algarve PLUS - June '24

COMPORTA Aplaceforeveryone ONDERFUL WALASSEAnewexhibitionopens OVEATFIRSTSNIFF PerfumeryandPortugal Somuchhistorytoenchant TIVALMED2024 Oneyouwillnotwanttomiss

Welcome

You know, midway through every issue, I announce that this issue is the best yet. And it always is, thanks in no small way to those who work with us, accepting often taxing briefs, carrying out detailed research on demand and turning around great feature material that is precisely what is required to whet our readers’ appetites. Our writers, along with our Art Director Kim (an award-winner who will never settle for second best) and proofreader Adriana (she who spots a typo at 100 metres), have made AlgarvePLUS what it is – possibly the best and most informative monthly read. And certainly the one in demand. We deliver to our 120+ hand-picked distribution points at least twice in a monthly cycle; but to many, almost twice weekly because copies go so fast. Phone calls and emails that start ‘more please’ come in almost daily. That’s hugely satisfying for us (and at the same time often frustrating!). There’ll be extra copies in the VIP suite at the Vilamoura Boat Show this month, and there’ll be more in our regular spots – in the art galleries and interior design stores, the fashion shops and salons, the offices and restaurants, the sport clubs and food outlets. All in all, between those hard copies and the readership we have online, we are reaching an audience of more than 50,000 a month – that’s an achievement we are enormously proud of.

And yes, this issue is, I believe, the absolute best yet. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed producing it.

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

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

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

ALGARVE

In the US, a new study has crafted the perfect playlist, based on the most favoured tunes people pick for when they are out jogging or on a run or training for a marathon. Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill is the number one choice, followed by I’m Good (Blue) by David Guetta, and in third place is The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights. Same choice goes for runners here?

Olga Yermoloff of Olvi’s Lace has, over the past year, facilitated the relocation of her Ukraine production team to Portugal, along with their families. So far Olvi’s, which is based in Amsterdam but has long manufactured here in the north, has successfully helped 20 families to find new homes and become self-sufficient. Olvi’s occasionwear collection is a stunner, a favourite of A-listers and influencers – no surprise with these sequinned flowers and detachable sleeves. High priced, and so worth it. olvis-lace.com

FRONT COVER:

Headlines. Woven straw or stitched up fabric. You choose and wear it in the sun. Protection at its prettiest

Designer

Foot notes from our favourite summer solemates, Fitflop. This new slider, Eloise, is in leather and cork and comes in black, white, sunny lime and wild lilac. What is important is the brand’s wobbleboard© technology that is comfort-driven. €140. fitflop.com

Laranja Algarve is the name – and aroma – of the new home fragrance line created by design studio White&Kaki in Almancil, and inspired by the sweet oranges that grow in the south of Portugal. Produced in Provence, France, and with packaging that has a Mediterranean feel to it thanks to the use of wood and cork. whiteandkaki.com

Inspired by the Art Deco movement that peaked during the 1920s, the luxury Portuguese brand Rug’Society that aims to transform rugs into pieces of art, created the DÊCO irregular rug. A real statement maker, it is handmade and with fringed details. Who said a rug’s place is on the floor? rugsociety.eu

Oficina Marques, the multidisciplinary art and design studio of the creative duo Gezo Marques and José Aparicio, produces some astonishing works where inimitable colours and patterns combine with geometry and organicity of lines and shapes. We get inside their heads, and their studio next month, but right now, if you are in Lisbon you can go and be wow’d at their store, open Tuesday to Friday 10h30 to 18h30 and on Saturday at 13h00 to 19h30. Visit the website and you'll be captivated. oficinamarques.pt

GET INTO TRAINERS.

The Volley, a retro style inspired by the volleyball shoes worn in Brazil in the 1970s, has returned to the VEJA collection in nine different colour combinations, with an upper made of organic cotton and O.T. (Organic Traced) leather, sourced from 100% certified organic factories in Uruguay. The soles use rubber from the Amazon.

veja-store.com/pt

More discovered treasures from India, gathered together by Paula Pinto of the wonderful Alamaya in Moncarapacho. Banjara embroidery features on this special bag – it involves patchwork mirror work and appliqués – and is rooted in the culture of the semi-nomadic community of the same name. alamayadeco.com

monthly, these amazing displays (yes, you get a big choice) are delivered direct to your business or home. A sustainable alternative to fresh flowers, they are water-free, and come in small, medium and large-size arrangements in their own vases. And they are perfect for special events, like weddings – you choose a colour, and the number of displays, and enjoy.

FASHION & INTERIORS

Can an elephant be minimalistic?

This one is, and beautifully so. A tribal bronze Benin sculpture, 25x18cm. Find him and friends at Côrte-Real Gallery in Paderne. corterealarte.com

In the nick of time

NICK

ROBINSON ’ S MISSION IS TO WALK FROM THE SPANISH BORDER TO SAGRES AND PROVIDE A VIDEO DIARY OF ALL THE TOWNS HE PASSED

THROUGH, HIGHLIGHTING WHAT IT ’ S LIKE TO LIVE IN THE ALGARVE

ISET MYSELF a few rules (which I obviously break from time to time). The essentials were to start walking where I left off, however many weeks or months after the previous one. The second rule – let’s call it a guideline – was to start at sunup and walk until sundown and see where we ended up.

The reason for this was that I had no idea how far I or my guest could walk for the entire day. That’s a perfect segue to come to the third point: I had to invite a guest along every time in order to add some extra interest to the journey. I also needed someone to navigate as my phone would be tied up with filming and I needed to conserve battery (I film everything on my trusty Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra).

It has worked out beautifully and if you’ve been following this column, last month I was finishing up in Galé but the hiking bug had lodged it’s teeth into me and I needed to finish this odyssey. Since then, I’ve done three more days and three more videos, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves!

Zimzala Café near Praia de Galé was the perfect full stop on the last walk but it wasn’t open when Flor and I arrived at 07h30 for the trip from Galé to Ferragudo. We didn’t really know where we were going to end up, but the beauty of the Algarve is that an Uber ride back to the car is always at hand.

As usual, the morning section goes quickly and we made great time striding along the boardwalk towards Armação de Pêra. We found out too late and with no warning that the boardwalk was closed at the western edge. We looked up at the imposing five stories of the town’s newest property development: Bayline. Scooting around, we slid under a boarding on our bums and strolled through the town, shortly commencing the coastal cliff walk that blows

The Algarve is truly one of the most beautiful places on the planet, combined with peace, safety and easy access to the rest of Europe.

everyone’s socks off. It was one of those still spring mornings with a slight crispiness in the air and the ocean lay flat as a pancake, stretching out to the horizon like a blue shimmering mirror.

I’ve lived in the Algarve since 2001 and I marvelled at how much I still appreciate every day here. It truly is one of the most physically beautiful places on the planet, combined with peace, safety and easy access to the rest of Europe.

Flor is an enterprising young lady, really moving the needle in creating a welcoming community for digital nomads in the central and eastern Algarve. It’s fascinating speaking to someone with so much drive and enthusiasm and ability to organise people. What’s even more exciting is that many of these younger, driven entrepreneurs are making the Algarve their full time home and can support themselves in the digital realm whilst spending their hard-won cash in our region.

We pushed on. Gentle waves lapped on the shore creating a soft musical score as our boots crunched on the sandy cliffs. We managed to squeeze through the crowds at Benagil beach and discovered a visually fantastic restaurant for lunch: the Benagil Beach Club. Salads, smoothies, and a stunning view.

A hot, long afternoon ensued with a welcome relief from the light crowds along the Seven Hanging Valleys trail and a well earned caramel ice cream in Carvoeiro. Then it got a little more challenging. We were tired, and the landscape undulated up, down and up again. Continuously. We trudged into Restaurant Rei das Praias at Praia Caneiros – their rooftop was a godsend. A little hop over another mini peninsula and we ended up in Edd’s Beach Club near Ferragudo. Naturally, we had to have one more drink before ubering home, 30 solid kilometres under our belt. Satisfying.

COMPORTA

WELCOME TO THE PORTUGUESE HAMPTONS! OR THE IBERIAN VIETNAM. TAKE YOUR PICK. WHATEVER COMPARISON YOU CHOOSE FOR COMPORTA, IT IS A LITTLE PARADISE. SO SPECIAL THAT EVERYBODY SEEMS TO WANT A PIECE OF IT

Words: ISABEL ALVES

it is heavenly

COMPORTA is approximately an hour and a half drive south of Lisbon. Not that far from the big city, but far enough to make you feel you are in a different time zone. In fact, it is part of Alentejo –together with Troia it marks the begining of the coastline that stretches down to the Algarve.

Before it was discovered by wealthy foreigners who some years ago started to buy and build holiday houses, Comporta was a quiet fisherman’s village and a calm place where locals used to go to the beach on weekends.

Its closeness to Lisbon made it an obvious choice when deciding on a place for a second home – that was, of course, before the prices of property boomed impossibly.

But always able to combine people from different social backgrounds within its borders – the locals who planted rice and got fish from the sea and the upmarket families from Lisbon who had weekend houses there – Comporta never lost its authenticity. It remains a place of magnificent beaches with a temperamental ocean (not always easy and warm like in the south of the country). The traditional fisherman’s houses are made of wood and straw and often with sand instead of a floor. And the local food is simple and delicious – grilled fish, organic vegetables and the most famous of its produce: rice.

And that brings us to the second analogy referred in our introduction: the Portuguese Vietnam (the likeness to the Hamptons as a weekend destination for the wealthy citydwellers, we’ve already addressed). The Asian connection comes from the unique mix of blue (sky and sea) and green (woods and rice fields) and it is precisely in that contrast that much of the beauty of the region resides.

Along with an amazing landscape, the rice fields are home to the most famous Comporta inhabitants. No, I am not talking about Christian Louboutin or Philippe Starck, but of other much more ancient and permanent guests: the mosquitoes. Yes, they are the proof that there’s no such thing as perfection. So, trust me: bug repellent is as essential an item when you go to Comporta as sun protection. They attack especially at the end of the day –perfect sunsets come with a cost.

But not even the mosquitoes can keep people away. Comporta is a high-fashion hot spot place where people go to see and be seen and mingle with artists and fashionistas. And if you happen not to have friends with amazing beach houses, there are some incredible places to stay that are rapidly becoming aspirational destination hotels.

The rice fields are all around and integral to the character of Quinta da Comporta

Above: Perfect pairing at Maroto in Independente Comporta. Right, above and below: the suites at Quinta da Comporta are wonderful. Natural colours and materials create a special ambience

Quinta da Comporta is definetly one of them. Facing the rice fields, this huge property belongs to the Portuguese architect Miguel Câncio Martins, known the world over for his ability to create unique spaces. Quinta da Comporta is his dream project, reflecting his love for the authenticity of the area. More than just a luxury hotel, he wanted to create a haven to protect the landscape, the ecosystem and the community.

And that is exactly the feeling you get when you arrive at Quinta da Comporta: it’s like being welcomed at a local little village. The rooms, with private terraces close to the sand, are inspired in Comporta’s traditional architecture and highlight the absolute connection with nature. All decorated in natural colours and materials (glass, straw, wood and stone), they exude pure laid-back luxury.

The hotel’s heart is undoubtedly the see-through swimming pool, widely photographed, with the blue of the water contrasting with the greenness (the tone changes with the seasons) of the rice fields. Facing the pool, on the right side, stands the Oryza Spa. All treatments are tailor-made and adapted to personal needs. But there’s more: Quinta da Comporta has its own beauty brand – Oryza. Again, seeking harmony and wanting to honour local tradition, Miguel Câncio Martins created a skincare line based in the most iconic product of Comporta: rice (Oryza means rice in latin).

In the spa, you can test its benefts – I recommend the signature facial: the incredible ingredients together with the skilled massage (using marble stones in the shape of small mushrooms to tighten the skin) will give you a new life! You can also buy the Oryza products to take home – the beauty oil is a must – and if you get addicted to them (it will probably happen!) you can buy the products online. pt.oryzalab.com

Also unmissable is a meal at the Mar d’Arrozal. A farm-to-table restaurant where every dish tastes exactly as it should: the oysters are divine, the octopus is delicious and the fish is so fresh it feels it came from the sea straight to the plate – and maybe it did, given the ocean is so close! Although the restaurant is also where breakfast is served, going in the evening, maybe at sunset, it is a totally different experience. One that stays with you for a long time. pt.quintadacomporta.com

Another option for total immersion in the region is Independente Comporta. A 12-hectare property inspired in a Portuguese seaside village that offers everything one needs for a few days of total disconnecting. Made of 34 courtyard villas – from studios to five-bedroom houses – and 40 hotel rooms, it allows the guest the option of choosing their resting place according to the mood. Here too, respect to tradition is the rule and every detail seems to fit in the ‘big picture’. There are two restaurants: Maroto (Naughty in Portuguese) offers a creative take on Alentejo’s cuisine and Boia, located by the pool, is perfect for a light meal in between a swim or two.

When tired of sunshine (not probable, I know) Aura Spa pays tribute to Alentejo’s coastal natural ingredientes using sand, salt and, of course, rice in its therapeutic treatments. More actively speaking, there is a 700-metre running track, outdoor exercise machines, personal trainers, daily pilates and yoga sessions... Exhausted already? Wait until they implement a wide event programme that will include cinema, live music, a farmers’ market, a small deli store and even an adventure park for children. Independente.eu

The thing with these amazing hangouts in Comporta is that you don’t feel the need to go outside. But, please do! Besides enjoying the breathtaking beaches – no hotels on the beachline because it is a protected natural reserve – there are very good restaurants: opened last summer, JNcQUOI Beach Club Restaurant (jncquoi. com) is right on Praia do Pêgo and is where all the beautiful people gather – the sunset is amazing there. Dona Bia (T: 265 497 557), on the other hand, is on the road that leads from Lisbon to Comporta and is an old school restaurant, with excellent homemade Portuguese food.

Two other mandatory experiences in Comporta: going for a horse ride on the beach with Cavalos na Areia (cavalosnaareia.com) – one of Madonna’s favourite activities when she lived in Portugal – and a visit to Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira. It is 8km from Comporta, totally built in wood –even the small huts – and serves as a pier for the fishing boats.It is as astonishing as it sounds.

WALASSE THE WONDERFUL

THE JOYFUL EXUBERANCE OF CHINESE-AMERICAN ARTIST WALASSE TING WILL LIGHT UP THE ALGARVE FOR THE FIRST TIME WHEN ARTCATTO STAGES AN EXHIBITION OF HIS WORK AT THE CONRAD. IT WILL BE A CELEBRATION OF AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE LIVED TO THE FULL, FROM THE PAVEMENTS OF SHANGHAI AND HONG KONG TO THE BACK STREETS OF PARIS AND THE BUSTLE OF NEW YORK

Words: DEBBIE REYNOLDS

His colours dazzle, his combination of people and props, of fauna and flora, of detail that enchants, make every work something that both delights and astonishes

MORE FOOL ME, but until given a nudge in the right direction I had never heard of visual artist and poet Walasse Ting. Finding out all I could about this visionary man, said to be one of the most important and unique painters of the 20th century, was a fascinating task.

It started with a notice that his work will be exhibited at the Conrad Algarve from June 26 for two months. A collaboration between the Conrad and ArtCatto gallery in Loulé, the exhibition has been many years in the making and finally, thanks to the tenacity of ArtCatto managing director Gillian Catto, the moment is nigh.

“I’ve been trying to organise a Ting exhibition in Portugal since 2011, when I opened my gallery in Loulé,” says Gillian. “It goes back to my London gallery where I represented him for many years.”

“He was a sweet man with a wry sense of humour – and a great love for women,” laughs Gillian. “I visited him in Holland, where he lived for a time, and we got on very well. I love his work which is a complete burst of sunshine.”

Sadly, following a stroke which left him in a coma for eight years, Ting died in 2010, aged 81. It was the next year that Gillian tried to find his son, Jesse, who, with his sister Mia, had taken over all aspects of managing their father’s art and legacy.

“Being someone who usually gets what I want, I went to great detective lengths to track Jesse down,” says Gillian.

She finally succeeded and the siblings were happy to agree to an exhibition in Portugal, having just finished Walasse Ting: Parrot Jungle – a large retrospective show at the NSU Museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “Christie’s listed it as number two in their article The Best exhibitions and openings of 2024: North America,” says Jesse. Meanwhile, Gillian’s 12-year collaboration with the Conrad dictated that it would be in the hotel’s elegant gallery that Ting’s work would be exhibited.

“We very rarely do a one-artist exhibition at the Conrad, but Ting is an exception,” says Gillian. “Not only is he very special, but he was also very prolific, having painted every day until his stroke. His work is hugely collectable, and I’m pleased to say that one of his cats is hanging in my home here in Pedragosa. I’d given it to my mother as a gift, so when she died, it was gifted back to me.”

Gillian then shows me another prized possession – a Walasse Ting book of his poetry

and pictures of acrylic on canvas paintings. In the front of the book is a rough sketch of a typical ‘Ting cat’ with a dedication to Gillian’s mother. “For Myrtle, London 23-2-1990.”

The history

Ting was born on 13 October 1928, and grew up in Shanghai where he attended the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts and, as the stories go, adorned the streets of the city with countless chalk drawings.

He left China in 1948 and lived in Hong Kong, before moving to Paris a few years later. It was here, among other artistic greats, that he began to find his true voice – exuberant, colourful, positive, joyful and flamboyant.

Known mostly for his vibrant, almost childlike, paintings of nude women, cats, fish, birds and flowers, Ting’s work is as compelling today as it was in the last century.

Writing on his website, Dutch gallery owner Bert Kuipers says: “In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s Walasse Ting’s work was hugely popular in America and Europe. “The lithographs and posters had sky-high print runs. The prices of the original works on rice paper and canvas reached absolute records. For more than ten years now there has been a continuous interest in his work in China and other Asian countries, where the rediscovered work is increasingly being offered at auctions.”

His years in Paris, where he associated with an avant-garde group of artists known as CoBrA, had a great influence on his work. This pioneering group of artists strongly influenced the development of European modern art after WW2.

In 1957, Ting moved to New York where he became involved with the American movements ‘Pop Art’ and ‘Abstract Expressionism’.

Recollections

Says his son Jesse: “He brought together elements of all these different things, a truly East-meets-West person. He tied a lot of the artists he knew together, learned from and taught many of them.”

Anecdotes and reflections of his life portray a complex man, driven to paint and create, but also a man who loved fishing – a funny and sociable man, but sometimes also melancholic.

In a Far-Near interview, his daughter Mia talks about his yearning for the country of his birth.

“There were not many Shanghainese restaurants in 70s New York, and he used to make this thing called ‘Homesick Noodles’, which were basically like thick, doughy noodles that he put in chicken broth with some spinach, because he didn’t have pickled cabbage or those things.”

Known for his vibrant, almost childlike paintings of nude women, cats, fish, birds and flowers, Ting’s work is as compelling today as it was in the last century.

