AlgarvePLUS - January '25

MORE PARTYING THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED

Welcome

Yes, New Year, good intentions (well at least for the first week or so, particularly when it comes to diet), more places still to discover, interests to investigate, people to get to know. One comment we frequently get from readers is: “Thank you. I never knew that. Until now!”, so it seems like our research is paying off, spreading the word and encouraging adventure.

I lived in California in my early 20s, and loved every minute of my five years there editing a new magazine that allowed me to travel. But I never went to Washington DC, or Yosemite National Park, or the Grand Canyon, or Alaska, though I always intended to... next trip, of course. I saw so much of the country, but missed out on so much.

Work and social life always got in the way of fulfilling dreams and bucket lists, which is why, from our very first trip to Portugal decades ago, we agreed that we would take up every opportunity to discover our new homeland and its big cities and little villages, its history and habits, its personality and its people. And the writers on our team are always delighted to take on a new challenge and ask all the questions, and work their way into the very soul of the country.

There are still places waiting for us to visit, but one by one we’ll find them and satisfy our curiosity, and share them with you.

As we start our fifth year of AlgarvePLUS, join us on our journey, and make memories that last a lifetime.

SUSI ROGOL-GOODKIND, EDITOR +351 965 581 831 | susi@rogol-goodkind.com

CONTACTS

MARTIN GOODKIND

Publisher +351 963 146 398 martin@algarveplusmagazine.com

KIM COLLEY

Art Director

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

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

algarveplusmagazine.com

ALGARVE

Algarve Collection is the name of the newest range of hand-tufted pieces by Emilie Cavaco and Marcos Alfares of Sönmun Studio. This one, Lavadeira, is 50x70cm, and priced at €280. sonmunstudio.com

FRONT COVER: All year round there are festivals in Portugal. See page 26, get your diary out now, and start planning.

Baby, it’s cold outside, but H&M will keep you warm and looking good... and perfectly coordinated, down to the gloves. Padded zip up hooded long jacket, €59.99. www2.hm.com

Another first for Portugal!

The World Cheese Awards 2024-25, which took place at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Viseu in November, was judged by a panel of 240 leading experts that included critics, chefs, recipe creators, buyers, retailers and journalists. Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado from Quinta do Pomar was crowned World Champion Cheese. The washed rind sheep’s milk cheese from Serra da Gardunha is made with vegetarian rennet that comes from a thistle flower called cardoon. It stood out amongst the competition (close to 5,000 cheeses, from 47 countries) because of its gooey buttery-ness gorgeousness and lovely herbal bitterness.

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Softly softly Wild raspberry luxe chunky-soled mules in fluffy curly shearling, by Fitflop, €180. fitflop.com

Well, woodn’t you say yes to a remarkable hand-turned piece produced by master craftsman Bas Paul in Goldra? He uses local woods such as carob, olive holm oak, oak, almond and lemon that he gets from friends, a tree surgeon or a firewood dealer. And if someone needs a tree cut, or seriously pruned, he’ll do that and take the wood home. Bas sells through Bean 17 in Loulé, and is looking now for home décor outlets. Pieces – all different – go from 10cm up to 45cm in diameter and are priced between €25 and €180. baspaul.com / insta baspaul_woodturning

Van Cleef & Arpels won the Artistic Crafts, Ladies’ and Ladies’ Complication watch prizes at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in November. The Brise d’Été watch is a sheer delight, with flowers, butterflies in plique-à-jour enamel, and diamonds. See the whole collection at the stunning store in Liberdade, Lisbon. €197,000 vancleefarpels.com

Lisbon’s famous glove shop in the heart of Chiado, Luvaria Ulisses has a neverending range of handmade designs. In business since 1921, it is just 4m2 and a treasure trove for the fashion cognoscenti. luvariaulisses.com/

Floored? Or walled? This brilliantly-coloured Gaudi-inspired rug by luxury Portuguese brand Covet House truly is a work of art. covethouse.eu

In Faro you can’t miss the two stores of Espaço Luzitano. Proudly celebrating its 55th anniversary, the company promotes and preserves authentic Portuguese craftsmanship, with a special focus on handmade ceramics. It is impossible to visit and not buy! instagram.com/espacoluzitano/

In the nick of time

LOOKING AT PLACES TO VISIT FROM THE ALGARVE, NICK ROBINSON AND HIS BUSINESS PARTNER HEADED OFF TO SEVILLE TO DISCOVER THE CITY ’ S SPECIAL FEATURES

LEAVING A REAL estate strategy meeting, I said to my business partner – also a Nick – “We should make videos about cool places to travel to FROM the Algarve.” He nodded and booked an Airbnb in central Seville.

I was keen to explore different transportation options, because in previous trips to Seville, I had always taken the easy option and jumped in the car. The highway is great all the way and super easy to navigate (it’s a straight stripe). However, Spanish gas stations and services really don’t keep up with the Algarve-Lisbon highway offerings. Often in Andalusia you have to go quite a way off the road to find the fuel station and usually there’s a sketchy old café lurking nearby. On the positive side, there are no tolls, which is a good thing!

So, my plan was to break things up and drive to Huelva (it’s about half way to Seville) and then catch the train. Strangely enough the train service does not extend all the way across from the Portuguese border, so if you wanted to catch the train from say, Lagos to Seville, you couldn’t. You’d need to take the train from Lagos to Vila Real do Santo Antonio, cross the Spanish border to Ayamonte (by ferry) and switch to a bus to Huelva. You could then carry on by train to Seville as we did.

I love trains and it was a great ride coasting along the Andalusian plains, rolling into Seville station at sunset. We disembarked and Uber’ed over to our B&B. Pulling our bags out of the taxi, I looked up and marvelled at the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world as the sun painted its ochre walls. Darkness descended and we set out in search of a rooftop bar. There are tons to choose from, but the closest we found was eye-level with the Giralda Tower. It’s

Our mission was to film as much as we could, and my main mission for the next morning was coffee and then bull ring. In that order.

a massive minaret that is now topped with gothic architecture, masking its true Arabian origins. The weather was really warm for October, but not as unbearable as the scorching summer heat, and we sat and chatted about our business. Soft strains of music wafted up from below and people in T-shirts walked arm in arm in the dark streets below.

Our mission was to film as much as we could, and my main mission for the next morning was coffee and then bull ring. In that order. We strolled through one of Europe’s largest car-less city centres and found a café that was open at 8am in the morning. Normally, Spanish opening times are radically different from other countries. It appears that Seville, however, is always open and those crazy “restaurants only open at 9pm” rules only apply in the smaller towns. I slurped my coffee. It was delicious.

Whether you’re a fan of bull fights or not, the bull ring, entitled La Maestranza, is a phenomenal place. We entered the museum and drifted past full size stuffed bulls, matador outfits and classic posters and paintings showcasing bull fight mania! As we walked out through the portals that the bulls would charge through, we found ourselves in the middle of a Roman like coliseum and I could almost hear the chanting crowds. I could almost feel the pounding hooves of the bulls and see the terrible violence that people lusted after. It was an odd feeling.

I’ve never been keen to witness a bull fight… Now, however, I was curious. How would I feel? It was not going to happen that day as the bullfighting season was over, but I may well return for the Feria do Abril to capture the bloodlust of Seville in full cry. Oddly enough, May 5-11 is the week of Seville’s biggest festival and the bullfight that week is one of the most important events of the year.

THE ART OF LIVING WELL VISEU

VISEU IS A CITY WHERE HISTORY, ART, WINE, AND NATURE CONVERGE; IT CONSISTENTLY RANKS AS ONE OF PORTUGAL ’ S BEST CITIES FOR QUALITY OF LIFE

Words: KAYLA MEIRINHO

SURROUNDED by the rolling hills of the Dão wine area and nestled in Portugal’s Beira Alta region, Viseu’s roots go back to its Celtic origins and Roman settlement of Vissaium from where it evolved into a thriving medieval town strategically positioned along trade routes.

Viseu’s charm comes from the blend of past and present; from being covered in ancient cobblestone streets, to hosting multiple vibrant cultural events, to supporting art galleries and heritage sites. It has been dubbed the ‘Garden-City,’ now for over 80 years, thanks to those in control who wanted to improve the city’s public spaces, and the hard work of gardeners to bring those visions to life.

Visitors can look forward to lush parks, century-old trees, and seasonal blooms in multiple spaces across the city, and the nearby natural wonders, including the Serra da Estrela mountains.

Alongside historic and nature spots, there are rich gastronomic traditions. The well known Dão wines and Rancho à Moda de Viseu, a hearty dish created by a resourceful and creative chef who threw together whichever ingredients he had left to feed the town’s war troops.

Easily accessible from Porto (90 minutes) and Lisbon (three hours) by car, bus, or train, Viseu welcomes visitors with its scenic landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, making it an unforgettable destination for short- and long-term visitors.

Self-Guided Walking Tour

Planning to explore Viseu on foot? The city’s compact layout makes it perfect for a self-guided walking tour featuring historical landmarks, cultural highlights, and inviting green spaces.

Historical Spots

Museu de História da Cidade: Explore 2,500 years of Viseu’s history through engaging exhibits, including a Polaroid photography collection running until January 2025. Discover the city’s vibrant past documented over the years.

Viseu Cathedral (Sé de Viseu): A National Monument since 1910, this cathedral includes striking RomanesqueGothic twin towers and an interior decorated with azulejos (blue tiles). It stands as one of Viseu’s most iconic historical landmarks.

Igreja da Misericórdia de Viseu: This 18th-century church surprises visitors with its luxurious interior, featuring intricate gold-leaf covered woodwork and watercolor paintings. Visitors enjoy its calming effects.

Coleção Arqueológica José Coelho: This archaeological museum honours José Coelho, a prominent local figure. Its collection of artifacts, beautiful gardens, and historic setting offer a peek into Viseu’s past.

Praça da República (Rossio): Since 1886, this lively square has been the heart of Viseu. Surrounded by historical buildings and bustling cafés, it’s a perfect spot to sit, chill, and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Rua Direita: This historic street, once called ‘The Street of Tents’, is Viseu’s medieval commercial hub. Lined with artisan shops and traditional houses, it retains its charm and remains the city’s busy shopping area.

Cultural and Art Experiences

Grão Vasco Museum: Housed in the former bishop’s palace, this museum displays works by Vasco Fernandes, a celebrated 16th-century artist, along with religious treasures and significant pieces representing Portugal’s art history from various periods.

Casa da Ribeira: This interpretive centre preserves the rural traditions of Viseu through interactive exhibits and craft demonstrations. Formerly a workshop, tavern, and warehouse, it celebrates the artisanship and cultural heritage of the region.

Teatro Viriato: An 18th-century building transformed into a hub for contemporary performing arts. Hosting plays, concerts, and dance performances, it’s admired for its modern programming as well as its stunning architectural restoration.

Keil Amaral Museum: Explore five generations of artistic heritage from the Keil Amaral family. The museum features

the art forms and history of 13 family members, from ceramics, sculptures, tiles, instruments, and more. Housed in an 18thcentury building, it tells rich stories of art and politics.

Museu Almeida Moreira: The former home of Almeida Moreira, this museum features his extensive art collection and a library with signed first editions. It honours his legacy as the founder of the Museu de Grão Vasco, and was donated by him to the local council.

Nature and Relaxation

Jardim das Mães: This charming citycentre garden is perfect for unwinding and appreciating the variety of flowers planted and sculptures dotted around. Small and easily accessible, it offers a peaceful escape within walking distance of Viseu’s lively streets.

Aquilino Ribeiro Park: An urban park featuring shaded paths, a serene pond, a playground, and a café. Locals and visitors enjoy its calm atmosphere, ideal for leisurely strolls or simply relaxing outdoors.

Parque do Fontelo: Viseu’s largest urban park offers lush trails, fountains, and the ruins of an old palace. Shaded paths, wandering peacocks, and art sculptures.

Previous page: Church of our Lady of Conception. This page, above, top left clockwise: the old railway bridge and garden in Vouzela; traditional buildings on the river; Largo Pintor Gata in the centre of the city; Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Opposite page: Feira de São Mateus celebrations; Portugal’s first Japanese guest house, Viseu Ryokan

OUT-OF-TOWN ACTIVITIES

If you have a car, are spending more time in the area, or just curious to get out of town, check out some nearby spots for more history or take a deeper dive on local agriculture.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Museu do Quartzo: Located at a former quartz mine that left a huge crater, this museum showcases the history of the area through quartz collections, interactive exhibits, and multimedia displays. Visitors can conduct experiments, view rocks under microscopes, and enjoy hands-on science fun.

Quinta da Cruz - Centro de Arte Contemporânea:

This ten-hectare estate along the River Pavia hosts art exhibitions, cultural events, and creative projects. Opened in 2014, it promotes contemporary art while blending nature, community, and artistic expression.

Museu do Linho de Várzea de Calde: Celebrate rural traditions at this linen museum. Watch village weavers in action, try your hand at a loom, and explore a scenic countryside walking trail starting and ending in the village.

VINEYARDS

Quinta de Lemos: This boutique winery offers award-winning Dão wine tastings paired with local dishes. Visitors can enjoy visiting the estate and dine at their Michelin-starred restaurant, all the while enjoying the estate’s scenery.

Quinta do Medronheiro: Set on five hectares of vineyards, this winery features guided tastings and scenic walking trails. Guests can explore the farm or stay in rustic-modern lodgings that combine comfort with rural charm.

FESTIVALS

Feira de São Mateus: Held from August to September, this historic fair features concerts, food stalls, and cultural exhibits. Visitors can enjoy vibrant stage shows, folklore, crafts, and activities like equestrian courses, cycling tours, aerial acrobatics, and athletics events.

Dão Wine Festival: Celebrate Dão wines each September with tastings, workshops, and live music. Held in Largo do Município de Nelas, this late summer event features regional producers, gastronomy, showcooking, family-friendly activities, and entertainment that highlight the richness of the wine region.

need-to-knows

WHERE TO EAT

Aromatico54: An oasis hidden in a little courtyard, this is the perfect spot to enjoy delicious food away from bustling streets. With excellent service and kind staff, you are sure to enjoy the calm atmosphere.

Flora: A cosy restaurant offering inventive dishes with fresh ingredients and a unique twist, Flora features reasonably priced tasting menus for fine dining with a casual vibe.

Restaurante Churrasqueira

A Viela: This laid-back eatery serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, from fresh fish to grilled meats and homemade desserts. Great value and warm service that makes every meal enjoyable.

100 Papas na Língua:

A top-rated steakhouse known for its matured beef and standout pairings like mushroom risotto and sweet potatoes. Friendly staff and occasional chef visits make dining here a memorable experience.

Marisqueira Casablanca:

This seafood haven offers fresh fish, and standout dishes like Feijoada de Marisco (seafood on baked beans). Affordable prices and expert recommendations.

BAUNILHA Healthy Cakes: With a charming pink aesthetic, this café delights sweet-tooth visitors. Offering gluten-free and lactose-free options, their menu features fresh, high-quality ingredients, from pancakes to healthy treats.

WHERE TO STAY

Pousada de Viseu: Housed in the beautifully restored 1842 Hospital de São Teotónio, this historic inn offers spacious, luxurious rooms overlooking Viseu’s old town. Wine lovers will enjoy the sophisticated Dom Duarte lounge,

showcasing diverse selections in an elegant setting pousadas.pt

Montebelo Viseu Congress Hotel: This luxurious retreat features a spa, fitness club, panoramic views, and exceptional pools both indoors and outside. Those looking for a pampered stay will enjoy delicious breakfasts, saunas, and a gastronomic restaurant, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat. montebelohotels.com

Casa da Sé - Small Luxury Hotel: Set in a well-preserved historic building, this boutique hotel boasts antiquedecorated rooms, spacious bathrooms, and excellent views. Its central location, close to restaurants, and delightful breakfasts create an experience of staying within Viseu’s rich historical charm. sites.google.com/view/casada-se

Quinta de S. Francisco Houses: Located 5km from Viseu, this historic 18th-century wine estate features rusticmodern lodgings, a granite pool, and lush gardens. Its architectural, historical, and religious significance makes it a unique and tranquil stay for exploring the wine region. quintadesaofranciscohouses.pt

Viseu Ryokan: Portugal’s first Japanese guesthouse blends 300 years of Portuguese history with Japanese traditions. Tatamifloored rooms, futon mattresses, and an Onseninspired spa with a sauna and jacuzzi provide a serene and authentic cultural retreat for travellers. viseuryokan.com

Buying your Crypto house with Bitcoins

PEOPLE

ARE ASKING IF BUYING A HOUSE IN THE ALGARVE WITH CRYPTO MONEY IS ALLOWED. THE SHORT ANSWER IS YES, YOU CAN OFFICIALLY BUY A HOUSE WITH BITCOINS, OR OTHER TYPES OF CRYPTOCURRENCY. ALL OVER PORTUGAL DEALS HAVE BEEN MADE AND HOUSES HAVE BEEN SOLD AND PAID FOR IN BITCOINS SINCE 2019, SAYS ROB DOES

AS I WRITE this column, the Bitcoin exchange rate has just broken the US$100,000 psychological barrier, fuelled by increased buying volume and positive market sentiment. Converted Crypto fan Donald Trump has put crypto-friendly officials into leadership roles, reassuring the community and driving prices higher across Bitcoin and altcoins. Since it was first created back in 2009, the value of bitcoin has fluctuated, often wildly at times, as awareness and interest in the digital currency shifts. But these past years have seen a more steady exchange rate and increased confidence in a digital financial future where banks have limited or no control. But there is more. When bitcoin started, it wasn’t easy for the average retail investor to get involved. That’s no longer the case. As more individuals become comfortable with digital assets, the user base for bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies continues to expand, driving up demand and prices.

No tax on your profits

Living in Portugal makes trading in crypto currencies even more attractive! Portugal has a very favourable tax regime concerning crypto currencies. The country does not tax capital gains from cryptocurrency sales, making it an appealing place for those holding digital assets to invest in real estate. There is no income tax or VAT on the trade or possession of bitcoins (or other virtual currencies) by individuals. Companies or professional traders do pay tax on their crypto business but even those rates are quite competitive.

Investing crypto profits in real estate is a smart way to get the best of two worlds. On the one hand, you take advantage of your recent crypto profits,

Here in Portugal there is no income tax or VAT on the trade or possession of bitcoins (or other virtual currencies) by individuals.

and on the other, you secure those returns in the booming Algarvian real estate assets.

In Portugal, deals have been made and houses have been sold and paid for in bitcoins since 2019. The honour of the first house goes to the northern city of Braga. The buyer paid the entire purchase price in bitcoins. In addition, these bitcoins were not automatically converted to euros or another currency as was customary until then. The luxury apartment was purchased for the virtual price of three bitcoins.

Cheap and fast international deals

In 2022 the Ordem dos Notários published an official instruction on drawing up deeds for the purchase and sale of houses in cryptocurrencies. The main advantage of this guideline is that they officially approve of direct payments with cryptos and that the seller can then continue to hold these crypto coins and is not obliged to change them into euros or other currencies.

A major advantage of cryptocurrencies when buying property is the low costs – even for crossborder transactions. Thanks to the blockchain, buyers can avoid high transfer and foreign exchange fees and purchase property in other parts of the world at comparatively low rates.

In addition, cryptocurrency transactions can be faster than traditional bank transfers, particularly for international buyers. Cross-border transfers involving traditional currencies can be delayed by banking processes, while crypto transactions may be completed within minutes. Of course, you have to find sellers who are willing to accept your digital currency and you have to take the necessary steps (escrow) to assure that the money will indeed be guaranteed to find the right parties. But once these hurdles have been taken, the Portuguese real estate climate is ready to accept your crypto money.

