Moncarapacho since Moncarapacho is a good ten kilometers away!

Eastern end Mostly following the contours of the coast, the train passes vistas of the Ria Formosa that are photogenic, but less so if the train windows are smeared and dirty, which they usually are! At low tide, fishermen dig for clams as sea birds fly overhead. Skirting the edge of Olhão’s Nature Reserve, the noise of the train does not seem to disturb the flamingos that wade around the shallows. Reaching Faro and the port area of Bom João, there are high rise flats and the old city walls. The track is perched precariously on an embankment above the shoreline and it crosses a low bridge straddling the opening of the marina. The height of this crossing dictates which boats can gain access. ‘Gin palaces’ and yachts with fixed masts cannot pass below, so the marina is one of very few in the Algarve that retains an old world appearance.

Heading inland The modernity of the station at The Parque das Cidades is noticeable. Built for the European Football Championships held in 2004, the platforms are conspicuously longer, intended to accommodate arriving spectators. Most of the time it is deserted, and some trains do not stop as they head for Almancil and Loulé. We Travel Portugal issues a warning – “If you plan

on visiting Loulé, Alcantarilha, Silves or Lagoa, all these towns will require additional transport.” That is a considerate warning if you happen to have read it before you get there! From Albufeira, the furthest points north are the stations at Poço Barreto and the misleadingly named Silves. Before reaching them, Tunes is the nearest the Algarve comes to a major railway junction. There is a maze of crisscrossed lines and the potential for four trains to stand in the station at one time. With so many trains, points, levers and electric overhead cables to power the Alfa Pendular from Lisbon, the station master has multiple responsibilities.

Points of interest The first train from Lisbon arrived in Tunes in 1899 and from there the line spread out simultaneously east and west. The last tracks were laid down in 1952 to provide a service between Lisbon and Seville. The line was extended from Vila Real station to the port on the River Guadiana where passengers would take the ferry and disembark at Ayamonte. A Spanish train completed the journey to Seville. The service continued into the 1990s, but after the road bridge was built, the Spanish decided to close the station at Ayamonte. The tracks and station to the ferry port on the Portuguese side of the river soon became surplus to requirements and fell into disrepair.

Western end Nothing is lovelier than following the course of the River Arade downstream, and throughout the year the lush greenery of citrus trees grows on both sides of the track. Much has been written about the train journey that follows the River Douro and the vineyards that flank its banks. Although the scale is grander, in winter when the vines are stripped bare of their foliage, the sight is less splendiferous. With Monchique as a backdrop, this section of the journey close to the Arade is scenic for 12 months of the year. Once in Portimão, the midtown bustle is obvious – washing on the line and old men chattering on benches. The journey is not yet complete as there are more salt marshes, salt pans, statuesque wind turbines, open skies and the swell of Lagos Bay. And for an extra few euros you can go the whole way, out far west to Sagres. For passengers who have missed any of the sites there is still the journey back!

PHOTOGRAPHY PLUS

FALESIA BEACH CLIFF

ALGARVE P L U S

Taken: March 2021, near Vilamoura Camera: Fujifilm X-T3 “This wonderful cliff side, with its natural erosion, is a stunning backdrop to Falesia beach near Vilamoura. In keeping with the make up of the Algarve, this unusal setting behind the beach is a natural wonder. I tried to capture the essence of these great natural cliffs.” Keyword: Impressive

APG member Nigel Moore has been living in the Algarve since 2015 and treats photography, once just a hobby, in a more serious way now. He has three Fuji cameras and a variety of lenses to capture various genres, including landscape and architecture and more recently, creating Photo art

Portfolio

THE CARNIVAL Taken: February 2019, Loulé Camera: Fujifilm X-T3 “One of the calendar’s most anticipated events... the Loulé carnival. Another great Portuguese attraction for locals and visitors alike. This image – Taking a Break – epitomises the involvement of local people.” Keyword: Community To a p p l y f o r m e m b e r s h i p o r c h e c k e x h i b i t i o n d a te s a t t h e M u s e u d o Tr a j e , S ã o B r á s , v i s i t a l g a r v e p h o t o g r a p h e r s g r o u p . o r g

WATCHING THE SUNSET Taken: October 2022, Quarteira Camera: Fujifilm X-S10. “Sun, sea, sand and sunsets – The four S’s that are captured in the glorious coastline of the Algarve. This image, I feel, captures them all. People relaxing and watching the sun go down on yet another beautiful Algarvian day.” Keyword: Calm

SEA STACKS AT SUNRISE Taken: May 2022, Ponta da Piedade Camera: Fujifilm X-T3. “These famous sea stacks near Lagos are another iconic beauty of the Algarve. Many visitors enjoy these wonderful natural phenomena... especially at sunrise. I created this long exposure shot – to smooth out the waves – at sunrise to capture the beauty of them.” Keyword: Silence

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Taken: November 2019, Faro Camera: Fujifilm X-T3. “The Luza Festival was transferred from Loulé pre Covid and has been held in Faro since then. This is another iconic event that is synonymous with Algarve life. This image captures the imagination of the designers who gave a vibrant spread of light and colour to local nature and architecture. Another great festival that resonates with my affinity for life in Portugal.” Keyword: Illuminating

