A timeless retreat amidst the hills of Serra de Monchique is a true sanctuary for the soul
A couple’s passion for heritage and hospitality transforms an ancient estate into a spiritual sanctuary – July 19, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio Settled high in the Algarve, overlooking the lush expanses of Serra de Monchique, lies Quinta do Tempo, a sanctuary of serenity and a testament to the region’s rich tapestry of history and culture. At the helm of this idyllic retreat are Laura Duarte and Jorge Albino, a couple whose roots in the...
The Queen of the Bay project has completely transformed one of Carvoeiro’s most coveted ruins
Fit for a queen: Oaktree Projects has once again done the impossible – July 19, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio Bart and Annelies Oaktree Projects has once again done the impossible. In just a year and a half, the home renovation company completely transformed a ruin near the central square of Carvoeiro that had been abandoned since 1999, when it was last used for long-term rental. A project coveted by many, it came to life with colour and...
At Art&Joy Creative Studio, children and adults can let their imagination run free
A new studio in Portimão lets you unleash creativity in a fun way, where students can experiment with different materials and techniques, from pottery, sculpture, drawing, painting, and more – July 16, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio Lana, founder of the Art&Joy Creative Studio Portimão has welcomed a vibrant addition to its cultural landscape – the Art&Joy Creative Studio, where everyone is welcome to discover and explore new and...
Discover three of the Algarve’s top beach clubs for the ultimate relaxation and fun
Enjoy the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Algarve in style whilst sipping on a refreshing drink, whether with family or friends – July 16, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio The south of Portugal is celebrated not just for its exquisite gastronomy but also for its incredible landscapes and consistently warm temperatures. The Algarve, with its myriad attractions, boasts some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches,...
Hidden gems: Discover a local company that offers tailored luxury and authentic experiences in the Algarve
From sunset experiences on the beach with wine and champagne to nature or landmark tours, or even bachelor parties or wedding celebrations, Exclusive Soul Tours offers something for everyone – July 4, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Phaze Photography Founded in 2022 in Lagos, Exclusive Soul Tours offers clients the opportunity to explore the Algarve’s hidden gems. The brainchild of the passionate Eduardo Burnay, who loves to share...
The flavours of the Algarve: Atlântico Restaurant at Vila Vita Parc presents a new mouthwatering menu
Atlântico Restaurant offers a vegetarian or pescetarian fine dining experience by chef João Viegas highlighting the freshest ingredients – June 17, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio This new season sees the introduction of a new fine dining concept in one of the Algarve’s most beautiful locations. With a privileged view over the sea and open to those staying at the resort and outside guests alike, Vila Vita Parc’s Atlântico restaurant provides...
Embracing home turf: A Summer tourist adventure
A perfect day in the Algarve: Exploring Alvor’s scenic paths and a hidden gem of a restaurant in Portimão – June 15, 2024 | Text Marie Patterson As the days are finally starting to grow longer and warmer, summer activities begin to call. On this particular muggy warm afternoon, I set off to Alvor, which is slowly starting to awaken from its winter slumber. Parking by the charming Restinga Restaurant, with the beach on one...
The magic of Bernd Koch’s light shows has been shining at events for over 30 years
Creating visible dreams: From liquid lights, colours, and kaleidoscopic effects, the local artist’s light projections recreate visible dreams for every type of party or event, ensuring unforgettable memories – June 13, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio Using advanced lighting techniques and his 16 analogue projectors, Bernd Koch manages to transport us to a different universe, thanks to strong colours and geometric images. Bernd’s light show...
More than just a restaurant, Casa do Prego has a story to tell
With no shortage of reasons to visit, we explore Casa do Prego’s most delicious combinations of Mediterranean flavours prepared with a contemporary twist – June 12, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio It is impossible to look from the outside and imagine everything that goes on in this restaurant, which opened exactly eight years ago and has enjoyed enviable success ever since. There is no shortage of reasons to visit this place, whether...
At the Karuna Meditation Retreat, nature and simplicity help connect mind and body
Peace and wellness: In the middle of the Monchique hills, the Karuna Meditation and Retreat Center focuses on spirituality and personal growth – May 27, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Phaze Photography In the middle of the Monchique hills is the Karuna Meditation and Retreat Center, a place dedicated to spirituality and personal development, in an open and free space with an incredible view. It was born in 1992, the fruit of the...