Looking towards 2025

Mario Henrique

Somnium No.2, Series XV

Acrylic and Oil on Reversed Canvas

150 cm x 150 cm

MIRROR IMAGES

SHE’S CREATED MASTERPIECES FOR CAPTAINS AND KINGS, SPORTS STARS AND MULTI-MILLIONAIRES, BUT BENEATH THE GILDED VENEER DECORATIVE ARTIST

MARIANA DIANO LOVES NOTHING MORE THAN GETTING HER HANDS DIRTY

IMEET MARIANA at an exquisite mansion in Quinta do Lago where she’s been commissioned to add her signature style to a magical music room, complete with a church organ and vast floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

Only the paint still clinging to her fingernails tells the story that just minutes before she was perched on a scaffolding re-creating the mural on the ceiling of the room which will one day host exclusive concerts.

It is also where guests will be able to admire a stunning cherry blossom verre églomisé, designed specifically for the room by Mariana, one of a very few artists in the Algarve who has perfected the technique of painting on the reverse side of glass. The mirror is two metres in diameter, made with white gold.

While Mariana had always loved drawing as a youngster, her first choice upon leaving school was to study chemistry, following in her father’s footsteps. It was while her scientist father was doing a PhD at Exeter University in the UK that Mariana was born.

When she was two, the family moved back to their home city of Montevideo in Uruguay, where Mariana went on to grow up and study.

“I was always good at maths and chemistry, so that’s what I chose to do at university, but it only lasted six months,” laughs Mariana. “I suddenly realised that my passion was for fine art, and so I switched courses, completing my art degree at the Escuela Pedro Figari.”

Keen to learn as much as possible, she moved to London, where her older brother was living. “At first I had to make do by working in bars and cafés, and even doing hair wraps in Covent Garden, which I actually really enjoyed,” she says. “I was then very lucky to find a job cleaning

Opposite page: the vast verre églomisé mirror in place in what will be the concert hall of the main house. Left: working on the flowers. Below: it took a whole team to install the mirror between two windows, overlooking the lush gardens

brushes at DKT Artworks, a well-known decorative arts company based in London, which does work around the world.”

It was here, surrounded by around 60 international artists, that Mariana’s passion for decorative arts was ignited.

“I started doing cleaning and ended up managing jobs,” she says. “I got taught the various techniques as I went along, including tromp l’oleil, various effects, murals and gilding.

“As soon as I realised how much I loved the work, I was like a sponge trying to learn and absorb as much as I could. If I had to work 14 hours a day I didn’t mind, because I’d found my place.”

In the three years she was with DKT, Mariana worked throughout the UK, in Paris and on the private island of Mustique in the Caribbean. Some of her clients included the brother of the Saudia Arabian king, the famous London department store Selfridges, a British bank and a Russian millionaire who had bought the home previously owned by British peer, socialite and once-upon-atime owner of Mustique island, Colin Tennant.

“One of the strangest jobs I had was to do some gilding work inside a private jet at Stansted Airport, which the Sultan of Brunei had offered to Jordanian royalty,” she remembers. “The jacuzzi was covered with crocodile skin and the toilet walls with eel skins.”

Mariana’s move to the Algarve 26 years ago was all about her thinking with her heart rather than her head, but she has absolutely no regrets.

“I came to do a job at Quinta Shopping for an interior designer, met an English guy and fell madly in love,” she explains. “After only 11 days of knowing him, I quit

Working on the elaborately-detailed ceiling of the concert hall, Mariana’s days were spent high up on scaffolding, reaching into a new design story

my job and apartment in London and came to live in Loulé. I know it sounds crazy, but I was young and adventurous.”

A year after arriving she gave birth to her daughter Lorien and five years later Kyara came along.

“Sadly, their father and I split up after ten years, mostly because we were just so totally different, but I’m now very happily married to a Portuguese man, Paulo, who is the love of my life.”

An incredible client base

In the meantime, Mariana had started her own decorative arts business in the Algarve and was building up an impressive clientele. Besides her loyal private clients, including former footballer Luis Figo, she recently worked on the entrance hall at the Aston Martin Formula One headquarters in Silverstone, England.

“And in September I was back in Mustique for a month, where in between my work hours I helped the locals restore an old mural that had been painted in the 1970s. It was on the part of the island where the workers live, so we would work very early in the morning and then after work in the evening. It was so lovely working with Caribbean artists – a real labour of love.” Mariana loves restoration work and one of her highlights was restoring an 18th century mural in a private church in Albufeira.

She battles to single out any of her most memorable works, saying each one is unique and has a special place in her heart.

Currently, she’s fallen in love with verre églomisé, inspired by a client from Quinta do Lago who sent her a photo asking if she did the technique.

“At that time, I didn’t have a clue, but I was intrigued and determined to learn,” says Mariana. “It took me six months of blood, sweat and lots of tears to get it right.

Glomy

Verre églomisé is a technique dating from the pre-Roman era and revived in the18th century by decorator Jean-Baptiste

It was only by making plenty of mistakes that I taught myself the technique.”

She says it’s particularly complicated because you’re working with glass and the design is all reversed. “So, you paint in the reverse and then place gold or silver leaf on top to make a mirror effect. I finished my first piece only to find out that I’d left fingerprints all over the design, so I had to start all over again – wearing gloves this time!”

After being commissioned by ArtCatto to decorate the dome at the Conrad Algarve, she was then asked to do two verre églomisé panels for the hotel.

“From there I was asked to do more and more of these, including a commission from Holland that disappeared during shipping. It’s never been found, which is quite the mystery, with the clients wondering where it may have ended up.”

Another stand-out was the one she did for clients at Vila Sol, which had to include a dog that looked like their dog. “I said, no problem, but when I finished, the dog looked nothing like theirs, so I had to do it all again.”

She was expecting to take around seven days to finish the piece in the Quinta do Lago home of Daphne and George Burnett. “And that’s with the help of my colleague Emily Reed who is coming from England to collaborate on this with me. It’s a rather intricate cherry blossom design made with white gold.”

Mariana explains that verre églomisé is a technique that dates from the pre-Roman era and the name pays homage to the art dealer and decorator Jean-Baptiste Glomy who

was responsible for its revival in the 18th century.

Asked where she draws her inspiration from, Mariana doesn’t hesitate before saying nature. “But it also comes from the emotions I go through, the stories I encounter and the people around me like my dear friend Daphne, to whom I owe special thanks. Her constant presence and unwavering support have been fundamental in my journey –her vision and creativity always inspire me.”

Her love for nature means that a lot of her free time is spent hanging out with her friends, going for long walks or enjoying the beach. She also loves travelling and, having been born in the UK to a mother who was an English teacher, then growing up in Uruguay before coming to Portugal, Mariana speaks fluent English, Spanish and Portuguese.

On her travels she loves immersing herself in local architecture with some of her favourites being “just about everything” in Paris, Tomar’s Convento de Cristo, Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira and Queluz National Palace.

“I love exploring the little villages in Spain, visiting my family in Uruguay and my brother in London, and one of my favourite places of all time was Goa in India.”

Her next challenge is taking on oil portraits. “I didn’t study oil painting at university, but I did a two-week intensive course in Barcelona in July. Now I just need time to explore and learn more.”

With her tenacity, there’s no doubt that one of Mariana’s oil portraits will be adorning an Algarve villa sometime in the not-too-distant future.

Mariana’s artwork on the striking domed ceiling high up over the lobby of the Conrad Algarve in Quinta do Lago

“ ABSOLUTELY ” WAS MY IMMEDIATE REACTION WHEN SUSI, THE EDITOR OF ALGARVEPLUS, EMAILED ASKING IF I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN SPENDING A WEEKEND IN THE LAP OF LUXURY AT THE VILALARA RESORT IN PORCHES. I MEAN REALLY, WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULDN’T BE?

Words: BEN AUSTIN

COUNT ME IN

IWAS NOT to be disappointed – but more on the sensational resort in a little bit. It was the delicious feeling of anticipation that hit first, driving along the A22 from Loulé, sun shining, the perfect Spotify playlist. All that expectation and excitement.

I arrived punctually. The group, mostly Spanish speakers, were already seated for dinner at Raizes, the terraced open-plan restaurant. Wood-fired oven, elegant and simple, wooden tables and ceramic crockery. Rustic charm, one might say.

Sonja Alonso, the delightful publicist for the resort, introduced me to the group, starting with Arleth, her assistant. I sat opposite a Bulgarian doctor called Kubrat, who was with his charming travel journalist wife, Clara. There was Juan, also a journalist with his wife and Gisele, a Brazilian food critic.

The group soon put me at ease, making myself vaguely understood in a mix of English and Portuñol. The food was incredible, a buffet of appetizers that included pink tomatoes, pickled grilled carrots, boiled red potatoes with black olives, pickled peppers and local goat’s cheese

marinated in olive oil. The main courses of charcoal cooked dishes all spoke of regional freshness and quality. The Monchique chorizo, free-range chicken, mackerel and Iberian pork were presented tapas style and were all consumed with praise and approval.

Over dinner, I asked Kubrat the doctor, (whose true identity was later revealed) what kind of medicine he specialised in. He replied “Colonoscopy. I joked that he spent his days examining people’s behinds, whilst his pretty wife was off travelling and exploring exotic locations. He laughed. We hit if off immediately. Desserts included a Crème Brûlée which was sensational, a hot round metal plate on a pole was used to create the caramelised, crispy browned top.

After dinner, I tried to get a handle on the layout of the resort, set as it is within beautifully-maintained gardens. A network of paths and little roads for golf carts to ferry guests around. My room with a balcony overlooked the large sea water swimming pool (with its little interior grotto) just by the Spa. In the morning by the light of day, I would explore the grounds but for now, the cotton sheets and soft pillows beckoned. What more treats are in store, I wondered as I blissfully drifted off to sleep. The next day, the weather gods were kind, with the resort bathed in

The setting, the surroundings, the facilities, and the design details add up to a very special and thoroughly enjoyable time out. Add to that, exemplary food, and guests, I am sure, will be returning to Vilalara time and time again

glorious Autumn sunshine. I could now fully take in the stunning setting, the swimming pool, the gentle curvature of the terracotta-coloured buildings, which blended harmoniously with the landscape.

The story behind it

The resort sits on 11 hectares, which was chosen in 1966 by George Ansily, an Englishman, who wanted to create a style of luxury that was found in Sardinia. The design for the first building was by the acclaimed painter, sculptor and self-taught architect – José De Almeida Araújo, a modernist, who in architecture was influenced by the likes of Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Vilalara is named after George Ansily’s granddaughter, Lara, and was officially opened in 1968. The property was then bought in 1970 by Mr Léon Levy, who transformed it initially into a private club, which became known for hosting glamourous parties, where the jet set rubbed shoulders with celebrities and royalty. The new owner worked closely with the architect Ramiro Laranjo to develop the village in keeping with the original features and designs. The project was continued by Ramiro’s son, João Nuno Laranjo who, in 1985, extended the restaurant. In 1990 the resort opened the first Thalassotherapy centre in Portugal, which was designed by Jean Bobet, an expert in the field. And in June 2009, after eight months of renovation work, the property reopened to meet the needs and demands of a new generation of guests.

With that in mind, Vilalara has recently added three new fabulous residences, consisting of two or three rooms, kitchen, living room and terraces. The interiors are rustic with an emphasis on natural elements, with custom-made furniture and terracotta floors. One side of the residences faces a large swimming pool where, nestled to the side, is a small yet exceptional Italian restaurant, Trattoria Pantaleone, with chef Ricardo Lucas creating traditional dishes from handmade pasta to wood-fired pizzas. The other side of this residence has an unobstructed panoramic view of the sea. Quite the vantage point for a sundowner cocktail.

I headed down to the main reception, past the Kids Kola Club and past the tennis and padel courts, along the paths lined with exotic plants and lush vegetation. There was a pond, with noisy frogs and a fiercely protective black swan guarding her cygnets. Below the main restaurant breakfast was being served – a superb selection of meats, cheeses, fresh fruits/juices and a range of breads, and

a cook making omelettes to order. Sitting on the terrace with a freshly brewed coffee looking out from the cliff top to the alcove beach below was a truly spectacular way to start the day.

Cruising time

I met up with the rest of the group after breakfast for the start of our day’s adventure. Into a waiting luxury minivan and off to Portimão, where the resort’s motor yacht, ‘Thalassa III’ took us out to sea and along the coast. The skipper explained the sedimentary rock formations that have emerged over thousands of years through weathering and erosion. We cruised towards the famous cave at Benagil. There were some other packed tourist boats already in there, so we waited our turn, waving down like dignitaries to them as they left. It was a fine day; the sunlight streamed through the round opening in the roof of the cave, like a beam of divine energy. Back in port, we were then taken for lunch to a tiny Tasca that opened especially for us. Delicious traditional Portuguese fare was presented to us in an authentic and simple way. Over lunch I chatted to our friendly Bulgarian Doctor Kubrat who was extremely knowledgeable about Portuguese and Spanish history and had apparently spent his youth in Setúbal. Later on, back at the resort, Sonja privately informed me that the good Doctor was none other than the Prince of Bulgaria, and his family tree, as you can imagine, was fascinating. In the presence of Royalty, no less.

After lunch, it was Spa time. I do like a steam but can only take so much, while Kubrat and Clara spent over an hour in there. Dinner was to be at the Coral – Eden do Mar restaurant. But first we gathered for a glass of fine sparkling wine around a fire pit. At the Coral we were seated outside on the softly lit terrace. What an incredible experience dinner was. Chef Diogo Pereira, a true master of his craft, offering Portugal’s prized Atlantic products, such as oysters from the Ria de Alvor, blue lobster, squid and mackerel from the Azores and ham from Zambujal. Every dish prepared with passion and attention to detail. The well curated wine list, likewise, references Portugal with a focus on low intervention.

The pièce de resistance of the meal was the Orange Liqueur Soufflé, mind-blowingly good.

Our final day consisted of more first-rate food, with lunch on the terrace and then we had a group tennis lesson. I haven’t played in many years, and it showed. No matter, it was fun to have a bit of knock around and the instructor was upbeat and encouraging. It was time for some to depart and we gathered to say goodbyes. “Whenever you are in Madrid, do look us up,” Kubrat and Clara said.

I handed the Doctor my phone, he put in his details, I looked at his surname of Saxe-Coburg and just about stopped myself from performing low bow whilst uttering, “my liege”.

It was sad to part, but all good things as they say... I was staying the Sunday night; I mean why wouldn’t I? Dinner was more intimate at the Trattoria and the next day I spent the morning hanging out in the Residences before setting off. What a superb weekend and thanks in no small way to Sonja and Arleth.

Vilalara looks and feels like part of the landscape. The attention to detail, be it in terms of the cuisine, presentation and level of service was quite outstanding. I was told by a friend that the staff are trained to remember the name of every returning guest and even their drink preferences, and I believe that. For me, it was a magical weekend, with perfect and even illustrious strangers for company.

FeStIVaL FevEr

FROM LIVELY RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES TO ICONIC MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZAS, PORTUGAL ’ S FESTIVAL

CULTURE IS A DELIGHTFUL TESTAMENT TO THE COUNTRY ’ S VIBRANT SPIRIT, WHERE COMMUNITIES FIND REASONS TO CELEBRATE EVERYTHING FROM THE PROFOUND TO THE MOST UNEXPECTED

Words: CHRISTINA MORENO

FESTIVALS serve as vibrant portals to local culture, offering visitors and locals a chance to experience the rich spirit and creativity of Portuguese traditions. They also provide a unique opportunity to bring together and connect people from all walks of life while offering a joyful refuge from regular life stresses. We picked some favourites for you to enjoy...

MUSIC FESTS

Mark your calendars for 21-23 August to experience Portugal’s oldest music festival in Vilar de Mouros, an event known as the ‘Portuguese Woodstock’.

Originating in 1965 during Salazar’s regime, the festival began as a folk event and evolved into a significant cultural milestone by 1971, attracting over 30,000 attendees, including notable artists like Elton John, Manfred Mann and Amália Rodrigues. This festival symbolised resistance, creativity and generational hope, challenging the status quo under the watchful eye of the regime’s secret police. Today, its rich legacy continues, featuring contemporary music. Music lovers won’t want to miss this iconic event!

OTHER POPULAR MUSIC FESTS

NOS Alive, Lisbon, 10-12 July

Super Bock Super Rock, Lisbon, 17-19 July

Boom Festival, Idanha-a-Nova, 17–14 July

Rock in Rio, Lisbon, 25-26 July

MEO Festival Sudoeste, Zambujeira do Mar, 6–9 August

The Sun of Caparica - Lusophone Music, Lisbon, 14-17 August

FOR FOOD AND WINE LOVERS

Smoked Sausage Festival

Montalegre, 23–26 January

Probably the most famous sausage festival is the one in Montalegre, a small border city in the far north. In this, its 34th edition, savour a variety of smoked delicacies, including chouriços, morcela (blood sausage), alheira (smoked poultry sausage), and exquisite ham that showcase the area’s culinary traditions.

Traditional Sausage Fair

Algarve Heliporto

Monchique, 7-8 March

This two-day event brings together the best sausages of the region and presents them along with other specialties such as honey, medronho – grappa brandy made from Arbutus Berry – liqueurs, and traditional homemade sweets, as well as locally made crafts.

Óbidos International Chocolate Festival

Óbidos, 7–23 March

For just over two weeks, this charming medieval and literary village will transform into a chocolate lover’s paradise. As one of Portugal’s most popular festivals, attracting nearly 200,000 visitors each year, it offers a feast for the senses with its stunning chocolate sculptures, interactive workshops, and engaging activities for all ages, including body painting and storytelling. Since its inception in 2002, this annual spring celebration has continued to showcase the incredible artistry of renowned chocolatiers and pastry chefs.

Check festivalchocolate.cm closer to the date for full details.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Maranho gastronomy festival

Sertã, July

Celebrating the region’s traditional rice sausage, this festival offers a complete experience with workshops, exhibitions, and concerts.

Chefs on fire

Surprise location near Lisbon, 20-21 September

This year’s 7th edition of the Chefs on Fire Festival is set to be another unforgettable experience, featuring an impressive lineup of top-notch chefs ready to dazzle your taste buds with exclusive dishes crafted from the finest local ingredients. At the heart of the festival is a stunning 90m² fire pit, where renowned Michelin-starred chefs will showcase their culinary wonders, cooking exclusively for you with fire and smoke for over 24 hours!

But it’s not just about the food – prepare

for an exciting atmosphere filled with live music. With four concerts scheduled each day, you can enjoy a variety of performances with something for everyone. The festival is designed to be family-friendly and eco-conscious, welcoming kids under six for free and providing a dedicated food zone for children under 12. Sustainability is a key focus, with a zero-plastic policy and surplus food donations to those in need. Tickets are already on sale, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique celebration!

National gastronomic festival

Santarem, October/November, dates tba

In its 44th edition of the Festival Nacional de Gastronomia, this festival continues to be a must-visit event for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Portugal. That is because Santarém will showcase the rich tapestry of all Portuguese regional cuisines in one exciting location. This beloved festival features a delightful array of food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and wine tastings that highlight the best from all of Portugal mainland and islands. Don’t miss your chance to indulge in one of the country’s oldest and most iconic food festivals!