SYMPHONY GO TO HELL

BY WALASSE TING

I like spring, don’t like winter

I like cat and flowers, don’t like rat and snake, bedbugs and fighting and big mouth guy

I like prostitute, don’t like housewife, rainy days, big fires

I like hero man, very masculine, don’t like stingy, nasty and politician

I like beautiful woman like red butterfly, don’t like woman like stone

I like summer, all woman is beautiful, don’t like ice cold phony girls

I like eat red watermelon or orange, don’t like telephone and confused people

I like drink champagne, don’t like ice-cream, cold leftovers or waiting on line

I like to write letter, don’t like cold day, catch cold, robbery

I like little song, symphony, don’t like tight pants and suit, don’t like boat, borrow money, suicide, and itching

I like all birds that fly, insects only one don’t like is mosquito

I like water, long river, horses, peacock, orchid, sinking into the bathtub, thinking wild, beautiful antique car, and ceramic statue

I like transparent blue sky, Cantonese cooking, reading books, telescopes, coffee, crystal, chicken, sausages, peonies

I like many fresh flowers, spaghetti, waterfalls, colourful suit, woman who knows love and sex together, man with warm heart

I like easy laughing woman, don’t like wooden model woman, and machine

I like cicada singing, cricket singing, nightingale singing, woman singing, dragonfly, scallion pancake, peach, painting pictures, color photos, falling in love

I like rainbow, don’t like dust, television, dinosaur, dead tree, garbage and death

I like kites, can bring my heart to the sky

Ting introduced women into his work, some in the foreground, dressed in their finery and almost making a fashion statement, others subdued and calm, a friend to his animals

She remembers how sometimes he was sad and melancholic, but he never wanted to show that in his art. “I think he wanted to convey beauty and love and joie de vivre, like a joy of life. He used all his energy to create something positive.”

Jesse remembers his father as a very playful person. “One time as a small child while playing chess against my grandfather, he whispered to my grandfather: ‘Why don’t you let Jesse win?’ My grandfather replied: ‘One day Jesse will win for real.’ To which my father responded: ‘But if you let him win now, he will scream with joy for an hour!’

“He was very Zen in his philosophy. He really believed one should live a carpe diem kind of lifestyle and he did so himself.”

It was during his New York years that he won the Guggenheim Fellowship Award (for drawing) and authored the iconic book, 1 Cent Life, which, says Jesse, was a ‘seminal book of original lithographs and poetry’, including work by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

“It was a good example of how he was at the nexus of many artists and artistic developments of the time.”

Also known for his poetry, which featured in many of his published 13 books, he lived in Amsterdam in the 1990s, but made regular trips to New York, his final resting place.

The essence of the man and artist is expressed by Jesse when asked if he thought his father would have done anything differently?

“I think he wouldn’t have done anything differently at all. Like his brush strokes, he believed in no regret, no doubt. Like a wild animal or a force of nature, he would have gone right on being his incredible self and nothing else.”

Walasse Ting’s works can be found in the permanent collections of museums worldwide, including the Guggenheim, New York; Museum of Modern Art, New York; Art Institute of Chicago; Tate Modern, London; Centre Pompidou, Paris; and the Hong Kong Museum of Art.

THE WALASSE TING EXHIBITION

Staged by ArtCatto at the Conrad Algarve, opens 26 June, 19h00–21h00.

LOVE AT FIRST SNIFF

WITH AN ANNUAL VALUE OF 7 BILLION EUROS, THE PERFUME INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO CAPTIVATE DISCERNING NOSES WORLDWIDE. WHILE FRANCE IS REGARDED AS THE PERFUME CAPITAL, CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY SPAIN, PORTUGAL HAS BEEN QUIETLY YET CONFIDENTLY MAKING ITS MARK

Words: CHRISTINA MORENO

APERFUME INHABITS the invisible space between two people, weaving a subtle yet potentially powerful connection. A pleasant scent can set positive expectations, serve as a welcome or introduction, and create a specific atmosphere. It can also act as an extension of a person’s style or even become an individual’s signature. Perfumes possess an intangible, almost mystical quality that transcends the physical realm, making them a potent tool for emotional expression, connection, triggering a range of emotions, and bringing old or forgotten memories alive again.

Scientific research has shown that scents can influence a perceiver’s judgment about another person’s attractiveness, age and even elements of their personality (such as confidence), with attractiveness being particularly susceptible to scent influence.

The power of scent lies in its ability to bypass the rational, analytical parts of the brain and directly influence our most instinctive responses. Our sense of smell is directly linked to our emotions, memories, and overall well-being. Through our olfactory system, scents connect to our brain’s emotional centre (limbic system) even faster than sight can, highlighting the profound impact fragrances can have on our perceptions and experiences.

Did You Know?

created using the essence of more than 10,600 jasmine flowers and more than 28 dozen roses.

A brief history of perfume

There is historical evidence that commercial scented oil production may have started more than 4,000 years ago. Italian archaeologists discovered an ancient ‘factory of fragranced oils’ on the island of Cyprus, the mythological birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love associated with perfumes. Scientists were even able to reconstruct perfumes from traces found in clay bottles at the site. They discovered scents like laurel, myrtle and cinnamon, which were possibly combined with olive oil, supported by the presence of olive presses.

WHAT ARE NICHE PERFUMES?

Niche perfumes, also known as boutique, artisan, or indie perfumes, represent a distinct category in perfumery. Characterized by unique, smallbatch formulations crafted by in-house perfumers, these specialized scents are not as widely available as massproduced designer perfumes. Niche perfumers meticulously select high-quality natural ingredients to craft complex, multi-layered scents that offer captivating multi-sensory experiences. Their perfumes tend to be superior in quality and are meant to ‘speak for themselves’ rather than have celebrity endorsements or commercial advertising.

The first perfume of the modern era combining natural and synthetic elements was the classic Chanel No. 5, created in 1921 by the renowned chemistperfumer Ernest Beaux. It takes 1,000 jasmine flowers, picked by hand, to make one bottle of Chanel No.5. If you think that is impressive, know that each bottle of the limited edition intense floral perfume Joy by Jean Patou (released in 1929) was

Although it is not known for sure what the world’s very first perfume was, Egypt is generally regarded as the birthplace of perfumery. The ancient Egyptians used a variety of fragrant ingredients like jasmine, lotus, myrrh, frankincense and honey. Perfume held high cultural significance in Egyptian society, serving not only for religious rituals but also for hygienic, cosmetic, medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Fragrances were associated with divinity, status, and purity.

As early as 3000BC, the pioneering ancient Egyptians were already utilising advanced techniques like enfleurage, using fats to capture and preserve fragrant oils.

Others cultures such as the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs then built upon the foundations of Egyptian perfumery, making their own contributions to the advancement of perfume-making techniques.

In ancient India, Africa and Arabia, the natural aromatic oils used for similar purposes as the Egyptians were called attars. The Arabs’ extensive trade networks granted them access to a very wide variety of aromatic plants, including rose and

There are only around 600 perfumers worldwide - a number comparable to those who have been trained as astronauts globally.

jasmine, allowing them to excel in attar production and eventually become leaders in the ancient fragrance industry. This legacy has sparked a modern revival of attar, or oil-based perfumes, prized for their purity and long-lasting, alcohol-free scents.

By the 15th century, the art of perfumemaking was thriving in Portugal, especially in Lisbon, thanks to the influx of exotic ingredients from around the world brought back by Portuguese explorers. As renowned perfume houses like Ach. Brito and Claus Porto emerged over the centuries, Portugal’s fragrance industry began to flourish. Today, the country is home to a variety of niche artisanal fragrance ateliers, such as Comporta Perfumes, Next Memory, Benamor and Castelbel, all drawing inspiration from Portugal’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This aromatic legacy intertwines with the historical Arabic influence present in Portugal, adding depth and diversity to the nation’s perfumery landscape.

The art, science and poetry of perfumery

Being a trained master perfumer is a highly specialised job. In fact, it is estimated that there are only around 600 perfumers worldwide – a number comparable to the total of people who have been trained as astronauts globally. Creating a unique, well-balanced perfume requires a well trained sense of smell as well as a deep understanding of aromatic compounds, blending techniques, and the ability to evoke emotions through scent.

One olfactory artist is award-winning Portuguese perfumer Miguel Matos. Described as “a man of paradoxes” who “leaves no-one indifferent” and “never goes unnoticed,” Matos is not only a perfume critic and scent-art curator, but also a seasoned art and culture journalist. He used to host online monthly sessions where he would engage in vintage perfume sniffing and storytelling, all while sipping gin.

Matos has composed perfumes for many

international brands, including Nishane, Acampora Profumi, and Portugal’s own Comporta Perfumes. In 2019, he won the best perfume of the year in the independent category at the Art and Olfaction Awards in Los Angeles with his creation for Bruno Acampora Profumi, ‘Young Hearts’. More recently, in 2023, he was one of two winners in the Artisan category with his perfume Tabacco Smeraldo.

Modern perfumers are increasingly turning to synthetic or plant-based alternatives to recreate traditional scents that were previously sourced from animals. For instance, musk – a common ingredient in historical perfumery until the late 19th century – was traditionally obtained from deer glands.

Today, perfumers are embracing crueltyfree options like ambrette seeds to achieve a comparable musky aroma. The perfume industry today has access to over three thousand synthetic molecules that perfume creators can utilise, expanding the palette of scents available while addressing ethical and sustainability concerns around animalderived ingredients. This shift towards more ethical and environmentally-conscious formulations reflects the evolving priorities of both perfumers and consumers in the modern fragrance industry.

Trending now in perfumery

genderless perfumes

cruelty-free and sustainable scents

niche and custom perfumes

fruity florals and gourmand scents (ex: spices, herbs)

scent layering (ex: pairing with lotions and hair perfumes)

integration of cultural elements oil-based perfumes (like the ancient attars)

Did you know?

The ideal place to store your perfume is the same kind of place you would choose to store your finest wine: cool and dark. It helps the scent notes last longer and sometimes get even better over time. Don’t worry, you can always display that gorgeous bottle once it’s empty.

Portuguese perfume houses and ateliers

Comporta Perfumes: the first Portuguese niche perfume brand

Founder Pedro Simões Dias is a lawyer specialising in Internet law and copyrights with a serious passion for perfumes. Recognising the absence of niche perfumery in Portugal, he embarked on creating a line of fragrances that capture the essence and stories of Comporta, a boho chic village on the northern Alentejo coast. Pedro has invited various world-class perfumers, including Miguel Matos, to bring to life the dream of this Comportainspired perfume line. Their latest launches have been designed with a new concept in mind, the dialogue between two perfumers who together put all their know-how into creating unique scents, giving shape to the Master & Apprentice collection. You can find their gorgeous perfumes such as Femme Fougere, Muda, Mosquito and Will in Comporta, online or at specialty retailers.

I have seen the perfumes for sale at Vila Vita Parc. In collaboration with Comporta Perfumes, the resort has an exclusive perfume created called Al Sul. It’s gorgeous. comportaperfumes.com/

Next Memory

Atelier: celebrating imperfection as true perfection

This Atelier invites you into their lovingly restored 19th century pharmaceutical lab in Lisbon to “experience the soul of Portugal through the art of fragrance.” Each product is handmade and carries a distinct character, celebrating the beauty of imperfection. Made to tempt and delight

you are their fragrances such as White Cardamom, Purple Fig, Pink Neroli and Pastel de Nata. The brand also makes other home and body products, and lovely teas. Locations: Lisbon and Porto. nextmemory.eu/

Leme/100ml: perfumes with history

100ml is a Portuguese company that crafts soaps, lotions and fragrances inspired by Portugal’s rich exploration history. Their fragrance line, Olfactory Journey, invites your nose to take you to the distant places the Portuguese travelled to in the Age of Discoveries. Let yourself sail into their gorgeous scent mixtures of ocean, flowers, woods and spices from Ceuta, Cape of Storms, India, Brazil and Japan. 100ml.pt/

Aqua dos Açores: Nature. Ocean. Sustainability

This is a Portuguese research perfumery brand that pays tribute to its home island of Açores in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. Their fragrances embody high concentrations of natural raw materials and essential oils sourced from plants on the island. They create their perfumes by combining the tradition of Italian artisan perfumery with modern techniques of working with natural raw materials. They distill their magic into three interpretations of eau de parfum : Flores, Azul and Canto. aquadosazores.com/

Yntenzo: Portugal present in each bottle

A Portuguese artisanal perfumery with exclusive fragrances handcrafted by authentic master perfumers. All their fragrances are made with natural ingredients from different parts of the world and are cruelty-free. At their Braga location, they invite you to become an artisanal perfumer for the day. In just one to three hours you can walk away with the personalised perfume you have created for yourself. yntenzo.com/

Otro: Paying homage to niche perfumery art

Last but certainly not least – it was right here that Estela, the wonderfully warm and welcoming host of this niche perfume treasure trove gave me the scoop on the world of niche perfumes and told me that good perfume is like fine wine. Estela is not only knowledgeable, she has an instinct for pairing a person with his/her perfume soul mate. While the perfumes themselves aren’t Portuguese, the concept store certainly is. Otro is known as the exclusive dealer in Portugal for a variety of luxury fragrance brands, including Amouage (created by an Arabian sheik), Initio, Nishane, and Eight & Bob. If you have the chance to visit, be sure to ask to see one of the store’s unique offerings - the only ‘drinkable’ perfume in the world, Baraonda by Nasomatto. otroperfume.com/

Almodôvar

So much history

WHILE MANY ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE LUSITANIANS, PART OF THE HISTORY OF IBERIAN PEOPLES INFLUENCED BY ROMAN CONQUESTS, FEW ARE AWARE OF THE REGION ’ S PRE-LUSITANIAN HISTORY – THE ALGARVE WAS ONCE HOME TO ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS LIKE THE PHOENICIANS AND CARTHAGINIANS

Words: KAYLA MEIRINHO

BEFORE THE well-documented traders and colonizers made their mark, the Cynetes, also known as the Conii or Cónios, inhabited the southern coast of Portugal, particularly the Algarve and parts of Andalusia in Spain, and played a significant role in the pre-Roman history of the Iberian Peninsula. Archaeological findings, primarily inscriptions on stone stelae, hint at a sophisticated society with its own unique traditions and social structures.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Cynetes was their undeciphered script. Found on numerous stone stelae throughout

the Algarve and nearby regions, they are distinct from other Iberian scripts and have baffled linguists and historians alike, firstly because of their scarcity and also that there are no known bilingual texts that feature them.

Most of the stelae were discovered in Portugal’s Baixo Alentejo region. Sixteen of these stelae are displayed in the Southwest Script Museum in Almodôvar, which also houses the stele with the longest inscription found to date.

The Cynetes are a fascinating yet underrepresented part of the Algarve’s historical landscape. Their contributions and the mysteries surrounding their undeciphered script offer a unique glimpse into the region’s pre-Roman era. By visiting Almodôvar, travellers can connect with this ancient heritage first hand, gaining a deeper appreciation for the area’s rich cultural tapestry.

PLACES TO VISIT

In the City

Southwest Writing Museum of Almodôvar Don’t miss this; exceptional stelae with ancient inscriptions discovered primarily in the Baixo Alentejo region.

Monument to the Shoemaker Take a stroll to Rotunda do Mineiro to discover Shoemaker (2012), a towering sculpture standing at six metres high designed by Aureliano Aguiar. Created from a variety of materials, it pays tribute to Almodôvar’s heritage as a ‘Land of Shoemakers’. Other sculptures include O Mineiro (2018) and Homage to the Firefighters (2001).

Praça da República In this historic square, you can see the Manueline Window located within a private house, showcasing intricate architectural details.

Igreja da Misericórdia Situated in Praça da República, this church, characterised by its mannerism, baroque, and neoclassical architecture, has historical significance linked to the Irmandade da Santa Casa da Misericórdia and the former Hospital da Misericórdia.

Severo Portela Museum Housed in a building that once served as the Town Hall and later as a jail, this is now dedicated to the renowned 20th-century painter Severo Portela. The museum features works by the artist inspired by the region, and there is an exhibit downstairs that highlights the town’s shoemaking legacy, showcasing handmade shoes crafted by local artisans.

Clock Tower Believed to have been constructed in the 17th century, the Clock Tower is a civil monument with an external staircase. Originally housing a clock relocated from the Igreja Matriz de Santo Ildefonso in 1889, the tower is an example of a common architectural style of adapting old town wall towers into clock towers during the 17th-18th centuries.

Below: Artisan shoemaking is famed in Almodôvar. This huge sculpture is a tribute to the local craftspeople.

Right: Ancient stelae in the South West Writing Museum. Right below: The Igreja da Misericórdia

Travessa da Escondidinha is where you’ll find the Igreja Matriz de Santo Ildefonso, a significant architectural monument designed in 1592 by architect Nicolau de Frias. This church exemplifies the ‘church-hall’ typology with three naves and magnificent gilded altars dating back to the 17th century.

Municipal Market Built in 1936, the market’s notable features include three tile panels designed by Jorge Colaço, set in Art Deco-inspired frames, depicting rural themes such as cork harvesting, pig grazing, and harvest activities.

Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Once a convent, this splendid Cultural Forum now hosts various activities. Founded in 1680, it once belonged to the Order of Saint Francis. The late Baroque architecture, decorated with gilded carvings and paintings, is impressive.

Ponte da Ribeira de Cobres Visit this medieval bridge dating back to the 12th century. Restored in 1973, it features three arches and served as a crucial crossing over the Cobres river, reflecting Almodôvar’s strategic importance in the region’s historical routes.

Chapel and Miradouro de Santo Amaro Enjoy panoramic views from this calm, peaceful spot that has picnic facilities.

Aldeia do Rosário The Parish Church, likely constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries, stands as a testament to religious architecture. Inside, admire the elaborate and

richly-decorated wall paintings recovered by the Almodôvar City Council, illustrating the local population’s religious devotion.

Outside of the City Centre

Mesas do Castelinho Archaeological Site Discover remnants of Iron Age settlements (later occupied during Roman and medieval Islamic periods) and a small Umayyad castle, symbolising local power in medieval times. The site offers insights into rural life through an ethnographic collection of artifacts and tools.

Baloiço do Mú Take in breathtaking views and enjoy a picnic at Baloiço do Mú, a scenic spot ideal for relaxation and swinging on the swing.

Monte Clérigo Dam Experience the natural beauty of Monte Clérigo Dam, located near Vila de Almodôvar. Swim in the lake, paddleboard, or explore the surrounding flora and fauna and the various bird species.

Pêgo da Cascalheira Discover the clear waters of Pêgo da Cascalheira, situated in the Parish of Santa Cruz. Explore the area’s watermills and dams amidst a tranquil natural setting.

Parque das Merendas Escape to this cork oak forest that offers an ideal setting for picnics and family outings. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and connect with nature in this serene environment.