LIGHTS AND COLOUR

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Wo rd s: C H R I S P A R T R I D G E

ECENTLY, ADVANCES in chip

technology and better production systems mean that second-tier manufacturers are now able to offer stylish, high-quality products while the big names struggle to keep ahead. The trend is most visible in smartphones and tablets. For a couple of decades, the clear market leaders have been Apple and Samsung. For many people, indeed, if it isn’t an iPhone it isn’t a phone they would be prepared to be seen using in public. The figures would back them up – Apple and Samsung flagship phones were more powerful, had bigger screens, better cameras and looked lovelier than any of the competition. No wonder people were prepared to pay extra for them (and, in the case of Apple, a lot extra.) Nowadays, however, smartphones are rapidly becoming commodified and there are many brands, mainly from

China, that offer phones that are almost as good for a fraction of the price. And the trend is evident in many other areas of technology, too. Here is a selection of potential Christmas gifts where Santa can keep the savings for himself:

Smartphone Just about every day, analysts announce another “iPhone killer” but they never seem to wound iPhone sales, let alone shoot it in the head. But many offer iPhone alternatives with almost the same power at a fraction of the price. Take the Vivo X90 Pro, which sells sim-free in Portugal for €1,045 and makes the iPhone 15 Pro look a bit pricey at a €300+ more. The Vivo X90 Pro is based on the latest Mediatek chipset, has a big screen and runs Android 13. But its crown jewel is a very superior camera featuring a massive

ALGARVE P L U S

TECHNO PLUS

Above left: One Plus, in conjunction with Hasselblad, offers one of the best cameras. Right: Vivo X90 Pro, which runs on Andriod 13, is another smartphone with an exceptional camera. Below: The Xiaomi Pad 6 comes in at a quarter of the price of the new iPad Pro

sensor from Sony and optics by Zeiss. It has a massive bubble on the back but it’s a small price to pay for the very excellent results. No telephoto, sadly. And the design is nice too, with vegan leather on the back, a real contemporary twist.

ALGARVE P L U S

Foldable smartphone The king of foldable phones is the Samsung Z Fold5, and so far none of its rivals have managed to impress. The price is eye-watering at €1,950. The new One Plus Open must be making Samsung a bit worried, however. It is a serious contender. It is powerful, with the latest Snapdragon 8 chipset, and has a screen that folds with a snap and also opens to any point you want for comfortable viewing when placed on a table. The software is very advanced if a bit buggy. And it also addresses a major weakness of foldable phones – the camera. Restricted space meant that foldable phones have featured small but not very good cameras. One Plus has collaborated with Hasselblad on a camera that is one of the best. The main cameras are a 48MP ultra-wide and a 64MP telephoto with three times zoom. The drawback is a big bulge on the

back but this has been thoughtfully designed to minimise the apparent bulk. And, of course, being a folding phone means you can use the main camera for selfies and video conferencing, which is nice. Unfortunately, the iron economics of folding phones (huge screen areas, complex mechanical hinges) mean that the Open phone isn’t really a saving on the Samsung Z Fold5 at €1,649. It is simply better rather than much cheaper. As with all techno items, check around for the best prices; in Portugal they vary – sometimes hugely – from one supplier to another. FNAC and Worten are always good starting points, and do look into onlineonly dealers to ensure support is available if needed.

Check around for the best prices. Here they vary – sometimes hugely – from one supplier to another.

Tablet

The latest iPad Pro starts at €1,299. The Xiaomi Pad 6 costs just €379.99 at xiaomistore.pt. It is beautifully styled, has a bright display and a decent camera. Operation is fast and fluid. So far, pretty much up there with the iPad. So where are the compromises? The processor, a Snapdragon 870, is from the last generation so not nearly as powerful as Apple’s, but it does the job at a much lower price. The screen is LCD rather than the swanky OLED but you would be hard put to tell. It runs Android 13. The rear camera is only 13MP but who takes photos with a tablet anyway? Perfectly good for scanning documents and stuff. The forward facing camera, positioned on the long edge for video conferencing without side-eye, is also well up to the job. Xiaomi has also dispensed with most of the fripperies. No mobile data capability so if you want to work in a café via 5G you are out of luck. No flash card slot so you will either have to invest in the 256GB memory option or do what everyone does these days, store everything in the cloud. There is no audio socket but connecting headphones by Bluetooth is the modern and much more convenient way. Xiaomi has also launched a new stylus, the Smart Pen (2nd Generation) at €79.95, which compares well with the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation which costs a whopping €149. The original smart pen was a bit underwhelming but the new one works just as well as the Pencil at half the price.