OTHER FANTASTIC FESTIVALS

Ericeira’s Octopus Festival, May Festival de Sintra – Classical Music and Opera, June

Porto Beer Fest, 18-22 June Festival of the Saloio Snail, Loures, July Mercado Medieval de Óbidos, 11 days in July

Vagos Sensation Gourmet Festival with Michelin Chefs, Praia da Vagueira, July Gastronomic Festival in Vila do Conde, August

Festival of the Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Agony, August

Soul of Wine/Alma do Vinho, Alenquer, 11-14 September

NEW! Ocean Heroes Seafood Festival, Lisbon, October

Óbidos Folio Literary Festival, Óbidos

ART, FASHION AND FILM

Fantasporto international film festival

Porto, 28 February to 9 March

This year marks the 45th anniversary of this world renowned festival showcasing a diverse array of films, including fantasy, science fiction, and horror, along with independent and experimental projects

from around the globe. With an average attendance of 110,000 spectators each year, Fantasporto has cultivated a passionate audience of both cinephiles and casual moviegoers.

Modalisboa: Lisbon fashion week

Lisbon, March

Here is something for fashion lovers to look forward to. Since 1991, the nation’s yearly premier fashion week has become a cornerstone of Portugal’s vibrant fashion industry, showcasing the latest Autumn/ Winter collections from the country’s most innovative designers. The festival now attracts tens of thousands of visitors and hundreds of journalists from around the globe.

Arco Lisboa

Lisbon, 29 May to 1 June

This is a premier art fair featuring a diverse programme of national and international

galleries, alongside two curated sections: As formas do Oceano, focusing on global perspectives from Africa and its diaspora, and Opening, highlighting new artistic languages.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

FIMFA international festival of puppetry and animated forms

Lisbon, 8-11 March

A brilliant array of puppetry and visual theatre, featuring performances from renowned national and international artists across various venues in Lisbon. This is one that will enchant.

Motelx

Cinema São Jorge, Lisbon, 9-15

September

The capital’s thrilling International Horror Film Festival, celebrating the best in horror cinema, featuring screenings, workshops, and special events.

LOCAL FAVOURITES

Sausage Festival, Querença, 19 January

Serra da Estrela Seia Cheese Festival, Serra da Estrela, 21-23 February

Carvoeiro Black and White Night, Lagoa, 21 June

Festival MED, Loulé, 26-29 June

Sardine Festival, Portimão, 5-20 August

Seafood Festival, Olhão, August Fatacil, Lagoa, 22-31 August

Silves Medieval Fair, 8-16 August

White Night, Loulé, 30 August

Medieval Days, Castro Marim, August Folkfaro, Faro, 17-23 August

Festival F, Faro, 4-7 September

Algarve Classic Festival, Portimão, 23-26 October

RELIGION, MEDIEVAL AND CULTURE

Carnaval 2025

4 March

You probably already know February as the month with one of the most vibrant Portuguese festivals, a cultural celebration and ancient tradition that marks the transition from winter to spring. Although traditionally it involved a whole lot of playful drenching each other with water and eggs, the modern day version has become a spectacular showcase of cultural expression with musical parades full of colourful costumes, dancers and performers. The main events take place in Ovar, Podence, Torres Vedras, Sesimbra, Lisbon, Porto and Loulé. Each location offers its own distinctive celebration of joy, creativity, and community spirit.

Carnaval de Loulé

Loulé, 2-4 March

Did you know that the Carnaval de Loulé is the oldest pre-Lenten festival in Portugal? It’s been going on since 1906! People come from all over to watch the parades of decorated floats, hundreds of entertainers and giant-headed characters (cabeçudos) dancing to music and poking fun at different political, sports and social issues. Each year has a theme, so have a look at the city’s guide or the festival’s facebook page a couple of weeks before for details.

Podence: a UNESCO Carnival celebration

Podence, 1-4 March

Recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, this festival definitely makes our unmissable list. The village of Podence in the Trás-os-Montes region hosts a unique centuries-old tradition featuring Caretos, local youths dressed in vibrant, fringed costumes and eerie metal masks running around the streets creating mesmerizing mischief and chaos. Visitors get to experience spirited masked dances and witness the vibrant energy that defines this captivating celebration.

Festival São João

Porto, 23-24 June

One of Portugal’s most anticipated celebrations, this vibrant festival honours the patron saint of Porto and

transforms the city into a lively party filled with music, dancing, and colourful street festivities. While towns across Portugal host their own celebrations, Porto boasts the largest and most electrifying event. One of the festival’s quirky highlights is the tradition of playfully hitting each other on the head with plastic hammers for good luck. As you wander through the bustling streets, indulge in delicious grilled sardines, caldo verde, and traditional desserts like bolas de Berlim. The festivities culminate in a breathtaking fireworks display over the Douro River, lighting up the night sky.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Contraband festival

Alcoutim, 4-6 April

This is a vibrant celebration of the region’s smuggling heritage. For three days, this quaint border town and its Spanish counterpart, Sanlúcar de Guadiana, come alive with the sights, sounds, and aromas of a bygone era. The festival’s unique highlight is a temporary pedestrian bridge spanning the Guadiana, symbolically reuniting the once-divided communities and allowing festival-goers to freely ‘smuggle’ themselves between Portugal and Spain. Through artistic performances, cultural exhibitions, and historical reenactments, the event pays homage to the daring individuals who once carried not just contraband, but dreams of a better life across these borders.

Friday the 13th – night of devils and witches

Montalegre, 13-June

Why not take the opportunity to transform a day that is often associated with superstition into a fun and vibrant festival? The town of Montalegre has been doing just that. Every year, this epic street party is held in whatever month Friday the 13th lands on. Attracting thousands of visitors every time, it may be Portugal’s most electrifying mystical celebration. The highlight? A legendary Galician Queimada prepared by the iconic Padre António Fontes – a magical brew of aguardente, lemon, apple, cinnamon, and sugar that promises to ward off bad luck and ignite your spirits! It’s an atmosphere that blends mysticism with joy. You can count on a spectacular display of fireworks, folklore, and fantastical music and theatrical performances.

Where dates have not yet been confirmed, check online for details.

LISBON’S TABLE THE WORLD AT

THE FOOD Scene is just one of the reasons that make people who come from so many different countries fall in love with Portugal. But a very tasty and rightful motive indeed! There are, of course, many excellent local restaurants – of every kind, style and price –but, being the country’s capital, Lisbon is also a melting pot of all the world’s gastronomies and that diversity makes the city richer and even more appealing.

Recently, Lisbon was awarded a very special title: Europe’s Best Culinary City. Held in Dubai, the World Culinary Awards recognised that, foodwise, Portugal’s main city can no longer be identified with only pastéis de nata and bacalhau.

Crowded with tourists and expats, it is a fact that a rich and varied gastronomic offer is important to the economic development not only of the city but also of the country as a whole. Beating Paris and London to win the coveted title is well-deserved recognition.

To celebrate this award we could suggest an infinity of high-quality portuguese food ‘cathedrals’ – as we often do – but, this time, we chose some of the best international ones, each representing, with the utmost respect and dignity, the culinary heritage of the country it stands for. So, next time you are in Lisbon and feeling the urge to taste some of the best cuisine from all over the world, these are the places to make a reservation. Bom apetite!

JAPANESE

RECENTLY ELECTED AS BEST CULINARY CITY IN EUROPE, LISBON AFFIRMS ITSELF AS THE FOODIES ’ PARADISE. BUT WE ALREADY KNEW THAT!

ALGARVEPLUS FOUND FIVE OF THE BEST, EACH AN ABSOLUTE MUST-GO-TO

Words: SANDRA GATO

Yõso Omakase

Omakase means something like “I will let you choose for me” in Japanese. It implies trust and it recognises the other person as worthy of our confidence. This is what happens in Yõso, a small Japanese restaurant where everything is done the right way to ensure you have a relaxed extraordinary meal. For a more meaningful experience I recommend that you sit at the counter (altough there are also some tables) where you can watch all the action. Delicate, soft action. Because what chef Habner Gomes does – and he has been doing it since he was 15 years old – is a beautiful gastronomic choreography. He effortlessly cuts the best fish there is in the market with such grace and respect for it that you feel you are in the best hands. And you truly are. And that is the Omakase concept: trusting the knowledge and technique of a talented chef.

The menu is made of different moments – a logical sequence that is nourishing but light at the same time – but the products chosen change with the seasons and availability at the market.

In a time when everyone thinks they know what Japanese food is all about, it is important to reset our minds and tastebuds in a place like Yõso, where you feel you are trying it for the first time.

Rampa das Necessidades 6, 1350-188 Lisboa

213 970 705

PORTUGUESE FISH

Fysh

Fish House by Fullest

It’s still brand new. It opened in November and is already considered one of the best places in town for fish and seafood. As it’s broadly known, the fish that is caught in Portuguese waters is considered some of the best in the world – as confirmed by renowned international chefs. But in addition to its quality, the way it is cooked makes all the difference: grilled, with just a pinch of salt... an apparently simple technique that is, in fact, an art.

Located in the centre of Lisbon, entering Fysh is like going for a swim in a clear blue sea. The first thing you see is the fish stand – all the catch of the day displayed over ice fish market style – and then a blue wall that resembles waves with little fishes swimming up and down. And when you are seated, the ocean is still present: every table has a small fishbowl so you can interact with a bit of sealife while going through the menu and trying to choose between a lobster ceasar salad, the yummy cod pastel de nata – crunchy and buttery like the sweet version but savoury – and, for the main dish, beautifully grilled fish or the squid with rice; fish – or more accurately Fysh – as it should always be.

Av. Praia da Vitória 77B, 1050-055, Lisboa

213 460 019

Fullest.pt

CHINESE

The Old House

In the 80s, long before the UberEats era, Lisbon had a Chinese restaurante almost in every street in every corner of the city. Then came the Japanese trend and, for a while, Chinese food fell out of favour and was in a bad place.

In recent years, ethnic food – especially Asian – has enjoyed a huge upgrade all over the world and Lisbon was no exception. And that is when sophisticated cool places like The Old House opened.

Considered to be the undisputed best Chinese restaurant in town today, the The Old House brand is well known in China where it has won several awards. They bring the real Sichuan cuisine to Portugal’s capital, displayed in a beautifully decorated environment with some striking designer touches. Delicate dishes, far removed from the usual Chinese restaurant fare, are presented like edible pieces of art. Think of this as a feast of flavour in a most stunning setting.

21 896 9075

R. da Pimenta 9, 1990-254 Lisboa theoldhouseportugal.pt

INDIAN

Gunpowder

We all have our own opinion about Indian food but I believe most of us agree on a few aspects: it can be spicy and hot, it has delicious sauces and it’s impossible to properly enjoy it without a good naan bread. But, as with all kinds of cuisine, there is much more to it than our usual take-away choices. And that is exactly what a restaurant like Gunpowder shows us. Opened two years ago in the Chiado area, the Lisbon restaurant is the fourth of a group that opened its first one in London in 2015 (and was awarded the Michelin’s Bib Gourmand distinction in 2017). Besides London, Lisbon was the city chosen by India-born Harneet Baweja to present his Indian bistro concept. What you find in Gunpowder are definitely Indian flavours, especially Goan (Goa is part of Portugal’s history, so we are no strangers to these rich intense dishes that celebrate the diversity of indian cuisine). The focus is on the freshness and quality of the product, cooked traditionally but adding a contemporary touch. Comforting dishes that will have you coming back for more.

R. Nova da Trindade 13, 1200-303 Lisboa 218 227 470 gunpowderrestaurants.com

LEBANESE

Touta

In Campo de Ourique, under the name of the restaurant – Touta (it means acorn in Lebanese and was also chef Cynthia’s childhood nickname) – one can read ‘Lebanese Free Kitchen’. Although she studied at the Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon, where she learned the traditional culinuary techniques, Cynthia believes in two very important aspects of her work: firstly, feeling free (hence the undername of the restaurant) while she’s cooking, and being sure that if a Lebanese enters the restaurant and tries her food, he/she can identify flavours and where they come from.

And secondly, roots and experimentation: Local ingredients transformed in new versions of dishes, like Kafta Tuna (tuna served with homemade focaccia and topped with a touch of caviar). Or Freekeh, made of an interesting mix of vegetables such as green wheat, dates, garlic and turnip. A good choice for dessert is the Arak Soufflé Glacé, a sweet temptation with figs and nuts. As if the incredible food weren’t enough, there is a small deli where you can buy teas, jars of fermented vegetables and other natural products all made in-house. 960 494 949

R. Domingos Sequeira 38, 1350-122 Lisboa Toutaballouta.com

THERE’S AN undeniable magic about Portugal that draws you in and makes you either want to visit again and again or never want to leave. For James Carter of Roots Living Wellness and Larutan Health Foods, it was the latter. Having moved to Portugal on a whim with a friend back in 1998, his planned sixmonth Portuguese adventure became a more permanent fixture. He left his London finance job in Futures and Options with a simple phone call: “I picked up the phone and said I’m not coming back,” he says. Twenty-six years later, that spontaneous decision has transformed into a thriving health food business co-run with his wife Liza.

Cleaning up

Back to the late 90s, and James started out by cleaning cars for Quinta do Lago’s wealthy ex-pats. As the internet started to take hold, he launched a computer training company, teaching people how to connect with family and loved ones back home. The internet hustle was then taken over by a software company specialising in golf systems, and James joined them on the sales side. But it was property that really caught his eye.

“I fell in love with all the amazing houses I saw while cleaning cars,” James recalls. Those beautiful villas led him to a job in real estate in 2002. From Villas & Vacations to QP Savills, he climbed the property sales ladder, ending up at Christie’s Real Estate, managing their Quinta do Lago office in the Bougainvillea Plaza from 2007 to 2010.

“I got introduced to some amazing clients and people while working in real estate,” he says. As if working in real estate wasn’t enough, James decided to invest in the restaurant business with his wife Liza and her sister, whose family ran the popular Vale do Lobo beachfront spot, Papagaio. They transformed it into Breeze, a favourite spot in the Algarve for sundowners. Fast forward to 2016, and Quinta do Lago came knocking, wanting him to work on their real estate team. But life shifted in 2019. The real estate industry had changed. James says: “People weren’t motivated by finding their dream anymore. It was all just numbers and money. I started falling out of love with it.” The restaurant business had changed, too. “Since the financial crisis, the way people dined and spent was very different,” James recalls. His wife’s visit to a yoga retreat in northern Portugal sparked a radical change. Liza came home determined. James laughs: “She said to me, ‘we’re selling the house and opening a retreat!’”

And that’s what they did, and bought a farm in Messines. Five kilometres down a dirt track. No phone signal. A half-renovated ruin abandoned for six years. They moved in August 2019 and Covid-19 hit almost immediately. “I was still working for Quinta do Lago from home during the pandemic but the more time I spent on the farm,” James says, “the more I knew I didn’t want to be in real estate anymore. I knew we had to pursue something more holistic, more sustainable. Something that would involve giving back to the community and the land.”

ROOTING FOR CHANGE

WHEN PORTUGAL GRABS YOU BY THE HEART THERE’S NO GOING BACK. FOLLOW ONE MAN ’ S JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION FROM BANKING TO BONE BROTH AND PORTUGUESE FARM LIFE

Words: SALLY DIXON

Life on the farm and a determination to educate people’s tastebuds to eat better and be healthier has led to a range of handmade food products available at

Larutan, James and Liza’s store in Luz

All change

The pandemic brought unexpected direction. The family discovered they were all gluten intolerant and Liza retrained as a nutrition consultant at Bauman College to keep the family healthy. “And so, we started on this journey of health,” James says. “Liza realised that most people aren’t ready for change. So, she chose to focus on creating healthy products instead of private consulting,” he adds. Liza’s studies inspired James to take a course in aquaponics (farming with fish and plants). A combination of aquaculture with fish and hydroponics (which is growing in a soilless environment). A closed ecosystem where the fish provide the fertiliser for the plants and the plants clean the water for the fish, with minimal waste. The system perfectly aligned with their growing vision of sustainable living.

Their brand ‘Roots’ started small. Liza experimented with baking and making granola and fermenting kombucha for the family with a view to then selling it.

Their first sales were at the monthly market at Quinta Shopping, which was still open in the August during the pandemic. Ironically, I was at that very market and bought some of Liza’s products! Small world indeed. James says: “We came up with the brand of Roots, the whole concept of it was being rooted to the ground, going back to our roots, and a focus on health through food and specifically gut health.

“The journey just kept evolving and the product list along with it!”. By now, Liza was churning out the healthy products; fermented foods, homemade bone broth, fresh cold-pressed juices. The kitchen experiments exploded into 70-plus products including six varieties of sauerkraut, multiple kombucha flavours, and a yummy signature Moon Milk with turmeric, ashwagandha, cardamom, and cinnamon.

Moving forward

As Liza’s love for the kitchen and recipes expanded, they converted a former hunter’s kitchen in an out-building on the farm into a 40-square-metre production space. “From the restaurant, we knew how to set up properly,” James says. “Machinery was key for productivity.”

Their bone broth became a cornerstone, anchoring popular three-day cleanse programmes with cold-pressed vegetable juices.

Today their farm hosts 50 chickens and 32 pigs. “Way too many pigs,” James laughs: “Some wild boar visitors helped with that!” The pigs serve a dual purpose – as natural land clearers and sustainable meat production. In

the kitchen they maintain 95% organic ingredients, no refined sugars, no refined oils, and of course no gluten. Their latest venture, Larutan (‘natural’ spelled backwards), brings health food to the masses. “Too many people get poisoned by bad diet because they can’t afford access to things that they should have the right to,” James explains. Their West Algarve Larutan store matches organic prices with regular supermarket rates. The location proves perfect. “West Algarve spends money differently,” says James. “It’s more focused on what goes into your body, not what car you drive or what clothes you wear. It’s all about quality food and organic everything.”

Every product in the store is carefully sourced. From Portuguese biodegradable cleaning products, local handmade cosmetics, Epsom salts, local raw cacao bars and ceremonial grade cacao, to grass-fed beef from the North of Portugal and organic chickens delivered weekly. “We’re trying to help people take that step into a healthier life,” James explains, “to make the choices easier.”

Sustainability counts

The store’s aesthetic and packaging matter, too. “We are keen to make both a sustainable business and offer the right price to the customer. People are always pleasantly surprised by the prices when they come into the store. We choose good looking bottles because we believe it should be a nice experience. If it means that someone’s going to leave the bottle on the counter rather than putting it to the back of the cupboard and forgetting about it, they’re much more likely to use it. So, they’ll incoporate healthy food into their daily diet. Small things help people adopt a better lifestyle.”

As a one-stop wellness shop with gluten-free sourdough bread, homemade chicken liver paté and weekly organic vegetable box collection from a local farm, I’ll be James’ best customer when I move to Portugal this year (oh yes, it has my heart, too!).

So, what does 2025 hold for James and Liza? Well, a website for Larutan and online shopping within the EU is in development, but education remains central to their mission. “The biggest thing we hear is that healthy cooking is too expensive, or people just don’t know how,” James says. So, they’re planning nutrition courses at the farm, drawing on their previous workshop experience, along with more interactive experiences at the shop.

From the busy streets of London banking to a Portuguese dirt track. Not the future James imagined in 1998. But watching customers embrace healthier lives, seeing the farm flourish, feeling the satisfaction of sustainable living – it’s clear he’s found something better than banking. “We’re on a mission to provide healthy food in daily life at an affordable price,” he says.

In a world of increasing food awareness, James and Liza have built more than a business. They’ve created a blueprint for accessible wellness that is deeply rooted in Portuguese soil.

Homegrown fruits and vegetables, delicious pure juices, and crunchy granola are just a few of the Roots products at Larutan

Koyo Coffee, Aljezur

DAVID CAMPUS AND EMMA OF AUSTA IN ALMANCIL ARE SERIOUS DRINKERS... OF COFFEE THAT IS! A TRIP TO ALJEZUR ALWAYS STARTS WITH A CUPPA OR TWO FROM A SPECIALIST ROASTERY THAT SOURCES SINGLE BEAN VARIETIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

RECENT winter weekend trip to the Algarve’s wild west coast to hike and feel reinvigorated by the beaches and we made our usual pilgrimage to Koyo Coffee in Aljezur. A treasure for speciality coffee lovers, the roastery and coffee shop is known for its dedication to seasonal beans, sustainable practices, and the sheer artistry of its founder, champion barista, Gyula Illés.

