Welcome

It was just a month ago when we were welcoming the new year in, but now the festive season seems far behind us. But the Christmas decorations were still up in the streets – okay, without illumination –weeks after the 12th day, which, incidentally, is always 5 January. Were the local câmaras trying to keep our spirits up in the cold? Or are there too few people around to help? I remember, some 30 years ago, sitting on the beach at Vale do Lobo on Christmas Day enjoying the heat, and lunch at Julia’s, taking photo after photo to wave at those suffering the UK winter. Up in the hills here, it has been cold, but when the sky is brilliant blue and the almond blossom is out, what difference are a few degrees here and there?

Working on this, our February issue, has kept us warm with delight though, as we have gathered together more local talents – some born and raised here, others making the Algarve their first choice – who contribute so much to the quality of the lifestyle here. They – and their work – are picking up applause and getting noticed on the world stage. They are the innovators of fashion, the specialists in cuisine, the originators of handicrafts that tell a story of design-led originality. These are the names to follow and appreciate because they add real value to what the Algarve has to offer, regardless of the temperature. Once upon a time people came here for sun, sand and the inevitable sangria. Today it is so very much more than that.

reflect those of the or

Corte real gallery is the place that fuels creativity, ignites minds and provides inspiration. The very best place in the Algarve to find contemporary and decorative art, fine ceramics and so much more.

Organic and handmade soap bars with original patterns. Made in Loulé and the perfect little gift. €8 each but do check for Valentine’s Day special offers, available from 11 February.

Andorinha Algarve Soap & Beauty. 927 732 711 andorinhaalgarve.com

WANT SOMEWHERE ROMANTIC TO SIT?

How about under the holm oak tree of Alportel, which took second place in the 2023 Portuguese Tree competition. The Quercus rotundifolia is reckoned to be about 250 years old and is 17 metres high and 5 metres in trunk perimeter. The winner was the Contige eucalyptus, located in the parish of Sátão, in Viseu, which is rather more substantial at 11 metres in girth and will now represent Portugal in the European competition. In third place was a giant 500-year-old chestnut tree, from Guilhafonso, in Pêra do Moço, in Guarda.

Fully Booked

Gather loving memories together in a coffee table photo album by Printworks. So much nicer than storing them on your phone. From Dunas Lifestyle, Quinta Shopping. €39.95–€54.95. 289 393 539 dunas-style.com

Algarve Candle Company seems to have something for every occasion. For Valentine’s Day (as if we needed an excuse) there’s a new scent in the With Love Collection, a luxury blend of mandarin and oak. €20, and there's gift set, too, at €35. algarvecandleco.com

READY FOR SOME LOVING ATTENTION?

Almancil salon, Magic Beauty, is moving to new premises, just a block away on 6 February. And celebrating with a glass of bubbly on the 14th, from 10:00-15:00.

New treatments

Bowled Over

From the Costa Nova ‘Lisboa’ collection comes this 33cm serving bowl, €54, and 21.5cm pasta bowl, €18, exclusively in Loulé at Martina ceramics and jewellery store in Rua 5 de Outubro. While you are there, treat yourself to a very tasty necklace, €39, handmade by Martina. 964 222 612 martina-loule.com

Manuela has exclusively in Portugal include Skinthings-Freezer which treats pigment spots, blemishes, fibroids, wrinkles and stretchmark. Here’s to a beautiful 2023.

927 599 283 magicbeauty.info

Fund Raising For Firefighters

Following the production of Cinderella and the Surrealists at the Museu do Traje in São Brás, proceeds from ticket sales and donations amounted to €1,144.69. Accepting the cheque on behalf of the Bombeiros, Presidente Custódia Reis thanked the cast, crew and Carolyn Kain, the scriptwriter and director of the play.

...and wonderful jewellery. Vera Manzoni is a true originator, making a statement with every piece. Left: gold-plated metal earrings with fabric flower and turquoise stone, €40. Above right: printed wood butterfly earrings, 9cm in length, with turquoise and brass detail, €40. veramanzoni.com