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WHERE NOW PLUS

MARIA SHARAPOVA

Whatever happened to… T H I S M O N T H , W E ’ V E G O N E S P O R T Y, A N D A L S O B E E N B A N G I N G T H E D R U M S A B O U T O N E O F T H E W O R L D ’ S T O P N A M E S I N M U S I C . A L L T H R E E O F O U R F A M O U S F A C E S S TA R T E D I N T H E I R C A R E E R S AT A V E R Y E A R LY A G E A N D M A D E I T T O T H E T O P O F T H E I R C H O S E N P R O F E S S I O N

Wo rd s: J I L L E C K E R S L E Y

WAYNE ROONEY

90s

ALGARVE P L U S

70s

Not long after tennis star Maria Sharapova was rated as World Number One, she was also said to be the highest paid female athlete in the world. Russianborn Maria comes from a town called Nyagan in Western Siberia, more than a thousand miles from Moscow. She first picked up a tennis racquet at the age of just four, and joined a tennis clinic run by one of her predecessors, Martina Navratilova. At seven she went to live in the USA, and attracted attention as a player when she was still a teenager, reaching the final of the Australian Open Junior championship before she was 15. From then on it was one triumph on the tennis circuit after another. Eventually she won Wimbledon in 2004, beating the top seed Serena Williams. She won a total of 36 titles, including two French Opens, one US Open, one Australian Open and of course Wimbledon, plus three doubles titles, before injury affected her career. In February 2020, she announced her retirement. She had a parallel career in modelling, appearing in ad campaigns for companies like Nike and Canon. In 2018 she began a relationship with British businessman Alexander Gilkes. They announced their engagement in 2020 and their son Theodore was born in 2022. The couple have homes in Florida and California but Maria retains her Russian citizenship and supports several charities campaigning for those affected by the 1986 Chernobyl accident.

Wayne Rooney rose to fame as a teenage football star, breaking records as he went. Born in Liverpool in 1985, he joined the youth section of local team Everton when he was nine and made his debut at senior level aged just 16. However, it was when he was transferred to rivals Manchester United that his career really took off. His score of 253 goals for the Reds even beat that of Sir Bobby Charlton. He made his senior debut for England aged just 17 and first scored for his country in that same year. In 2018 the Wayne Rooney Foundation international – between England and the USA – was played at Wembley with the profits going to the charity Wayne had set up. He returned to Everton briefly as a player, then in 2020 joined Derby County as player-manager. He retired from playing in 2021 and most recently was appointed manager of Championship team Birmingham City FC. When he married his high-school sweetheart Coleen back in 2008, the young couple instantly became tabloid fodder with gossip stories following one after the other, sometimes featuring his alleged misbehaviour and, most famously, Coleen’s role in the court case which became known as the ‘Wagatha Christie’ saga. The couple have four young sons and live in a mansion in Cheshire. Keeping the job in the family, son Kai signed for Manchester United in 2020.

60s

At one time, motorists joining any of the UK’s motorways would pass many hopeful fellow-travellers thumbing lifts on the approach roads. Motorway service stations were also places where the persuasive could often obtain a lift. However, there has been an apparent decline in the popularity of hitch-hiking since the 1970s with some disagreement about why this should be. More laws, faster cars, or the popularity of scary films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre have all been put forward as possible reasons. Academic studies about the dangers of hitching were published in the USA in the 70s and Germany in the 80s; both concluded that hitchers were in no special danger. The origins of hitchhiking come from the USA in the early 20th century, when distances were vast, travellers were often poor, and cars were rare. It was popular in the Great Depression of the 1930s and again in the Second World War when petrol was difficult to obtain. There was a ‘second wave’ of hitch-hiking in the hippie 1960s, both in the US and Europe, and in some parts of the world where public transport is inadequate, hitching is commonplace even today. There are signs that increased environmental awareness this century might lead to a revival of hitch-hiking – perhaps re-branded as car-sharing. In Germany and Austria, it’s encouraged with the creation of ‘Mitfahrbaenke’ or ‘fellow-traveller benches’ where hitchers can sit while they wait for a suitable ride. Hitching is often forbidden on motorways but in the Netherlands street signs tell you exactly where you may hitch!

There are signs that increased environmental awareness this century might lead to a revival of hitch-hiking – perhaps re-branded as car-sharing.

HITCH HIKERS

ALGARVE P L U S

1910s

He will always be ‘Ringo’ even though he was knighted by the late Queen for his services to music in 2018 as Sir Richard Starkey. A delicate child who spent much of his early life in Liverpool hospitals, his first musical interests came in the skiffle boom of the 1950s. He was recruited as The Beatles’ drummer in 1962, replacing Pete Best. The musical and personal chemistry between John, Paul, George and Ringo catapulted The Beatles to superstardom in the 1960s with Ringo taking lead vocals on songs like Yellow Submarine. When The Beatles came to the end of the line in 1970, all four members of the band were embarking on solo careers and Ringo’s first solo hit was It Don’t Come Easy. Since then, he continues to tour with his Al Starr Band. In July 2020, he celebrated his 80th birthday with a live-streamed concert featuring many of his musician friends. In 2002, he was inducted into the Performing Arts Society Hall of Fame and in 2011 the readers of Rolling Stone voted him the fifth-best drummer of all time. Ringo married Beatles fan Maureen Cox in 1965 and they had three children. In 1985, he was the first Beatle to become a grandfather. In 1981 he married actress Barbara Bach, and they now have homes in Los Angeles and Monte Carlo as well as in Kings Road, Chelsea. Ringo began creating his own artworks in the Nineties with all proceeds from the sales going to the Lotus Foundation charity, which supports good causes from medical research to animal welfare.