Walking into Koyo we are struck by the rich and unmistakable aroma of freshly roasted beans that fills the air – an instant pick-me-up. The space has a clean, functional vibe, yet is usually buzzing with energy even in the low season. Bags of coffee, carefully labelled with origins like Ethiopia and Colombia, line the shelves.

Gyula himself greets us warmly, his passion for coffee immediately evident. “Every cup of coffee tells

a story,” he always says, as he ushers us toward the bar. Today we’ve come not just to sip but to submerge into the story of his own.

Gyula wastes no time diving into Koyo’s philosophy. The roastery sources only the finest seasonal coffees, selecting small batches of green beans from around the world. “We don’t do blends here,” Gyula explained. “Each coffee is unique, and we want to let it shine.”

He pulls out a bag of their current offering, a Guatemalan coffee with tasting notes of stone fruit and chocolate.

In the roasting room, he explains that the coffee’s journey starts at the plantation but it is the roaster’s job to preserve its character.

We are fascinated, not just by the science but also by the deep respect Koyo has for the farmers behind the beans. Gyula considers it his mission to bridge the gap between the fields and our cups, ensuring that farmers’ hard work gets the recognition it deserves. He tastes every batch and adjusts

FOOD

Coffee, coffee and more coffee.

Homemade cakes and a great brunch.

DECOR

Laid back, relaxed and a wonderful atmosphere, perfumed with coffee.

PRICE

€1.50 for

the profiles to highlight the coffee’s natural fruitiness, sweetness, and those pleasant bitter notes.

Back in the front room, it’s time to taste – one espresso and one filter brew, each made with a different coffee. The espresso is bold and fruity, with a syrupy sweetness, while the filter coffee is delicate and tea-like, with floral undertones that linger on the palate. “This is what I mean when I say coffee is fascinating,” Gyula said. “The same bean, roasted and brewed differently, can be completely different.”

Gyula points out an important detail: Koyo’s commitment to sustainability. Not only is his coffee thoughtfully sourced, but his bags are 100% recyclable, carbon-neutral, and designed to keep the coffee as fresh as possible. It is inspiring to see a small business making such a big impact, through both its coffee and its commitment to the planet.

As we sip our espressos, Gyula shares his own story. Before moving to Aljezur in 2016, he had spent decades in the coffee industry, founding Hungary’s first barista academy, competing internationally, and training thousands of coffee professionals. Koyo is his way of sharing that joy with others.”

If you can’t get to Aljezur, you can still experience the magic through Koyo’s online shop.

Albarrán Cabrera, “The Mouth of Krishna #922”, 2018

THE WAVES

LISTEN TO

IN THE QUIET SEASIDE VILLAGE OF CARRAPATEIRA, SMATTERED WITH SURFERS ON THE RUGGED WEST COAST OF THE ALGARVE, CASA ALMARGENS IS A RETREAT WHERE NATURE AND THOUGHTFUL DESIGN COME TOGETHER

Words: EMMA CAMPUS Photography: REAGAN PETREHN / ZAVIAL STUDIO

and

Design confidence

imagination bring the new, the old and the pre-loved together to tell a story with a real personality and a special charm

CREATED by a group of hospitality veterans from the US in collaboration with local interior designer, Jade Jasmin of escolhido, this home is as much about inspiration as it is about rest and re-set. With a seamless connection to the outdoors and a focus on art and repurpose, the house, available to rent for a few days or more, embodies everything one dreams of finding in a simple seaside getaway.

We wake to sunlight streaming softly through the windows of our bedroom, the breeze carrying the faint scent of salt creeping over the dunes that shield us from the wild Atlantic beyond. Immediately, we feel grounded, squinting and stretching amongst crisp cotton bed linens that make it hard to leave.

Reaching for my watch to check the time, I notice the handmade marble bedside table, holding only a few carefully chosen objects from local markets, enough to add character but leave space for clarity.

It’s already 9am – the oxygen from our sunset walk on the beach last night kept us asleep for nine hours – so we slope sleepily downstairs, the open-plan kitchen bathed in dappled light from the glass brick feature wall which Jade kept in to retain that 90’s holiday nostalgia. It’s impossible not to admire the craftsmanship she has injected into a fairly simple canvas to add feeling: chestnut wood cabinets and floating shelves pair effortlessly with Portuguese tiles and white quartz countertops. These bespoke design choices, crafted by local makers, create an atmosphere that’s both practical and beautiful.

Breakfast is simple – we inhale fresh fruit from the market in Vila do Bispo, collected yesterday morning, toasted pão de água with honey, and a pot of strong coffee brewed on the stovetop from roasters in Aljezur (more of that on page 38). Carefully-chosen Art pieces surround us to reflect the locality, like the sculptural work commissioned from a Lisbon artist that captures the meeting of Carrapateira’s sand dunes, cliffs and ocean.

We take our plates outside to the sunken wooden deck, where oversized cushions beckon us to linger while we gaze out at the hills.

The garden, also planned by Jade, feels alive, yet intentionally wild. Tall grasses sway alongside succulents, while an olive tree by the entrance nods to the region’s history. The morning stretches lazily as we sip our coffee, soaking in the therapeutic calm of the landscape and the soft, faint roar of the waves in the distance.

Beach scene

Pulling ourselves away from the embrace of Almargens, we hop in the car with the surfboards the friends provide, seeking to explore. We made the 20-minute walk last night to watch the sun sink but opt for the car today to take us to Praia do Amado, where dramatic slopes give way to golden sands and powerful waves. After hours of walking, swimming and watching surfers glide through the ocean, we return to the house sun-kissed and happily fired. It being winter in the Algarve, it’s cold but invigorating, and in between surfs the sun thaws us out as we stretch our towels sheltered by the windbreak and rocks.

Back at the house, the outdoor shower is a revelation. Washing off the salty sand beneath a blue sky, surrounded by swaying bamboo, is a simple yet invigorating pleasure. Feeling refreshed, we fire up the gas barbeque on the terrace and don our jumpers as we prepare a late lunch of fresh fish and vegetables picked from a local vendor before we loose the light.

Table matters

Gathered around the marble dining table under the pergola, the meal becomes an occasion. The combination of flavours, laughter, and the

view of rolling hills creates a sense of connection we don’t often find in our everyday lives. Even the table’s story – a blend of reclaimed wood, pre-loved Portuguese black iron chairs, and vintage grain sack cushions – seem to reflect the value of this home: sustainanability, heritage, and intentionality.

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the air fills with an orange, pink and purpe haze. With glasses of natural Portuguese wine in hand – from Madame Granel in Aljezur – we take our places in the garden, perfectly positioned to enjoy the view. The wilder parts blur seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, making it easy to feel at one with the environment.

Later, we gather around the log-burning fireplace which glows warmly, perfect for a winter escape. The space feels expansive yet intimate, with whitewashed walls adorned with artworks curated by escolhido, by artists such as Serge Barchuk and James Hapke. Above the sofa hangs Hills & Valleys, Hapke’s woodcut-inspired screen print that feels like an ode to Carrapateira’s rugged terrain.

Soak in the atmosphere

The following morning, before packing up, we take the bikes out for one last ride through the village. Carrapateira has a laid-back charm that instantly captivates, with its whitewashed houses, friendly locals, and slow pace. It’s impossible not to feel connected to this place.

Returning to Casa Almargens, we take a moment to reflect. This home is more than just a beautiful retreat; it’s a place that fosters meaningful connection with nature, with others, and with ourselves.

STAR SIGN WINE

AQUARIUS

(January 20–February 18)

Tinta Roriz Aquarians are known for humanitarian ideals, and their intellectual approach to life; they are often seen as trendsetters and enjoy exploring unconventional paths. A fitting wine is Tinta Roriz, also known as Aragonês.

Tinta Roriz showcases bright fruit, herbal notes, and a hint of earthiness – perfect for unconventional pairings, such as tapas or spicy dishes.

Good choice: Churchill Grafite Tinta Roriz Red 2019, by Churchill’s garrafeirabaco.pt/en/ CHURCHILLS-GRAFITE-2019TINTA-RORIZ-TINTO-075-LT

PISCES

(February 19–March 20)

Moscatel de Setúbal

A dreamy nature, sensitivity, and creativity make up the Piscean personality. This water sign often embodies compassion and intuition, thriving in artistic endeavours. Moscatel de Setúbal is the

perfect for this ethereal zodiac sign.

Moscatel is a fortified wine with a fragrant bouquet of floral and tropical fruit aromas. Its sweet, luscious taste resonates with Piscean’s artistic soul. and pairs beautifully with desserts or enjoyed as a contemplative evening sip.

Good choice: António Saramago Moscatel de Setúbal 2016, by António Saramago Vinhos www.vinha.pt/vinho/ moscatel-antonio-saramagomoscatel-de-setubal-201375cl-peninsula-de-setubal/

ARIES

(March 21–April 19)

Vinho Verde As the first sign of the zodiac, Arians are known for their fiery enthusiasm, adventurous spirit, and bold personality. They are natural leaders, often diving headfirst into new experiences. A fitting pairing is a Vinho Verde, a refreshing, slightly effervescent wine from the Minho region.

Vinho Verde is vibrant and youthful, much like Arians themselves. The wine’s

START OF A NEW YEAR AND TIME FOR SOME CELESTIAL SIPS AND A PAIRING OF PORTUGUESE WINES WITH EACH SIGN OF THE ZODIAC

Words: LÍVIA MOKRI

crispness makes it a perfect companion for outdoor adventures, summer picnics, or spontaneous gatherings, paired with seafood or enjoyed alone.

Good choice: Quinta do Ameal Solo Único White 2022, by Quinta do Ameal – Esporão garrafeiratiopepe.pt/en/loja/ garrafeira/vinhos/regiao/ verdes/produto-29/

TAURUS

(April 20–May 20)

Douro Red Taurus, ruled by Venus, is synonymous with sensuality, stability, and a deep appreciation for the finer things in life. This earth sign enjoys comfort and indulges in exquisite tastes. A Douro red wine, hailing from the iconic Douro Valley, is an exquisite choice.

Douro reds are crafted from a blend of indigenous grape varieties, producing full-bodied wines with robust flavours of dark fruit, chocolate, and spices. The wine’s velvety finish and rich character create a harmonious experience.

PLUS Good choice: Pombal do Vesuvio 2022, by Symington https://www.garrafeirasoares. pt/pt/portugal/vinhos/vinhotinto-douro-pombal-vesuvio2022-75-cl/item_10273. html?id=36&cat=0&pc=1

GEMINI

(May 21–June 20)

Alvarinho Geminis are known for their duality, adaptability, and social nature. They thrive in conversations and enjoy exploring various perspectives. The Gemini’s sparkling personality pairs perfectly with Alvarinho, a vibrant white wine from the Vinho Verde region.

With its bright acidity, floral notes, and flavours of citrus and stone fruits, Alvarinho captures Gemini’s ever-changing nature while embodying their desire for connection. Pair it with light appetizers, and allow its effervescent charm to inspire lively discussions amongst friends. Good choice: Muros Antigos Alvarinho White 2023, by Anselmo Mendes vinha.pt/vinho/vinho-verdemuros-antigos-alvarinho-202375cl-vinho-verde-doc-5117/

CANCER

(June 21–July 22)

Madeira Cancer, ruled by the moon, is deeply introspective and nurturing, bringing sensitivity and intuition to the forefront. Cancerians cherish family bonds and shared moments; the perfect wine for them is Madeira, a fortified wine with a rich history..

This versatile wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with hearty, comforting dishes. Its sweetness and historical tapestry complements a fondness for the nostalgic and traditional, allowing them to savour memories while sipping.

Good choice: H.M.Borges 5 years Sweet Reserve, by H.M.Borges Madeira hmborges.lojasonlinectt.pt/ product/vinho-madeira-h-mborges-5-anos-doce

LEO

(July 23–August 22)

Dão Red Leos are known for their radiant, confident presence and natural flair for drama. They are enthusiastic and often seek the spotlight. To match their larger-than-life personality, a Dão red wine is an apt choice.

Dão wines are robust and full-bodied, often made from the Touriga Nacional and Jaen grape varieties. The vibrant flavours of ripe fruits, herbs, and a hint of oak embody Leo’s fiery spirit and energy – Dão red is the perfect partner for grand meals and unforgettable celebrations. Good choice: Textura da Estrela Red 2020, by Textura Wines loja.texturawines.pt/en/ wines/8-textura-da-estrelared-2020.html

VIRGO

(August 23–September 22)

Espumante Virgo embodies practicality, attention to detail, and a penchant for perfection. For this earth sign, an Espumante, Portugal’s answer to sparkling wine, is an ideal match.

With its precise craftsmanship, clean lines, and harmonious flavours, an Espumante aligns perfectly with Virgo’s meticulous nature.

Whether it’s a crisp, dry Brut or a fruitforward rosé, this sparkling wine offers an element of celebration without overwhelming the senses. It pairs well with uncomplicated dishes, such as fresh salads or seafood.

Good choice: Soalheiro Barrica Brut Sparkling 2019, by Quinta do Soalheiro onwine.pt/pt/vinhos/ espumante/soalheiro-barricabruto-2019

LIBRA

(September 23–October 22)

Port Wine Representing harmony, beauty, and balance, Libras are social beings who enjoy creating connections with others. Port wine is the ultimate pairing for Libras, for its rich flavours and the artistry involved in its production.

From the Douro Valley, Port is a fortified wine available in various styles, including Ruby, Tawny, or Vintage, each adding a unique character to the palate. Pairing Port with cheese platters or dark chocolate creates a romantic experience.

Good choice: Furada Family Tawny Port, by Quinta da Furada www.tourinto.pt/en/product/ porto-furada-family-tawny/

SCORPIO

(October 23 - November 21)

Alentejo Red

Scorpios are known for their intensity, passion, and enigmatic personalities. They seek depth and are unafraid of exploring hidden truths. With this sign’s propensity for complexity, the perfect pairing is an Alentejo red wine.

These wines are bold and full-bodied, showcasing rich dark fruit flavours, earthy notes, and a hint of spice. The intensity of Alentejo reds captures Scorpio’s fierce nature while allowing for discovery with each sip. With hearty meats or complex dishes, this wine invites contemplation and indulgence.

Good choice: Freixo Reserve Red 2019, by Herdade do Freixo granvine.com/en/freixo-reservatinto-2019

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22–December 21)

Arinto

Sagittarians are free spirited and thrive on adventure and exploration. Arinto, a Portuguese white wine, is an ideal match for this sign.

Known for their bright acidity, crispness and citrus and mineral flavours, the effervescent Arinto, best enjoyed with seafood, salads, or light dishes, transports the drinker to coastal Portugal.

Good choice: Morgado de Santa Catherina White 2022, by Quinta da Romeira winestuff.pt/en/products/ morgado-de-santa-catherinabranco

CAPRICORN

(December 22–January 19)

Bairrada Red

Capricorns are known for their ambition and practical nature. They often gravitate towards wines that signify achievement and sustainability. The exceptional Bairrada red wine is perfect for them.

Bairrada wines, primarily made from the Baga grape, are characterised by their structure, elegance, and longevity. With flavours of dark berries, earthy undertones, and a hint of smokiness, this wine is ideal alongside hearty game dishes or rich stews.

Good choice: Filipa Pato Baga Dinamica Red 2023, by Filipa Pato garrafeiranacional.com/en/2023filipa-pato-dinamica-tinto.html

Another aspect of Armona

ON DISPLAY AT GALERIA CÔRTE-REAL, AN EXCITING EXHIBITION FEATURES THE ALGARVE ISLAND OF ARMONA, CREATED AS MIXED-MEDIA COMPOSITIONS BY THE ENGLISH DESIGNER AND ARTIST TERRY MOORE

Words: CAROLYN KAIN

TWENTY MINUTES by ferry from Olhão and step onto Armona where reality seems to have been suspended. This isn’t Disney World’s Magic Kingdom; it’s a geographical masterpiece, a sand-bar island that forms a barrier between the land and sea.

Armona is nine kilometres in length and one kilometre at its widest point. The island’s attractive shoreline overlooks the tranquil waters of the lagoon or the waves and spindrift that wash onto its Atlantic beaches.

Visitors are inclined to swoon never having seen anywhere quite so pristine before. Artists are immediately inspired by the variety of scenery. The power of the elements and the roar of the ocean’s waves is a constant presence when looking out to sea. The water turns turquoise as it falls onto the coarse white sand. Shells littering the tide line glint like castaway jewels. In contrast, on the island’s lagoon shore the water laps calmly, the sand is noticeably finer and the atmosphere is tranquil.

Unlike most other artists Terry Moore has not selected to picture the shoreline. Instead he has been attracted to an entirely different aspect of the island and its peaceful way of life. His paintings feature the simple houses of its interior and extraordinarily no two are the same! The architecture –such as it is – is totally individualistic and definitely ad-hoc. All the building materials have been brought from the mainland, which explains why most of the dwellings are very low. Requiring fewer breeze blocks to build them, they are suitable in size for Bilbo Baggins or the most diminutive of people. They are occupied by about 50 permanent residents who make their living from fishing or collecting shellfish.

Other houses on Armona are privately owned holiday homes and a few are more sophisticated than the rest. A variety of traditional chimney pots and azulejos are distinguishing features and pride is taken to maintain the tiny front gardens with succulents and other drought resistant species planted in the sand.

the artist

What is our very favourite place in the Algarve?

There is so much to love and so many differencies from one area to another. But I have always been struck by the islands, which are so very different and seem to be a world of their own. There’s nothing like being close to the sound, sight and smell of the sea,

What would you select as the best location for lunch? And what is your

Terry saw that the assortment of these buildings would be a perfect match to his painting style. Since graduating from art school and setting up a successful Design Agency he has evolved an idiosyncratic paint and collage style. On Armona he has used techniques that simulate the jumble of buildings, recreating their appearance with layer upon layer of acrylic paint, adding pastiche, montage and found objects to the surface. The effects of this fascinating mix give an overall appearance that captures the island’s bohemian mood.

Sand-bar islands comparable to Armona frame 13 percent of the Earth’s coastlines and many of them are inhabited. Some, unlike Armona, permit traffic and have become over-commercialised. Along the eastern seaboard of North America there are more than 400 similar islands but several of them – like Wildwood off the New Jersey shore – has a population that increases to a quarter of a million people during the summer season.

Continental Europe has many islands that separate the mainland from the North Sea and others are located along the Mediterranean. More locally, there is the string of sand-bar islands stretching from Spain’s Costa de la Luz along the eastern limits of the Algarve. Of these Armona is undoubtedly one of the most charming.

Galeria Côrte-Real is currently exhibiting examples of Terry Moore’s free style of expression as conveyed in the pictures of Armona.

favourite dish?

Freshly-caught fish grilled on a barbecue, with a crisp salad and a dish of buttery new potatoes cannot be beaten.

You have a home here and spend as much time as you can there. Which do you regard as the most captivating time of year?

The Algarve is beautiful year round – in the heat of summer, the cool of winter, the dazzling green of the

countryside after the rains. For me, however, my real favourite is October, when it is still summery, but wonderfully quiet.

Do you have a very favourite colour?

If I had to choose just one? it simply has to be blue –but not just any shade of blue. It is the one that is so typical of Portuguese houses, washed with a vibrant blue – like the colour as the summer sky.

MEET A MAN who grew up surrounded by family – his mother and grandmother – who worked with natural products like palm, and transformed their chosen materials, gathered locally here in the Algarve, into bags and baskets, household accessories and even babies’ carrycots.

