Nine essentials for an unforgettable summer in the Algarve
1. AN ARRIVAL FOR ALL THE HIGH
You can land at Faro airport. Another option is to take a flight to Lisbon or by AVE to Seville and then a regular train to Huelva and, from there, you can ask your hotel for the pick-up service or rent a car. How about a chauffeur waiting for us at the airport in a shiny Bentley? Or better, a helicopter that leaves you in the middle of the hotel?
2.**A HOTEL TO FEEL LIKE AN EMIR: VILA VITA PARC **
A stay in the Oasis Premium Rooftop Ocean suite is an insurance of tranquility and relaxation. The hotel's amenities are from the exclusive Claus Porto, a family brand highly appreciated by Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. Here you know that everything is taken care of in detail.
start the day with breakfast a delicious Pāo de Deus overlooking the Atlantic . The gardens of the villa seem to be cared for by elves (in reality, they are maintained by more than 45 gardeners who also have their own nursery). In short, everything is always impeccable . The aroma of the flowers of the lemon trees, orange trees and at night, the Lady of Night, They release their intoxicating perfume. The borboletas (butterflies) dance everywhere along with white swans, ducks... that coexist in this kind of Eden.
One of the Oasis Premium Rooftop Ocean Suites
We leave this Eden of the Algarve to pay attention to other accommodations in Vilamoura that can offer you alternative experiences such as the Grande Real Santa Eulalia and, if you have a boat, it will be practical for you to stay at the Real Marina Residence in the marina of Olhao or at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura. If golf is your thing, your hotel could be the new Tivoli Victoria in Vilamoura.
The perfect (golf) relax in Vilamoura
3. RELAX IN A SPA
Within the Vila Vita Parc resort itself, there is space for the pinnacle of relaxation: the Vital Spa. Neli will receive you there. One of her specialties Le Roi Salomon treatment , with products from the French firm La Sultana de Sabana with a lotus flower aroma. It's all a sensory journey of five steps. Another hotel that has a great spa is the Tivoli Victoria, located in Vilamoura, with Elements Spa by Banyan Tree (the famous Thai brand).
Four. THE FLAVORS OF THE LUSA BEACH
If you want a gastronomic stop without detaching yourself from the sand of the beach, you must make a stop and eat at Nautical Beach Art . Choose one of the tables with sea views. Everything here is decorated with care without forgetting where we are: snails and shells surrounded by sesame painted black on fine cotton.
Among other dressings, highlights the Homemade Piri-Piri , typical throughout Portugal (it is stronger than Tabasco) and is often used to accompany braised meats . Let Felipe, the maître d', offer you the fish of the day, perhaps a sea bream or a carabinero, a wonderful combination. Of course, the appetizer must be the typical ones Bacalhau Pataniscas (cod, onion and parsley, all breaded) . The secret behind this simple recipe is a cod caught a few hours before and the expert hands of Sao, the cook. She is from Angola, which was a Portuguese colony, and she escaped with eight years of a long and harsh civil war that later gave rise to the country's independence.
A 100% Portuguese taste experience
To accompany such a Portuguese delicacy, a Super Bock beer, a Portuguese product. Finally, a table of regional cheeses Pairing: mixed cured cheese, goat from Sierra de la Estrella, sheep from Alentejo and sheep with goat from Porto Alegre. For dessert, don't miss the egg custard with orange. After having tasted part of Portugal, you can now finish off the menu with a augardente medronho (typical of the Algarve made from berries) and, as a last whim, a Delta expresso, Diamante, that has the best organoleptic properties, accompanied by a Belém cake. Without a doubt, this is an unforgettable experience for the five senses.
The fresh fish of Arte Nautica Beach
5. TRADITIONAL AND GOURMET RESTAURANTS
In the Algarve you will eat very well. And point. Depending on your budget and your preferences, you will have plenty to choose from. As for the regional cuisine, in sagres, shellfish, barnacles and honey cake; and n Lighthouse, rice with clams, fish soups and, for dessert, those made with figs or almonds; Vilamoura is the perfect destination to eat some sardines in a wonderful atmosphere. And, whenever you can, try the medronho , a typical liqueur made from the fermentation of berries and fig liqueur.