RINGO STARR

Dear friends and clients, As another year comes to a close, we want to say a huge thank you for your constant support. We promise to continue searching for exquisite and handpicked items, selected fashion and accessories, and look forward to seeing you again. Martina and her team wish you A very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year

HOMES: Rua das Lojas, Rua 5 de Outubro nº 68 . FaSHiOn and accESSORiES: Rua José Fernandes Guerreiro, nº39 OPEn: Monday - Friday 10.00-13.00; 15.00-18.00; Saturday: 10.00-14.00 T: +351 964 222 612 inSTa: martina.loule / martina-loule.com

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Women and finance W E A R E A L L L I V I N G LO N G E R – WO M E N LO N G E R T H A N M E N – B U T T H E R E I S A C O N S I D E R A B L E L AC K O F B A L A N C E W H E N I T C O M E S TO E A R N I N G S , R E T I R E M E N T S AV I N G S , A N D I N V E S T M E N T H O L D I N G S . M A R K Q U I N N A N D D E B R A H B R O A D F I E L D O F T H E S P E C T R U M I FA G R O U P E X P L A I N T H E I M P O R TA N C E O F P R O P E R P L A N N I N G

WOMEN’S EARNINGS The gender pay gap also persists, with 80% of companies paying women less than men. A 2021 study by the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) indicated that the average working woman could face a retirement pay gap of £70,000. Career breaks for childcare or eldercare contribute to this gap, affecting not only income but also progression opportunities. Consequently, women often have approximately 51% less in retirement savings than their male counterparts. Given women’s longer life expectancy, their finances must endure longer as well. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) project a lifespan of 83.1 years for women. Without adequate planning tailored to female longevity, women may find themselves financially challenged in later years. These factors mean that women must take a different approach when thinking about their finances and even the large investment houses are recognising this. For example, BlackRock, the world’s largest fund manager, has introduced investment funds tailored to women, addressing and incorporating the unique financial issues they face.

To navigate these challenges, it’s crucial to develop your understanding and relationship with money. Identify your financial strengths and weaknesses, set specific and realistic goals, and, if still working, negotiate your worth effectively. Consider investing to build long-term wealth. Cash and bank deposits are poor inflation hedges. While investing does involve risk, statistics indicate that women often outperform men as investors. Investing also provides the best opportunity for inflatio, beating returns in the long run – an opportunity for women to use their longevity in their favour! Also, the approach to portfolio management may have to be rethought. Traditional portfolio management would involve holding a relatively large amount of shares/equities (high growth but more risk) when we have a long time frame to retirement and then gradually shifting into bonds (lower growth/lower risk) as retirement gets closer. However, due to increased life expectancy, we may need to adopt an approach, which still sees a heavy equity/shares percentage in our portfolios to give us the potential longterm growth we need to support ourselves in the future.

PLANS IN PLACE Ensure you regularly review and manage your investments to avoid stagnation due to high fees or poor performance. Lastly, build your financial confidence through education or professional assistance. This can help you to identify opportunities, attain financial independence, and achieve peace of mind.

ASK THE EXPERTS Debrah Broadfield and Mark Quinn are Chartered Financial Planners (level 6 CII) and Tax Advisers (UK ATT) with 20 years of combined experience advising expatriates in Portugal on cross-border financial and tax planning issues.

T H E S P E C T R U M I FA G R O U P R u a S a c a d u r a C a b r a l , Lo te 2 6 2 , Lo j a C , 8 1 3 5 - 1 4 4 A l m a n c i l T: 2 8 9 3 5 5 3 1 6 / E : i n f o @ s p e c t r u m - i f a . c o m / W : s p e c t r u m - i f a . c o m

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

influence our perceptions of financial management and impact our practical needs, but with an anticipated 60% of the UK’s wealth in women’s hands by 2025, understanding these differences can provide a strategic advantage for you... or for the women in your life. Women are naturally more cautious, but this hesitancy often stems from a lack of confidence. Even today, studies show that despite 85% of women running household finances, over half of women defer to partners to manage long term finances. Considering that three-quarters of women aged 60 are either single, widowed, or divorced, heavy reliance on a partner can leave them at a disadvantage. A recent YouGov study showed that 55% of women had never held an investment vs. 35% of men. Women’s reluctance or conservatism when it comes to investing can also impact investment returns in the long run, as cautious investments have a lower growth potential. Something certainly detrimental when matched with their longer life expectancy.