Young João was fascinated, watching them fashion useful and long-lasting goods from what many others, city dwellers especially, would discard as waste; the message was how to make something from nothing, and it is a message that has stayed with him over the years.

At school, unsurprisingly, craft classes were his favourite, and as the years progressed, he became increasingly absorbed in originating new concepts, turning one material into something else. He painted on porcelain, made flowers from breadcrumbs, and restored furniture. Perhaps that’s one advantage of a lack of formal training – no fixed guidelines to follow, no rules to live by – just complete freedom to follow a whim. “My training comes from my curiosity and persistence,” he says

a sheer delight AN ART A CR AFT

IT IS A DELIGHT WHEN YOU DISCOVER A SPECIAL TALENT, AN ARTIST WHO FULFILS THEIR OWN DREAM AND IS DRIVEN BY A HEARTFELT PASSION RATHER THAN A COMMERCIAL CHALLENGE. JO Ã O CUSTODIO IS OUR MAN

Words: SUSI ROGOL-GOODKIND

Just watching the process, and the intricate steps involved, makes you appreciate what goes into each finished piece. The fact that AlgarvePLUS is part of João’s tools of trade was surprising to discover, and confirmation that we, too, have a special quality

“Every piece is different – as you work on it, it evolves and never ends up precisely as planned. That’s part of the joy, the sense of achievement.”

Some 15 years ago João moved to producing jewellery. But not just any jewellery. No precious stones or metals, no plastics. “I started with bits of wire I had collected,” he recalls. “Recycling has become one of the most common everyday tasks, but many people do not fully understand why it is so important to recycle in order to preserve the environment and natural resources. Faced with the serious problem of waste generation, recycling is one of the simplest and most powerful actions a person can take.”

And that is where paper (yes, the pages of AlgarvePLUS, too) comes into play, in an extraordinary formation that has resulted in unique works of art, individual handmade beadwork collections which each tell a story. There are chains upon chains of gleaming coloured beads made from magazine pages with photographs, and monotones beads from the printed word.

The technique João had developed at his workroom in his home in Faro is complex, and entrancing. “Each page is divided into 1.5cm triangles, or fine strips, then cut.” he explains. “Then I use a toothpick and circle the paper tightly around it to form a bead, with a little glue to fix it. This process is very timeconsuming – it takes days.

“Once the beads are dry, I place each one back on the stick and coat them with varnish to harden and make them waterproof against humidity. That process takes four hours. Once dried, the beads are ready to form a necklace.”

After drying, they are removed from the stick and are ready to form a necklace. Every piece is different – as you work on it, it evolves and never ends up precisely as planned. That’s part of the joy, the sense of achievement.”

João has moved from single rows of beads to multi strands, joined by metal rings and finished with a shrimp hook.

So far, this operation has been more of a hobby than a dedicated business, though he would like to sell his collection, which also includes earrings, through specialist shops.

Pieces have been made for clients who have heard of his work and want to own a special item in, say, a particular length or colour. And all the while João is experimenting, looking at new ways of producing his beads.

Depending on the numbers of rows requested, prices range from €40 to €70 – a small figure to pay for a bespoke work of art, that can take up to five days to produce. Key is that every piece, every bead is made with love, and curiosity – the perfect blend.

Want to have your own made-to-order masterpiece? Contact João on 965 51 9570, email custodiobelo2@gmail.com

Join the club

ROTARY STARTED WITH THE VISION OF ONE MAN — PAUL HARRIS. THE CHICAGO ATTORNEY FORMED THE ROTARY CLUB OF CHICAGO ON 23 FEBRUARY 1905 SO THAT PROFESSIONALS WITH DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS COULD EXCHANGE IDEAS, FORM MEANINGFUL, LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS AND TO THAT END HELP PEOPLE IN NEED WHEREVER THEY MAY BE

Words:

JAN HINZE

ROTARY NOW has 46,000 Clubs all over the world, with 1.4m members; at present there are around 95 clubs in Portugal.

Almancil International Rotary Club (AIRC), chartered in June 2006, was the first International Rotary Club in Portugal to use English as a common language. The first members comprised seven different nationalities, some of whom had been Rotarians in their home countries before moving to Portugal, while others were new to the Rotary initiative but shared the wish to do something for their adopted country.

Rotary International’s stated purpose is: “To bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world”. It seemed, therefore, that an English-speaking Rotary club was the perfect vehicle with which to

help the local community.

The first fundraising event was a golf tournament and dinner, the objective of which was to raise funds – and awareness - to help children in need in the Algarve. Since then the club has raised many thousands of euros for good causes, and is currently involved in supporting some 12 key projects. Worth knowing is that the club does not generally give money. When requests for aid are received, the club’s Community Services Committee will consider the application and, once it has been approved, will purchase and donate the items needed.

Organisations for which the club has provided help in the way of equipment have included an association in Loulé that supports and delivers daycare facilities for adults with mental disabilities. Funds were made available for eight adults to receive dental treatment, which has been provided by club member and dentist Patsy Delgatto at her surgery in Almancil.

Help for all ages

For many years the club has been associated with Associação Social e Cultural de Almancil (ASCA), which offers valuable services to the local community. Amongst many other things they provide daycare and domiciliary services for the elderly, including meals, a library and laundry facilities, and assistance to anyone in the community needing help and support. ASCA is one of the few exceptions to which money is occasionally given but it is always ring-fenced for the purchase of specific items such as beds for the new residential wing for the elderly, and a van desperately needed to deliver meals.

The club has also become involved with the Associação

Humanitária dos Doentes de Parkinson e Alzheimer in Quarteira where we supply equipment – including electricallyoperated chairs, an oven and a special chair to enable elderly and infirm people to shower.

Support in the way of equipment has been given to Apoio à Vitima (APAV), an association which works tirelessly to help primarily women victims of crime and women who have been trafficked into Portugal.

A better future

In 2003, the club provided equipment for a sensory room at Escola Dr António de Sousa Agostinho in Almancil to benefit children at that school with special needs, including those with autism and behavioural difficulties. In addition, the club has provided equipment for the school’s cookery class for young people who are not necessarily academically gifted. A number of these students have subsequently found work at hotels and high-class restaurants. To provide additional support the club occasionally holds lunches at the school with amazing food provided by the students.

This is not the extent to which the club has been involved in providing equipment or funds to purchase equipment – the initiatives are too numerous to list.

Think about this

The Club’s latest event, a golf tournament in November, raised just over €10,000 which will be used to maintain the club’s current commitments and also to meet further requests for help.

Whilst many people think of Rotary as a club for elite or wealthy elderly people, this is certainly not the case with AIRC. Meetings are held at the Conrad Hotel on Wednesdays. Rotarians and their guests from around the world are welcome. New members are always welcome whatever their circumstances, the only criteria being that they should be over 18 and willing to give a little of their time to help local disadvantaged people.

The President for 2025/26, Uschi Kuhn, has as one of her missions to attract younger volunteers, boost the membership and help more people right here and right now. Your involvement can make a difference.

For details on how to join, contact the Secretary Peter Hinze, at peteralmancilrotary@gmail.com or on 916 921 641.

We understand your tax implications in Portugal, advise you of the alternatives and help you achieve your goals

www.eurofinesco.com . info@eurofinesco.com

On Course

WHATEVER SUBJECT APPEALS TO YOU – BE IT SINGING OR DANCING, PHOTOGRAPHY OR FINE ART – THERE ARE PROFESSIONALLYTAUGHT CLASSES HERE THAT WILL GROW YOUR INTEREST. THIS IS OUR FIRST SELECTION - MORE TO COME IN THE MONTHS AHEAD

Words: LUCY MAYER

work colleagues in their desired language and navigate international offices, suppliers and business partners. Lessons are bespoke and classes can be individual or in groups up to a recommended maximum of eight students. At the end of the course, there are external exams with a certificate presented to show how far you have come. The school is open for lessons Monday to Friday (9h30–12h30 and 15h00–22h00). For a free assessment contact the admissions office.

289 301 356 / 919 437 377 info@faust.pt faust.pt

GET COOKING: TASTE ALGARVE

LEARN PORTUGUESE: FAUST

If the challenge of learning a new language, or perhaps becoming more proficient in Portuguese, interests you, then Faust is a place you need to investigate. Based in Quarteira, this well-established language school is officially recognised by the Ministry of Education in Portugal. Teachers say their aim is to promote “natural learning” for beginners, starting as a child might, using listening and oral techniques progressing to the written word once these have been grasped.

Faust says this approach differs from traditional methods, which can often jump right in to reading and writing exercises that can drain confidence and leave students feeling uneasy. As well as crash courses for beginners, there are language courses for all levels, from A1 to C2, in accordance with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and in addition to Portuguese and English, classes are offered in French, German, Russian and Spanish. Private and company training is also offered with the latter aiming to give students the confidence to talk to

Taste Algarve is a family-owned business which its three leading ladies, Inês, Rosário and Mariana say is rooted in their love for food, passed down through generations from grandparents who were passionate cooks and would share recipes and host family and friends around the dining table. The trio has transformed an old family farm in Tavira into a charming rural hotel and certified organic farm, which serves as the foundation for most of the gastronomic experiences that are offered by Taste. One thing that is really important is their commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers, fishermen, and artisans. They source their ingredients locally to make sure that they are contributing to sustainability and the environment while also showing their support for the local community. Another important belief is that while culinary traditions should be preserved, modern techniques should also be embraced. The farm, Monte do Álamo, is situated on top of a hill overlooking the town surrounded by olive and fig trees, and boasts stunning views of Tavira. For those wanting a real gastronomic

experience, they can learn to cook while staying at the farmhouse. Monte do Álamo offers six bedrooms, including one with a private terrace and another one overlooking the sea. Experiences include picnics, cooking classes, visits to local producers so you can see where your food is coming from, dinner at the farm and a cooking class in your own home. Taste Algarve will reopen on 1 March, but vouchers can be bought online and are valid until next October.

281 098 209 mariana@tastealgarve.com tastealgarve.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: UNIVERSITY OF ALGARVE

Photography is something that can be enjoyed by everyone and what better place to hone your skill than the Algarve with its picturesque beaches and cliff formations and world-class sunsets? The way that we take photos is evolving every day and has never been easier thanks to the advent of the iphone and similar technology. But for traditionalists, there’s nothing better than the feel of a real camera. This is where the University of Algarve comes in. Based in Faro, students can sign up to take on a non-degree course in digital photography. There, they will learn the practical and theoretical skills needed to navigate this ever-changing field of digital photography.

The course, which is conducted in Portuguese, is open to the general public. A good photographer will have their own artistic and unique vision, but mastering a camera is a vital skill to have, from understanding exposure and the ISO to creative light and focusing techniques. Would you like to learn the difference between long exposure photographs to create dreamlike photos or the “golden ratio”? If the answer is yes, then this course is a must for you.

289 800 000

info@ualg.pt alg.pt/en/search2?s=photography

HORSE RIDING: PINETREES RIDING CENTRE

Pinetrees Riding Centre is a beautiful, English-run riding school situated on the main road in between Dunas Douradas and Quinta do Lago in the Golden Triangle. It was launched by Beverley Gibbons in 1985 at her family’s villa and has been central to helping thousands of people to learn and pursue their passion for riding over the years.

Beverley’s principal professional training was at the prestigious Talland School of Equitation in Gloucestershire in the UK where she gained the British Horse Society Intermediate Teaching Certificate.

Lessons at Pinetrees range from Beginner, where the basics like trotting are taught, before moving on to Advanced, where the rider is helped to canter and ‘ride out’ when approved and finally, Advanced Novice, which focuses on a more polished style of riding using jumping and lateral work. There are also specialist classes for riders with disabilities who can learn on quieter horses and ponies.

The Centre offers riding out directly into the pine forest, past cork trees and the beach area in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve or through the orange groves of the Ludo Valley. Treks and hacks are tailored to the needs of the group or individual and there’s the chance to spot some stunning wildlife outside of the Pinetrees arena once the riders are confident.

The Centre also offers students, from the age of 16, the opportunity to live and work in the Algarve while developing their equestrian skills. Living in the villa, all meals are provided, and they get to indulge their love of horses daily while learning a new language and caring for the animals in their charge.

289 394 369 bevpinetrees@gmail.com pinetrees.pt

FOOD AND ART: FIGS ON THE FUNCHO

The award-winning Figs on the Funcho, owned and managed by Cheryl and Graham Smith, has launched a new ‘Lunch and Learn’ Foodie Series. This culinary concept combines the joy of a gourmet meal with educational talks interspersed between courses. The series kicks off in the new year with an Ottolenghiinspired menu celebrating Gut Health. Guests can savour an array of vibrant, wholesome dishes while enjoying expert-led discussions by Dr. Naomi Dongelmans, and life coach Aliya Jivray, who will delve into the science of gut health. Participants will not only learn about the ingredients behind each dish but also gain practical, easy-to-implement strategies for achieving a healthier and a happier life. Themes that will be explored include plant-based eating and alternatives to dairy and the history of the Portuguese Spice Route.

But you don’t have to be a foodie to enjoy Figs on the Funcho. The team’s new Mixed Media Art Series has launched to allow guests to explore their artistic sides during five-day morning sessions. The workshop concludes with a delicious alfresco lunch under the shade of carob trees, making the experience as nurturing as it is creative. The creative classes are designed for both novices and experts and materials are provided. There is glamping, or for those who prefer something more concrete, the River House overlooks the Funcho Dam. Not all workshops are available via the website so follow Figs on the Funcho on social media to keep up to date with the latest news and events.

912 595 539

Hello@figsonthefuncho.com figsonthefuncho.com

MUSIC: NOBEL ALGARVE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The Nobel Algarve British International School in Lagoa is perfect for budding musicians. The school’s coveted programme works in conjunction with the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music) exam board where pupils are able to prepare for all grades (1 to 8) with the teacher of their chosen instrument. Students are only entered for exams by their teachers when they are ready, and pupils get to enjoy lessons with a team of visiting musicians. Instruments detailed in the programme include everything from the recorder and guitar to the violin and cello; pupils can take part in group lessons of two to three students with friends or take advantage of a one-to-one session.

The school offers a 50% discount to band students who take individual instrumental lessons in its programme. Violins, cellos, guitars, bass guitars, drums, keyboards, flutes, saxophones and clarinets are all for hire; monthly rental charges are between €15 and €40 and are related to the value of the instrument and must be paid one month in advance. One of the school’s favourite quotes, which is the first thing you see when you take a look at its website, is from the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato, that reads: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

282 342 547 nobelalgarve.com

GET CRIATIVO!

Always check out the programme at Loulé Criativo for creative classes, courses and workshops run by local artisans. loulecriativo.pt

Want to dance? Marcos Figueirinha, Dance Classes offers a wide range of options for groups or private lessons in Loulé, Guia and Faro. Find out more at marcosfigueirinha.dance

Get glowing

MANUELA DE OLIVEIRA HAS JOINED THE ALGARVEPLUS TEAM WHERE SHE WILL EXPLAIN THE TREATMENTS AND PRODUCTS THAT WILL KEEP WOMEN AND MEN LOOKING THEIR ABSOLUTE BEST. THIS MONTH SHE EXPLAINS THE LATEST EQUIPMENT

HIFU FOCUSED(HIGH-INTENSITYULTRASOUND)

What it is: HIFU is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production, targeting deep layers of the skin without damaging the surface.

How it works: HIFU delivers ultrasound energy into the skin’s deeper layers, including the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) layer, which is typically tightened in surgical facelifts. This heat stimulates collagen regeneration, leading to firmer, more youthful skin over time.

Who it’s best for:

People with mild to moderate skin laxity, such as sagging jowls or drooping eyelids.

Adults aged 30–60 looking for non-surgical lifting and tightening.

Those wanting gradual, natural results without downtime.

Results to expect:

Visible skin lifting and tightening in the face, neck, or body.

Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Results appear gradually over 2–3 months and last 6–12 months.

MICRONEEDLING RADIOFREQUENCY (RF)

What it is: This technology combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to rejuvenate the skin by promoting collagen and elastin production. How it works: Tiny needles penetrate the skin to create micro-injuries, triggering the body’s natural

The right treatments for your individual needs produce lasting results. Ageing can wait

healing process. Simultaneously, RF energy is delivered deep into the dermis, enhancing the regenerative effects by stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin.

Who it’s best for:

People with acne scars, fine lines, or uneven skin texture.

• Those with mild to moderate skin laxity.

• Suitable for most skin types and ages.

Results to expect:

• Smoother, firmer skin with reduced scars and wrinkles.

• Improved skin tone and texture.

• Visible results after 1–3 sessions, with optimal results after a full course of treatments.

OXYGEN AQUAFACIAL

What it is: A multi-step facial treatment combining exfoliation, deep cleansing, hydration, and oxygenation to enhance skin radiance and health.

How it works: The treatment uses a jet of water infused with oxygen and active ingredients to cleanse pores, remove dead skin cells, and hydrate the skin.

Oxygen enhances the absorption of nutrients, promoting cell repair and a glowing complexion.

Who it’s best for:

Individuals with dull, dry, or sensitive skin.

Suitable for all ages and skin types, especially before special events.

Those looking for a gentle, refreshing facial treatment.

Results to expect:

Hydrated, plump, and glowing skin immediately after treatment.

Reduced fine lines and improved skin texture.

Long-lasting results with regular treatments. These technologies cater to various skin and body concerns, offering non-invasive solutions with minimal downtime.

RADIOFREQUENCY (RF) AND HIFES TECHNOLOGY FOR FACE TIGHTENING

What it is: Radiofrequency (RF) and High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Stimulation (HIFES) are advanced noninvasive technologies designed to improve skin firmness, reduce sagging, and enhance facial contours. The combination of RF and HIFES targets both skin and underlying muscle layers for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

How it works:

Radiofrequency (RF):

RF uses energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin (dermis) without damaging the surface.This controlled heating stimulates collagen and elastin production, which tightens and lifts the skin over time. RF also improves skin texture and reduces fine lines, making it smoother and firmer.

High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Stimulation (HIFES)

HIFES uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate muscle contractions in the facial muscles. These contractions improve muscle tone and density, enhancing facial structure and reducing sagging. By targeting underlying muscles, HIFES creates a lifting effect, particularly around the jawline, cheeks, and forehead.

Who it’s best for:

Individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity (e.g., sagging cheeks or jawline).

People seeking non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

Adults in their 30s to 60s who want to prevent or address early signs of ageing.

NOTE: This treatment is not suitable for people with pacemakers or metal implants (due to electromagnetic energy). Individuals with severe skin laxity or very thin skin may not see dramatic results.

Results to expect:

Skin Tightening

RF stimulates collagen regeneration, leading to firmer and more elastic skin.

Results become more noticeable over 4–8 weeks as collagen builds.

Facial Contouring:

HIFES tones and strengthens facial muscles, enhancing facial contours and reducing sagging.

Overall Appearance:

A lifted, rejuvenated look with smoother skin texture and reduced wrinkles.

Results can last 6–12 months, depending on lifestyle and skincare maintenance.

RF and HIFES are ideal for those looking for a natural, refreshed appearance without surgery. Regular maintenance sessions can sustain the results.