Ferragudo boom: A closer look at the village’s expansion over the decades and its future prospects
Over the years, this quaint fishing village has become home to more and more businesses and restaurants that honour its history – April 11, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio Over the last few decades, Ferragudo has continued to grow in a wide variety of areas, from property to hospitality. Not only are more and more tourists visiting and taking an interest in the village, but investors, both Portuguese and foreign, want to capitalise on this...
An unforgettable experience: Enjoy the sunset on a horse, cycle with friends or kayak, surf or SUP on the stunning Vicentine Coast
Carrapateira Extreme offers activities to unwind and explore nature in unparalleled ways – April 10, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio In the calmness of the Vicentine Coast, you can feel time slowing down as the desire to explore nature grows. You immediately feel enveloped by a relaxed atmosphere that, at the same time, encourages physical activity. Born in Carrapateira, a small village in Aljezur, Nelson Inácio decided to invest in his...
The Algarvian Rugby club making the sport increasingly popular among children and adults in Lagoa
With training sessions in Lagoa, the Algarve University Rugby Club is seen by athletes and coaches as a family – April 10, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Phaze Photography In Portugal, rugby is becoming increasingly popular among children and adults alike. In the Algarve, the will to play this sport started more than three decades ago when, in 1992, a group of students from different cities all over the country decided to create...
BRAIDA’s textile artworks have a contemporary design with a traditional feel, perfect for modern environments
Braiding elegance: Inspired by nature featuring strong and vibrant colours, BRAIDA’s unique textile artworks already travelled the world – April 10, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio Noémia Zancuoghi ©Ruben Guerreiro Noémia Zancuoghi is a Portuguese-Italian artist who was born in Lisbon and grew up in Silves. As her father is from Milan, she spent many of her childhood summers in the north of Italy with her family and her younger sister...
Soothing art: Sandra Correia explores art and mental health, creating art works with neutral tones and abstract shapes
The artist wants her work to convey a sense of calm and tranquillity – December 2, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio ©Beatriz Maio, Open Media Group A nurse for over 20 years, Sandra Correia has been splitting her time between health and art, two passions that in recent years have gone hand in hand in her life. She was born in Portimão, is a mother of three, an entrepreneur, and, recently, an artist. She has been interested in this area since...
Hidden away off the beaten track, near Silves, Quinta das Maravilhas is a haven of comfort
Charming luxury in the midst of nature, Quinta das Maravilhas can be enjoyed at any time of the year – December 2, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Pascale van Reijn The new project by Dutch couple Jeannette den Blijker and Jordy Koningh is a sight to behold. A property next to the Arade River, in Silves, so versatile that whether you are celebrating a wedding or taking part in a team building event, the feeling of comfort and...
Mercusion is innovating the fashion industry by using organic and recycled materials
A fusion of worlds – December 1, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Renee Joppe Sarah Duemmel was born in East Germany, but it is in Praia da Luz that she spends her days and develops her work. She had already visited Portugal several times and lived in Lisbon before, but, in 2020, she decided to explore the South, and this is here where she intends to stay. She did not have an easy childhood, growing up during the Cold War and in an...
Sisters Leila and Jasmin Chouikha’s paintings explore creativity in abstract and realistic styles
From a family of talented artists, Leila and Jasmin Chouikha paint in completely different styles, from dreamy pieces to portraits and comics – November 30, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio Jasmin Chouikha (left) and Leila Chouikha (right) Born in Switzerland, Leila and Jasmin Chouikha grew up surrounded by art, in a house where the paintings and statues of their Tunisian father, a recognised photographer, painter, and sculptor, were...
The art of making sweet and spicy jams: Cátia Santos has created “Munchi”, an artisanal brand of “unequalled flavours”
Munchi enriches every meal with its jams, chutneys, and piri-piri sauces and sweetens the heart with its cakes – November 29, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio Lagos native Cátia Santos is the face behind Munchi Cozinha Criativa (Creative Kitchen), a dream that took shape in 2019 and has not stopped growing since. It all started with the desire to make use of leftover food which, together with her creativity, led to unequalled flavours. She...
Marie Patterson explores some local favourites and hidden gems not to be missed in Carvoeiro
A tourist at home – October 14, 2023 | Text Marie Patterson | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group As the holiday season starts to come to an end and the heat of the summer begins to die down, I decide to kick start a quiet Sunday indulging in a sumptuous treat for the taste buds by heading to Monte Carvoeiro for brunch. Already a renowned fine-dining restaurant, The Square by Raquel Marques has taken the concept of brunch to a...