ALGARVE P L U S

T MIGHT seem strange that gender can

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YOUR money R I C A R D O C H AV E S I S H E R E T O H E L P P E O P L E U N D E R S TA N D A N D D E A L W I T H W H AT I S A L L O WA B L E – A N D N O T – W H E N I T C O M E S T O F I N A N C I A L M AT T E R S I N P O R T U G A L . T H I S M O N T H , Q U E S T I O N S C O V E R B A N K S G O I N G B R O K E , W H AT C A N B E C H A R G E D TO YO U R B U S I N E S S , A N D P E N S I O N S

Can I buy a decent supply of drinks before Christmas, as a business expense? I would like to be able to offer a festive drink to anyone who comes into my office (which is in my home). Do I simply need to get a full receipt with my NIF? When you are considering offering festive drinks to your clients, this may be used as business expense, providing they are reasonable and not extravagant. However, please note that in this situation, you are working from home, and it may be a very thin line, separating your business clients from your home guests. You will need to ask for an invoice with the NIF, but please make sure to add some more data, for instance the dates and clients attending your event, so that in case it’s required, you can prove later that this business expense was needed from a business perspective. Be aware that in case you are on the simplified regime and assessed on a percentage of your turnover, this expense might not be relevant. In case you are on the normal regime, the expense will be used as a cost, but you may be liable for additional autonomous tax.

I am planning to have some major work done in my house – for the first time in many years – to create a bigger and more efficient work space. I am a website designer and work as a consultant to a number of businesses here and also help individuals with their social media presence. Is there a limit to what I can spend as a legitimate business investment? There is no limit to what you can spend, but even if everything relates to business, the amount you will deduct as a cost to the business is very low – it is only the yearly depreciation of the asset. Also, by deducting those costs you may be implying that the property is not your main residence, but your business, and this will have tax consequences when selling the property. It would be more sensible to make the investment in your name, to protect you on a future sale, so that you can use that cost on the capital gains tax assessment. If you operate as a company and not as a contractor, and there is a lease contract between you and the business, it would be easier for the company to pay for the works, but you will still not be able to use those costs when selling the property to minimize capital gains exposure.

Who is entitled to a state pension here? I have lived here for 19 years and pay tax here and in the UK (I get a UK State Pension). Will I get a pension here? The fact that you are paying tax it is only relevant if you also have been making social security contributions in Portugal. If you made those contributions for a minimum of 15 years and are at retirement age (66 years), you are entitled to a retirement pension. If you are living here, you should contact Segurança Social; if you live outside Portugal the pension should be requested in the country where you are resident at the time. Only if the country does not have an agreement with Portugal, will you need to request the pension here. If you live here and are at retirement age but have not made any contributions to the social security, or have not met the minimum 15 years, you may still be eligible to an old age pension here, but only if you have no other income or very low income.

E m a i l yo u r f i n a n c e q u e s t i o n s to m a r t i n @ a l g a r ve p l u s m a g a z i n e . c o m f o r i n c l u s i o n i n t h e f i r s t av a i l a b l e i s s u e o f A l g a r ve P LU S . To c o n s u l t d i r e c t l y w i t h t h e e x p e r t s a t A F M , e m a i l h e l p d e s k @ a l l f i n a n c e m a t t e r s . p t

What is the situation here if a bank goes under? Is one covered so that their money with that bank is secure, regardless? When a bank or credit institution files for bankruptcy, customers will not run the risk of losing the funds deposited in Portugal up to a limit of €100,000 per customer. This is the limit protected per credit institution and per depositor whether the client is a resident of Portugal or not. All types of deposits are covered by the deposit guarantee system, including current accounts, deposits redeemable at notice, time deposits, time deposits that cannot be mobilized in advance, special regime deposits, housing-savings, migrant savings, retirement savings, condominium savings. Guaranteed amounts are paid fairly quickly: the first portion of €10,000 within seven working days and the remaining amount up to the €100,000 limit, within a maximum of 15 work days.

ALGARVE P L U S

SORTED PLUS

Q A

GOING LEGAL

100 95 75

25 5

hierarchy in Portugal were unanimous in applying Portuguese law as the governing law of that corporation, despite the business having registered headquarters in Malta; it was clear to the courts that the effective running of the company’s affairs was in Portugal and that therefore, under paragraph 3 number 1 of the Portuguese Corporative Code, Portuguese law should apply.

If my Portuguese Will says that my succession will be governed by a UK law, will the Portuguese authorities respect my wishes? A Yes. Under European Law, namely Regulation 650/12 – also know in the UK as Brussels IV – although the general rule is that the law applicable to your succession is the law of your domicile (meaning if you live in Portugal, then Portuguese law will govern your succession), it is allowable foreign nationals to choose the law of their nationality to govern their succession. This choice must be detailed expressly in the Will. One of our clients was the beneficiary of a Will in which her late partner left her a property, details of which were specified in the Will. Later, however, they had jointly purchased a piece of land adjoining the property, but the partner’s Will had not been modified to reflect that purchase and ownership. In the Will, it was expressly stated that the instructions of the Will were done in accordance to his national law (British, and in particular the Law of England and Wales). After his death, his partner filed a

registration request with the Land Registry Office, asking that both properties were registered in her name. This was denied as according to the Land Registry Office’s local official, only one property was specified in the Will. Our client took the Portuguese State to court and claimed that under the deceased’s national law, in specific the Wills Act of 1837, an adjoining property should be considered part of the bequeath. The court considered the Will valid and ordered the Land Registry Office to register both properties in her name, leaving out the children who, under Portuguese law and our system of forced heirship, would be entitled to a percentage. Portuguese courts are governed by Portuguese and European Law, and they may apply both, or another law outside the EU if they deem that applicable. In this case, the law was that of England and Wales. It has been our experience as lawyers in the Algarve since 1997 that many foreign nationals are not aware of the rules that govern their succession and that often leads to difficulties for the successors. It is vital that when foreign nationals decide to invest in Portugal, and/or live here, that they are aware of the succession rules applicable to them. If they choose to make a Portuguese Will – which we would advise in most situations – a decision must be taken regarding which law of succession applies, and with a full understanding of that law. Email questions for Ramos Associados to martin@algarveplusmagazine.com.