DUPLA Dupla’s Crop Sweater is the perfect piece for those unpredictable Algarve winter days. Layer it over your workout gear for a post-gym coffee run or pair it with highwaisted jeans for a casual lunch with friends. duplabrand.com

ROCHA SURF SHOP

For beach lovers eager to catch some waves this year, Rocha Surf Shop has everything you need! Their range of surf gear will have you looking ready to ride, even if you’re still perfecting your balance on the board. rochasurfshop.com

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

AS WE WAVE GOODBYE TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND EMBRACE THE FRESH START OF A NEW YEAR, MAYBE IT ’ S TIME TO PURSUE SOME ACTIVE ALGARVIAN ACTIVITIES; WHETHER YOU ’ RE WARRIOR POSING, PLAYING PADEL, OR EXPLORING OUR BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE – WE HAVE JUST THE KIT FOR YOU

Words: PIPPA O’KEEFE

PLUS351 Plus351 brings you the best of both worlds with their off-white sweatpants and Backgammon black sweatshirt. This matching set is ideal for those days when you want to feel comfy while enjoying a laid-back work out or beach walk. plus351.pt

ELOAH We can tell you live in Portugal by your choice of this Azulejo Jumpsuit! This eyecatching piece combines traditional Portuguese tile patterns with modern flair. eloah.pt

LATITID Latitid’s Effortless Leggings live up to their name! Whether you’re mastering yoga poses or running errands, these leggings keep you looking fresh and feeling comfy. Pair them with the Polaris Top by Lya for a coordinated workout look that says, “I’m ready for anything!” latitid.com

LYA SPORTSWEAR For those determined to crush their fitness goals, Lya Sportswear’s Polaris Top in Infinity Black is a must-have. This sleek, supportive top will have you feeling confident as you tackle your workouts—whether you’re hitting the gym or taking a scenic jog along the Algarve coast. lyasportswear.com

OYSHO A staple fitness brand that says you can be comfortable and ready for anything. Oysho’s Piping Skirt is the perfect pairing for a padel lesson or tournament. With its elastic waistband and flowy silhouette, it’s perfect for those days when you want to look put-together while feeling like you’re in your favourite sweats. oysho.com

SPRY Maybe this is the year to take on a running challenge? Nothing says marathon training like Spry’s Green Quick Dry Men’s Longsleeve. Whether you’re hitting the trails or heading to the gym, this versatile piece is an ideal new year purchase. spry.pt

AN INTUITIVE APPROACH

DURING A VISIT TO CIDALIA AND TINY ROSSON ’ S HOME IN PECH Ã O, OUTSIDE ESTOI, HER REPLY TO A CHANCE QUESTION ON HOW SHE BEGAN TO GARDEN RESULTED IN A FASCINATING STORY

Words: BURFORD HURRY

IN OCTOBER last year, the OGten Net Loulé central garden pod paid their first visit to the lovely garden of Casa Branca. It was not my first visit – I had often been there with our legendary Santa Bárbara de Nexe Garden ‘Club’, but the nature of this visit was different, as we were there not only to admire the plants and trees but also to pick up a few gardening tips from Cidalia. And it got me thinking about how I, and we, learned about gardening.

In my case, as you all probably know by now, I was born in South Africa. Perhaps what you didn’t know is that I grew up in Johburg, a summer rainfall area with mostly acid, granitic soil and a temperate continental climate. My mother was my first teacher and she started me off by giving me a small rockery to look after.

Early lessons

My first lesson was seeing her cut away a climbing asparagus (Asparagus setaceus) at the back of the rockery which had wrapped itself around a wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), efficiently strangling it. Then in the spring I couldn’t believe the magic of the cascade of blue flowers as the wisteria celebrated its freedom. Later a neighbour showed me how to pinch out the tips of plant shoots to get the hedge plant to branch. Other of my parents’ friends showed me how to take cuttings, they talked about how they sowed seeds and planted seedlings. Manure was discussed as one might talk about a book or movie. It was generally agreed that cattle or horse manure was easier and kinder to introduce into our gardens than pig or chicken manure, which could

‘burn’ plants. Then one magical day I was introduced to the amazing world of indigenous trees and plants on a farm close to the Magaliesberg. One topic never ever discussed or even heard of was that of the role of fungi, let alone mycorrhizal fungi, in plant growth.

Thus equipped, fast forward to my arrival in the mediterranean Algarve with its clayey, limestone rocky soil; ostensibly armed with my African gardening ‘knowledge’, some of which I would find useful and some worth little.

Although probably coming from different climates, most of you who garden today in the Algarve would have had similar learning experiences to mine.

Different experiences

Cidalia, however, was born in Pechão, a stone’s throw from where she lives today, and she admits she had no background in gardening for although she grew up in the country, and would have experienced our merciless Algarvian summers, she knew virtually nothing about how to garden as neither of her parents were ‘gardeners’. Of course, being a practical family, they grew vegetables, and Cidalia helped with the family vegetable patch and was aware of how plants grow and the value of the manure produced by their pigs and fowls in assisting in their growth. However, this lack of gardening knowledge was to prove invaluable as she was equipped with sound common sense, patience, an innate feel for the soil and a love of plants and nature.

Cidalia’s venture into gardening began 37 years ago when, with her husband Tony, she moved onto the property where she now lives and which he had owned previously. A plot of 5,000 square metres, there was some cultivation evident as there were several carobs and almond trees but little else, so with the property on her doorstep begging to be gardened, her passion for gardening took root, literally and figuratively.

Facing the task with some excitement, Cidalia began to create her garden. Her terra was typical barrocal; heavy, limey clay and stony soil, the conditions that

With a plot of 5,000 square metres on her doorstep begging to be gardened, her passion for gardening took root, literally and figuratively.

most of us gardeners are familiar with in the Algarve. Experienced gardeners would have thought of importing better soil and some manure and fertilisers or using a JCB to flatten any irregularities, but not Cidalia. She accepted what she had been given, and armed with a little hoe, she simply started to garden. And an unplanned garden began to grow.

Most of the plants she first introduced were either bought in pots from local nurseries or found next to rubbish bins. The latter proved a good choice as they were succulents or other plants that already grew here. Planting was simple. For large plants a small 30cm hole was dug with her hoe, the shrub planted and the original topsoil returned to the hole and the shrub was firmed in. No manure or different soil was introduced as Cidalia believed the plant should not be pampered. Planting took place in October / November when the rains had started.

Today, apart from the exotics that have learned to grow in Cidalia’s garden, there is also a well grown four metres mastic bush hedge (Pistachio lentiscus), innumerable buckthorns (Rhamnus alaternus) with

Previous spread, left hand page, top left, clockwise: Dracaena draco; Allium, or garlick flower, Wisteria sinensis; Viburnum tinus. Right hand page: Looking down at Cidalia’s garden. This page: The tools of Cidalia’s labour of love

their berries to bring in the birds, and a mediterranean palm. Other plants arrived either on the wind or via cuttings.

The cutting edge

As regards cuttings, when Cidalia saw a plant that she liked she took a cutting. Her cuttings were usually the green, growing tips of the plant. Sometimes secateurs were used and sometimes fingernails. No leaves were stripped off around the stem of the cutting, and taking the cutting home she would find a suitable spot in her garden and using her small hoe loosen the soil and put the cutting in. She then firmed the soil around it and occasionally gave it some water to settle it in. The same approach is used today. I saw evidence of that when she showed me her Heliotrope cuttings planted at random around the garden. She also often puts a cluster of cuttings in a pot in a shady spot. Occasionally she admits to taking hard wood cuttings following the same procedure. Cuttings are taken from September until March and no rooting powder is used.

Her potting shed, which grew up about seven years ago, makes things a little easier on the back. Having a suitable bench is a help when potting on. It contains bottles of seeds and many of the small tools she uses for her gardening.

Cidalia loves to see things grow so she is more accepting of ‘weeds’, and over the years she has learnt to recognise the various unusual volunteers that arrive fortuitously. She is also experimental. She pointed out a viburnum that had grown, probably too close to another plant, but she has left it to see how things work out. A cluster of vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) seedlings from a large mature vitex a few metres away has been left to grow as a small grove.

Casa Branca does not have lawns so there is no need for an irrigation system and the garden is not watered at all in summer except for new cuttings or newly planted trees. This is either done with a hosepipe or a couple of water cans. These are also used to water pots and the vegetables in summer if the plant looks ‘sad’. Succulents are never watered in summer. I saw one aloe, her swollen leaves clenched and dry in October, and a couple of weeks later plump and extended with the rain.

Taking a step back to think about how Cidalia has achieved all this one realises that this is a garden that has grown well under her ‘inexperienced’ but patient and loving care. It has never known the trauma of heavy machinery, insecticides, pesticides and all the other ‘essential’ contributors that a garden in the 21st century demands.

As a result, the decades of growth of the fungi, mycorrhizal and otherwise in the soil in the garden of Casa Branca has not been destroyed or decimated. Quite the opposite, as fallen leaves and small twigs have been left to enrich it and helped by insects and animals the world below the soil has improved its fertility, and it has continued to develop a life of its own, making things easier for the plants growing in it. As a result, today Cidalia has a lovely waterwise garden filled with healthy plants, insects, birds and animals.

This month it’s the beginning of another year and time to start thinking of what should be done in the garden. Perhaps time to reflect on how we garden. Will we do the same as last year or will we, like Cidalia, have the courage and patience to become even more mediterranean?

HONEYMOON | FAMILY | CITY BREAK | VILLA | CRUISE | ADVENTURE | SKI | SAFARI Bespoke holidays, designed with you in mind

Bali, Indonesia

design@suzisteinhofel.com . www.designworks.com.pt

F SLEEP

THE ULTIMATE NEW YEAR WELLNESS HACK

SLEEP ISN’T JUST REST, IT’S YOUR BODY’S SECRET WEAPON FOR HEALTH, HAPPINESS, AND LONGEVITY. FIND OUT WHY PRIORITISING YOUR SHUTEYE IS THE SIMPLEST, MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO GET 2025 OFF TO A GOOD START

Words: SALLY DIXON

ORGET THE well-intended January fitness resolutions. Now that the stress of the holiday season is over, what we really all want is a bit of a rest. In our quest for better health and well-being, sleep is often overlooked, positioned behind fad diets, crazy exercise routines, new gym memberships, and mindfulness practices. Yet, science continues to affirm that sleep is not just an essential function – it’s the foundation upon which all other aspects of wellness rest.

Gone are the Thatcher days of boasting about how little sleep we can function on; the ultimate flex now is whether you got a good 8-hour kip in. Without sufficient, high-quality sleep, our physical health, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and even our longevity could be compromised. So, what exactly makes sleep the ultimate wellness hack? Let’s dive into the science behind it and why prioritising rest could be the most important resolution you make this year.

Sleep is more than just ‘switching off’ for the night; it’s a highly active process involving distinct stages, each crucial for function and repair in the body and brain.

Non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep:

In these initial stages, the body begins to relax, and restorative processes kick in. The third stage of deep sleep or slow-wave sleep is particularly important for physical recovery. During this phase, the body repairs tissue, strengthens the immune system, and clears toxins from the brain.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep: This stage involves rapid eye movements and vivid dreams. REM sleep plays a critical role in cognitive functions such as memory consolidation, learning, and emotional regulation.

Together, these stages form sleep cycles lasting about 90 minutes each, repeating four to six times per night. Interruptions or insufficient time in either stage can disrupt the delicate balance of these processes, leading to a cascade of negative physical and cognitive effects. The benefits of sleep extend far beyond feeling rested; it influences nearly every aspect of our health and well-being.

Physical Health

Heart Health: Getting enough sleep helps regulate blood pressure and reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A large-scale study published in the European Heart Journal found that adults who sleep less than six hours per night are at a 20% higher risk of heart attack.

Weight Management: Lack of sleep disrupts hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which control hunger and satiety. This can lead to increased cravings, overeating, and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.

Immune System: Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken immune defences, leaving you more susceptible to illnesses.

Cognitive Function

Sleep is essential for mental sharpness and productivity. It strengthens neural connections formed during the day, aiding memory retention and learning. Sleep deprivation impairs the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decisionmaking, problem-solving, and focus. This is why even one sleepless night can leave you feeling foggy and distracted.

Emotional Resilience

Poor sleep has a profound impact on emotional health. Research shows that the sleep-deprived amongst us are more likely to react strongly to negative events.

During REM sleep, the brain processes emotions and helps you manage stress. Without it, you’re more prone to anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

Small changes can lead to big improvements in your quality of rest. Here’s what science suggests for better ZZZZs. According to the National Institute of Disorders and Stroke, ideal nightly sleep time is around 7–9 hours. The body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Aligning with this natural rhythm can supercharge your sleep quality.

Exposure to natural light in the morning (there’s plenty in Portugal so no excuses!) signals your body to stay alert during the day and feel sleepier at night.

Consistency: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends!

Morning Sunlight: Exposure to natural light in the morning (there’s plenty in Portugal so no excuses!) signals your body to stay alert during the day and feel sleepier at night.

Avoid Blue Light at Night: Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. Ditch the screens an hour before bed or invest in some blue light-blocking glasses.

Creating a sleep-friendly environment is another great sleep hack. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary for sleep, not a place to binge-watch Netflix till 2am.

Darkness: Use blackout curtains or an eye mask.

Cool Temperatures: The National Sleep Foundation recommends a room temperature of 60–67°F (15–19°C) for optimal sleep.

Quiet: Consider white noise machines or earplugs if you’re sensitive to sound.

Daily healthy habits also make a big difference to your sleep quality. Are these on your list?

Regular Exercise: Physical activity improves sleep quality but avoid intense workouts within three hours of bedtime.

Limit Stimulants: Caffeine and nicotine can stay in your system for hours, leaving you wired and disrupting sleep. Avoid caffeine after midday.

Wind-Down Routine: Create a calming pre-sleep ritual such as reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath. While some may see sleep as a luxury or even a sign of laziness, the science says otherwise. Ignore your body’s need to sleep at your peril. Chronic sleep deprivation has far-reaching consequences, including: Chronic Illness: Increased risk of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.

Mental Health Risks: Chronic poor sleep is strongly correlated with anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Reduced Longevity: Studies suggest that those who consistently sleep less than six hours per night may have a shorter lifespan.

Moreover, poor sleep can create a vicious cycle. Sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to make unhealthy choices, such as skipping workouts or eating junk food, further exacerbating the problem.

Sleep isn’t just one pillar of wellness – it’s the foundation that supports every other aspect. By improving sleep, you amplify the benefits of healthy eating, exercise, and mental health. Simply put, better sleep equals a better you. And it’s free and available to everyone; unlike other wellness trends requiring costly equipment or time-intensive routines, sleep is the most accessible and natural health solution we have.

Consider this: What would happen if you prioritised sleep as much as you do your diet or fitness routine? By committing to better rest, you may find that achieving your other health goals becomes easier, your mind feels sharper, and your mood brighter. This January why not reframe the way you think about sleep. Hack your wellness from the inside out. It’s not lost time; it’s an investment in your future self.

and Care Home

The tranquil village of Monte da Palhagueira in the sun-dappled Portuguese hills has elevated luxury retirement living to new heights.

A traditional development of beautiful villas, houses and apartments, Monte da Palhagueira offers luxury independent retirement living with the added reassurance of qualified medical assistance on hand should it ever be required.

Our English Nursing and Care Home offers a wide range of professional services. From convalescent and respite to full residential care with 24/7 Nursing safety. We offer tailored Person-centric holistic care: it is all about you and your needs.

Contact: Alexandre Neves

mdpmanager@amesburyabbey.com

montedapalhagueira.pt

Tel.: +351 289 990 900

END OF AN ERA

SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS O DESVENTURADO (THE UNFORTUNATE), KING MANUEL II WAS EXILED FROM PORTUGAL. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE ACTIONS OF HIS BRITISH RELATIVES CONTRIBUTED TO THE DOWNFALL OF THE BRAGANÇAS, YET MANUEL SHOWED NO APPARENT SIGNS OF RESENTMENT TOWARDS THEM

Words: CAROLYN KAIN

ASAXE-COBURG with a string of relatives. Manuel was the great nephew of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. His grandfather was first cousin to them both and a personal friend. Yet when the British Government insisted that Portugal relinquish land in Africa, their royal relatives put up no onjections.

In most major cities in Portugal, anti-British protestors blamed the loss of their African lands to an alliance between the two royal families.

A high level of discontentment against the British rumbled on even after radical republicans had assassinated Manuel’s father and his brother.

It was probably a mistake when the young and inexperienced King made a State Visit to England in 1909, just a year after his father and brother had been killed. He was paraded around the streets of London in an open carriage, awarded the Most Noble Order of the Garter and entertained by the Prince of Wales, later to become George V. It’s hard to imagine why Manuel accepted such honours and lavish hospitality in a country so detested by his people. As it turned out, it was just as well he did.

At the point when he was exiled there was such hostility towards him and his mother that he turned to his British relatives for their assistance. After a clandestine journey from the monastery in Mafra to the fishing port of Ericeira, they sailed along the coast of Portugal to Gibraltar where they waited for the arrival of the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert to take them to England.

Arriving in England

Perhaps to express regret for their previous inaction, George V had arranged a huge send off for the exiled King. The Royal Yacht was flying the blue and white Portuguese Standard. The fortress and warships in Gibraltar fired a ceremonial gun salute as Manuel and his mother, standing on the deck of the royal yacht, made their departure. In England they were welcomed by George V and his mother Princess Alexandra.

Ironically, a letter written by Alexandra’s sister to her son Tsar Nicholas II relates the whole unfortunate story of what had happened in Portugal. Expressing disgust at the Portuguese revolutionaries, she had no way of knowing that just eight years later, under similar circumstances, her son and five grandchildren would experience a much worse ending at Yekaterinburg in Russia.

It was an incongruous beginning for Manuel when he found himself no longer living in a palace but at Abercorn House on the King’s Road in Richmond. His not-so secret affair with a French actress quickly came to an end when his mother and his British relatives selected Princess Augusta of Hohenzollern as an appropriate bride. He travelled to Switzerland where he was suitably impressed, finding that he and Augusta shared common interests.

At the wedding ceremony Manuel, still hoping to regain his throne, wore his sash of the Three Portuguese Orders; he stood on a box filled with Portuguese soil and his supporters renamed him O Patriota (the Patriot). Manuel and his new wife settled down to their lives at Fulwell Park in Twickenham. Their Georgian style mansion, with a suite of six luxurious

entertaining rooms, was set in 50 acres of beautiful grounds with a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, fishing and boating on the River Crane. With peach houses and vineries it was possible to be reminded of the land of his birth.

He and Augusta had no children but their marriage was happy. They continued to be on the best of terms with George V and Queen Mary, socialising at events such as the Chelsea Flower Show. Rare film footage of them together as spectators at Wimbledon’s lawn tennis championship shows the extent of their close friendship.

Manuel had an intellectual interest in antiquarian books and those who knew him well referred to him as O Bibliófilo Estudioso (the Studious Bibliophile). He followed political events in Portugal and continued to hope that the monarchy could be restored without the use of force. He advocated this should be done through legal means and made it clear that his desire was “to reign but not to govern”.

During the First World War, he proved to be a valuable asset to the Allies through his work with the British Red Cross both at the front line and as a fund raiser. He took a prominent role, establishing medical facilities in France and England, including the Orthopedic Centre for war wounded, which now forms part of Hammersmith Hospital. A church window dedicated to the Portuguese who died in the War can be seen at Manuel’s local Catholic Church, St James’ in Twickenham.

In 1917, while the war was at its height, the arrest and abdication of Tsar Nicholas and his family in Russia was of pressing concern. The Tsar was George V’s first cousin and just as he had given Manuel sanctuary in England he made a similar offer to Nicholas. Shortly afterwards,

following the reaction of left-wing political groups in Britain his invitation was withdrawn.

Unlike the Portuguese royal family, the Tsar had shown exceptional cruelty towards his own people, notably in 1905 when he had ordered his soldiers to fire on a peaceful march killing 92 workers. As distinct from the Portuguese Braganças, the reputation of the Russian Romanov’s was tarnished. We can only imagine the grief experienced by George and Manuel when the family’s brutal ending was made public in July 1918.