The quiet of the countryside and the richness of its history make Almodôvar a special place to visit. A day trip is thoroughly enjoyable, but an overnight stay will introduce you to many of its special features

need-to-knows

WHERE TO STAY

A Casa da Cerca This familyrun B&B, passed down through generations, offers a peaceful stay within walking distance of local restaurants. It features minimalist décor, a bright breakfast room, an outdoor patio, and a pool for those hot summer days. Guests can also enjoy complimentary bicycles. facebook.com/acasadacerca

Casa da Igrejja Enjoy a cultural stay at this well-maintained and renovated historic home. Enjoy quiet surroundings, attentive and friendly staff, restful nights in comfortable beds, and spacious suites with beautiful decor. kitesurfingnest.eu/ casa-da-igrejja-portugal

A Casa da Vila Highly praised for its excellent value, this spot provides a terrace, full kitchen access, and exceptional cleanliness. Experience a peaceful, traditional atmosphere and enjoy breakfast served next door in a charming local bakery. acasadavila.net/en

Monte Clérigo - Country Houses

Enjoy privacy in individual welldecorated bungalows set on peaceful farmland. With friendly staff and various amenities, including soundproofed rooms, kitchenettes, verandas, and an outdoor swimming pool, it’s perfect for a couple’s getaway. Take up activities like cycling, fishing, and hiking. pt.hoteis.com

Monte Gois Country House e Spa

Escape to this remote, colourful country house featuring spacious, rustic-style rooms with Moroccan-inspired décor, kitchenettes, and furnished patios. Relax at the spa, take a dip in the

pool, explore the countryside by bike, and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast daily. montegois.com

WHERE TO EAT

1680 Restaurante Delicious food in an elegant, calm, traditional atmosphere reminiscent of an old convent. Enjoy attentive staff, including a friendly, kind chef who visits tables. Don’t forget to try the recommended duck confit. 1680restaurant.pt/en

Restaurante Tasquinha O Medronho: Indulge in Alentejo black pork dishes in a cosy setting with regional décor. Expect tasty homemade food served generously. Don’t miss the black pork ‘lizard’ with sangria and fries, along with the delightful house dessert. 286 665 322

A Esquina This small, cosy restaurant features a daily limited menu with alternating diverse tasty options. Dishes like lamb chops and grilled fish have received high praise, as has the house wine. The friendly staff ensures a great dining experience. 284 388 851

Franguinho da Vila For quick, delicious, and affordable takeaway, visit this spot for juicy BBQ chicken, delicious burgers, and tasty sides like carrot rice and freshly-made potato chips. 286 094 358

FORTHCOMING CELEBRATIONS

Feasts of Saint John (24 June):

The Municipality of Almodôvar celebrates this holiday with tradition, fun, and grilled sardines. Festivities start the night before with bonfires, poetry, and popular marches, offering family-friendly moments of conviviality.

FACAL – Feira de Artes e Cultura de Almodôvar (5-7 July): This event marks its 26th edition and showcases regional products, local businesses, gastronomy, and cultural identity. Visitors can explore crafts, taste local products, and enjoy shows by renowned artists.

Visit cm-almodovar.pt/ for details of events later in the year, including the September Summer End party and the Mushroom and Medronho Fair in November.

1680 Restaurante

WHERE CAN YOU GO TO HEAR NEW MUSIC FROM ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS AND WHILE YOU’RE FOOT-TAPPING (OR EVEN DANCING FOR THE MORE ADVENTUROUS SOULS) SAMPLE NEW AND EXCITING FLAVOURS? BOOK YOUR TICKET AND YOUR TIME OUT AND JOIN LOUL É’ S BEST PARTY

Words: DR PAUL FRANCIS

ACROSS THE Algarve, on any given weekend, especially in the summer months, it is possible to experience live music. There are musicians based here who are tasked with providing a reassuring and well-trodden musical path. Often the stages they are provided are in the many oceanic or inland bars and restaurants, each with similar menus, serving local food accompanied or followed by yet another version of Valerie, Superstition, or any one of the usual repertoire of songs dished up as a typical afternoon or evening of touristic Algarvian entertainment.

However, for those wanting something a little less generic and definitely different, such as music they haven’t heard before, it can sometimes feel like the quest for the Holy Grail.

If only there were a group of people or an organisation whose raison d’etre was to give the good people of the Algarve something like an international music festival; an event bathed in sunshine, supported by the local council and, with the positivity of international artistic energies, an event that is then lifted to great cultural heights. A festival that maybe started from humble beginnings but then grew to be a major event not just on Portuguese calendars, but on calendars around the world. A festival that encourages new talents and, by attracting upwards of 20,000 visitors aged eight to 80, provides that talent with a potential springboard for future success. Wouldn’t it be great if the Algarve had an event that is now considered, because of its artistic and cultural qualities, an essential stop-off on the route of music festivals throughout Europe? Oh, the joys... If only.

Well, dear reader, guess what? It does. It’s called Festival MED, and it’s coming to a city near you – very near, in fact.

We at AlgarvePLUS had the privilege of talking to the festival’s director, Carlos Carmo, about not only this year’s event (more about that later) but also about the event’s history, its vision and development and how Festival MED has become a solid fixture in the cultural and musical life of one of Portugal’s most historic centres.

How it started

It was in 2004, as Loulé took pride in being one of the host cities of the European Football Championship, that Festival MED was conceived, with its birth taking place on 10 June and celebrations continuing until the 19th, near Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco’s monument.

The first event aimed to promote the Municipality and its diversity and sought to offer a “different and unique” music festival that focused on the culture of the Mediterranean basin. With that goal in mind, that first festival featured Mediterranean music and its respective artists. It soon became clear that with a daily count of over 1,000-plus visitors, enjoying the 20 featured artists, Festival MED was not just going to be something to enhance a football competition. Instead, the seed was planted for something that in the intervening years has carved its niche in the cultural climate of the region.

In 2005, the event was moved to the historic area of Loulé, and the chance for expansion was grasped. The decision was taken to broaden MED’s initial Mediterranean focus and celebrate global identities, cultures and the music that lies within. The single stage in 2004 became two stages in 2005 and now, with its international recognition, leading to ten Iberian Festival Awards, this year’s event will have 12 stages brimming with the sights and sounds of cultures from across the globe.

This year’s event

are proud that their event has been instrumental in launching the international careers of artists such as Dino D’Santiago, Maro, Deolinda, and they encourage new artists to contact them with their proposals. This year, with 90 hours of music, 54 concerts, 358 musicians, 31 nationalities, 12 stages, 100 craft exhibitors, two art exhibitions and 12 groups of street artists, from 27 to 30 June, the festival marks its 20th anniversary and promises to be an unforgettable celebration, an invitation for the world to join in, and the launch of a feature that will be an ongoing thread for years to come, a guest country. This year, through music, crafts and gastronomy, the Kingdom of Morocco will be given the honour of showcasing its culture and traditions.

No doubt all this merrymaking will leave some of you feeling a little peckish. Fear not. This year there will be a wide variety of taverns with cuisine from various countries including Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain, all with vegan and vegetarian options. However, this year it’s the food of Morocco that takes centre stage, with plenty of opportunities to sample typical dishes such as tagines, couscous, keftas and traditional mint tea. As all that good stuff goes down it will undoubtedly spend a moment on the lips and maybe a lifetime on the hips. There is good news though. With a little more ‘shape’ those hips may attract a dancing partner and together you’ll be ready to sway to the musical vibrations delivered by the artists on stage.

There was one stage at the first edition Festival MED in 2004 and 12 this year, showcasing cultures from across the globe.

As Carlos Carmo told us: “Festival MED is pleased that it brings activity into the area and, for the city’s hotels, bars and restaurants, the influx of people, production staff, artists and foreign journalists gives a welcome boost to the local economy”.

In addition, the festival organisers pride themselves on being a showcase for new talents in diverse industries encompassing events, communication, tourism, gastronomy and of course, musical artists.

The core organisation team, which is now close to 50 people, including employees of the Municipality,

Tickets for Festival MED 2024 are now on pre-sale, until 24 June, prices as follows: day ticket €10; festival ticket €30; day family ticket €35.

After 24 June prices change to: day ticket €15; festival ticket €40, and day family ticket €40. Tickets can be purchased at BOL.pt, at the Cineteatro Louletano box office, at participating stores, including FNAC, Worten and CTT, and on event days at the festival ticket office.

For those of you who are either not lucky enough to be resident here in the Algarve, or just want to pocket the car keys for a night or two, the festival website offers suggestions on where you might want to lay your weary head after a day and night of musical and gastric shenanigans.

It’s clear that festival MED has established itself as an annual go-to event, a mecca for anyone and a welcome for everyone. Its energy and unique place in the social calendar are a testament to those creative souls behind its organisation and deliverance, and this year promises to be a celebration and a coming together of good music, good food and good vibes.

All that’s left to say is, if you see someone dropping some serious dance moves, in a white T-shirt that clearly shows they have sampled all there is to offer, then come and say hello.

I’ll see you there.

Countryside

Tranquility

if B i RD SONG i N PEACE AND PR i VACY i S YO uR i DEA O f h EAVEN , thi S f A milY h OmE CO ul D BE YO uR DREA m CO mE t RuE.

Nestled in Boliqueime’s countryside, this delightful 3-bedroom villa, built in 2004, offers a tranquil retreat just five minutes from the heart of the charming village and local amenities, including shops, restaurants, schools, and easy access to the motorway.

in addition to the light-filled sitting room and dining area, the spacious interior boasts a bright office space overlooking the pool, easily convertible into a 4th bedroom. A double garage provides ample space for cars and storage. ideal for remote work or family living, this villa seamlessly combines rural charm with modern convenience.

P.O.A. +351 919 082 891

BAthroomS

SpA ce

One en-suite, one shared and a guest toilet / wet room from the pool B edroom S

Great living areas inside and out with terraces and land totalling 4,700sqm

Total privacy for swimming relaxing, bathing and dining

3 double bedrooms with possibility of a fourth currently used as an office pool-SIde

A GEM

RATTLING OFF THE DUSTY N125, THE ROAD THAT CONNECTS THE WEST ALGARVE TO THE EAST, WE TRUNDLE ONTO A SMALL COUNTRY ROAD AND PULL UP OUTSIDE A GLEAMING WHITEWASHED GATE WHICH, AS IT SLOWLY OPENS, REVEALS A LONG CAL Ç ADA PATHWAY FLANKED BY HEAVING CITRUS GROVES. WELCOME TO CASAS DA QUINTA DE CIMA

Words: EMMA CAMPUS

THIS MONTH’S hidden gem is a new, small boutique opening, nestled within the picturesque landscape of Cacela Velha, just a stone’s throw away from the sandy waterways of the Ria Formosa. Owned by the same family for five generations, the story of Casas da Quinta de Cima is intertwined with the rich history of this particular part of our beloved Algarve.

Acquired in 1925 by Frederico Ramirez, a prominent political figure and heir to the iconic fish canning company of the same name, ‘Quinta de Cima’ was once home to almost 20 families who lived and worked the orchards and surrounding farmlands, and has remained a cherished family estate ever since. Now, under the stewardship of fifth-generation family member, José Brion, the estate is undergoing a new chapter, evolving into a stylish sanctuary where guests can experience the authentic simplicity of the Algarve way of life.

Greeted by José himself, we are welcomed with a simple, family-style lunch on the terrace amongst the old farm buildings renovated in collaboration with Portuguese architect João Pedro Falcão de Campos. The design respects the beauty and authenticity of the surrounding landscape, while safeguarding the agricultural legacy that defines its character – all surrounded by fragrant orange trees, meadows of wildflowers and butterflies that float across beautifully landscaped Mediterranean gardens. José starts from the beginning, telling us stories of what the

An estate reborn, with the same family, to provide a secret haven away from home, with private spaces in glorious surroundings

your room and the calm

is a holiday in itself, and it is so close, yet so very far from the more hectic coastlife associated with the Algarve

Monte means to him, about his summers spent growing up playing amongst old barns and running through orchards to the beach, about what he and his father wanted to create here, and their plans for the future. He tells us as we all tuck into the hotel’s honesty bar, that: “it’s this harmonious coexistence between natural and built elements that reflects our entrepreneurial vision as a family, our deep love for this land and our desire to share its fruits and riches with others.”

Later it’s clear to see what he means as we entered our suite, one of just nine rooms transformed from one of the old worker’s houses. We are immediately struck by the lovingly-curated interiors that blend seamlessly with the local vernacular, where rustic elegance and modern comforts combine.

Antiques and family heirlooms, whimsical knick-knacks collected from flea markets and the family’s travels abroad adorn each corner, adding a sense of history and character, while retro neon signs and posters contrast with old Portuguese poetry books from his grandfather’s favourite writers lining the shelves.

But it isn’t just the aesthetics that captivates – it is José’s commitment to creating a welcoming and memorable experience for their guests. Every detail has been carefully chosen to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, transporting us and those who come after us to a bygone era where time moved at a slower pace, encouraging us and them to do the same.

As we settle, we find ourselves drawn to the pool (an old converted water tank from which the farm used to draw life), from which winding gravel paths lead to cosy private ‘islands’ and loungers set amongst the rosemary and tall grasses for privacy. From here, it’s time to soak up the end of day sun and

listen to the gentle rustle of leaves, surrounded by the beauty of the Algarvian countryside.

That evening at dusk, we walk to the nearby clifftop village of Cacela Velha, sauntering through whitewashed houses adorned with azure accents – crafted in a tradition believed to deter malevolent spirits. Amidst the village’s timeless charm, we reached a 16th-century church, where, beneath it’s watchful gaze, a vast swath of golden shoreline and warm lagoons stretch out before us. Tiny beachgoers, backs loaded with umbrellas and baskets of towels, wade through the low tide below.

The protective embrace from the walls of the ancient 18thcentury fortress offers a seat at an auditorium of sorts, one that offers uninterrupted views of the East Algarve’s untouched beauty at its finest. In this serene enclave, we watch in silence as the sun sinks below the horizon turning the sky a hundred shades of purple and the Spring time evening breeze sets in for our walk back.

The next morning, awoken by birdsong, revitalising alfresco showers on our private terrace and a sumptuous breakfast spread (imagine fresh orange juice, homemade jam, eggs and avocados picked straight from the farm), we reluctantly bid farewell to our new-found sanctuary. Leaving with hearts and heads full of brief but longlasting memories and a new reminder of our appreciation for the timeless beauty of the Easterly lands of the Algarve. Casas da Quinta de Cima is a place where history and hospitality converge, where every experience tells a story, and where guests are invited to slow down, reconnect with nature, and embrace the simple pleasures in life. Just remember, like I said before, don’t tell anyone about it…

A walk in enchanting village of Cacela Velha overlooking the ocean below, and then returning to

of Casas da Quinta de Cima

100% COCONUT WATER

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NEW great TASTES

PISCO,

Vila do Bispo

PISCO SITS, unassumingly, on a quiet corner of the tiny village of Vila do Bispo, in our wild worlds-end. Opened in March 2019, this independently-run eatery has quickly become a local favourite, and one of ours, too.

With a commitment to using local and honest products, Pisco’s philosophy is deeply ingrained in supporting the economy and community through dishes that burst with fresh, seasonal flavours.

A local surf community favourite, it is a reflection of the passions of three friends from Italy who bring their rich backgrounds to the table.

Sergio Partesana, the ‘pizzaiolo’, has a wealth of experience as a baker in Italy. His crusty sourdough pizzas are a testament to his skill, while Damiano Simionato, with an extensive background in Barcelona’s restaurant scene and farming in Verona, brings a deep understanding of the land and seasonal cooking. The third partner, a chef specialising in pastry and vegetarian cuisine, adds

an innovative twist to the menu, meaning that even seasoned meateaters are left marvelling at the delightful combinations.

While this is the only restaurant in Vila do Bispo to offer an abundant list of vegan and vegetarian options, the focus is placed on a zero-waste policy and ingredients sourced from suppliers and regenerative farmers across the region and beyond.

Biodynamic farmers, micro dairies producing exquisite goat’s cheese, beekeepers nurturing native bees, and microbreweries crafting small-batch beers all contribute to the restaurant’s offerings.

“Even the flour we use for our pizza is Portuguese, from a small mill working in the ancient way, and the mozzarella comes from a company based here, too, founded by an Italian,” says Damiano.

The eco-friendliness doesn’t end there. The restaurant avoids selling plastic bottles or cans, opting for filtered water served in locallycrafted clay bottles. Cloth napkins

Simple, charming and relaxed; rather like being in a friend’s

replace disposable ones, and almost everything is produced by us. This approach reflects a well-intentioned respect for the environment and a commitment to leaving a minimal footprint.

The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring that every dish is fresh, vibrant and in harmony with nature’s cycle. A few small sharing dishes, such as the lion’s mane mushroom ‘steak’ and the roasted and smoked root vegetables with black garlic cream, beet and coffee caramel whet the appetite for slowfermented pizza; we chose the tomato passata, mozzarella, local organic egg and chorizo from Monchique, which is now a solid favourite.

The wine list exclusively features Portuguese wines from small, family-run makers who practice lowintervention, organic and natural methods, resulting in beautifully clean or mouthwateringly fresh wines that perfectly complement the menu and quench that salty feeling after a day by the sea.

Can’t make your mind up? Try the tasting treat of five dishes, €33pp

Completing the experience, music plays a fundamental role and the choice to play vinyl records might seem like a nod to nostalgia, but it’s more than that. In an era of instant playlists and digital convenience, selecting music for the evening is their gesture of love and care for those who choose to dine with them.

COCKTAIL TIME

WHEN THE COCKTAIL REVIVAL KICKED INTO FULL SWING IN THE EARLY PART OF THE 21ST CENTURY, A SLEW OF LEGENDARY BARTENDERS BEGAN THINKING ABOUT THEIR OWN FIRST ORIGINAL COCKTAIL RECIPES AND THE STORIES BEHIND THEM

decided to put this drink on his menu, and called it ‘Zombie’.

the grenadine.

3 Garnish the drink with mint sprigs and an orange wedge and cherries skewered on a cocktail stick.

Now, this is a fun story. Despite its name, the Moscow Mule was invented in California in 1941. The iconic cocktail was the product of a collaboration between a struggling vodka distillery, a pub owner trying to introduce the world to his ginger beer, and a woman with 2,000 inherited Russian copper mugs. After that chance encounter, the three entrepreneurs went through dozens of tests before finally settling on the right ratio to create the drink we all love today, served, of course, in the iconic ice-cold copper mug. While the copper mug is aesthetically pleasing, it also serves a crucial function. Copper is a conductive metal, which means that it has the

ability to quickly cool down, quickly heat up, and maintain a steady temperature for longer. Having a super-cold mug enhances the qualities of both the bubbly ginger beer and the sharp vodka; holding the mug by the handle also keeps the drink colder for longer.

SERVING: 1

 40ml vodka

 20ml fresh lime juice

 Ginger beer

 Ice cubes

 1 slice of lime for garnish

MAKE IT

1 Pour the vodka and lime juice into a copper mug over ice cubes.

2 Fill the mug with ginger beer.

3 Garnish with a slice of lime.

SEX ON THE BEACH PISCO SOUR

This drink was invented during spring break in the US, in 1987. According to an urban legend, a peach schnapps distributor challenged Florida bars to make them a drink. Those who sold the most were to be crowned the winners. The winning bar mixed the liqueur with vodka, orange juice, and grenadine and dubbed the cocktail ‘Sex On The Beach’ in tribute to the two things Florida has always been famous for –beach and sex.

SERVINGS: 2

 50ml vodka

 25ml peach schnapps

 Juice of two oranges, plus two slices to garnish

 50ml cranberry juice

 Cocktail cherries to garnish (optional)

 Ice

MAKE IT

1 Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes.

2 Pour the vodka, peach schnapps and fruit juices into a large jug and stir.

3 Divide the mixture between the two glasses and stir gently to combine.

4 Garnish with the cocktail cherries and orange slices.

A traditional and national recipe in Peru and Chile, the Pisco Sour is a cocktail born amid a nationalist feud between the two countries, and both claim to have invented this cocktail. The drink’s name comes from pisco, produced by the distillation of grapes, like brandy or cognac, that generally does not undergo any ageing in casks, which leaves it colourless and lacking the woody aromas of its European cousins. The cocktail was first mentioned in 1928 during the promotion of the Morris Bar in Lima and in the 1934 novel La Chica de Crillon by the Chilean Joaquin Edwards Bello.