Our TOP recommendation: Ocean. Its two Michelin stars endorse the culinary work of the Austrian Hans Neuner, a chef who collects Portugal and transfers it like a God to the table. Pure alchemy in the kitchen . At Ocean you don't eat: he lives a culinary experience, served in an incomparable way, on snails, mother-of-pearl shells, coral, rubber and old tiles. the wines are excellent , like the Principal Tête de Cuvée rosé, with a fresh, aromatic impact of notable elegance and complexity.
We recommend the Atlantic turbot with white asparagus , black leg, mint... accompanied by a Conceito Rita Ferreira Marques, Sauvignon Blanc 2011, organic, herbaceous, spicy, currant and pink grapefruit: a vintage flavor. Nor can you miss the veal tail with celery, Périgord truffles, and foie gras. The accompaniment? A Château Barde-Haut 2000 (from Bordeaux, France), a modern, aromatic and sexy St. Emilion created by the renowned wine family, Garcin-Cathiard.
As a final point, ask yourself for a Madeira-Banana , the dessert, painstakingly made by Hans's patissier. in the cup, an amber colored nectar. It is the aromatic Excellent Moscatel Roxo from Casa Horácio Simòes (Setubal, Portugal).
Everything served at Ocean comes from the Herdade dous Grous, the "land of the cranes". It is a 700-hectare traditional-style refuge in the province of Alentejo. This picturesque redoubt is the orchard of the Vila Vita Parc hotel. Leaving Ocean, one can only ask, "when will your third Michelin star be?" They are on it. Finally, a surprise: homemade chocolate bonbons served on a coral.
The gastrostellar option
6. TIME TO RELAX ON THE BEACH
The Praia dos Tremoços It is one of the most natural beach options. Impeccable sand and a transparent sea will awaken all your senses. The perfect plan: take your personalized picnic and rest your eyes on the sea.
Other beaches that deserve a walk and a swim are the Praia da Falesia crystal clear, wide beach with great restaurants; Armação de Pêra , an extensive beach, with fine sand and whose water is usually around 23º. Brave fishermen arrive here with all kinds of fish from nine in the morning. It is also essential to take a walk through the Ria Formosa Natural Park in Vilamoura . Whereas in Sagres , in addition to learning about its legends, you can surf or dare to explore the world as Henry the Navigator did. Without having to go on adventures, you can watch the sun go down from the cliffs.
Weapon or Pêra
7. CROSSING THE SEAS OF THE ALGARVE
If you are a sea dog, yours is to reach the Portimao Marina . On the way, stop at the Estomba salt flats. Here, bands of pelicans create the symphony of the place. During the journey through these waters you will be escorted in the bow by dolphins. You will see virgin beaches but we recommend you anchor in Ponta da Piedade. In addition to the rock formations, which seem to have been placed by giants, on this trip you will discover the caves with their beaches. Amazed, it is easy to imagine that, in another time, pirates passed through there and perhaps some treasure is still hidden.
Ponta da Piedade
8. TIME FOR TREKKING
If you are a nature lover, enjoy the Alvor estuary . A protected area to appreciate its flora and fauna where mountains, lagoon and sea come together. You should also not miss a walk through Fóia in the Monchique mountain range , a wonderful haven of peace for hiking. You can do a 12 km tour. and get to the Cascatas Tour.
Alvor estuary
9. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES OF THE PORTUGUESE SOUTH
If you like the representative Portuguese blue, drop by Silves, a historic city . In porches You will find a wide range of shops where they sell their renowned ceramics. Both paths to reach them are delightful, you will pass through farmland with orange, almond, carob and fig trees. In Faro, the capital of the Algarve, You will get to know its magnificent estuary, frequented by flamingos, and the Moorish and Jewish quarters, the cathedral, the lighthouse and even Roman remains. Don't miss a night of fados at Casa Grande, a wine bar in a secular house.
Follow @CHOV2010
*** You may also be interested in...**
- The 50 best beaches in Portugal
- Portuguese menu