R a m o s & A s s o c i a d o s S o c i e d a d e d e A d vo g a d o s S P R L Ave n i d a 5 d e O u t u b ro , 1 6 9 – 1 7 1 , 8 1 3 5 - 1 0 1 A l m a n c i l T: 2 8 9 41 3 0 6 3 / E : i n f o @ n r a m o s l a w ye r s . c o m / n r a m o s l a w ye r s . c o m

What is the situation regarding an off-shore or foreign-based company – can they be governed by Portuguese law? A We recently trialled this very situation, in which it was questioned whether the person who signed a Deed of Purchase and Sale on behalf of a company based in Malta had the powers to do so under the applicable law. The Portuguese Corporative Code (Código das Sociedades Comerciais} states clearly that the law applicable to a company is the law of the headquarters and effective administration of the company. This scenario could well be of interest to some readers – especially those who are beneficial owners or shareholders of a company that holds property in Portugal – who may be under the impression that their company is, in fact, governed by Delaware, Malta or Gibraltarian corporative law. In the recent case we handled, the plaintiff supported that Maltese corporative law was applicable, while the defendant (our client) alleged that he believed the company, while owning a property located in Portugal, had no other assets and that the office of the directors was based in Gibraltar. In addition, that as the directors and the fiduciary shareholders were bound to act under the instructions of the Beneficial Owner who lived in Portugal and commanded the company’s affairs from Portugal, the applicable law should be Portuguese. That was also the view taken by the First Instance Court in Faro, the Appeals Court in Évora and the Portuguese Supreme Court: all courts from the various judiciary

ALGARVE P L U S

L E G A L E X P E R T S N E L S O N R A M O S A N D R O B E R TA R A M O S , TO G E T H E R W I T H T H E I R S P E C I A L I S T T E A M AT R A M O S & A S S O C I A D O S I N A L M A N C I L , H AV E C O N S I D E R E D T W O K E Y I S S U E S W H I C H H AV E R A I S E D Q U E S T I O N S F R O M R E A D E R S O F A LG A R V E P L U S A N D E X P L A I N H O W T H E Y D E A LT W I T H S I M I L A R S I T U AT I O N S W I T H C L I E N T S O F T H E I R S

18 Dec - 17 Jan Closed

Algarve's classiest Italian restaurant & lifestyle shop Open daily from 12h until late for dining, takeaway and delivery. Booking is recommended {Closed for holidays 18 Dec - 17 Jan}

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Av. 5 Outubro 302, Almancil (Opposite Apolónia)

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T H I S M O N T H ’ S S P E C I A L S E L E C T I O N O F T H I N G S WO R T H S E E I N G

A R T SO MUCH HAPPENING There are concerts – contemporary and classical – and art exhibitions, restaurant specials, festivals large and small, and everywhere decorations to celebrate the festive season.You can ice skate, sit with Santa, shop around for great locally-made gifts. What’s important is that you make every minute merry

Walk through the gardens and at every turn you’ll see another wonderful piece from the talent twosome, Sylvain and Tara Bongard. Closer to home, in Portimão in the Casa Manuel Teixeira, Tara’s graphite drawings are gaining attention. 20% of sales are going to the Monchique Fire Services.

Primavera lll, oil on canvas. 110x110cm

Aderita artistic space 912 186 868, artisticspace.pt, until 25 December Portable Art. Small format originals allow you to travel with and move objects you love. These little works make treasured gifts, too. Pedro Cruz, Higino Gonçalves, Steven Cox, Thais Morenthzen, Nelia Duarte, Rita Pereira, Sen, Coco, Paulo Frangolho, Pascale Fey, João Aurora, Marc Musso, Pedro Correia, Aderita Silva.

OLHÃO PAINTERS República 14, Olhão republica14.pt On until 28 January

ALBARRÁN CABRERA In the Pink Praça da República, Loulé in-the-pink.com On until 16 December The Mouth of Krishna #724, 2018, photograph courtesy of the artists Albarrán and In The Pink.

Voka ArtCatto, 289 419 447, info@artcatto.com, artcatto.com

Twelve artists joined together in a single exhibition - Jill Stott, Tinneke Sorteboom, Fabienne Vincent, Rebecca Hutchinson, Carola Colley, Justine Albronda, Edwin Hagendoorn, Sushma Legendre McIntosh, Meinke Flesseman, Paulo Gago, Fiona Gray, and Antonia Williams.