SERVINGS: 2

 50ml Pisco

 50ml lime juice

 ½ tbsp sugar syrup

 1 egg white

 Bitters

 A large handful of ice

 Lime slices for garnish

MAKE IT

1 Pour the Pisco, lime juice, and sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker or blender with the egg white and add a large handful of ice.

2 Shake vigorously for 2025 seconds or blend for 10 seconds, then strain into two glasses.

3 Add a few drops of bitters to the top of each cocktail, garnish with a lime slice, and serve.

The Screwdriver is another classic gateway drink for people who love cocktails. Its origin goes back to Turkey, around the 1940s, when a group of American engineers working in a Turkish oil field used to secretly add vodka to their orange juice and mix it with the help of a screwdriver. Hence the cocktail’s name.

SERVING: 1

 1 large or 2 small oranges

 1 clementine

 50ml vodka

 Few dashes of bitters

 Handful of ice cubes

 Slice of orange

 For garnish: slice of orange, cocktail cherries, mint leaves

MAKE IT

1 Squeeze the juice from the oranges and clementine and set aside.

2 Put a handful of ice cubes into a tall glass and pour over the vodka, followed by the fruit juices.

3 Stir gently to combine, then add the bitters and a wedge of orange to garnish.

PHILIPP KEEL BELOW THE SURFACE

Philipp Keel, “Ray-Ban Series, Three, 2010”

The light of the day

PAINTINGS BY JENNIFER IRVINE FAULTLESSLY REPLICATE TONES OF LIGHT AND SHADE. SHE IS DRAWN TO SPECIFIC AREAS OF SOUTHERN EUROPE WHERE THERE IS THE NECESSARY LUMINOSITY AND PURITY OF AIR. SHE CAN DEPICT THE GENTLE DAPPLED SUNSHINE OF AN ALGARVE MORNING, OR THE INTENSITY OF AFTERNOON HEAT

Words: CAROLYN KAIN

AS IT PASSES through the atmosphere, the light of the sun contains all the colours of the spectrum, and in the Algarve this is combined with a superior climate and its location by the sea. According to Jennifer Irvine, this creates a perfect mixture of clear, sharp air. Throughout most of the year this clarity is noticeable in daylight hours, and at sunrise and sunset it is particularly special.

These ideal natural conditions are increasingly attracting more professional photographers from around northern Europe. Involved in magazine and fashion shoots, invariably they comment that their photographs benefit from the superior light. The surroundings and the weather also act as magnets for couples looking for the ideal wedding venue and this in turn has created a thriving business for local photographers.

2023 was said to be the Golden Age of Portugal’s film industry, including television advertisements for big-named clients across Europe. Hyundai motoring on the cliff tops near Cape St Vincent, Ferrari racing at Portimão’s Autódromo and the chic set sipping iced tea on Quarteira beach.

How old were you when you first fell in love with all things artistic?

I can’t remember exactly; it’s just what we did in my family. Sitting at the kitchen table drawing and painting was how we entertained ourselves as children.

Your preferred medium?

I am working more with water-based materials and I particularly enjoy a mixture of watercolour and

gouache paint – sometimes with a bit of acrylic thrown in. It is just so versatile.

Your favourite colour?

Blue – from ultramarine to cobalt and phthalocyanine to Prussian. I love them all!

And time of day to paint?

I begin late morning and work until early evening. I’m at my happiest and most absorbed at about six or seven o’clock.

Jennifer has a preference for quiet locations such as typical village streets. She observes how sunlight falls on the façade of buildings and the surrounding foliage. The techniques she uses enable her to imitate the brilliance of whitewashed houses, the depth of blueness in the sky and the strength of colours flaunted by the flowers.

Striving to capture the temperature of a scene, she explains: “This is done by producing contrasting depths of shadows. I begin each painting with a loose underdrawing and then, by using brushes and palette knives, I block in individual elements of the composition. It is by building up layers of colour and tone that I am able to indicate the temperature and time of day”.

A full-time artist since 1990, Jennifer’s (RGI, RSW) studies were at Mackintosh Building, part of Glasgow’s School of Art. Her studio is in Glasgow and her home base in Argyll, but much of her time is spent travelling around Italy, France and Portugal looking for locations that suit her style. Over the years she has won many prestigious awards and prizes. Her most recent works can be seen at Galeria Côrte-Real in Paderne.

The gallery is set in a traditional rural ‘quinta’ on the outskirts of the village. The original rooms contain an ever-changing selection of paintings, ceramics and objects of art. The terraces and gardens are planted with indigenous trees, swathes of flowers and shrubs. In many ways, the exterior of the gallery resembles exactly the sort of location Jennifer chooses for her paintings.

And most loved place?

I love travelling and particularly love Portugal and France for the abundance of sunshine, which we are sadly lacking in Scotland. But really in my heart my favourite place is in Argyll, Scotland. We have our holiday house there and the view of the sea from there is something I could never tire of, and so it has to be my favourite.

IN THE SUN A NEW LIFE

STARTING A NEW CHAPTER CAN BE AN EQUAL MIX OF EXCITEMENT AND TERROR, DECIDING IF YOU MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE AND IF YOUR DREAM IS GOING TO COME TRUE. ADD INTO THE MIX A FILM CREW FOLLOWING YOUR JOURNEY AND BROADCASTING EVERY UP AND DOWN TO MILLIONS OF PEOPLE, AND YOU HAVE THE CHANNEL 4 SERIES, WHICH EX-PATS ARE LOVING. WE ASKED THE QUESTIONS...

Words: LAURA SHEA

Russell Longmuir of DirtEbikers Algarve spoke to me about their experience with the show, and have even gone back for seconds as they are about to be featured on A New Life In The Sun Revisited. Russ and his colleague Brad were the first business to get insurance to allow a cameraman to ride a bike whilst filming footage, giving viewers a perfect feel of what this exciting experience provides those who give it a go.

What made you want to go on the series? Some friends of ours were midway through filming with ANLITS and they recommended us to the producer. We were still in the process of setting up – we were meant to have ten bikes delivered from New Zealand, but due to Covid we only had four bikes at that time. We felt that the coverage would be good for us, and because they were not filming us for months it would be more about our set up and the tours and our future plans.

What was your best and worst experience during filming? I wouldn’t say that there were really any worst experiences, apart from filming the next morning after a very late and wild party! We got on really well with the three cameramen who filmed us at separate times –it was just a fun experience.

Has it made an impact on your personal or business life, and has the impact been positive? Everything was positive and brought in a lot more business than we were expecting – we had not realised how many people love watching that show.

We still get people dropping in who saw us on television and we had one couple who were going to France but decided instead to come to the Algarve and ride with the DirtEbikers, an experience which was the highlight of their holiday!

What advice would you have for anyone considering applying? If you are confident in yourself and your business then definitely do it – just remember that editing plays a huge part and they may not put your best bits in. There is a lot of filming that never gets used.

On the back of the show we were asked if we would like to feature in ANLITS-Revisit, which we jumped at as we had opened up our Hub near Vale do Lobo and had 11 bikes, so we had done what we said we were setting out to do.

We were able to get a cameraman, for the first time, insured while riding and filming on a bike. That was in Sintra, where we are hoping to set up a new tour business… he said it was his highlight of the series!

As we have other ventures in the pipeline –running a five-day tour along the Pilgrims way from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, working with the big wave surfers in Nazaré and setting up tours in the Douro, the producers have asked us to keep in touch for the future….

Dirtyebikers, Av. Alm. Mendes Cabeçadas, Vale Do Lobo dirtebikers.com/

Jane Preza from Weave Deck (her business at the time of filming) gave me her insight into the programme and how things can go when timing isn’t on your side – her series aired just before the world changed due to Covid. Jane now runs CoWork Loulé, a fantastic coworking hub located near the market. A great spot for those who need a safe, quiet yet friendly place to work away.

What made you want to go on the series? I didn’t really – someone else close to me suggested I apply and I thought, okay, why not. I also liked the sound of promoting my then, very new business, Weave Deck, which I was passionate about. I actually had absolutely no idea what the series was even really about – I had never seen it as I don’t have access to UK TV.

How did you apply and what was the interview process like to go through? There was a Facebook link – it was all very easy and quick! One Zoom meeting and that was it!

What was your best and worst experience during filming? The best experience was simply meeting the camera crew. I had two different camera operators and they were both lovely, lovely people. It was such a pleasure to meet them and we had fun filming! There wasn’t really a worst experience.

Has it made an impact on your personal or business life, and has the impact been positive? Not at all. The whole thing happened for me just before COVID hit and the business just never took off, and due to financial reasons I decided to focus my attention elsewhere and so it all just fizzled away. There was a short time when a couple of people came up to me to say hello, who had watched the programme – that was actually very nice, if a little strange.

What advice would you have for anyone considering applying? My advice would be to watch the show before you commit to it. I cannot believe I did not do that. I would also advise, if you are going to do it – then just be yourself, don’t worry about anything and enjoy the process! It is quite fun.

CoWork Loulé, (Jane’s business today), Galerias do Mercado coworkloule.com

Nick Jewitt of O Lavrador restaurant in Boliqueime told me of their experience making the series, and how it feels to meet people who have watched it and remember it.

What made you want to go on the series? We had friends who were featured on the show the year before and they filmed a little at our restaurant. Although our business was up and running, the cameraman said that we should apply as we would be perfect candidates and we were still quite a new business. We have always watched the show so we thought why not?

How did you apply and what was the interview process like to go through? We were lucky as they called us, the phone call was more just a conversation about us and the business. When filming started we had to do an initial interview on camera, which was a little daunting until you get used to it.

What was your best and worst experience during filming?

Best experience in filming was probably meeting the cameramen as they were really nice guys, and some of the customers’ reactions were quite funny as they got nervous. The worst was probably the weekend of our anniversary when the ‘beer didn’t turn up’ (who has watched it will get it). They also filmed us on the Sunday when the musician we booked didn’t show up

so we had an absolute meltdown and there were tears. Luckily, we got a replacement musician; this was all filmed but it wasn’t aired... maybe it was too dramatic?

Has it made an impact on your personal or business life, and has the impact been positive? Personally, it’s not really affected it. The show brought us a flurry of customers when it was first aired and also on repeats. Some have become regulars, some are fans of the show and it can be strange that they tend to visit just once or twice. It’s odd when someone approaches you like they know you and says that we have done well –that took a bit of getting used to.

What advice would you have for anyone considering applying? I would say go for it. The cameras are around quite a lot though for a few months. It could become tedious; sometimes we were like, “oh no, not a filming day,” but often you forget they are there. It does bring business no doubt and come on, who doesn’t want to be seen on the box?

O Lavrador Rua de Tenoca, Boliqueime @olavrador.algarve on Instagram and Facebook

The show brought us a flurry of customers when it was first aired and also on repeats; some have become regulars.

Lloyd Booker from Oliveira Decor, a stylish furniture store in Tavira that caters for your needs throughout the home and garden, let me know how he felt this programme really impacts moving forward.

What made you want to go on the series? By chance, my fiancé and I were dining at O Lavrador Restaurant, which was being filmed at the time. The film crew asked all diners if anyone owned a business in the Algarve and I gave my details as I saw this as an amazing opportunity to attract a new audience across the Algarve. We heard nothing for many months until the news came through that True North Productions were interested in featuring us.

What was your best and worst experience during filming? I suppose the best experience is also the worst; watching the series when it aired!

Best, because throughout a manic,

From a business perspective, it has made a positive impact. We have seen new custom from much further afield.

phenomenally difficult period of business transition, it is easy to forget exactly what you put yourself through and how much actually went into the business expansion, so it was good to watch this again with pride to see what we had achieved.

Worst was most definitely having a camera directly in your face during really difficult times. Trying to make vital, businesschanging decisions, not to mention going through serious personal health issues, whilst trying to remain calm and collected on camera was not easy, or enjoyable.

Has it made an impact on your personal or business life, and has the impact been positive? Personally, no changes, apart from being slightly surprised from the number of visitors who just want to see the business and its people in person. I draw

the line at auto-graphs, however! From a business perspective, it has made a positive impact. We have seen new custom from much further afield, which is the sole reason I agreed to be featured.

What advice would you have for anyone considering applying? Think carefully. Think about who watches the programme, and if they fit your customer profile and geographic location. And remember that for what results as a few short minutes of airtime, you could have been filmed for almost a year!

Oliveira Décor Tavira, Rua Almirante Candido dos Reis, 243, Tavira byoliveira.com / facebook.com/ oliveiradecortavira / instagram.com/ oliveirafurniture

Cheryl Smith of Figs on the Funcho, spoke to me about how a combination of passion, belief in a dream and enthusiasm can change your life for the better.

What made you want to go on the series? Joining the series was a dream sparked by our admiration for the No Going Back UK TV series back in 2002. It showcased families ditching the rat race for a tranquil life in Europe – a lifestyle we craved. South Africans enduring the dreary British weather, we yearned for sunnier climes. Lockdown gave us the push we needed to make Portugal our new home.

How did you apply and what was the interview process like to go through?

Graham stumbled upon a New Life in the Sun Facebook post calling for applicants like us – folks who’d embarked on the adventure of relocating to foreign lands. The interview was an adventure in itself. Picture this: poor internet signal and a backdrop of construction noise courtesy of a nearby bulldozer. Despite the chaos, the producers were captivated by our vision and enthusiasm for Figs on the Funcho.

Cherish the journey. It’s not just about reaching your destination, but about the experiences and memories you create along the way.

What was your best and worst experience during filming? Filming during lockdown was an entirely new experience for us, and admittedly, it added a bit of pressure knowing that all eyes would be on us. But amidst the uncertainty, we had some incredible moments. One standout experience was hosting our town mayor for a countryside walk followed by a delightful meal under the shade of ancient carob trees. The filming process was wonderfully informal, with just the cameraman capturing our adventures. And after a day’s shoot, we’d often unwind with a leisurely meal or

indulge in a refreshing wild swim in the river, a feature our clients love.

As for the worst experience? Well, luckily, there weren’t any for us. Every moment seemed to be filled with joy and excitement. Even our closing scene, kayaking into the sunset on the River Funcho, turned into a spontaneous burst of fun when a friend unexpectedly joined us, hopping onto my paddleboard. With the cameraman capturing the moment from our neighbour’s kayak, and our neighbours waving from the bridge above, it was pure magic. And of course, the day

ended perfectly with a fantastic barbecue, expertly supervised by Graham.

Has it made an impact on your personal or business life, and has the impact been positive? Our business model underwent a transformative shift, pivoting from a traditional B&B setup to specialising in immersive experiences. We realised that our location wasn’t just a stopover for travellers – it was the destination itself! So, we diversified our offerings to include art, cooking, and walking packages, alongside providing a serene countryside retreat for weddings and bespoke group getaways.

What advice would you have for anyone considering applying?

Firstly, embrace the opportunity for growth and adventure. Moving to a new country can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Maintain a positive attitude – challenges are inevitable, but staying optimistic and focusing on the reasons why you wanted this adventure will help you overcome any obstacles. Building a support network is crucial. Whether it’s friends, family, or fellow expats, having people to lean on during the transition can provide invaluable support and guidance.

Above all, remember to cherish the journey. It’s not just about reaching your destination, but about the experiences and memories you create along the way.

Figs on the Funcho, Monte da Ribeira, 8375-013 Santana figsonthefuncho.com

t. +351 917 203 850 . design@suzisteinhofel.com . www.designworks.com.pt

Lamb paratha with pita and lime sauce

JOÃO CORREIA, EXECUTIVE CHEF OF LISBON ’ S ALTIS AVENIDA HOTEL AND ITS ROOFTOP ROSSIO GASTROBAR, HAS SHARED HIS WONDERFUL RECIPE FOR THIS DISH OF MULTI FLAVOURS AND TEXTURES. IF YOU ARE IN THE CAPITAL, JO Ã O WILL DO THE HONOURS WHILE YOU SIT BACK IN STYLE AND ENJOY NOT ONLY HIS FOOD BUT THE INCOMPARABLE VIEW OVER ROSSIO SQUARE, THE CASTLE AND THE RIVER

SERVES 4 COOKING START TO FINISH 30 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

 500g Leg of lamb, bone removed

 200g Red onion

 30g Garlic

 2uni Lime

 30g Fresh coriander

 20g Sea salt

 10g Raz el hanout (you’ll find it in Auchan, where the spices are)

 15g Smoked paprika

 200g Romaine lettuce

 100g Cornichon (little pickled cucumbers)

 20g Parsley

 30g Chives

 10g Mint

 4 units of Parata bread

 200g Mayonnaise

 80g Sweetened Greek yoghurt

 5g Fine salt

 3g Ground black pepper

 5ml Olive oil

METHOD

1 Pass the meat, coriander, 150g of red onion and 20g of garlic through the mincer.

2 Add 10g of smoked paprika, 5g of raz el hanout and the sea salt to the mixture, knead until smooth, then shape into four rolls 2cm thick and set aside in the fridge for three hours.

3 Brown the meat rolls in olive oil and bake in the oven at 180ºC for just three minutes.

4 To prepare the pita sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, yoghurt, fine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, raz el hanout, juice of a lime, a grated garlic clove in a bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth. Chop 10g of chives and fold into the sauce.

5 To prepare the base: Cut the cornichon into wedges, chop the red onion, parsley, mint and chives. Cut the lettuce into fine julienne. Slice the lime.

6 To serve: Arrange some of the sauce, lettuce, cornichon and red onion on the base of the paratha. Place the lamb on top of this base and arrange. Spread a generous layer of sauce over the lamb roll and cover with a mixture of chopped herbs, parsley, chives and mint. Serve with lime wedges.

The creativity of the Gastrobar’s menu is not just its selection of dishes, but also all the detail of the choice of tableware and cutlery handmade by artisans and designers such as Studioneves, Sara Bozzini’s Morsa, and Rival’s for wooden cutlery.

Art to Art

COLABORARTE IS A WONDERLAND, HIDDEN IN AN UNASSUMING BUILDING, NESTLED IN THE STREETS OF SILVES. AS YOU WALK PAST, THE ARTFULLY PRESENTED WINDOW DISPLAYS PROVIDE A SNAPSHOT OF THE HANDMADE TREASURES TO BE FOUND INSIDE

Words: STEFF TOFT Photography: ERIC ROTH Styling: LUCILLE WYMER

The ColaborArte talents, from left to right Patricia Marques; Margarida Palma Gomes; Marion Buz; Manoli Ortiz de la Torre; Elke Grath-Piro; Susanne Drohla

COLABORARTE is the culmination of years of experience, experimentation and passion for creative arts. It isn’t just another gift outlet, but more like a specialist gallery. Here, five local artisans have joined forces to showcase their work, reflecting the love and talent that has gone into creating each individual piece.

ColaborArte provides a simple solution to problems that come with owning a shop outright; the burdens are spread between the five with each spending a day a week working in the shop, leaving time for them to focus on their own art form. These artisans aren’t just collaborators. They are friends who support the work of each other and are able to talk to customers about their colleagues’ work with the same passion they talk about their own. Elke explains: “If it is my day in the shop and a customer wants to buy Margarida’s pottery, then I can sell with confidence”.