Manuel’s early death aged 42 was due to suffocation caused by an abnormal swelling of his larynx. Like many sudden deaths in healthy people a conspiracy theory arose placing a member of the Carbonária, a Portuguese republican terrorist group, at the centre of a plot. Inexplicably, the identity of a man arrested in the grounds of Fulwell Park was never released. This added mystery to his unexpected and unusual demise; he had been playing tennis just the day before.

Manuel’s body was returned to Portugal as he had requested. With the permission of the Dictator Salazar he was given a State Funeral in Lisbon and his body taken to the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora and interred in the Royal Pantheon of the House of Bragança. Later a new church window installed at his parish church in Twickenham pictures him and the Portuguese Coat of Arms.

See page 96 for details of Carolyn Kain’s new play, Royal Tea, about King Manuel II and his experiences when he first arrived in England.

DARYL GABIN

AMENDOEIRA GOLF COURSE

February 2024

Camera one plus 11

MB: “This is a nice landscape, and capturing the fog gives the impression of temperature changes, implying a convergence of warm and cold. I’d suggest cropping some of the foreground, possibly increasing the blacks or use dehaze to give a bit more detail to the trees in the fog.”

Cold Weather/ Keeping Warm could not be a more appropriate theme this month. Mark Braun, an advanced amateur photographer, selected these five shots that conveyed the story. Mark (braunsoriginals.com) currently Co-Chairs the board of directors, the Collections Committee, and is also a member of the Hall of Fame Induction Committee

Winter games

GERRY KERR

AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

Altura, November 2024

Camera Fuji xt5 with 23mm f/1.4

MB: “The maker captured a wonderful image and included the humanity of the situation. A couple of small improvements would be to crop the image if possible so the fire and all the ashes were in the image, leaving some bare dirt in front of the fire and moving slightly to the right so the tent pole doesn’t merge with the woman’s face.”

LIGIA GLOVER

SYNCHRONISED STANDING

Lagos zoo, March 2024

Camera Canon powershot sx70 hs

MB: “This can imply that the birds are trying to stay warm, but it’s also a standard pose. The exposure and focus are good; I’d suggest opening up the crop to give it more tension and hold the viewer longer.”

JAN TROMP PENEDA GERÊS

January 2019

Camera iphone xs max

MB: “The inclusion of the map of Portugal adds emphasis to this scene as most would expect it to be a more tempered climate. I’d like to see more of the windshield scraper – maybe even all of it. Possibly converting this image to a landscape format would give room to include more of the scraper.”

INA TANZER

HOT GAL ÃO

Galé, December 2024

Camera Sony rx 100

MB: “By staging the hot drink with the cold almost ominous sky, the photographer did a nice job of highlighting both elements of the theme. Composition is good and while it might be a composite image, I like that the foreground and sky are in focus, even though the beach and water are not – it adds layering to the image.”

After over 12 years of creating jewellery, my atelier overflows with treasures – gemstones, pendants, silver chains, and unique finds from my travels.

Driven by passion, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail, I craft necklace after necklace, with some designs becoming icons like the ‘fishchain’ or ‘disc-earring.’ I’m honoured by loyal customers returning for my colourful gemstone necklaces.

For a bold, feminine look, I’ve designed a statement collection featuring silver-set gemstone pendants, perfect for elegant evenings or everyday joy. Each piece tells a story of beauty and individuality as wearable art.

HOMES: Rua das Lojas, Rua 5 de Outubro nº 68 .

Fa SH iO n and accESSOR i ES: Rua José Fernandes Guerreiro, nº39

Not so artificial

IT IS NO LONGER A CASE OF ‘ IT IS WHAT IT IS ’ , BUT MORE OF ‘ IT IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT ’ . YOU CAN BE IN A PHOTO YOU WEREN ’ T IN, APPEAR TO BE FLUENT IN LANGUAGES YOU HAVE LITTLE ABILITY IN, TRAVEL ANYWHERE WITHOUT LEAVING THE SOFA. WITH AI, THE IMPOSSIBLE NO LONGER IS... AND THAT CAN BE DANGEROUS

Words: CHRIS PARTRIDGE

ARTIFICIAL intelligence or AI is all over everything right now and nowhere more than in smartphones, where it is driving a host of new features from picture taking to messaging and even simultaneous translation. Google is leading the way with new Android features such as ‘circle to search’. Want to find out more about an object in a photo? Just hold down the home button, circle the object and AI will recognise it, Google it and put up the results of the search (including, of course, where to buy it).

A much-trumpeted new feature is the ability to combine group shots so you can add yourself in after taking the picture leaving a space. You can also move objects around a picture or even edit them out, with AI filling in the hole with a new background. And it is not just photography that is being

transformed by AI. The latest flagship Android phones can transcribe conversations into typescript on the fly, and generate a summary of the exchange afterwards.

Translation is another feature with big potential. AI is now powerful enough to provide a fluent and almost instantaneous translation into many languages. Just to prove it, here’s that last sentence in Portuguese, just one of the many languages I don’t know: “A tradução é outro recurso com grande potencial. A IA é agora suficientemente poderosa para fornecer uma tradução fluente e quase instantânea para vários idiomas.”

When Douglas Adams invented the Babel Fish for The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy all those years ago, no one could have predicted that it would actually appear within our lifetimes.

It might seem really exciting – and the possibilities are virtually endless (endless, actually), but there are negatives, too, which we need to be aware of

Video is also being transformed by AI. Features like video boost enhance colour and lighting impressively, but recorded video has to be sent to Google’s servers for the magic to happen – it will be some time before features like this appear on the phone itself.

Another amazing new AI feature is the ability to generate slow-mo video from footage on your phone, with the AI system filling in extra frames automatically.

Features like this are being added to smartphones gradually as they become available, and at the moment the power necessary to run AI limits them to flagship phones in the main.

A bite of the Apple

Google was first with AI but Apple has just launched Apple Intelligence (see what they did there? Clever, eh?) with iOS 18.1.

AI in smartphones is shaping up to be our personal link to the wider universe of AI that is revolutionising industries, reshaping economies, and altering how humans interact with machines. From predictive analytics to self-driving cars, AI is becoming an integral part of modern life.

One of the most controversial elements of AI is Generative AI, the ability of machines to create stuff that used to be the exclusive preserve of humans: documents, pictures and sounds. AI generated images were until very recently laughably awful, but are now very convincing. The robotic drone of synthesised voices has been replaced by voices that are close to indistinguishable from real people. And AI generated music is infiltrating the music world at an alarming rate.

But most Generative AI systems are less controversial. Models like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and image-generating tools like DALL·E are being used for example as chatbots to simulate natural

Studies have shown that training a single large-scale AI model can emit as much carbon as five cars over their lifetimes.

conversations, while text-to-image models are transforming design processes.

While AI’s potential is vast, its rapid advancement raises significant ethical, economic, and societal challenges.

Is it all good?

AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on, and biased datasets can lead to discriminatory outcomes. For example, AI algorithms used in hiring have been found to disadvantage women or minority candidates due to historical biases in training data. Similarly, facial recognition technologies often exhibit lower accuracy for people of colour, raising concerns about fairness and equality.

Privacy is also a concern, especially with personal devices such as smartphones. Personal information collected by AI-powered applications can be misused or accessed without consent. Companies using AI for targeted advertising or surveillance sometimes operate in legally grey areas, compromising user trust and security.

Somewhat unexpectedly, AI is having a big impact on the environment and climate change because of the vast computational resources needs, leading to significant energy consumption and carbon emissions. As AI adoption grows, the environmental footprint of data centres and training algorithms becomes a pressing issue. For instance, studies have shown that training a single large-scale AI model can emit as much carbon as five cars over their lifetimes.

Smartphone users need to be wary of the ease with which the photos or videos they take can be used by AI systems to create convincing deepfakes and synthetic content, leaving them vulnerable at the least to embarrassment and at worse to blackmail or extortion.

Another concern is that AI’s growing role in decision-making may erode human agency by taking over functions such as identity checks, credit scoring and other functions that are currently difficult and expensive to do by human employees. ‘Computer Says No’ is set to become a very common experience.

MARGOT ROBBIE

Barbie megastar Margot Robbie got her first break in show-business by a lucky chance. As a drama student aged 17, she made a phone call to a TV production company and, by mistake, was put through to a casting director who happened to be looking for a teen to play Donna Freedman in top Australian soap, Neighbours. The rest was TV history!

Margot was born in Queensland and brought up by a single mother who enrolled her in circus school as a child. Before landing the part in Neighbours, Margot earned her living as a cleaner and subway worker. After quitting Neighbours in 2011, she moved to the USA and landed roles in highly successful films like The Wolf of Wall Street. She played murdered movie star Sharon Tate in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in 2019 and, of course, Barbie in 2023.

She has been nominated for Oscars, BAFTAs and Golden Globes, but has said she doesn’t especially enjoy fame. She has now created her own production company and says she wants to see more women-led films made - Barbie was of course directed by Greta Gerwig. Margot married British film maker Tom Ackerley in 2016 and the couple live in Venice Beach, California, where they are both involved in campaigns for the rights of women and refugees. Forbes named her the world’s highest-paid actress in 2023.

Where are they now?

MANY OF TODAY ’ S SUPERSTARS STARTED THEIR CAREERS IN TEEN-APPEAL TV SHOWS, OR ON THE POP MUSIC SCENE, AND GOT BETTER LOOKING (AS DID THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS) WHEN THEY GREW UP AND MOVED ONTO THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

Words: JILL ECKERSLEY

CHRIS HEMSWORTH

In 2014, People magazine in the USA gave Australian-born actor Chris Hemsworth the title of ‘Sexiest Man Alive!’ That’s quite a label to live up to! Chris, whose brothers Luke and Liam are both also actors, hails from Melbourne but was brought up partly in the Outback, and first made his name starring as Kim in the Australian TV soap opera Home and Away. He left the soap in 2007 when Hollywood beckoned and since then has starred in a number of highly successful films, including Thor and its sequels from 2011 onwards. In 2009, he was cast as the father of Star Trek legend James T. Kirk, and he played 1970s racing driver James Hunt in Rush in 2013. As an all-action hero, his fitness regimes have always been much discussed by filmmakers and fans alike and he has created his own fitness app as well as being a staunch fan of Australian football. He is married, with a daughter and twin sons. In 2015, he moved his family back to his native Australia, settling in Byron Bay, New South Wales. Known as one of the industry’s most highlypaid actors and with hefty Hugo Boss and Tag Heuer advertising contracts, he was also made a Member of the Order of Australia in the late Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours in 2021. He now shares his time between Australia and California where he has been working on his latest movie Crime 101. He recently learned that there are inherited health issues in his family, but says that he has no plans to retire. Instead, he says, he is “just trying to achieve a better work/life balance.”

In the days when children’s parties meant sandwiches and jelly, red telephone boxes, like black taxi-cabs and the Royal Family, are British icons… but they may not be icons for much longer. Now that everyone has mobile phones, their use is declining. In 1990 there were still about 100,000 in use in the UK, but by 2021 numbers were down to a mere 21,000.

Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B or Scary Spice, is a British singer and TV presenter. Born in Leeds, she rose to fame in the mid-90s as a member of the world’s most successful girl group, The Spice Girls. Their original mega-hit Wannabe was followed by nine more Number Ones in the UK charts. Mel’s own first solo album Hot was released in 2000.

Those phone boxes, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, were not immediately admired. The first prototype, K1, was produced in 1921 and some local Councils disapproved –it’s said that Eastbourne in Sussex would have preferred a thatched roof! That first design was superseded by slightly different ones. K2 was painted red by the Post Office – then in charge – and the 1927 model, K4, included a stamp machine which turned out out not to be weatherproof. Various other slightly different designs came in, including one to celebrate King George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935. By 1940, there were 35,000 callboxes all over the UK. In 1980 Post Office Telephones became British Telecom and there was a plan to paint the phone boxes yellow, causing a public outcry. Today, Ofcom retains some for emergency use in areas where mobile signals are poor and they can be used for mountain rescue and phone services like Samaritans and Childline. Some have been sent abroad – to the USA, Italy and Malta – or re-purposed locally as mini-libraries or homes for public defibrillators. There is even one in an area called Thames Town in the Chinese city of Shanghai. Those in Portugal are covered in graffiti.

As the former Spice Girls started to branch out as individuals, Mel’s career led her into TV presenter work in the UK, USA and Australia. She was a judge America’s Got By that time her stormy love life was making the headlines as she married twice and had three daughters, Phoenix, Angel and Madison.

Mel has described her eldest, Phoenix, 25, who is a model and DJ, as her “greatest source of strength and my rock.” Mel accused her second husband, Stephen Belafonte, of domestic abuse and says that her experience has led her to campaign on behalf of all abused women and their children. She was awarded an MBE in 2022 for her services to charitable causes, and this year she received an award from Beckett University in her native Leeds, in recognition of her work for the victims of domestic abuse. She is also a patron of the Women’s Aid charity in the UK.

Mel keeps in touch with the other Spice Girls – they all celebrated Victoria Beckham’s 50th birthday – and says that there will always be a bond between the five women who went through “that crazy experience together.”

MEL B

THE PHONE BOX

established 1985

PINETREES

CENTRO HÍPICO | RIDING CENTRE

Off road riding through the Ria Formosa Forest

Training from beginners to experienced riders wishing to prepare for competition, horse ownership or exams

Riding gear included in the prices.

door to the Gran Plaza

A New Year and a healthier you

RIGHT NOW IS THE TIME TO CONSIDER HOW BEST TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ILLNESS AND ENSURE THAT CHALLENGING CONDITIONS ARE DEALT WITH EARLY AND SUCCESSFULLY. DR LUCAS HAMANN AT THE FAMILY MEDICAL CENTRES EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR CHECK UPS

AMIDST ALL New Year resolutions, one stands out above the rest: prioritising your health.

After all, the body is the machine that keeps everything running smoothly, allowing us to tackle all the other goals.

You’ve heard it before, and it almost gets boring: eat healthily, exercise, drink less alcohol, don’t smoke, and take care of your mental and physical wellbeing.

If you expected life-changing treatment instead of this, I will disappoint you. This remains the best blueprint for a long and healthy life—no gimmicks, just consistency. In fact, up to 80% of diseases are preventable through lifestyle changes.

Today, we face ‘silent killers’ like high blood pressure, (pre-) diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity, that only show their aggressive side when it’s almost too late. While vaccines, correct diagnosis and treatments have reduced the impact of infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases continue to rise, with mortality rates climbing. That’s where preventive care comes in. The solution is not just about waiting for a crisis to arrive; it’s about taking charge of your health before issues spiral. By staying on top of regular checkups, screenings, and lifestyle adjustments, we can catch issues early and intervene proactively. There is no cut-off age where the first medical visit should happen; the sooner the better, but not later than 40.

to address a wide range of health concerns, ensuring you receive expert care, no matter your needs.

One of the biggest challenges in cardiovascular health is controlling high cholesterol. Traditionally, statins have been the go-to treatment. However, Family Medical Centre is the first private clinic to offer a groundbreaking option: Inclisiran, which requires just two injections per year and works by silencing the genes responsible for producing cholesterol, lowering levels effectively, and…importantly, without side effects. Inclisiran can be used alone or in combination with statins for enhanced results.

With regular check-ups, screenings, and lifestyle adjustments, we can catch issues early and intervene proactively.

At Family Medical Centre we work with you to create a personalised plan that aligns with your health goals and lifestyle. Our team provides comprehensive check-ups, regularly monitoring key health markers to catch issues early and collaborate on a tailored strategy for improvement.

With over 20 medical specialities available, we are equipped

If you’re struggling with high cholesterol or want to explore this new option, our clinic can initiate treatment and guide you through the process.

Preventive care is an ongoing partnership. We offer follow-up visits, home-visits, education and lifestyle counseling to keep our patients on track year-round. We understand that lasting changes can be challenging, which is why we are here to support you every step of the way. Regular preventive care not only keeps you disease-free but optimises your wellbeing.

DR LUCAS HAMANN

Lucas Hamann is a cardiology resident and can be consulted at the Family Medical Centres in Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. His message for 2025 is simple and powerful: “Together, let’s make 2025 the year you prioritise your health. Because a healthier you means a happier, more fulfilling life.”

Our showrooms are full of wonderful furnishings for the home. Sofas and pouffes, tables, chairs and many other items.

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Your money

RICARDO CHAVES OF ALL FINANCE MATTERS IS HERE TO HELP PEOPLE UNDERSTAND WHAT IS ALLOWABLE – AND NOT – WHEN IT COMES TO FINANCIAL MATTERS IN PORTUGAL. AFM EXPERTS ARE THERE TO ADVISE YOU ON THE BEST WAYS OF DEALING WITH BOTH BUSINESS AND PERSONAL TAX MATTERS TO ENSURE YOU ARE IN THE BEST POSSIBLE POSITION

QCan you pay parking tickets online? The chap who gave me a ticket (I was parked outside a hospital) said I could pay him direct. I said no as I didn’t have cash on me, but is this acceptable? Regarding the parking tickets, yes, you can typically pay them online, and the process is usually straightforward. However, paying the person who issued the ticket directly is not common practice and might not be advisable. It’s best to check the municipal or local authority’s website for the correct procedure to pay the ticket online. In most cities you can either use an app to pay the parking fee or use the ‘Via Verde’ transponder on your car, which can also be used as payment method in some car parks.

QI am in a rented apartment and several things need to be sorted. Like the aircon/heating isn’t working properly, nor is the washing machine. I did not rent through an agent, but answered an ad on Facebook and am paying my rent by standing order directly into the owner’s account. If I get things fixed myself, do I just deduct the amount from my next monthly amount, and what receipts are acceptable?

For your rented apartment, since you didn’t go through an agent, you should inform your landlord about the repairs needed and give him a chance to address the issues. This should be the landlord’s responsibility, and if you end up fixing things yourself without the landlord’s permission, you cannot deduct the amount from your next rent payment, as he can also claim that the failure is due to your bad usage. In these circumstances, if the landlord is not open to negotiate, it is advisable to seek legal advice. Also, make sure to keep all invoices from the service providers or repair shops after the work is done.

Q

I am new to Portugal. I have medical insurance but a doctor I saw recently said I had to pay in cash for my blood and urine tests. Is that the norm here?And how do I claim the expense back?

As for your medical expenses, in Portugal, although it is unusual for doctors to request payment in cash for certain services, this can still occur, especially in small

private practices. To claim these expenses back from your insurance company you will need a receipt and you should receive one even if you paid in cash. If you didn’t receive a receipt, I would recommend contacting the doctor’s office to request it.

QWhenever and wherever I shop, I am asked if I want my NIF number on the receipt. I don’t really understand this. I am a retired person, living on my savings and pensions so what advantages are there in having your number on a receipt?

The NIF number on receipts is for tax purposes. Even as a retired person living on savings and pensions, having your NIF on receipts can be beneficial as you can benefit from several tax deductions which are available if you register your NIF on the invoice.

If you have the NHR status, if your income is tax exempt, or if you pay tax at the flat rates of 10%, 20% or 28%, these deductions will most likely not be considered in your tax return. However, if you pay tax at progressive tax rates, you will benefit from general & family expenses (up to €250 per household member or €500 per couple); medical and health expenses, 15% of the amount spentwith a limit of €1.000 per household; education expenses; alimony and child support; nursing facilities and home care expenses; plus many other sectors where the government incentivises you to ask for an invoice and offers you 15% of the VAT paid as a tax benefit.

QWhy are some medications on prescription payable at the price on the pack and others seem to be hugely reduced?

Prescription medication prices in Portugal can vary. Some medications are subsidized by the government, which is why you see a reduced price.

To ensure you always get the best price, you can ask your pharmacist if there are generic alternatives or if any discounts are available for the medications you need. I have some medications prescribed to my son, and there is one where the original brand and the generic are manufactured by the same lab, and the generic one is a fraction of the price of the branded one.