Algarve, acrylic on canvas. 80x120cm

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

Botanical Garden, Lisbon atelierbongard@hotmail.com studiobongard.com museus.ulisboa.pt Ongoing into January

ALGARVE P L U S

Tavira d’Artes, Tavira, 962 012 111 taviradartes@gmail.com taviradartes.com

STUDIO BONGARD

KAREN D’OLIVEIRA

M U SIC

info@orquestradoalgarve.com orquestradoalgarve.com

DANIEL KEMISH Teatro Lethes Rua de Portugal, Faro 289 878 908 15 December, 21:30 Tickets €12.50, bol.pt

Visit the website for full information on the full programme throughout the month at various venues across the Algarve. Here is just a sampling:

Serio Carolino in a concert for tuba and orchestra. Free entry.

República 14, Olhão l

Reservas@republica14.pt Email for ticket prices, and to book. Concert times, 19:00 and 21:30 9 December

16 December

CÁTIA ALHANDRA This multifaceted singer offers a programme of mainly original compositions by Algarve composers and reinterpretations of Fado and traditional music. The ensemble includes Zé Miguel Vieira on arrangements and guitar, Luís Henriques on double bass, and Francis on drums.

PLASTICINE Regarded by critics and audiences as “the best funk orchestra in Portugal,” Plasticine takes us on a musical journey of progressive rock, funk, jazz, and soul with a section of brass, guitars, keyboards and drum. No tricks or gimmicks, just pulsating music and direct energy from the stage to the audience.

12 December, 19:00, Igreja Matriz, Silves Bruno Borralhinho, widely acclaimed conductor and cellist, with the orchestra, in a programme of Delius, Haydn, and Beethoven. Tickets €7.50.

21 December, 18:00 Loulé Municipal market. Laurentiu Simões is the violin soloist in this concert of Baroque music – a real Christmas celebration of Bach and Handel. Free entry. 23 December, 21:30, Igreja do Carmo, Tavira



1 December, 10:00 Conservatório Regional do Algarve Maria Campina

Returning for the fifth year, this super-star will introduce music from his new album as well as some of his great classics, recorded in Nashville and entirely in analogue.

ALAALGARVE P L U S

Orquestra do algarve

Christmas concert, with the choir and orchestra, a celebration of the festive season with Bach’s Magnificat. Free entry.

Amigos de Música FARO PHILHARMONIC ASSOCIATION Teatro Lethes, Rua de Portugal, Faro, 289 878 908 16 December, 21:30, Tickets €5, bol.pt A great Christmas party of music with the most-loved of seasonal songs, presented by the amateur musicians of the Faro Philharmonic Band.

Os Agostos, Sta. Bárbara de Nexe, reservasconcertos@gmail.com amigosdemusica.org – 19 and 20 December, 19:00 Award-winning Nuno Marques, co-founder and Musical Director of The Porto Piano Fest, will be here from New York and present on the 19th, works by Bach, Villa Lobos, and Chopin, and on the 20th by Colomina, Debussy, Liszt and Gershwin, among others. Marques was the first protégé of the AAMSL Young Portuguese Music Student Scholarship programme launched in 1994 by the Amigos de Música. Doors at Os Agostos open at

18:00 and wine, fruit juices and canapés will be served. Entry donation including refreshments is €30pp. Visit the website for more information

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

Loulé Criativo workshops loulecriativo@cm-loule.pt, loulecriativo.pt

Armação de Pêra Clube dos Veículos Clássicos do Barlavento classicosdobarlavento@gmail.com 25 December and 1 January 10:30–12:00 Meet on the beach near the Holiday Inn Algarve Hotel, have a dip in the ocean and help to raise money for local families in need. Take your swimkit and a towel and go in for a swim – or just a paddle – as long as a part of you gets wet! Adults and children are all welcome to take part on the understanding that they do so at their own risk. Your donations will be passed on to the Junta de Freguesia de Armação de Pêra to help families in need in the area.

CHARITY WALK Figs on the Funcho 912 595 539 cheryl@figsonthefuncho.com figsonthefuncho.com 2 December, 10:00 Cheryl and Graham are leading a walk to help raise funds for the Mr No Ears Cat Haven’s external project ‘Silves Street Cats’ charity. Donations received on the day will go towards organising adoptions and taking care of cats that can’t be re-homed due to age and disability.

NEW ROPE WOVEN CHAIR SEATS WORKSHOP 2 December, Palácio Gama Lobo Partner: Maria João Costa To register: loulecriativo@cm-loule.pt Participants will learn how to stuff rope into a wooden chair frame, interlacing it in the traditional way to create the seat.

TAPESTRY WORKSHOP WITH NATURAL FIBRES AND DRIED FLOWERS

CHRISTMAS EXCLUSIVE! CYANOTYPE EXPERIENCE 16 December Palácio Gama Lobo Partner: Sandra Nascimento To register: deepblue.hello@ gmail.com Discover the magic of cyanotype to create unique gifts using this artistic photographic process. In this activity you can create unique and personalised Christmas cards.

6 December, Oficina dos Têxteis Partner: Susana Mendez To register: susanamendez. studio@gmail.com

CULINARY WORKSHOP FIGS ON THE FUNCHO 912 595 539 cheryl@figsonthefuncho.com figsonthefuncho.com 9 December, 10:45–14:00 Learn to master vegetarian Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern flavours, Ottolenghi style, in a falafel workshop that includes tahini, tzatziki, smokey rosemary hummus and baba ganoush. Tea, coffee and snacks, as well as a great lunch with wine, are included in the €45 fee.