It’s clear when you walk into the store and meet the producers that they love everything they do, with a desire to share that love through the items that they produce. Everything in the store is individually made, and where possible created with locally sourced materials. The belief is ‘use what is already here’ and the gifts that you will find in ColaborArte are there to be admired and used for

many years to come – a refreshing change in a market dominated by cheap holiday trinkets. If you are looking for the perfect gift to take home that represents the Algarve and all it has to offer, then look no further. Whichever day of the week you choose to visit the shop, just take time to speak to the Artisan in residence.

Abacate Fashion: Elke Grath-Piro

Elke offers a range of striking, colourful fashion pieces. Both elegant and free-flowing. Her individually created pieces include dresses, cardigans and hats, all beautifully made with style and comfort in mind. Elke uses a range of materials but everything is chosen with specific garments in mind, creating one-of-a-kind styles that are perfectly suited to life in the Algarve. Her pieces are fun, bold and a joy to wear, and based on a desire to produce clothing that is unique and independent.

Elke’s other passion is knitting, and whilst she is working in ColaborArte you will find her creating smaller items for her accessories range – intricate pieces of jewellery and hats and scarves that retain her distinctive use of colour and show the extent of her versatility. Abacate Fashion grew out of a hobby. As a mother of two, she began making clothes and toys for her children, discovering new-found talents while recognising that this was a kinder and more intimate way of making gifts for friends and family.

Top left, clockwise: Felt wool balls by Elke Grath-Piro; handmade earrings by Susanne Drohla; necklaces by Patricia Marques; fashion pieces by Manoli Ortiz de la Torre; ceramic miniatures by Margarida Palma Gomes

Picotacto: Patricia Marques

Picotacto offers a range of accessories and homeware items using techniques including crochet, tricot and macramé, drawing upon a family history of basket weaving. Besides being an art teacher at the local school, Patricia is the latest of a long line of artisans, combining generations of knowledge and her own years of experience, coupled with modern techniques, have resulted in an ever-changing collection of unique handbags and jewellery.

Patricia uses a range of materials, including wood, leather and brass. “I try to use materials that are at the end of their life. I buy waste leather from other artisans, small pieces that they don’t use,” she says. She sees the potential in discarded materials and uses natural dyes to create her exquisite collection of statement pieces: handbags in wood and leather, necklaces made from discarded cottons, fine and intricate earrings. It’s hard to believe that the items were once someone else’s waste and have been reworked to form a contemporary delight.

Manoli Ortiz de la Torre

Manoli is an established artist who creates urban art based on nature, using a specific printing technique, Ebru, or drawing on water. Taking seasonal plants from her studio garden, Manoli works them with natural dyes to create unique striking designs. The result is a range of subtle, nature-inspired designs, which she recreates on different mediums – canvas paintings, silk scarves and cotton garments for both men and women. “I think of it as an exhibition on the streets,” she says. “For me it is a way to express myself, but my clothes ensure that my art can also be useful”.

Manoli’s collections are the culmination of many years working as an artist and selling her items at festivals. All of her skills, techniques and experience have been brought together to bring her distinct art to the public. ColaborArte is the ideal outlet for her, where visitors can take time to enjoy and explore her work, before deciding on the final piece that they will own.

Laranja Mágica: Margarida Palma Gomes

present in everything Margarida creates; ceramic rings from clusters of tiny flowers; tiny birds in cages, crazy cats in a range of shapes and sizes and even a sculpture of Pippi Longstocking.

Margarida uses local materials, including discarded orange peels, which she dries and hardens – the finished effect is amazing and it’s hard to believe what the base material is. These are the ultimate souvenirs of the Algarve, grown in the Algarve, eaten in the Algarve and created in the Algarve.

Absolute Accessories: Susanne Drohla

Susanne uses crochet and knitting to create a range of accessories and jewellery with finely-wrought wire for filigree features. The result is exquisite, gentle necklaces that defy the technique. She uses fine quality yarn and a palette of colours that set her work apart from others. Her attention to detail means she is able to create incredibly small and intricate items, including a crocheted ring with a tiny ladybird. Susanne also takes pride in the quality of the raw materials and sources the best ones, even making her own buttons to ensure they are the perfect match.

Mbarion: Marion Buz

Margarida fell in love with ceramics at a young age and continues to create pieces that are vibrant and fun. Particularly appealing are her sculptures of the nativity, but certainly not as you would expect to see them. A nativity in the ocean, so beautifully executed that you cannot help but smile, with so many intricate details that can keep you engaged for hours. Quality and attention to detail are

ColaborArte is the ideal outlet, where visitors can take time to enjoy and explore collections before deciding on the final piece that they will own.

Marion focuses on paper cutting techniques to create bold, vibrant pictures. These are also replicated on cork, another locally sourced material, to produce a range of household items such as coasters and placemats. The designs reflect images that are typical to Portugal and the Algarve especially, including the salamander, and geometric patterns evocative of tiles found across the country.

Drawn to the arts as a young child, Marion has spent years working alongside other artisans, and has used that experience to create her own items based on experimentation with unconventional techniques.

Sol e Brumas: Sonia Bárbara

Sonia is the latest addition to the shop and is there as a ‘popup’ seller. The idea being, that over time more local artisans are given the opportunity to sell their items through the shop and bring them to a wider audience. Sonia is based in the Azores and Sol e Brumas was introduced in 2015 with the creation of one hat made from strips of discarded fabrics. Whilst hats still form the basis of the brand, Sonia has gone on to develop earrings and bags in striking designs and vibrant colours. She works with recycled materials and her sustainable hats are perfect for the summer.

YOU MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THE NAME USCHI KUHN. BUT THIS CREATIVE, AFFABLE AND PASSIONATE RESIDENT OF LOULÉ IS DOING WONDERFUL THINGS WHEN IT COMES TO THE ALGARVE ’ S WILDLIFE AND BIODIVERSITY

Words: LUCY MAYER

THE BUZZ WORD

USCHI KUHN is a proud twice-president and member of Almancil International Rotary Club. Rotary Clubs are renowned across the world for uniting people in good causes, whether it is fundraising for charity or promoting peace and helping to grow local economies. There are 1.4 million members worldwide. Uschi’s most famous campaign to date is the plight of the seahorses in the Algarve. In the early 2000s, a Canadian researcher called Janelle Curtis noted that the densest seahorse population in the world was right here in the Ria Formosa. Around 1.5 to 2 million were inhabiting the lagoon system which is known for its diverse wildlife.

Today, both the long- and short-snouted seahorses are on the brink of extinction. It was this sad fact that propelled Uschi to launch the Save Our Seahorses campaign in December 2022 and at the same time a wonderful exhibition of works created by guest artists and local children, all inspired by the seahorse.

Moving on Uschi’s next project is just as important, albeit very different. She has turned her attention to bees. Not honey or bumble bees, the kind we are probably all most familiar with, but the wild bees needed for

pollination across the globe whose numbers are, like the seahorses, on a serious decline.

According to a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature: “Nearly one in ten wild bee species face extinction in Europe while the status of more than half remains unknown.” But that report, which was the first-ever assessment of all European wild bee species, was published almost a decade ago in 2015.

It is impossible to tell how many of these vital pollinators are alive, well and breeding today. Earth Watch Europe says: “Around 75% of crop plants require some level of animal pollination, including many of our everyday fruits and vegetables. Without pollination, we wouldn’t be able to grow enough food to eat.”

In some parts of the world, pollinator decline is so bad, that people are now being employed to hand pollinate – it’s like something out of a futuristic horror film, yet it is real life. This is where Uschi’s project, A Bee or Not A Bee?, comes in. It’s something that has been on her mind for a long time, even before the seahorses, but she tells me, the time was not right to present the project. I ask her why the time is right now and she explains, without hesitation, that the plight of wild bees has simply become more critical.

It was after she travelled to New Zealand with her partner and saw first-hand how the country actively works to protect and promote its bee population that she decided something similar needed to be set up in the Algarve.

There is a myriad of causes as to why our wild bee and pollinator populations, including the butterfly, are in decline: the environment, modern farming practices, which include the use of pesticides, and the very human habit of keeping extremely wellmanicured gardens and open spaces.

We talk a little about the waterfront at Olhão. We agree that this is an area that is undergoing a huge transformation as more retailers and restaurants move into the town and vie for the prime location overlooking the open water. But something interesting is also happening there.

In amongst the buildings and manicured lots, there are patches of wild grass and meadows. They are small, but they show that pollinators and biodiversity are on the minds of the town’s planners. It’s a small start and this is where Uschi is keen to emphasise that even those of us with tiny balconies and courtyards can create a haven for pollinators.

The vision

She’d love to see “bee houses” in every garden, on balconies and in courtyards, and in time, at hotels as well. People’s preconceptions of bees as something to be scared of because of their sting is, Uschi admits, a big problem and one of the reasons she feels some people are hesitant to make their homes more bee-friendly.

However, it’s important to note that there are around 20,000 bee species worldwide, some of which do not sting at all like the Meliponine, and bees that do sting, but usually only do so when they feel threatened. Uschi says the children she speaks to are far more forgiving and she feels that it’s very much the next generations who will step the campaign to save the bee up a gear, as this generation ultimately, as she puts it, “will not” solve the problem of wild bee decline.

Unlike her seahorse, which was handed a financial grant, this campaign is not money driven. It is about spreading information, going into schools and educating the children on what pollinators do and then hoping they start a conversation with their peers, parents and grandparents.

Uschi has also been building bee houses – artificial nests made of drilled wooden blocks, paper tubes, or bundles of reed or bamboo stems – with youngsters; it’s a fun and practical way to get them involved with bee conservation. She also says that talking is no good if there are no actions to back the words up... she is very keen to get municipality bosses on her side to start rolling out schemes like the wild grass meadows created in Olhão. But she is also very aware that for this year at least, it is probably too late as the bee season is nearing an end, something that frustrates her as it is means essentially, that another year is lost.

It was the United Nations who launched World Bee Day back in 2019 on 20 May, something Uschi feels is a step towards raising awareness of the importance of the bee, and something councils

Uschi is building bee houses with youngsters. Made of drilled wooden blocks, paper tubes, reeds or bamboo stems, it’s a fun way to get youngsters involved with bee conservation.

up and down the Algarve and the country could incorporate and use for launching their own Save the Bee initiative.

This campaigner also believes that the farmers “need to learn.” She says that a great start would be to delay spraying crops until the afternoon, as most bees are busy pollinating in the morning.

She’s also very keen that we, as consumers, move back to the old days of buying only seasonal produce. As Uschi points out, certain foods like strawberries are not meant to be consumed all year long, but having every food type at our fingertips is something we have become accustomed to, and yet it is something that is detrimental to our pollinators.

“Why do we need strawberries at Christmas?” is one of the questions she raises. I agree with her thinking that only eating seasonal produce and not having food “on demand” like a lot of other household items would hugely benefit the environment. And Uschi believes that municipality bosses could also allow the hedgerows at the side of the roads and in parks to grow at will – although they may look a little untidy – allowing them to grow wild will help pollinators do their job.

Consider this

And Uschi wants us to ditch the obsession with overly manicured green spaces. A visit to a rewilding project in Aljezur made her recognise that this whole campaign is bigger than any one person.

She laughs as she tells me that she felt like the oldest person there, and it was when she looked at trees being planted that she had a lightbulb moment, knowing that she would not be here to see them fully mature in hundreds of years’ time, and how we are damaging the planet for the future generations who deserve to see those trees mature. “We have to go back to basics and start again,” she says.

At presentations, Uschi now often starts by asking the question: “Do you like your food?” hoping to make people see that without pollinators, we could lose a lot more than just bees. She is extremely humble and wants to make it clear that this campaign is not all down to her, although she came up with the concept, but a whole “fantastic” team of people working together. However, with her passion and personality, I could not think of a better person suited to front it.

Get ready for a four-week well-being journey in July, curated to include, movements and visualisations within the four pillars of Yoga, Qigong, Meditation and Yoga Nidra.

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TAVIRA-BASED ARTIST, SANDRA DORI, TAKES UP-CYCLING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL WITH HER CREATIVE AND THOUGHTPROVOKING HOMEWARE DESIGNS.

SHE ’ LL USE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS AND REWORK THEM FOR YOU TO CREATE A NEW COMPOSITION OF PAST MEMORIES

Words: SALLY DIXON

COLLECTOR

THERE WAS no escaping the creative life for local resident artist, Sandra Dori. Born into a Florentine family of luxury leather goods producers, creativity was etched into her Italian DNA. Growing up surrounded by hand-crafted bags, she found herself immersed in a deeply creative and inspiring environment. Her working life started in the family business where Sandra took pride in the creation of leather accessories.

Fast forward to later life, and when part of the family business was relocated from Tuscany to the Marche region on the Adriatic side, it proved too difficult with three young children for Sandra to work between the two. In 2004, having left the family leather goods business behind, but very much missing the pleasure of creating, she decided to start a business of her own and turned her artistic eye to pieces for the home.

Sandra recalls: “I began by transforming some objects I had at home and the first things I made were table lamps, which were much appreciated by my friends. Based on that experience, I decided to buy a small place in the centre of Florence and I opened a shop.

“One day a lady came in with some teacups and other pieces that had belonged to her mother. She was fed up with seeing them on a shelf in her living room and asked me what I could make with them. That’s how my first oggetti del cuore (heart’s objects) table lamp was born.”

After 15 successful years running her Florence store and creating many beautiful oggetti del cuore pieces, it was time for a change once again, and the

of feelings

start of a new chapter. Sandra’s husband retired in 2019, and having always loved Portugal, they decided to move to Tavira.

“First you are struck by the dazzling light and peace in Portugal, then you discover the calm, the wonderful nature, and the friendliness of the people,” she says. “We chose Tavira because it is such a beautiful town.”

Little did they know things would soon change when the world shut down during Covid-19; it was not an easy time to fit into a new town and find new friends. However, coming out the other side of the pandemic, Sandra found a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to start creating objects again. Total retirement wasn’t quite on the cards for her.

Restarting without a client base here in the Algarve meant that local flea markets, havens for pre-loved items, would become the source of inspiration for Sandra’s designs. Always on the lookout for special pieces, Sandra says: “Flea markets are frequented by enthusiasts and curious people who save from oblivion, remnants of the near and ancient past. They are the ‘collectors of feelings’ – those who love personal and familial objects, driven by a passion to recover items that evoke memories, regardless of their tangible uselessness.”

Full disclosure, I am one of those people. My house in London is full of old stuff of tangible uselessness, typewriters, old wooden step ladders, giant vintage union jack flags that have seen better days. Rather than class myself as a hoarder, I’m now going to use Sandra’s phrase and say I am a collector of feelings.

Off the back of my interview with Sandra, I of course had to visit the Tavira flea market on my recent trip to the Algarve. It didn’t disappoint; I would have happily come home with a giant glass floor-standing vintage bottle had I not been restricted to hand luggage only on Wizz Air.

Sandra’s designs are delightfully unique, yet with a common thread that runs through them; flea market finds and family antiques are reborn and given a new purpose in life through her creative vision. She particularly loves giving new life and function to treasured personal pieces and welcomes commissions from people with objects close to their heart.

She explains: “I bring to fruition the seductive idea of repurposing something that is dear to your heart but

and cups, plates and jugs – anything and everything can be

lacking current use. Reliving the past in the light of the present.” Her largest creation to date was a floor standing, wooden base lamp on which she mounted cups, a milk bottle, a clock, a pipe, and some books that belonged to her father, affectionately called, “Monsieur Lumière”. These larger pieces often require collaboration from a welder or carpenter, fellow creative artists that Sandra is yet to find here in the Algarve.

The enchanting home furnishing and interior design store, Alamaya in Moncarapacho, is the first in the Algarve to welcome Sandra’s designs. Three of her cake stand designs take pride of place, set against a backdrop of equally unique and handmade pieces from around the world, gathered together by Alamaya’s Paula Pinto.

Having originally moved to Portugal to retire, spurred on by the renewed interest in her designs, Sandra has created an atelier in her home garage. A once much-loved passion has been reignited. She smiles: “When I first moved to Tavira, I decided I was retired, and this was my life now. But when you do artistic work for half your life it’s not so simple to go without it.”

A lady came in with some teacups and other pieces that had belonged to her mother and asked me what I could make with them. That’s how my first oggetti del cuore (heart’s objects) table lamp was born.

I find you can’t help but smile looking at Sandra’s designs, the whimsical way in which unique heritage objects are juxtaposed for a modern purpose, be it a cake stand with a teapot base or a table lamp with teacups as the stand.

What Sandra valued most about having her store in Florence was the reaction from the customer when they came to collect their newly transformed objects.

“My favourite moments are when the customer sees how I have transformed their treasured pieces. The smile on their face is priceless,” she says.

So, delve into the depths of your cupboards and you may discover hidden gems waiting for Sandra to weave her magic touch, turning forgotten relics into cherished treasures. After all, as the age-old adage goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, and within those neglected corners lie the potential for beauty reborn.

For private commissions, contact Sandra Dori at sandradori57@gmail.com or find her on Instagram @sandradori103

Teapots

partnered in Sandra’s Tavira atelier

For Coffee Lovers

Café bean17, in the Mercado of Loulé , is a gem – not only because of the houseroasted espresso or cappuccino or the organic kombucha or the wonderful home-baked cakes, but also for the freshly roasted organic arabica coffee beans from Peru and Ethiopia that you can buy. And the new SAGE espressomachine and Eureka coffee-grinders are available at a discount in the bean17 roastery. Make an appointment to see them with Ilona in the café or email jmtromp@mac.com.

Getting ready to sell? Make the right impression

SVERY OFTEN YOU DO NOT NOTICE THE THINGS THAT A POTENTIAL BUYER WILL SPOT IMMEDIATELY, AND REACT TO NEGATIVELY. PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR POSITION, AS AN INTERESTED VISITOR, AND GIVE YOUR HOME AN HONEST AND OBJECTIVE ONCE-OVER. THEN REMOVE ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT IS TAKING AWAY FROM ITS APPEAL. YOU WANT YOUR PLACE TO BE INSTANTLY DESIRABLE, SAYS ROB DOES

TAGING YOUR HOME pays off.

We have all seen them, the slick, computer-generated AI images on Idealista or ImoVirtual. Richly decorated living rooms with trendy furniture, cool colours and light, lots of light.

With the arrival of easily applicable AI solutions, the virtual furnishing of (old) homes is taking off. But honestly, I’m not a fan of this bag of tricks. Ultimately, the potential buyer will visit your house and then the slick images will be replaced by reality. Disappointment is around the corner and the potential buyer will feel at least a bit tricked...

Just give me a clean and tidy house to sell.

Go on a date

Selling your house can be seen as going on a date with someone really special. After all, on such a date you don’t wear your everyday clothes, but you choose something that you look and feel especially good in, maybe go to the hairdresser, and you ask your best friend’s opinion!

The same goes for selling your house. Too often, I am surprised by the nonchalance with which a house is being put on the market. The Algarve is a great place to buy and sell homes. But you still need to make an effort!

The first step is to ensure everything is tidy and clean – not only during possible viewings, but also when taking photos. No dishes on the counter, loose laundry in the bathroom, toys on the floor or the pool robot in the water.