Send questions you may have to info@afm.tax for possible inclusion in AlgarvePLUS.

To consult directly with the experts at AFM, email info@afm.tax

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REMOVALS

• Weekly removal service to and from the UK, Portugal and Malaga, Spain

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STORAGE

• Storage warehouses located in the UK, Algarve, Lisbon and Malaga, Spain

• Storage warehouses located in the UK, Algarve, Lisbon and Malaga, Spain

• Shop online with any furniture retailer and have your items delivered the following week

• Shop online with any furniture retailer have your items delivered the following

• Full or part packing and wrapping service

• Fully insured, secure and alarmed

• Fully insured, secure and alarmed

• One/multiple items of furniture

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• One box to full house removals

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• Villa to villa moves within the Algarve

• Storage available for long or short term

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• All customs paperwork and procedures taken care by our in house customs experts

QI have lived in Portugal for 20plus years. All I have left in the UK is a few thousand pounds in a bank account. Do my children have to pay Inheritance Tax in the UK on my Portuguese estate?

AIn our firm we believe the simplest solutions are always the best, as adding complex layers to a legal situation often creates unforeseen problems. As the saying goes: “the more you squeeze, the less you hold”.

Not being UK solicitors, it is our understanding that HMRC will charge inheritance tax on your worldwide estate if they regard you as domiciled in the UK, but there is case law demonstrating that individuals have successfully established a domicile of choice.

To do that, you need to show that you have cut all ties with the UK, and that – in our assessment – includes not only what you would normally regard as legal ties, but also emotional ties that could be perceived as an indiviual’s continued bond.

Take a look at the example below that explains how statements of intention can be be misconstrued.

This is the case of Mrs X, a wealthy individual originally from the UK, who moved to a tropical island where she lived for 30 years. She made a Will indicating her intention to remain on the island indefinitely and went as far as to have her parrot’s cage engraved with the words ‘My Forever Home’ as a symbol of her permanent residence.

Despite these actions, upon her death, HMRC deemed she was still domiciled in

GOING LEGAL

LEGAL EXPERTS NELSON RAMOS AND ROBERTA RAMOS WHO, TOGETHER WITH THEIR SPECIALIST TEAM AT RAMOS & ASSOCIADOS IN ALMANCIL, ADVISE CLIENTS ON FARREACHING QUESTIONS. THIS MONTH, THEY DISCUSS HOW BEING DOMICILED HERE AFFECTS INHERITANCE TAX

the UK and concluded that while Mrs X took many steps to sever ties with the UK, her continued ownership of a family estate in Cornwall, frequent visits to oversee its maintenance, and her strong connections to UK-based charities provided enough evidence for HMRC to argue that she had not completely abandoned her UK domicile.

The parrot’s cage engraving, while charming and unique, was considered a trivial factor in the broader context of her substantial ties to the UK.

This case highlights that declarations and personal actions can be disregarded in view of more significative connections when determining domicile for inheritance tax purposes.

Domicile is based on UK common law. The basic rule is that a person is domiciled in the country in which they have their permanent home. In our assessment, HMRC can deem you a UK domicile for a number of reasons. Below are the steps you can take to clarify your position:

Establish your residence in Portugal on a permanent basis, with no intention of leaving, supported by a residence permit, and obviously registering as tax-domiciled in Portugal. That means transferring all your assets to this country, terminating all bank accounts, investments etc, that you may still possess in UK.

Some of our readers may already have been an official resident for long enough to apply for citizenship, a strong argument that you intend to stay in Portugal, and once you obtain citizenship in Portugal, you can renounce your British citizenship – there are specific legal procedures to achieve that.

Bear in mind, though, that while it is your intention to establish domicile in Portugal, from an emotional and personal identity standpoint, it is something that not everyone will be willing to do.

An easier measure to take is to change your Will in order to have it governed by Portuguese law, according to European Union law, adding a declaration that you decided to make Portugal your domicile of choice with no intention of returning to the UK, and add a brief description of the number of years that you have been away, and in addition, a reference that you are integrated in the Portuguese community.

If you declare that you are part of the Portuguese community, we would advise you to follow that statement up with actions, and there is plenty you can do by becoming involved in local associations, charities and other recognised initiatives.

Should you consider this option, you need to be aware that the Portuguese rules of forced heirship will apply, which is not a problem if you want your estate to go to your surviving spouse and / or children, as that is the rule of succession in Portuguese law.

Should you wish to have all your estate in Portugal, obtain residence, eventual nationality, and consider renouncing your UK citizenship, your children and / or surviving spouse may have huge benefits, especially if the estate is substantial, as all they will pay if HMRC recognises the domicile of choice will be 0.8% of all the estate value.

Email questions for Ramos Associados to martin@algarveplusmagazine.com

The power of

visual storytelling

I’M KAYLA, THE FOUNDER OF OLHA, AND I HELP PROPERTIES IN THE TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR CRAFT COMPELLING AND ACCURATE VISUALS SHOWCASING THEIR UNIQUE VALUES. WITH MY EXPERIENCE AS A DIGITAL NOMAD AND CONTENT CREATOR, I KNOW HOW TO POSITION A PROPERTY NOT JUST AS A ROOM, BUT AS AN EXPERIENCE DESIGNED TO ATTRACT THE RIGHT GUESTS.

IN TODAY’S competitive hospitality market, accommodations need to do more than just offer beautiful spaces—they need to tell a compelling story. Travellers aren’t just comparing amenities, costs, and locations; they’re seeking an experience. So, how can your property stand out in the crowded market?

As someone who has travelled to over 20 countries and stayed in more than 75 unique accommodations, I know firsthand how important it is to find the right place to stay. From boutique hotels in Lisbon to secluded cabins in New Zealand, certain properties have stood out not just for their beauty but for the anticipation they conveyed through visuals. The way properties present themselves online can determine whether they’re booked or overlooked.

I once booked a stay based on photos that showcased a lake and mountain view, as if I were lying in bed, surrounded by warm wood walls and soft lighting. These visuals captured exactly what I was looking for in a peaceful retreat. When I arrived, the reality matched the expectation. I got exactly what I was looking for.

Capturing the Right Story Through Visuals

In a recent survey, 80% of travellers said they prioritise visuals over written descriptions when choosing where to stay. With hundreds of options available, visual storytelling is critical to standing out online and simplifying the booking process. Whether your property is a business-focused hotel, a luxury retreat, or a nature escape, travellers want to connect with its atmosphere before they arrive.

Here are five effective ways to start telling your property’s story visually:

1

Keep photography updated

Frequent updates are important, especially after renovations or décor changes. When guests arrive with an accurate understanding of what they’ll experience, they’re more likely to be satisfied with their stay. Highlight unique amenities – like a balcony with sunset views or a cosy fireplace nook – allowing guests to imagine their experience and build anticipation for their arrival.

2

Utilize drone footage

For properties located in scenic areas, drone shots can capture the broader landscape, offering guests clarity about their environment. Whether it’s a beachside location, mountain views, or proximity to historic attractions, aerial shots provide a perspective that groundlevel photos simply can’t.

3

Incorporate user-generated content

Featuring guests’ photos and videos fosters authenticity and community. Real moments, shared on social media or in testimonials, give future guests a glimpse into how they’ll feel staying at your property. For instance, I’ve seen solo travellers hanging out in hammocks poolside. Moments like these build trust and engagement, which is valuable for connecting with potential guests.

4

Showcase dining experiences

Dining is often one of the most memorable parts of any stay, so show it off! High-quality images of signature dishes, cosy dining setups, or the ambiance of your bar make a lasting impression—especially for food-loving travellers who may choose their accommodation based on dining options.

5 Offer virtual tours

Virtual tours offer full transparency, allowing guests to immerse themselves in your property before they arrive. Properties with virtual tours see up to 200% higher online engagement. They’re especially beneficial for event venues, long-term rentals, and resorts. Linking these tours to Google Maps also improves visibility, helping your property reach a broader audience.

Building trust with visual storytelling

Investing in visual content is more than just marketing – it’s about building trust and a genuine connection with future guests. Updated photography, aerial shots, and authentic user-generated content shape how guests feel before they step onto your property. With virtual tours, your property is positioned as forward-thinking, and guestcentred – traits that resonate with today’s travellers. In fact, studies show that immersive content can increase booking rates by up to 18% and reduce cancellations by 10%. When guests know what to expect, they’re more likely to be satisfied with their stay.

TAKE YOUR PROPERTY ’ S VISUAL PRESENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

Create that 'wow' moment for your guests before they even arrive. For a complimentary consultation, and to discuss a content creation plan specific to your property, you can reach Kayla at connect@olhaagency.com / olhaagency.com/

Premier Italian Dining Experience

Set in a beautiful setting with an adjacent lifestyle and furniture shop, enjoy thin-crust pizzas, homemade pastas, and fresh salads from our very own garden.

Kitchen: open daily from 12h -23h for dining, takeaway and delivery. Shop: open Mon-Sat 10h-23h & Sun 13h-23h



SHEN MING CUN

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

Pretty Girl from the Dong Tribe, Oil on canvas, 75x55cm

JORGE DOS SANTOS

Aderita Artistic Space

Vale do Lobo Shopping 912 186 868 aderita.artisticspace@gmail.com artisticspace.pt 10-31 January

Fernando Pessoa IV, from the Imaginario exhibition of Digital art, 44x44cm

KATERYNA ILCHUCK

Galeria Lady in Red R. Infante D. Henrique 140, 8500-692 Portimão info@galerialadyinred.com galerialadyinred.com

Azenhas do Mar, oil on canvas, 80cm diameter

JESSICA DUNN

962 544 650 jessicadunnartist@gmail.com jessicadunnart.com

Jessica Dunn is having a studio sale at her Boliqueime gallery, offering 25% off selected paintings. 15-31 January.

RANKIN

In The Pink Praça da República 69-75 in-the-pink.com

Opens 16 January

The Splash of Pink exhibition will be focusing on the various expressions of colour pink in captivating photographic works by Albarrán Cabrera, Albert Watson, David Yarrow, Derrick Ofosu Boateng, Paolo Roversi, Philipp Keel, Rankin, Robert Popper, Saidou Dicko and Vee Speers. Rankin’s Pink Portrait, Embrace 2020, is 50x40cm.

THE BATALHA COLLECTION

Galeria Meinke Flesseman

Portimão, 917 937 564 galeriameinkeflesseman@gmail.com, meinke-flesseman.com Opens 24 January, Wednesday to Saturday

Curated by Hugo Batalha and Meinke Flesseman, the collection is renowned for its antiques and vintage treasures, blending timeless elegance with the rich cultural heritage of the Algarve.

EXPERIENCES

Loulé Criativo

República 14, Olhão

republica14.pt, Reservas@republica14.pt

NOTE: República 14 will reopen 7 January 19h00 and 21h30

11 January, 19h00 and 21h30

MARINA RUIZ MATTA

Marina Ruiz, award-winning pianist, music arranger and composer from Argentina will be joined by Elodie Bouny, the Brazilian guitarist.

18 January, 19h00 and 21h30

DŽEZVA At the core of Džezva’s EthnoJazz sound lies the meticulously crafted arrangements by the group that ensures the essence of Balkan folklore, while intertwining with the

improvisation and harmonies of jazz. Marta Fiolić, voice; João Ferreira, piano; Elmano Caleiro, double dass; and Fábio Rodrigues, drums.

24 January, 19h00 and 21h30

PAULA SOUSA TRIO In addition to a career in pop music, Paula was also part of Trío Tono and the quartet Cine Qua Non. She will be on stage with her trio with Miguel Picareta on double Bass and Luís Candeias on drums.

31 January, 19h00 and 21h30 THE LIGHTHOUSERS

The band is composed primarily of amateur musicians dedicated to the study and practice of traditional jazz, particularly New Orleans and Swing. Their highly diverse repertoire also incorporates other Afro-American musical styles, jazz since the early 20th century, and Brazilian rhythms.

It’s play time

Carolyn Kain’s new play, Royal Tea, written entirely in rhyme and performed by the Random Players, will be staged at 15h00 on 18 and 25 January and 1 February, at Quinta da Borboleta in Almancil. Tickets: €15, of which €2.50 and voluntary donations (in envelopes on the tables) will be donated to local charity, Associação Algarve Families in Need, algarvefamiliesinneed@ hotmail.com To reserve a table: 963 812 846 / 918 050 085

Promoting the revitalisation of cultural heritage, handicrafts, art and design. Visit the website at loulecriativo.pt to check out the classes and courses on offer. And there are by-appointment sessions so you can fit a new interest into your existing schedule.

BOTANICAL PRINTING

By appointment

Casa do Artesão, Alte Partner: GadjoDilo - Vanessa Vinhais Registration: casadoartesao.alte@gmail.com

Cost: €55

DROP SPINDLE WOOL WORKSHOP

By appointment

Oficina dos Têxteis, Loulé Partner: Sue Sutherland Registration: ovelhanegraknits@gmail.com

Cost: €40

INTRODUCTION TO THE TUFTING TECHNIQUE

By appointment

Oficina dos Têxteis, Loulé Coordination: Sonmun Registration: sonmunstudio@gmail.com

Cost: €120

BOOKBINDING WORKSHOP

By appointment

Gama Lobo Palace, Loulé Partner: Juliett Sarmiento Registration: juliettpaolasarmiento@gmail.com

Cost: €40

Vale do Lobo

valedolobo.com

Aquaterapy, Mondays, 09h45, Royal Spa

Core & streching

Wednesday at 10h00, Fitness Centre

HITT cardio Thursdays, 10h00, Fitness Centre

Morning yoga 7 & 21

January, 10h00, VdL Well

Social padel challenge Fridays, 18h30, Tennis Academy

Astronomical Observation

11 January, 18h00 –20h00, Parque do Golfe

Be ready for an amazing celestial experience! Following a short lecture, explore the universe with a large motorised telescope. In addition to our magnificent natural satellite, the Moon, which will be nearly full, you can also observe the planets Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, as well as the great Orion Nebula, the most famous nebula in the winter skies.

EXPERIENCES

Amigos do Museu Museu do Traje

São Brás, 966 329 073, amigosdomuseu.com

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

The Old Gallery Members of the Algarve Photographers Group

On until 30 January

TAPESTRY EXHIBITION BY GUDRUN ROBINSON

New Gallery

11 January until 22 February

ARCHAEOLOGICAL TALK

Soils, Archaeology and Us

- The importance of soils in our lives and the lives of our ancestors. Presented by Pete Siegfried, in English.

7 January, 14h30, Entrance €5

QUIZ: HELPING HANDS ALGARVE

14 January, 19h00, in English €3.50 to join in

CONCERT: JAZZ SÁVIO ARAÚJO QUARTET

19 January, 17h00

Tickets: €12€ / €10 (Amigos) FADO

26 January, 21h00, Tickets: €5

BOOK SALE

30 January, 10h00–13h00

Figs on the Funcho

969 335 749, hello@figsonthefuncho.com

14 January, 10h45–14h30

Flavourful vegan cooking workshop, and a shared meal with vegan wine to enjoy your creations.

28 January, 11h45–15h00

Gut Health Lunch & Learn. See page 59 for details

Corte Real opens in Olhão

The famous Paderne Gallery, Corte-Real, has spread its wings and launched in the Casa Amor boutique hotel in Olhão. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 10h00 to 14h00, the new gallery carries the work of 15 artists, and the selection, like in Paderne, will be constantly changing in order to introduce more names and more works, alongside a selection of vintage African bronze sculptures, and beautiful ceramics. Within Casa Amor is the best coffee shop in town, with homebaked cakes, and croissants, and freshly-ground coffee. What a great way to shop. corterealarte.com

(Festival das Amendoeiras em Flor do Algarve)

Alta Mora, Castro Marim, fafa.pt, 31 January – 2 February.

More than just celebrating the blooming of the almond trees in the Algarve, this is a display of how a Portuguese traditional village used to be not that many years ago. After participating in the organized hiking

through the almond trees, it is possible to go inside the houses styled the traditional way, learn how to make bread or wicker baskets or go for a drink in the ‘taberna’. All these and, of course, food, drinks

and music for everyone! It’s such a good way to spend a family weekend that the event is growing each year, spreading the word that the Algarve has so much more to offer than sun and beach...

And finally

WHAT IF. WHAT IF. WHAT IF. AS ANTHONY MARTIN SAYS, LIFE COULD HAVE TURNED OUT SO DIFFERENTLY IF HE ’ D DECIDED ON TAKING ANOTHER ROUTE. WHILE OTHERS MAKE THEIR RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR, HE LOOKS BACK AT THE YEARS GONE BY AND THE WAY THINGS MIGHT HAVE BEEN

AMAZING isn’t it, just how quickly each year comes around? Here I am, just trying to make sense of 2024, which frankly, as far as mankind is concerned, has not been the greatest of years, and, before you know it along comes 2025, pushing forward like a belligerent president elect, who can’t wait for a crack at the Nobel Peace Prize.

But whoa, slow down Anthony, you’re heading off in the wrong direction, this column is not about other people, or even about the past 12 months – this is about me. Yes, me. At this time of the year, when others write about their ‘resolutions’ and how they are going to be better people, help others and blah blah blah, all the usual crap –well I’m not.

I feel like musing about my past, my good decisions and my bad decisions, my right turns and my wrong turns. And if I have remorse, it’s of my own doing, it will be because I have never won an argument with myself as I capitulated too easily and was always at odds with my alter ego.

Had I not been the dutiful son that I was, I would now be having a coffee in either Courchevel or Colorado and getting ready for the ski season. But in March 1963, I didn’t stand my ground, phone my parents and tell them I was not leaving this Alpine holiday resort and coming home but staying there to start training for the men’s slalom event in the upcoming Innsbruck winter Olympics.

For example, had my 12-year-old self not flatly refused to play Rondo Alla Turca one more time and cajoled my parents into cancelling Mrs Wadsworth and her boring piano lessons, I would not now be regularly watching and trying to memorise a couple of dozen video clips of the essential jazz chords and progressions, but instead could be sitting in a dimly-lit basement New York bar with a balloon glass of Remy Martin on my piano top, playing bluesy riffs, while surrounded by half the chorus and the scantily-dressed hat-check girl, as we get ready for the late afternoon crowd to arrive.

This form of daydreaming and ‘what if’ moments are strangely agreeable – childish but agreeable. A moment ago I could even sense the taste of the cognac and there are occasions when I think back on how my life may have differed had I not opened a particular door, said yes instead of no, or turned right instead of left. Obviously, I will never know the answer.

In a dimlylit New York basement, I could be sitting at my piano, ready for the afternoon crowd to arrive.

But all this is unimportant for I am really enjoying both my pastel-de-nata and people watching as the sun warms my back. Inside the market the restaurateurs are buying for their daily menus as others jostle for space at their chosen stalls. Outside, the fishermen are sitting, their favourite tipples in hand, and as voluble as usual as they watch motorists drive continuously up and down, hunting for that elusive parking space, before giving up and making a mental note only to visit in the afternoons when the market is closed.

Hence today, instead of relaxing in front of a log fire, in a cabin surrounded by fir trees halfway up a mountain discussing the expected snow reports, I’m sitting in a café in Olhão, in front of a cinnamon topped pastel-de-nata and a bica. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, I love my life here, just musing on the possible turns it might have taken.

So, it’s all very well, having these occasional thoughts of the past but I am certainly not sorry with my lot in life. I am passionate about this country and cannot think of anywhere I would rather be. Yes, Portugal has its problems but as far as this estrangeiro is concerned, and you, who are reading this I think will agree, this small corner of the world has a lot going for it.

info@sevenquintas.com www.sevenquintas.com