VALE DO LOBO valedolobo.com/en/events for locations Walking Tour Tuesdays 17:00–18:00. Social Running Thursdays 17:00–18:00. Yoga Friday 11:15– 12:15; Sunday 09:00–10:00 Morning Yoga 6 and 20 December, 10:00–11:00 Social Padel Challenge Fridays 18:30–21:30 Cardio Tennis Saturdays 10:00–12:00 Round Robin Tournament Wednesdays 16:00–18:00 Christmas Market 2-3 December – see page 32 Astronomical Observation 23 December 18:00–20:00 Vale do Lobo Guest Day 23 December 18:00–20:00 Macrame Workshop 13 December 14:30–17:30 Visit the website for locations and prices

FESTIVE CHARITY SWIMS

9 December Oficina dos Têxteis Partner: Flávia Ferreira To register: flaviaferreiradias@gmail.com

BRUNO SANTOS

BEACH RIDE Pine Trees Riding Centre 289 394 369 bevpinetrees@gmail.com 13 and 27 December This popular two-hour ride is suitable for those competent in trot and to canter in a half seat. After a warm up and safety checks in the arena, the ride takes the shortest route to the beach area. In winter, when there is a low tide, the sand is flat and firm, often with a little shallow water to ride, and the golden beach stretches for as far as you can see. For full details, contact the Riding Centre.

ALGARVE P L U S

EX P E R I E N CE S

CHRISTMAS EXCLUSIVE! CREATIVE EMBROIDERY: SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS

LAST WORD PLUS

AND finally

ALGARVE P L U S

HOW M UCH TIME CAN ONE MAN SPEND CHECKING AND DOU BLE C H E C K I N G W H E T H E R I N F O R M AT I O N I S C O R R E C T A N D T R U E , O R FA K I N G I T ? A N T H O N Y M A R T I N H A S D I S C O V E R E D T H AT A I C A N PROVI D E A N SWERS , B U T Q U ESTI O N S TH EI R V ER AC IT Y A N D A L S O T H E I R VA L U E

E HAVE recently been

hearing a lot about AI (artificial intelligence) with the world’s talking heads each expounding on just how much of a game-changer this is going to be. Elon Musk has said it will eliminate the need for all jobs and raise the question of how we find the ‘meaning in life’. He also said: “We’re not stronger or faster than other creatures, but we are more intelligent. And here we are, for the first time really in human history, with something that’s going to be far more intelligent than us and is one of the biggest threats to humanity.” Now who am I to argue with the world’s wealthiest man? After all, he must know one or two things having got to the top of his particular tree, but it was also said at the end of the 19th century that in 50 years time the streets of London would be under nine feet of manure. And then along came the internal combustion engine, closely followed by Henry Ford’s Model T, which probably ruined the businesses of waterproof boot manufacturers. There has, up to now, always been the ‘just-around-thecorner’ innovation that has been waiting to supersede that which has gone before, but is there going to be anything to replace AI? No, there isn’t – just a more intelligent AI, which has the world worried, as well it should be. Experiment yourself, get the free trial Chat GPT on your screen and enter a request. My first was this: “Write 100 words on brain surgery in the style of Damon Runyon”. Five seconds later I was sitting with my mouth open in amazement. I then repeated the command but replaced Damon Runyon with Shakespeare and, as they say in the vernacular, had my socks blown off as the words rolled across the page. There are also visual applications where you can type

in the image you would like to see, and the artistic style and the medium. Don’t expect fine art but the results can be extraordinary. AI has also been used as a driving aid in my car and I must admit that it and I have a love/hate relationship as I was taught, many years ago, how to drive a car and feel that I have, apart from a few knocks, mastered the art reasonably well. But my new intelligent car seems to think otherwise. I know I’m old fashioned but I like to tell the car what to do – not the other way around. It jams the brakes on if it thinks I’m too close to the car in front; it beeps aggressively if I don’t put the indicator on before crossing a dotted line; and it obviously doesn’t like my taste in music as it keeps changing the channel. Artificial intelligence can bring about the most wonderous results. It is used in health-care to cut waiting times for patients, detect type 2 diabetes and used in breast cancer screening. It helps in the understanding of human speech. In short, if used responsibly, it is a force for good. The key word here is responsibly, as unfortunately it can, and has, also been used by paedophiles to create images from their twisted minds, that are then posted on social media, and by others to try to lend credence to whatever rumours/ lies they wish to promote online. It is unfortunate that the term fake news, or to give it its more erudite title, information disorder, has slowly entered our lives to such a degree that many of us, me included, tend to disbelieve a lot of what we read online and have to check elsewhere if the quoted ‘facts’ are true. For this reason, you cannot take AI at face value as its information is trawled from whatever has been published on the Web. Indeed, there are times when the programme warns you that there could be certain factual inaccuracies. So what is the use of a program that admits it may be inaccurate? It is in its infancy so don’t take it too seriously, play with it and have fun.

Who am I to argue with the world’s wealthiest man? He must know a thing or two having got to the top of his tree

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