Provide beautiful photos with some special interior elements that give your home that little bit extra. It’s all about the first impression, and initial interest in your home is aroused by viewing the images online.

Not too personal

When the interested parties cross the threshold of your home, it helps to have stored away some of your

Make a to-do list of five jobs. With two days of DIY, your home will look so much better. Remove superficial damage that may indicate hidden defects.

personal items. With too much on show, a viewer may feel more like an intruder than a potential buyer and have difficulty projecting themselves into your property.

Only leave items on display that really add something to your interior. Maybe you have a beautiful shawl that you can hang loosely over a chair in your bedroom. Or a luxurious perfume bottle and a stack of snow-white towels in the bathroom. Or the latest book by a popular author on your bedside table.

But you have to remove your bathrobe from the bathroom, the toothpaste tube and nail brush, and the discoloured bath mat. And, of course, the halffull bottle of wine in the kitchen.

Strengthen the good impression with a nice fresh scent in your home. A scented candle or the smell of fresh coffee also add a great touch to the interior.

Small improvements

An important step in home staging is to walk through the house with a good friend and look at your house with the eyes of a visitor. Make a to-do list of five jobs that will immediately improve your home. With two days of DIY, your house will immediately look so much better. Remove superficial damage that may indicate hidden defects.

Actual staging

If you don’t have time to patch the holes in the wall, invest in some large mirrors or neutral artwork. Also think about buying flowering plants to decorate some empty spaces. If you have already moved, you might consider staging the living and dining rooms. Pre-loved furniture can be found in shops like Kit & Caboodle (Almancil, Alcantarilha) and also at the Wooff Charity Shop by ARA in Almancil and Loulé. With some friendly decoration and upcycled furniture, your home will instantly look attractive, professional and inviting! And that will make all the difference. Good luck!

SHRUBS AND TRUBS

THESE DAYS, WITH MORE PERMANENT GARDENS IN MIND RATHER THAN JUST WATER THIRSTY FLOWERING ANNUALS OR PERENNIALS OR WATERWISE SUCCULENTS AND ALOES, CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHRUB AND/OR TRUB CAN BE SOMETHING OF A CHALLENGE

Words: BURFORD HURRY

WHAT WOULD you consider if you were starting a garden or elevating your present green space to a new level? Which shrubs, and what trubs (the latter is a shrub that has pretensions to be a small tree +/3m) will give your gardens additional interest or colour?

It’s even more complicated if you are a gardener and have decided to make a permanent move from one continent to another. What plants and seeds would you take with you? And why would you want to take any plant?

The first question for me when I relocated from Zimbabwe to Portugal was fairly easy to answer. Because our first home was to be in an apartment with a large terrace, I took a tiny hybrid orange Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), bred by a neighbour, of seeds of a local Zimbabwean Paw paw (Asimina trilobada).

I suppose the answer to the second question was that the plant and seeds were a reminder of where I came from and kept me company while I settled. Even better, they both survived the flight. The Paw paw seeds were sown, and when they arrived eagerly all at once in their seed tray on our terrace my next dilemma was what was I to do with a hundred or more Paw paw seedlings in an apartment? I asked Helena, my local estate agent, if she knew of anyone who might be interested. Yes, she had an uncle who was a farmer. The upshot was a couple of years after we had moved house, I had a stranger ringing the doorbell of our new quintal cradling in both hands a rather large Paw paw.

Those that work for you

Once we moved house and had a quintal and some soil, I started looking for suitable shrubs. I was familiar with oleanders but it took me a while to identify the lovely large white flowering shrub I had seen in a garden on the main road from Faro to Loulé. It was

The colours of summer, and plants that love our climate: Previous page:

clockwise: Lagerstroemia indica; Hibiscus syriacus; Tetradenia

a viburnum (Viburnum tinus). It was the beginning of a long association with them as viburnum’s shiny blue-black berries are eaten by birds and as a result are often found volunteering in gardens. It is no surprise that they are common, as V. tinus is native to the Mediterranean and North African regions and is one of the more dominant plants on the fringes of scrubland woods (cork and holm oak) and thickets. Being native, it is also pretty hardy so they are a very worthwhile addition to any garden.

However, for the quintal I settled on a mock orange (Philadelphus coronaries), a similar shrub, which like the viburnum is a native of Southern Europe. I love the mock orange for its large clusters of perfumed white blossoms on slender twiggy branches. It’s the kind of shrub that gives you breathing space in a shrubbery. A Cape Royal plumbago followed and she filled a corner of the quintal with her brilliant dark blue exuberant flowers. My precious hybrid Strelitzia reginae was rescued from her pot and planted out. She grew strongly and I found, to my delight, that she was not only beautifully elegant but she was also waterwise. Much later I discovered the value of a silverberry (Elaeagnus x ebbingei) and one was planted.

Thinking big

When we moved to an even larger garden, I turned my attention to other shrubs and trubs. Buddleja

had a stranger ringing the doorbell of our new quintal, cradling in both hands a rather large Paw paw.

salviifolia was one of the first shrubs I planted. She comes in various shades, but I have a dark mauve colour. She was easy to grow, leggy like a teenager so can be rather untidy but she is worth having in the garden for her delightful perfume in January. In addition, both her fresh and dried leaves make an aromatic herbal tea. Left to grow, B. salviifolia will become a trub but she will need careful trimming to prevent her from becoming scraggy.

A much tidier trub is a Pride of India, also known as a crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) who, like the buddleia, has mauve flowers but comes in white, pink, mauve, purple or carmine, too. There are other advantages, as her small clouds of panicled soft crimped flowers arrive in late summer. She also sheds bark each year in patches to reveal pinkish grey, smooth, attractive silvery grey skin beneath which reminds me of the under bark of some gum trees. Deciduous and given some deep watering a couple of times in the start of her growth, Pride of India can share our summers, and in the autumn her leaves have strong clear autumn colours. With judicious trimming in the winter, she can also be kept as a low shrub.

Not everything is perfect

I

I have been less successful with a Bushveld gardenia (Gardenia volkensii), which I was trying to grow because I love the perfume of gardenias (Gardenia

Strelitzia reginae. This page, top left,

riparia; Gardenia jasminoides

jasminoides), but which don’t like our alkaline soil and anyway need regular watering. The bushveld gardenia on the other hand grows well in our barrocal with a little help of horse manure and compost for nutrition. She has an interesting shape with knobbly branches and unusual creamy bark, a non-aggressive root system and sweetly scented creamy white flowers.

Her demise came about because there was too much shade and competition for her in my green space. Unfortunately, I can’t replace her as I just don’t have the sunlight she needs.

A more successful addition to my garden was the cross berry (Grewia occidentalis), which grows well in my thicket, and also in more hostile environments.

I have seen a plant grown from one of my cuttings thriving, neglected and unloved in the Alentejo. She is a very decorative shrub and her small attractive flowers over her sprawling branches remind me of a scatter of tiny pink edelweiss. Local insects, in particular a large black metallic bumble bee, seem to like the flowers.

However, I have no signs as yet of the berries that give her the name. Birds like her, too; she has had one nest in her. Drought- hardy, the cross berry can be planted in full sun or in part shade. She grows with enthusiasm, but her roots are not invasive and she can be planted next to paths and buildings. Cross berries could also be trained into attractive trubs.

Also growing well and almost on top of the cross berry is a ginger bush (Tetradenia riparia). This is a soft wooded shrub with sticky gingery smelling leaves. Ginger bushes like sun but can take some shade. Sometimes they are called plume bushes because in March/April and onwards they are covered with lovely soft, misty, tiny mauve flowers which look almost ethereal.

On the other side of the cross-berry I planted a shrub, ‘Sheena’s gold’, a variety of Duranta repens, a shrub with lilac blue flowers and weeping branches and small green leaves. She is fairly drought resistant and during the summer tends to be withdrawn with not much growth but when trimmed in autumn sends up bursts of golden foliage in April and May and shows why she is called Sheena’s gold.

One shrub with a potential to be a glorious flowering trub is the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). She comes in various colours of white, red, purple, mauve, violet, or blue, or even as a bicolour with a different coloured throat, depending upon the cultivo.

There are two growing in a back street near me in São Clemente in Loulé and trained as demure but elegant cloches on slim trunks. One has double blue flowers, the other is a double white.

Every year in summer, despite drought or heat, they are covered in flowers. Deciduous, their leaves turn yellow before they drop in winter. Not watered they obviously cope with our hot summers and they actually need sun to be really happy.

Plants like these can really help to give our shrubby borders more colour, height and character. Plant one or two of them or take another look at your existing shrubs, perhaps amongst them you will find one or two that would like to be a trub. Whip out your secateurs and trim them and almost at once you will have an attractive plant that will add colour and height to your shrubbery. Worth a try?

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HIITS THE SPOT M

WHY TEN TO 40 MINUTES OF EXERCISE TOP TRUMPS AN HOUR OF STEADY-STATE CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING IN THE GYM

Words: SALLY DIXON

Y EARLY twenties were spent slogging away in the gym for at least an hour most days. If you hadn’t been hard at it for an hour, then what was even the point?

Make that nearer two hours, given the time I spent faffing around and talking to people in between. Two hours of my life wasted in the gym. I’m not sure where the magic 60 minutes come from, but it’s something gym goers, me included, have clung on to for many years. But these days, I’m all about the quick workout.

Enter HIIT, or High-Intensity Interval Training. Where have you been all my life?

Generally, a HIIT exercise session lasts anywhere from ten to 40 minutes and involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by a period of rest or lower intensity. HIIT is a time-efficient and effective way to improve your fitness

level, burn calories, and enhance various aspects of your health. When done consistently, I see the same if not better results than when I was putting in hours at the gym. The best thing is, I can do it at home with very little equipment.

If you’ve got a busy schedule or are one of those people who say they just don’t have time to exercise, then HIIT is for you. You can’t pull out the ‘don’t have time’ excuse with HIIT training. Everyone has ten minutes, right?

The beauty of HIIT is that you can tailor it to your needs and time constraints. It is highly adaptable to your schedule, fitness level, and preferences. Plus, you can choose from a wide variety of exercises and intensities, making it easy to customise your routine based on your goals. Can you tell I’m a fan?

HIIT training can be a great mood lifter. If you’re feeling a bit low then the invigoration and satisfaction of a short HIIT workout is a game changer. Akin to dancing round the kitchen to your favourite song, I find HIIT helps shift my energy and focus.

HIIT newbies might start with shorter intervals and longer recovery periods, while more advanced individuals may opt for longer, more intense intervals with shorter recovery times.

So, what does the science say? A 2021 meta-analysis (where lots of smaller studies are looked at and the results pooled) found that HIIT in older adults had positive benefits in terms of physical fitness, cardiorespiratory health, muscle strength, and reduced levels of triglyceride and glucose in the blood; improving the chances of ageing well. What was the sweet spot in terms of training times and duration? The same study found training periods greater than 12 weeks, with two sessions per week, 40 minutes each session including six sets and repetitions, with around 60 seconds work and up to 90 seconds rest on each repetition to be most beneficial. Confused? Check out our typical HIIT structure below.

HIIT isn’t just about torching calories and boosting fitness –it could also be your ticket to better sleep! In a separate 2021 meta-analysis, researchers discovered that sweating it out with HIIT sessions could seriously upgrade your sleep quality. Significant positive sleep effects were seen in those who participated in sessions lasting longer than 16 minutes, done consistently over eight weeks. And we should all know by now the health-giving benefits of a good night’s sleep!

A TYPICAL STRUCTURE FOR A HIIT WORKOUT:

1. Warm-Up

Five minutes of light aerobic activity (eg jogging, jumping jacks) to prepare your body for exercise and increase blood flow to your muscles.

2. High Intensity Interval Training

Alternating periods of high-intensity exercise with periods of rest or low-intensity recovery. The high-intensity intervals can range from 20 seconds to two minutes, followed by recovery periods ranging from 10-90 seconds, depending on your fitness level.

3. Cool Down

Five minutes of low-intensity exercise (eg walking, stretching) to gradually lower your heart rate, prevent dizziness, and promote muscle recovery.

If you’ve got no idea how to structure a HIIT session, then I’ll share a little secret with you. I use an app called 7 Minute Workout by Bytesize. It features a free 7-minute workout called “the original workout exercises” and you can tailor the time of the exercise and recovery periods to your needs.

I usually do the programme three times round, giving me a 21-minute HIIT session, but you can get a nice workout in by just doing the seven minutes. It’s a full body workout for days when you don’t have much time but want the feel-good vibes and health benefits of moving your body.

As always, consult with a fitness professional before starting any new exercise programme, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. It’s important to listen to your body and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your HIIT workouts over time to avoid overtraining and reduce the risk of injury. Listen to your body and ensure you’re performing the exercises with proper form to prevent injury.

Supervised HIIT sessions are on the schedule at The Campus (Quinta do Lago) and Titan Fitness Algarve (Luz).

References https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2021.111345 https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010973

The benefits of HIIT training

1 Time Efficient

HIIT workouts are typically shorter than traditional steady-state cardio workouts because they involve alternating periods of intense exercise with brief recovery periods. This makes them great for people with busy schedules.

2 Calorie burning

HIIT can help you burn more calories in a shorter amount of time compared to steadystate cardio. The high-intensity intervals push your body to work harder, which can lead to greater calorie expenditure, both during and after the workout, due to the afterburn effect.

3 Cardiovascular health

HIIT can improve cardiovascular health by increasing your heart rate and improving your body’s ability to utilize oxygen. This can lead to improvements in heart function, lower blood pressure, and better circulation.

4 Metabolic health

HIIT has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It may also increase metabolic rate, leading to better fat burning and weight management over time.

5 Muscle building

While HIIT primarily focuses on cardiovascular fitness, it can also help build and preserve muscle mass, especially when incorporating resistance exercises into the intervals.

6 It’s fun!

HIIT workouts often involve a variety of exercises and movements, which can keep your workouts interesting and prevent boredom.

7 Accessibility

HIIT workouts can be adapted to suit people of all fitness levels and can be done with or without equipment, gym or no gym.

Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. That’s part of what makes each of us unique. Finding a new bikini or swimsuit can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating adventure.

For my beachwear collection, I was searching for highquality materials, timeless designs and a comfortable fit. When I came across MYMARINI from Hamburg, I knew this is what I was looking for. Born out of love for surfing, the bikinis and swimsuits appeal with minimalist designs, sporty and elegant cuts and combine sustainability and style with ease. Bikini tops and bottoms can be bought separately, are reversible and come in solid colours so there are real mix and match opportunities.

By contrast, my ever-growing section of men’s beach shorts come in vibrant patterns, bold colours and flowery designs.

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

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

EUROPE’S AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT

WHEN THE PORTUGUESE KING, DOM JOÃO VI DIED IN 1826, IT WAS WHISPERED THAT HIS SON MIGUEL WAS IMPLICATED IN A PLOT TO KILL HIM. IN THE 1990 s, THE KING ’ S HEART CONTAINED IN A CHINESE CERAMIC POT WAS EXHUMED AND REHYDRATED. SCIENTISTS CONFIRMED IT CONTAINED A LETHAL DOSE OF ARSENIC... ENOUGH TO KILL TWO PEOPLE

Words: CAROLYN KAIN

IN THE BEGINNING: Behind the new philosophies that brought about the Age of Enlightenment, science and reason challenged the absolute right of kings to rule. Over time, Dom João and his oldest son, Pedro, Emperor of Brazil, began to favour these progressive ideas.

At odds with them, Miguel and his devoted mother mocked the notion of ‘enlightenment’ and clung onto a conservative point of view. They longed for their personal advancement but that was impossible while the King was still alive.

Aged 58, Dom João was in good health but in the space of six days he suffered terrible sickness, convulsions and inexplicably died. Rumours circulated about what could have happened. Had Miguel, urged on by his Spanish mother, poisoned the King and if so why? The mystery has a beginning, middle but no end.

The King’s heir apparent was his eldest son Pedro, Emperor of Brazil, but according to fundamental principles he could not be sovereign of two countries. Preferring to remain in Brazil, he abdicated in favour of his seven-year-old daughter to become Queen Maria II of Portugal. Ruling under a liberal Constitutional Charter, Miguel was to be her Regent and when she came of age she would be his wife.

Hoping this move would unite his family, Pedro’s decision proved to be naïve. He was unaware that his brother and their mother had conjured up a plot to usurp Maria. Within days of Miguel taking up the Regency, he was declared by a throng of his supporters as ‘absolute king’ – Dom Miguel I. Enraging progressive politicians and liberal citizens who were in favour of a parliamentary system, Miguel made it clear that he had no intention of following the Constitutional Charter. He dissolved the contract drawn up by his brother, failed to implement new elections and, despite the anger expressed by the liberals, his coup d’état was a success.

Was this the outcome Miguel and his mother had planned? Supported by landowners and the Church, Portugal was once again an absolute monarchy and Miguel its absolute King.

had outlived a husband she despised and seen her favourite son rise to be King. But predictions of a liberal invasion began to circulate; supporters of Maria were gathering on the island of Terceira in the Azores. Meanwhile, in Brazil Pedro’s situation had become tenuous and there was talk of him abdicating his role as Emperor to his oldest son and returning to Portugal.

Civil War was looming. Now as her health failed, the Dowager Queen lay on her deathbed with none of her nine children by her side. Clutching a miniature of her beloved Miguel, some say that in her final days she committed suicide.

THE CIVIL WAR: Leaving Brazil, Pedro sailed for Britain where he gained the support of French, British and Belgian soldiers prepared to challenge Miguel’s rule. Landing in Portugal near Porto, various blood-curdling encounters took place and Pedro’s forces were encircled by the so-called Miguelite army.

The siege lasted for a year and the deadlock was only broken when a complex plan was devised to attack Miguel’s forces in Lisbon. A naval expedition set sail from Porto transporting a squadron of 2,500 land soldiers heading for the Algarve.

Charles Napier, who had distinguished himself in Britain’s Royal Navy, landed the Duke of Terceira and his squadron close to the mouth of the River Guadiana. Their mission was to march north to Lisbon. Napier with his small fleet set off to meet them there and provide a pincer movement from land and sea. Encountering Miguel’s much larger fleet off the Cape of St Vincent had not been in the plans.

Had Miguel, urged on by his Spanish mother, poisoned the King, and if so why?

THE MIDDLE YEARS: Some Portuguese argued on behalf of Maria that the Constitutional Charter, including the Chamber of Peers and the Chamber of Deputies, should be reinstated. However, it was unwise for them to be outspoken. Although most countries in Western Europe had moved towards forms of democracy, in Portugal ‘enlightenment’ and ‘liberalism’ were dirty words. Spurred on by his mother, Miguel strengthened his position as Absolute Monarch by arresting and executing any liberals who challenged his position. Thousands fled into exile, many of them to Britain and France and others to the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores. The remainder kept their views to themselves. Revolts in military garrisons in Porto and Lagos were successfully suppressed by volunteers who joined Miguel’s army and in mainland Portugal most people accepted their new King.

His mother, who resided alone in Lisbon’s Queluz Palace,

Three hundred and seventy two cannons versus 176. It was a bloody business. Ninety of Napier’s sailors, most of them British, were killed while the ill-trained Portuguese enemy lost many more men and their fleet limped off defeated.

Napier arrived in Lisbon to rapturous cheers, flaunting a frigate and a corvette he had captured and a brig and corvette that had defected from Miguel’s side. For showing extraordinary seamanship and personal bravery, fighting hand to hand on board the enemy’s ships, Napier was promoted to Admiral and honoured with the title Viscount, Count Cape St Vincent.

Those who thought the war was over were very much mistaken. The nine-month period of stalemate that followed allowed more soldiers to be recruited on both sides. Miguel had over 20,000 troops to back him, made up of the aristocracy and the peasant population galvanised by the Church. Pedro had the support of city dwellers and in a significant and advantageous development in 1833 the Spanish joined his side. There was brutal fighting, blood baths on the battle fields, horrific injuries and the loss of thousands of lives. The concept of ‘enlightenment’ was overwhelmed by death.

The final Battle of Asseiceira and the signing of a peace accord at Evoramonte brought the devastation to an end. Miguel relinquished his claim to the throne and was exiled, never to return to Portugal again.

After six long years of war the country was bankrupt. Most people welcomed the peace although, unaccountably, in the Algarve Miguel’s supporters engaged in skirmishes for another four years.

NIGEL MOORE NEEDLEWORK

PS: “This image has a fascinating range of textures and I appreciated the fact that most of the image is crisp and sharp. The processing, which keeps certain parts of the image very dark, serves to accentuate the lighter areas with the gloved hands, and adds drama and atmosphere to the image. Essentially, there’s a broad tonal range just where it’s needed, and this serves to focus the viewer’s attention on the focal point”

Pavel Suba, who specialises in photojournalism, feature photography, portraits and macro, assessed dozens of ‘Helping Hands’ submissions from members of the Algarve Photographers Group and chose his five favourites, and why each scored points

ROBERT POOL SHELLING FAVAS

PS: “The composition is fresh and clean, with an interesting interplay of lines and shapes: the table – horizontal and vertical; the hands – diagonals; the bowls/ glass – circles. The hands, two of which are still and sharp, and two which are in movement add a pleasing dynamic. Most of the image is crisp, sharp and well exposed, and there is a wide range of tones. All the shadows and highlights show detail. In an image such as this, the technical excellence enhances the general quality.”

HELPING HANDS

HEIDI BECK

READY TO FLY AGAIN

PS: “It seems the photographer darkened certain areas of the image to emphasise the seagull, the bright white of which stands in stark contrast with the rest of the image. Indeed, it’s the brightest part of the composition, although there’s a complete range of highlight detail in the bird’s plumage. Images such as this are tricky to process, but this one has been done successfully. You can also see the man’s love for the seagull, and the bird seems calm and trustful. A moving image.”

LIGIA GLOVER

TWO WORLDS

PS: “An original and unusual image that one doesn’t see every day. There’s a pleasing array of colours, especially the blue of the water contrasting with the bright colours of the fish. The light parts of the hand further serve to accentuate the vivid colours of the fish. The sharpness of the bottom half of the image is accentuated by the blurry top half of the image/ reflections and the view can see something like a window to what’s going on above the water surface.”

GLYN PARRY

TYING THE KNOT

PS: “It’s technically a very well executed and processed image, with almost front-to-back sharpness and a broad range of contrast/ tones, which is vital in an image which shows a variety of different textures. Details such as the gel nails, the tie, and the the woman’s shirt invite the viewer to think about the national, cultural and social backgrounds of the people in the image. I personally might have darkened the top hand (the left) just a little, to balance it with the right hand, but this is subjective.”

Fancy a convertible?

LAPTOP OR TABLET? IT’S THE FREQUENT TRAVELLER’S ETERNAL DILEMMA. A LAPTOP IS CLEARLY BEST FOR WORK, BUT A TABLET MAKES RELAXATION MUCH MORE, WELL, RELAXING. PACKING BOTH WOULD BE NICE BUT SUDDENLY YOU ARE CARRYING A HUGE WEIGHT OF TECH THAT ALL NEEDS CHARGING. IS THERE AN OPTION?

Words: CHRIS PARTRIDGE

THERE IS, and it is where the 2-in1 or convertible laptop, which can transform from a laptop to a tablet by folding or detaching the keyboard, and offers unique features that make it an attractive choice for people on the move. One of the most significant advantages of a 2-in-1 convertible laptop is its versatility. When you need to type extensively or perform tasks that require precision and multiple windows, you can use it in laptop mode with the physical keyboard. When you want to read, watch video, play games or make a presentation you can switch to tablet mode. This flexibility makes a 2-in-1 an excellent choice for professionals and creatives who need a device that can adapt to various tasks.

2-in-1 convertible laptops often come with features that

enhance productivity, such as touchscreens with stylus support. The stylus is particularly useful for note-taking, drawing, and editing documents or images. This feature is a significant advantage over regular laptops, which typically lack touchscreen capabilities, and over tablets, which often lack the processing power and software compatibility needed for more intensive tasks, such as graphics and photo and video editing. With a 2-in-1, you can easily annotate documents, create digital art, or quickly jot down ideas, all of which can boost productivity and creativity.

While regular laptops can be bulky and tablets sometimes lack the functionality needed for work, 2-in-1 convertibles strike a balance between these extremes. Many are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry around, and despite their compact size, do not compromise on performance,

offering powerful processors and ample storage.

Also, a 2-in-1 convertible laptop can be more cost-effective than buying a separate laptop and tablet. By consolidating your devices into one, you save on the cost of buying and maintaining two separate pieces of equipment. Additionally, a single device means you don’t have to worry about synching data across devices or dealing with compatibility issues.

Operating systems

An important benefit of convertible laptops is that they run full desktop operating systems, such as Windows or ChromeOS, unlike most tablets that use mobile platforms like iOS or Android. Full desktop operating systems offer greater software compatibility and functionality, allowing you to run professional-grade applications like Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and various development tools that are often not available or are limited on mobile platforms.

The desire for a tablet that runs a ‘proper’ operating system has fuelled the remarkable success of Microsoft’s Surface range of tablets, which run on Windows and come with a number of cleverly-designed keyboards and styluses that enable them to work smoothly in either laptop or tablet mode.

Unfortunately for MacOS users, Apple does not offer any convertibles, but the new iPads are clearly intended for work as well as play, with their stylish keyboard stands and the remarkable new Apple Pencil.

Using a 2-in-1 convertible laptop can be more ergonomic than using a tablet or a regular laptop. The ability to switch between different modes allows you to find the most comfortable position for your task. For instance, you can use tent mode for watching videos, stand mode for presentations, and laptop mode for typing. This flexibility can help reduce strain on your neck, back, and wrists, promoting better posture and comfort during extended use.

2-in-1 convertibles generally offer better connectivity options compared to tablets. They come with multiple ports, such as USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and SD card readers, which are often absent or limited on tablets. This array of ports allows you to connect various peripherals and accessories, enhancing the functionality of your device. Whether you need to connect to an external monitor, transfer files from a USB drive, or use an external keyboard and mouse, a 2-in-1 convertible laptop provides the necessary connectivity options.

Many 2-in-1 convertible laptops are built with durability in mind, often featuring robust construction and high-quality materials. They are designed to withstand the rigours of daily use, whether it’s being tossed into a backpack or used in various environments. Additionally, these devices tend to receive regular software updates and support from manufacturers, ensuring they remain secure and functional for years to come.

By consolidating your devices, you save on the cost of buying and maintaining two separate pieces of equipment.

pick of the convertibles

LENOVO YOGA 7I GEN 9

The Yoga, with its screen that folds over backwards to go from laptop to slate mode, has long been a favourite with people who want a foot in both camps. It can also be used in ‘tent’ mode for watching videos or making presentations. The brilliant 14in screen is bigger than most tablets and comes with a pen for sketching and writing. Inside, the latest Intel Raptor processor provides more than enough power. From €1,199 at lenovo.com

MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO 9

For those who want a tablet that thinks its a laptop, the Surface Pro 9 is ideal. Running Windows, the Surface has a kickstand to keep it upright, and has a range of accessories, including a magneticallyattached keyboard, an excellent stylus, a wireless mouse and a well-regarded pair of headphones. Microsoft offers bundles comprising the tablet, keyboard and a subscription to Microsoft 365, with other accessories offered at a discount. From £800 at microsoft.com

ACER CHROMEBOOK SPIN 713

ChromeOS from Google is now firmly established as a capable work and play option, and the Acer Chromebook Spin takes full advantage of its power and flexibility. Construction is robust and its 13-hour battery life makes it a good choice for travellers. From £699 at acer.com

Longevity and regenerative medicine

DR THOMAS KAISER OF THE FAMILY MEDICAL CENTRE, WITH PRACTICES IN VALE DO LOBO AND QUINTA D0 LAGO, BELIEVES THAT WORKING TOGETHER WITH PATIENTS PRODUCES REAL AND LASTING RESULTS

ALL BIG INVESTORS are investing in health-tech and longevity. There seems to be a school of thought that long lasting good health can be achieved with data collection, apple watches and fit bits.

The reality is even more promising. Doctors and scientists already know a lot about the methods to adopt to age healthily, happily and gracefully.

The main obstacle on a path to better health, feeling energised and happier is not a lack of knowledge but putting our knowledge into practice and being consistent, and in the implementation of our lifestyle improvements.

The secrets lie in joyful reduction of energy consumption, sophisticated nutrition and exercise together with daily mental exercises.

The process starts with a yearly in-depth health check during which problems can be detected early and cured before they become a major problem. We, in the Family Medical Centres, also check if the human engine runs at its best and not only if there is a fault. It makes a big difference on how we feel and perform if the levels of hormones, vitamins and minerals are optimal and not just within normal limits.

out with joy and elegance and that it can be great fun to start the path of better health, greater fitness and more attractive looks.

We design individual health and wellbeing strategies with you, our client, knowing that we are all different, and off the shelf “one size fits all” plans are no successful. Using the latest data from cutting edge longevity research work we establish an effective perfect health plan.

When it comes to resolving active health problem, we support our patients with a network of the best doctors and therapists with whom we stay in close contact whilst you are being treated by them.

We support our patients with a network of the best doctors and therapists.

After the initial assessment, doctor and patient agree on a “best health plan”, which incorporates all the important elements of optimal physical and mental health.

These are lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, mental training, preventative health monitoring, proven and effective beauty hacks, and supplements.

We support the patient with a holistically thinking doctor, nutritionist, personal trainer and psychologist. We do not aim for quick fixes but for long lasting and sustainable lifestyle improvements.

Our philosophy is that all changes should be carried

Healthier and happier looks:

We are complementing your healthy efforts with providing aesthetic medicine treatment of the latest generation, including stem cell injections, PRP, collagen stimulators and, of course, Botox and HA-fillers.

We also keep a very close eye on your skin with regards to sun damage and so-called age spots. We have cutting edge methods to keep your skin healthy and glowing with vitality.

We also prescribe tailor made hormone replacement therapies, probably the most powerful game changer in anti-ageing medicine.

WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT HEALTH AND WELLBEING

At the Family Medical Centres we live what we preach and teach. And we are convinced that it can be great fun to achieve your individual health goals with you. Smile, dream and run!

s 2000 s

PRINCESS CAROLINE OF MONACO

Princess Caroline is the daughter of both European royalty – her father was the late Rainier III, hereditary ruler of the Principality of Monaco – and Hollywood royalty in the person of movie icon Grace Kelly.

However, her life does not seem to have been an easy one. She has described her childhood as one of “duty, obedience and guilt” as she was mostly brought up by nannies rather than her parents.

Her first husband, Philippe Junot, was a French property developer considerably older than her, and the marriage only lasted for two years. In 1982, Caroline’s mother Princess Grace died in a car crash.

The following year Caroline married businessman and power-boat racer Stefano Casiraghi, with whom she had three children. Her husband was killed in a power boat accident in 1990. In 1999, Caroline married again, this time to a German aristocrat, Prince Ernst August of Hanover. The couple officially separated in 2009.

Caroline always had a problematic relationship with the press - especially when photographs of her children appeared without her permission in a German magazine. Her brother Prince Albert inherited his father’s title in 2005 and Caroline became Heir Presumptive. After Albert’s marriage to Charlene Wittstock in 2011 and the birth of their twins, the order of succession changed, and when Princess Charlene became ill in 2021 Caroline stepped in as Monaco’s temporary First Lady.

Where are they now?

SO MUCH IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE MONARCHY RECENTLY THAT WE DECIDED TO CHECK OUT SOME ROYAL NAMES TO SEE WHAT THEY ARE DOING NOW. AND OUR HOLLYWOOD CELEB THIS MONTH IS ABOUT AS CLOSE AS YOU CAN GET TO BEING REGAL

Words: JILL ECKERSLEY

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH

Prince Edward, who was made Duke of Edinburgh after the death of his father Prince Philip, is the fourth child of the late Queen Elizabeth. He attended Gordonstoun, the same school as his brother King Charles, and then studied History at Oxford. He briefly served in the Royal Marines but his interests were more in arts and theatre.

In 1999 he married Sophie Rhys-Jones, a former secretary who had worked at London’s Capital Radio and later ran her own PR company. The couple share an interest in youth work, conservation and the arts and have taken on active roles in what King Charles has described as a “slimmed-down working monarchy,” especially this year after the King’s cancer diagnosis and that of the Princess of Wales.

The Duke has naturally carried on his father’s involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and is also involved in charities like London Youth, which runs a network of youth clubs. He retains an interest in the military and visits them all over Europe. Both the Duke and Duchess travel widely, representing the King, to promote British interests abroad – including visits this year to South Africa and St Helena where the Duke apparently met the world’s oldest living animal, a 191-year-old giant tortoise!

Duchess Sophie is President of Girlguiding and most recently has been the first member of the British Royal Family to visit Baghdad and Ukraine. The couple have two children and live in Surrey.

BEAUTY CONTESTS

Beauty contests – or ‘pageants’ as they are known in the USA –have a longer history than we might imagine. They have their origins in medieval May Day festivals where it was traditional for a pretty young woman to be crowned May Queen. The tradition persisted – in 1839 Georgiana, Duchess of Somerset, was crowned at a medieval jousting re-enactment. However, the contests were not considered totally respectable until the late 19th century when a young lady judged ‘the most beautiful unmarried woman’ became the first Miss United States.

The very first Miss America pageant came along in 1921 and was part of an attempt to attract tourists to Atlantic City.

Major contests such as Miss World and Miss Universe often provoked controversy. 1951’s Miss Sweden dared to wear a bikini and was condemned by the Pope

Local beauty contests continued to be popular and major pageants were shown worldwide in the 50s as televisons began to be found in every home.

However, the major contests such as Miss World and Miss Universe often provoked controversy.

1951’s Miss Sweden dared to wear a bikini and was condemned by the Pope. One-piece swimsuits became de rigueur but were disapproved of in some parts of the world for cultural reasons.

Then in 1970, a group from the Women’s Liberation Movement in Britain flour-bombed the contest, which was being presented by Bob Hope on TV, on the grounds that being judged only on their looks demeaned women. There were also complaints about a lack of diversity – Vanessa Williams was the first Black Miss America in 1984. Some winners had to resign, like Britain’s Helen Morgan, the 1974 winner, who was revealed to be a mother. British mainstream TV stopped screening the Miss World contest in 1988 but it retains its popularity in other parts of the world, and India will be hosting the 2024 contest.

JAMIE LEE CURTIS

Actress, film producer and most recently author of a series of successful children’s books, Jamie Lee Curtis left her original title of ‘Scream Queen’ behind her long ago, after appearing in a run of highly successful horror movies including Hallowe’en and its sequels in the 70s and 80s.

She is, of course, the daughter of two earlier screen legends, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, although her parents divorced when she was very young. Jamie Lee dropped out of college to become an actor and her early screen successes continued, away from the horror genre, in movies as varied as Perfect in 1985 and A Fish called Wanda in 1988.

In spite of being nominated for just about every screen honour, from Baftas to Golden Globes, Oscars to Emmys, she announced her retirement from acting in 2006. Her children’s books sold well and she has also written blogs and podcasts before resuming film and TV work and being named a ‘Disney Legend’ this year. She is married to fellow actor Christopher Guest, best known for his role in rockumentary Spinal Tap. It’s said that she saw his photograph in a magazine and told a friend: “I’m going to marry that guy!” The couple have two adopted daughters and live in Los Angeles. In spite of her ‘Scream Queen’ title, Jamie Lee has admitted that she has yet to watch her friend Sigourney Weaver’s best-known role in Alien because it’s much too frightening!

Manuela, a German beautician with 30-years experience, offers the latest technologies at her Almancil salon, including:

The facts about Domicile

DOMICILE IS A HIGHLY COMPLEX AREA OF LAW AND ONE WHICH MANY MISUNDERSTAND. FOR BRITISH NATIONALS HERE IN PORTUGAL, IT IS A KEY FACTOR IN THE APPLICATION OF UK INHERITANCE TAX (IHT) AND OFTEN ONE THAT IS INCORRECTLY PLANNED FOR. MARK QUINN AND DEBRAH BROADFIELD OF THE SPECTRUM IFA EXPLAIN

What is domicile?

Firstly, domicile is not residency and they should not be confused. Domicile broadly determines IHT and residency determines income and capital gains tax.

There is no official definition of domicile (which only adds to the complexity) but a very loose definition is ‘where you have a permanent home’. However, just because you have moved to Portugal, established residency and a home here, it does not automatically change your domicile status.

Domicile is a subjective concept that is usually only challenged once you are gone, so planning correctly during your lifetime and leaving the right evidence behind for your executors is crucial if you intend to make a non-UK domicile claim.

How is it determined?

You can only have one domicile at a time and there are several types, the most relevant for expats are ‘origin’ and ‘deemed’.

‘Origin’ is acquired at birth, usually from your father, and it is never fully lost. It can be suspended by acquiring a new domicile of choice, but it is adhesive and it will revive if the new domicile is lost.

How to change domicile

The burden of proof lies with the person claiming the change and the standard is particularly onerous.

There is no checklist and your circumstances are looked at as a whole. Some factors that might be considered are family and business ties, location of friends and social interests, location of assets, acquisition of citizenship or languages spoken.

You can only have one domicile at a time; the most relevant for ex-pats are ‘origin’ and ‘deemed’

For example, if you moved to Portugal and satisfied a domicile of choice of Portugal but then moved to France, your UK domicile would revive on the move to France, and you would have to wait and satisfy the requirements again to shed your domicile of origin again – even if you never set foot in the UK again.

Acquiring a domicile of choice involves forming a clear and fixed intention for a new country to be your permanent home and therefore requires permanent residence.

Effects of changing domicile

The worldwide estates of UK domiciles are assessed for IHT in the UK, even if you live elsewhere. This is assessed at 40% tax above the threshold of £325,000 per person.

For non-UK domiciles, only UK-based assets are subject to UK IHT, eg UK property or company shares. Non-UK domiciles also have a £325,000 exemption per person to set against any UK situ assets.

Traps and mistakes to avoid

Non-domiciles by choice with a UK domicile of origin must be very careful with return visits to the UK, especially if they have a second home there. Incorrectly using IHT shelters such as QNUPS. These are intended to provide pension-saving provisions for non-UK residents but are often misadvised. Therefore, if HMRC deems it has been set up for tax-saving purposes rather than pension income provision it is likely to fail.

In some ways, these are open to failure if you have ‘too much’ wealth in there and it is clearly too much to support the level of income you require for retirement, holding the majority of your wealth within QNUPS, or holding assets that cannot provide that income, eg art or non-let property, just to name a few. HMRC are vigilant so careful planning is required.

Usually, any challenge will come after your death, and it is up to your personal representatives to prove your intentions in life and gather evidence – which may not be possible – so you must ensure your record-keeping and evidence is strong.

ASK THE EXPERTS

With over 35 years' experience, Debrah Broadfield and Mark Quinn are Chartered Financial Planners (level 6) and Tax Advisers specialising in cross-border advice for expatriates in Portugal on financial and tax planning issues.

REMOVALS

REMOVALS

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

STORAGE

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

• Full or part packing and wrapping service

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

• One/multiple items of furniture

• One box to full house removals

• One box to full house removals

• Villa to villa moves within the Algarve

• Storage available for long or short term

• Villa to villa moves within the Algarve

• Storage available for long or short term

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

Your money

RICARDO

CHAVES OF ALL FINANCE MATTERS IS HERE TO HELP PEOPLE UNDERSTAND AND DEAL WITH WHAT IS ALLOWABLE – AND NOT – WHEN IT

COMES

TO FINANCIAL

MATTERS

IN PORTUGAL. THIS MONTH, QUESTIONS INCLUDE CURRENCY TRANSFERS, FORMAL BUSINESS INVOICING, AND AGAIN, WHETHER DOMESTIC STAFF SALARIES ARE CHARGEABLE TO TAX

QCan you explain to me how these currency companies work and if there is any real advantage in using them if you have monies in another country? What sort of savings/income do you need to make it worthwhile?

Currency exchange companies are businesses that allow customers to swap one currency for another. They normally provide you with an exchange rate for the currency you want to convert to. This rate is usually derived from the international spot rate but adjusted to include a profit margin for the company.

Their rates of exchange and fees are in many occasions more favourable than traditional banks. You can also lock in an exchange rate for future transactions, protecting you from market volatility. Obviously, the more money you are exchanging, the more you’ll feel the impact of a better or worse exchange rate. But just imagine that you save 0.5% on a transaction, if the transference is £300,000, the saving could be £1,500.

Make sure you choose a regulated provider and compare the rates between different currency brokers.

QI know you must have discussed this before but I am newly settled here and ready to start taking on a cleaner and a gardener. Those I have interviewed (who have no connection that I know of with each other), have asked to be paid in cash, monthly, and say they expect an extra month salary twice a year, in June and December. Is this correct? I don’t want to get into a situation I am then stuck with.

We advise you to seek legal advice before hiring any domestic worker to ensure you are fully compliant. In Portugal, the labour laws stipulate that employees, including domestic workers, are entitled to 14 salaries per year – the regular 12 monthly salaries plus two additional payments known as the 13th and 14th salaries.

The 13th salary is typically paid as vacation pay, while the 14th salary is given as Christmas pay. If you prefer, and if the employee agrees, you can pay the 13th and 14th salaries in 12 monthly installments.

These two extra payments are a standard part of the employment compensation in Portugal and are designed to cover holiday periods and end-of-year festivities.

It’s important to ensure that, when hiring a domestic worker, you are aware of all your obligations and responsibilities, which also include contracting a worker’s accident insurance.

QHow does a small business invoice clients here formally? Do I simply send out invoices I generate, as one would do elsewhere, or is there a programme one has to use?

First, in Portugal, the invoices must be issued through a software certified by the tax authorities, or depending on your activity, the invoice can also be issued through the tax portal. Please note that it is not adequate to issue an invoice through Word or Excel, and any tax document, including a simple pro forma invoice, must be issued through the certified software.

You can either buy the software license for your business, or contract with an online service. The invoices need to display a QR Code on the first page, which contains all the invoice data, and also an ATCUD code, which is a unique code that identifies the invoice and confirms that it is valid.

All invoices need to be reported monthly to the tax authorities by the 5th. This means that you or your accountant should report by the 5 July the SAF-T file for June, which includes all documents issued in June.

It’s important that you realise that heavy fines can be applied if the file is not submitted and that if a business (or a sole trader) did not issue any invoices in that month, it also needs to inform the tax authorities by the 5th of the inexistence of any sales. The SAF-T file contains all data, and the tax authorities will have access to a lot of information, including the sales that were cancelled.

PLEASE NOTE: tax laws can be complex and change frequently, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or legal advisor for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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

QWhat is the situation and legality when people take over an area of land, build themselves a shack of sorts and put fencing around? This is an eyesore and also must diminish the value of my property?

AThis is a tricky matter, and in our assessment may not have an easy answer. If the occupied area is not yours, the solution is simple as you can resort to court and demand that repossession of the property is granted to you, as well as compensation for damages, ie the costs of putting the property to its original condition.

If we are talking about a neighbouring property, then you need to resort to public authorities, starting with local City Council, as very likely the ‘construction’ is in breach of the building and occupation of soil regulations. Depending on the classification of the area, you may also contact departments that are responsible for environmental protection. Also, if the shack, as sometimes happens, is used for keeping animals, you can approach the police, which has special units to deal with animal wellbeing.

If you are dealing with a neighbouring property and it is being occupied by squatters, you may address the owner and persuade him or her to take action to remove them from the property.

As stated, this is an area in which legal protection is not as clear, and/or applied with the vigour that recognises the importance of real estate investment in Portugal.

From experience, our clients who have been successful solving these problems were

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 LOOK AT CLAIMING COMPENSATION WHEN A PAID-FOR DENTAL PROCEDURE IS A FAILURE, AND ALSO ILLEGAL ‘ SHACKS ’

able to do it due to a persistent attitude, never giving up, and knocking on all possible public authority doors, and making sure that they are aware of each other’s involvement.

From experience, sometimes involving local media helps, as it can expose the lack of action by public authorities.

QI recently had two implants at a considerable cost. They are not fitting properly and trapping food, etc. I have explained this on the phone to the dentist’s office but can’t get an appointment – or even a conversation with him. What do I do to get him to sort the problem and/or get my money back and take my business elsewhere?

AFrom having trialled matters relating to implantology, and having spoken extensively to experts, as well as reading their reports, and questioning them at length in hearings, we are fully aware that this is an area in which clients unfortunately are sometimes, if not often, at risk.

Not being dentists, and emphasising that our opinion results only from my professional experience of dealing with these matters, we are of the opinion that a large percentage of the problems relating to implants result from deficient planning; we are led to believe the planning must be extensive and executed according to a rigorous protocol.

As in most matters of law, evidence is of the essence. The better documented you are, the better the chances you have of being successful. Obviously, you are not a medical expert and not expected to document the medical procedures in detail, but you

should save emails exchanged, budgets provided, records of the times you called the office, whether you had to travel, and costs, and, importantly, dated notes of the pain and suffering you incurred, including psychological effects.

Medicine is a highly technical and complex area, and before you start any procedure against the dentist, we advise that you should seek a second opinion, or even a third to ensure that there are indeed grounds to act against the dentist who did the implants.

Should the dentist continue to ignore your communications, you have two options: one is to get a lawyer to write to him, or her, and advise that you need to either have the problem resolved, or to be refunded and compensated for your costs of having to solve the problem elsewhere.

You can also present a complaint to the Dentists governing body – “Ordem dos Dentistas”, which is the equivalent of the General Dental Council in UK. This governing body can help mediate the conflict between you and the dentist and eventually get the dentist to correct the procedure to your satisfaction.

If nothing else works, you must resource to court and demand compensation. Our experience in these matters is that the judges are quite fair, and decide correctly, with the help of experts appointed by the court, who are normally highly qualified professionals. The problem with resorting to court is that as in most civil court proceedings you will be in for a long, and often expensive wait.

Email questions for Ramos Associados to martin@algarveplusmagazine.com

Italian Dining Experience & Lifestyle Destination

Set

Algarve'sPremier

ART

ARTLINK COLLECTIVE

São Brás 966 329 073 admin@amigosdomuseu.com Until 3 June

Local artists exhibiting their work - painting, intuitive abstract and digital composition.

PURE VISUAL JOY

O Santuário Galleria

Largo Vitorino Damásio 8A, Lisbon, Until 22 June

Abstract messages created between 1993 and 2008 by Portuguese painter Jorge Martins, and sculptures developed especially for this exhibition by Italian architect Martino Berghinz.

CHARLES RANDALL

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

To Cap It All, oil on canvas, 120x100cm

SEATY

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

Showing at The Conrad Algarve. Peace, mixed media on canvas, 132x115cm.

PHILIPP KEEL

In the Pink Gallery for Fine Photo Art Praça da República 69-75 Loule, 289 462 320 in-the-pink.com, On now Enjoy the sheer exuberance of Philipp Keel’s work, on show for the first time in Portugal and a celebration of the pleasure and strange beauty of random details and objects.

QUINTA ART COLLECTIVE

República 14, Olhão, 1 June-7 July

Works from Tracy Carson, Andrea B Designs, Jessica Dunn and Jane Preza in a sparkling new exhibition in Ohão’s great meeting place.

UOTA

Aderita Artistic Space Vale do Lobo 912 186 868 7-29 June

Dance 1, acrylic on linen 155x90cm

HALINA EKBERG

Gama Rama

Rua do Prior 13, Faro 961 371 891, Until 6 July

Graphic interpretations based on a story or theme. Mixed media, collage and printing with the focus on colour are the emotive forces here.

MUSIC

REPÚBLICA 14, OLHÃO

republica14.pt, Reservas@republica14.pt

8 June, 21h00

MANOUSKA – Gypsy Jazz with Nuno Marinho, guitar; Marian Yanchyk, violin; and Sandro Ottaviani, rhythm guitar.

15 June, 21h00

RIDING A METHEOR – a group from Faro with prog rock and symphonic rock influences, in a psychedelic mix. A visual and musical show in the open air back terrace of República 14.

22 June, 21h00

MARCO OLIVEIRA – A celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution - a poetic concert dedicated to protest songs and fundamental freedom.

ALGARVE JAZZ COLLECTIVE

Museu Do Traje São Brás, 966 329 073 admin@amigosdomuseu.com amigosdomuseu.com

16 June, 19h00

The Algarve Jazz Collective was created with the aim of stimulating the creation of jazz content in the Algarve and bringing together musicians from various parts of the region in an unprecedented formation. Marco Martins, artistic director and on bass, Leon Baldesberger on trumpet, Desidério Lázaro on saxophone, Miguel Martins on guitar and Maximiliano Llanos on drums with original themes, as well as the reinterpretation and arrangement of jazz standards. This should be an enthralling musical experience for all jazz enthusiasts. Tickets €15 (Amigos €12)

Amigos de Música

Os Agostos, Sta Bárbara de Nexe reservascontertos@gmail.com for concert bookings amigosdemusica.org

4 and 6 June

For the grand finale of the Amigos Concerts this season, three exceptional artists from England –Alissa Firsova, pianist, composer and conductor, Tim Hugh, cello, and Andrew Marriner, clarinet, will play clarinet trios by Brahms, Piazzola, and the Arpeggione Sonata by Schubert.

For full programme details, visit the website. Doors will open at 18:00 and concerts start at 19:00.

Wine, fruit juices and canapés will be available for self-service before the concert. Tickets are €30, payable in advance, and include refreshments.

EXPERIENCES

Museu do Traje

São Brás, 966 329 073 admin@amigosdomuseu.com amigosdomuseu.com

ARCHAEOLOGICAL TALK 4 June, 14h30

The origins and cultural history of the Opium poppy, presented by Hugo Oliveira, in English. Tickets €5 QUIZ – HELPING HANDS ALGARVE 11 June, 19:00

€3.50 to take part

BOOK SALE 27 June, 10h00 Entrance free

Vale do Lobo

valedolobo.com

Solar Observation

1 June, 17h00

Tennis Academy

Wolf Valley

Charity Golf Day

1 June, Golf Courses

Bootcamp

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 09h00 Fitness Centre HIIT

Wednesday, 09h00

Fitness Centre

Golf Guest Day, 15 June, Golf Courses

Fridays Run, 21 June, 20h30, Tennis Academy

CARLA PIRES

Fado Concert

15 June, Tennis Academy

Tickets: eventbrite.co.uk/e/ sunset-fado-by-carla-pirestickets-908245957107

GRINGO’S WASHBOARD BAND

Jazz concert

29 June, Tennis Academy

Tickets: valedolobo.com

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

LISBON BOOK FAIR

Eduardo VII Park

Praça Marquês de Pombal

Until 16 June

Staged by the International Publishers Association in the capital’s largest park is one of the oldest cultural festivals – inaugurated in the 1930s – where the public can delight in reading through and buying old and rare volumes. Most of the books are in Portuguese, but there are plenty of stalls showcasing publications in English.

ALGARVE CANDLE COMPANY

Pata de Cima, EN125 8 June, 11h00–10h00

It’s party time at everyone’s favourite candle maker.

Celebrating their fourth anniversary, Lauren and Pam are hosting a special event which will include a local artisan market with handmade products. And there’ll be the opportunity to win a luxury limitededition candle or an exclusive party bag filled with the brand’s best sellers.

Loulé Criativo

loulecriativo@cm-loule.pt, loulecriativo.pt

FB: @loulecriativo, IG: @loule_criativo

WORKSHOPS

MAKING A WOODEN CART: WORLD CHILDREN ’ S DAY

1 June, Palácio Gama Lobo, Loulé

Partner: Wesley Sacardi Registration: loulecriativo@cm-loule.pt

ROPE WOVEN CHAIR SEATS

8 June, Palácio Gama Lobo, Loulé

Partner: Maria João Registration: loulecriativo@cm-loule.pt

CYANOTYPE WITH ELEMENTS OF THE ALGARVE FLORA

15 June, Palácio Gama Lobo, Loulé

Partner: Sandra Nascimento Registration: deepblue.hello@gmail.com

MACRAMÉ: DECORATIVE PANEL

22 June, Oficina dos Têxteis, Loulé

Partner: Desi Cornelisse

Registration: jomohandmade@gmail.com

CIRCULAR TAPESTRY

29 June, Oficina dos Têxteis, Loulé Partner: Susana Mendez Registration: susanamendez.studio@gmail.com

COURSES

BEGINNERS ’ SEWING COURSE, LEVEL II

20–22 and 27–29 June, Palácio Gama Lobo, Loulé Coordination: Ana Guerra and Verónica Tomé Registration: v.tome@sapo.pt

WATERCOLOR PAINTING WORKSHOPS

Figs on the Funcho, 912 595 539 cheryl@figsonthefuncho.com

8-10 June, with Rita Afonso wetravel.com/trips/3-botanical-watercolour-paintingworkshops-june-figs-on-the-funcho-86131769 15-20 June, with AlisArt

Still life, loose style, fisherman’s village, sketchbooks, historical town, textures. wetravel.com/trips/alisart-painting-individualworkshops-june-2024-figs-on-the-funcho-36042468

Sand city

EN125, Sítio dos Lombos 252-A, 8400-395 Lagoa 969 459 259, geral@prosandart.com, sandcity.pt

FIESA – the International Sand Sculpture Festival – is the largest exhibition of sand sculptures in the world and this year boasts some 120 works by more than 60 different artists, based on international themes, well-known personalities, or simple curiosities. It is an extraordinary site and makes for a brilliant day’s outing for the whole family. Check the website for details of events, and also ticket prices.

OPENING HOURS

Until 9 June, 10h00 to 19h00

Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

10 June–15 September, 10h00 to 23h00

Open every day.

16 September–20 October 10h00 to 19h00

Open every day.

21 October–15 November, 10h00 to 18h00

Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Free parking for 300 cars.

Vilamoura Boat Show

8-16 June, 11h00–21h00, vilamouraboatshow.fil.pt/ The biggest national nautical event on land and sea, the Vilamoura Boat Show is more than just an exhibition of boats, as it brings together all types of vessels, new and semi-new (brokerage), but also manufacturers, brand representatives of accessories, equipment and integrated services, and enables visitors to experience and test equipment in an engaging setting.

And finally

YOU CAN ’ T BLAME HIM. ANTHONY MARTIN CANNOT DEAL WITH EGGS BEING SOLD IN FIVES OR TENS INSTEAD OF THE SIXES AND TWELVES WE ARE USED TO. AND WHAT HAPPENS TO THE TRADITIONAL BAKER ’ S DOZEN, WHICH WAS ACTUALLY 13? IT IS GOING TO NEED A NEW NAME AND IDENTITY

IT IS NICE to know that the world’s movers and shakers, the great and good who, every year, take their private planes and fly into Davos for the World Economic Forum where they exchange ideas regarding putting the world to rights, have finally tackled the rank consumerism that pervades our society. They, with their infinite knowledge, have made the executives’ executive decision that, in order for our world to survive, we must cut back on our use of non-sustainable goods.

This is A GOOD THING, as long as you realise that the ‘we’ referred to in the sentence are you and me, and that the movers and shakers must be allowed to continue their moving and shaking while burning gazillions of gallons of aviation fuel in order to discuss saving the world.

Now, I am all for sustainability and the reduction of over-consumption, but I do wonder whether a member of the Mars family came away from a Davos jolly and decided that, for the good of personkind (or whatever we are supposed to call it today), the worldfamous chocolate bar that bears their name should be reduced from 65g to 51g.

How dare they sit in their glass-walled offices and decide as to the well-being of my teeth, my blood-sugar level and the size of my waist. Are they saying: “Oh no squire, it’s for your own good – nothing to do with profit”?

with less material or their bottom line.

Keep the same price for less product; they’re calling it shrinkflation and it’s everywhere. Toiletries, cereals, and all products in the FMCG sector (which to those who do not habitually pepper their sentences with phrases such as ‘multi-touch revenue attribution’ and ‘minimum viable product’, means Fast Moving Consumer Goods). And as a result, they will move even faster now they are half the size. For example, I couldn’t buy six eggs today; it was either a box of five or one of ten.

And this brings me to the chickens. Have you noticed how small their legs have become? Half a chicken and a portion of chips used to be called a meal here but with the downsizing of a chicken to what looks like a quail, the poor buggers aren’t even out of short trousers before they’re on the table at your local churrascaria. It looks like I may well have to give up on this Portuguese staple.

Before someone accuses me of naivety, yes, I do understand the basis of return on investment, but I just want my old Mars bar back

And it doesn’t stop there – they are all at it, supermarket sliced bread, Lays Original Crisps, all smaller packs, and men’s clothing manufacturers, having realised that by using their standard body patterns (more material) they are encouraging us to stick with our regular eating habits, have now seen the light and, for our benefit, everything is now ‘slim fit’.

Not good for me – I haven’t been slim-fit since England won the World Cup. But oh no, nothing to do

Tell me this: are we going to slowly enter a Lilliputian world, where everything is being downsized for the sake of profit? Certainly, some may call it greed, as the savings are rarely being passed on to the consumer. And, before someone takes me to task and accuses me of naivety, yes, I do understand the basis of return on investment but like in all things in life, and in business, there must be a balance.

In other industries that are not included in the Retail Price Index, which can bring down a government, there are some who have their own methods – if business is bad, lessen the quality of the service and push up the prices; they are the ones who don’t survive.

The survivors make sure their product is first class, promote their businesses, lower their prices and ride out the storm.

But I don’t think anything I have said here will bring me back the Mars Bar I grew up with.