Xarme: A Family-Run restaurant merging elegance and creativity in the heart of Portimão
Understated sophistication, offering a refined setting for gatherings big or small, with international dishes infused with Algarve flavours and a touch of originality – December 19, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio In the heart of Portimão, Xarme restaurant offers a sophisticated setting for private gatherings, be it weddings, christenings, or just for a quiet, refined meal. A family-run business, Xarme is the brainchild of Sofia Iavorschi,...
Renewed bliss: Following a lengthy renovation, the Belavista Luz Hotel presents a new experience and concept
The four-star hotel in Praia da Luz strives to offer an experience focused on total relaxation, whether it’s winter or summer, with all the amenities necessary inside the hotel – December 19, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Bernardo Lúcio After an extensive renovation, the Belavista da Luz Wellness & Lifestyle Hotel has reopened its doors with a fresh concept, offering a refined blend of comfort, modernity, and sustainability....
From karaoke to the stage: Artist Ally Garrido has been singing for over 15 years in Portugal and abroad
Exploring local talent: The multi-talented artist’s journey from musical performances to art exhibitions across the Algarve – December 18, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio Born in Marbella, in the south of Spain, it was in Portimão that the singer Ally Garrido grew up and found herself as an artist. Daughter of a Spanish mother and an Algarvian father, she was brought up by her Mozambican grandmother, for whom she had great admiration and...
Primeira Luz captures the Algarve’s hidden landscapes through immersive photography tours and expert-led workshops
Discover the Algarve’s most idyllic and untouched landscapes with immersive experiences guided by local photographers – December 18, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Nuno Luís Capturing exactly what our eyes see isn’t always easy, and it can even be frustrating when we don’t succeed, especially in a place like the Algarve with its paradisiacal landscapes in remote places that are often only known to locals or the more adventurous. To...
Seaside indulgence: Sagres’ Carme Restaurant pays a heartfelt homage to Mediterranean traditions
Experience premier dining inspired by Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese influences, set against the natural beauty and spirit of this coastal town – December 13, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Giancarlo Fortuna Nestled in the heart of Sagres, Carme restaurant is an experience that encapsulates the natural beauty and spirit of this coastal town. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a sense of calm and serenity, set against...
The Crab Studio: From Street Art to Design Entrepreneurship
João Ventura’s journey from urban street art to founding The Crab Studio, where creativity, culture, and a passion for creating meaningful connections through visual art and music come to life – December 12, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio João Ventura ©João Cabrita The driving force behind The Crab Studio, João Ventura’s work is a testament to his belief that branding should go beyond a logo or a catchy tagline. For him, it’s about...
Handmade with love: How Márcia Rodrigues transformed her passion for plants into a thriving organic business
Hand Made Natural (hmn) offers a wide range of natural beauty products crafted with organic ingredients from the Algarve – December 12, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Luis Pereira Márcia Rodrigues’ love the countryside, flowers, plants, and aromatic herbs has taken on many forms and blossomed into a unique brand. Through ‘hmn – Hand Made Natural’, she pours her passion for aromatic herbs, plants, and flowers into a range of...
Canine Paradise: Lagoa’s new dog daycare for pets to play, socialise, and thrive
Bockland combines Pet Daycare with a relaxing spot for dog owners to work or unwind – December 10, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio Owning a dog requires more than just love and affection – it demands time, attention, and energy, which can sometimes be hard to balance with daily routines. To help ease this challenge, there is a new solution in Lagoa: Bockland. This innovative space offers not just a daycare service for pets but also a spot...
Local healthcare experts share some of the best ways to protect your health on and off the course
How to enjoy golf in the sunny Algarve and avoid injury – December 2, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Sponsored content The health benefits of golf are widely recognised, offering an enjoyable way to improve both physical and mental well-being. The sport encourages cardiovascular fitness, helps maintain a healthy weight, enhances lung capacity, and promotes muscle development. However, like any physical activity, golf requires attention to...
Cerveja Vicentina makes artisanal beers showcasing the essence of the Algarve
Passion for craft – September 13, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group Portugal is renowned for its delicious gastronomy, boasting fresh, local ingredients that entice the taste buds. Beyond the superb wines produced in various regions, the country is also home to exceptional craft beers that reflect its rich heritage – and the southern region is no exception. Vila do Bispo is home to Cerveja...
Inside explores the Algarve’s breathtaking natural views, from Silves to the Benagil Caves
Powered by the sun: The Algarve Sunboat is eco-friendly, sustainable, and fun – September 9, 2024 | Text & Photos Eric Roth Sunboat on the Arade Picture yourself in a boat on a river, with orange trees, and deep blue skies. Your vessel, called the Sunboat, is solar-powered. What better place than the Algarve, with her dazzling sun, could spawn such a boat? As you silently glide past pristine green countryside, you and your fellow...
Ostraria D’Alvor serves Algarve coastal delights in a family atmosphere
Discover the flavours of the sea – September 9, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio Located opposite the Municipal Market, the concept behind Ostraria D’Alvor is an original idea that brings fresh produce to the table, enchanting guests with its fresh, authentic Algarve cuisine. The restaurant, a brainchild of businesswoman Patrícia Jacinto and her husband João Águas, opened in May 2023 and offers a cosy, family-like atmosphere where guests can...
Inside explores the career of local businesswoman Karen Carfrae
From strength to strength: How Karen’s passion for customer service and quality led her to invest in much-needed services in the Algarve – September 5, 2024 | Text & Photos Beatriz Maio Our homes are more than just places where we live; they are reflections of our personalities and sanctuaries where we find comfort and peace. It’s also where we welcome guests, and we want to make them feel at ease and at home. With this in mind,...
Eattico Pesce Di Strada wants to show a different side of Italian cuisine that goes beyond pizza and pasta
Italian surprises: At Eattico, the vibrant tastes of fish and seafood transport diners directly to the sun-soaked shores of Italy – September 5, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group The restaurant stands out as a culinary experience that immerses guests in the authentic flavours of Italy. Founded by Pietro Caruso and Claudia Perna, this establishment brings a unique twist to traditional Italian...
Algarve nature trails: Explore the region’s heritage with incredible landscapes and adrenaline-fuelled rides
An adventure along the coast – September 3, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio The Mountain Bike Adventure Along the Western Algarve, there are plenty of spectacular cycling routes, suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders. Marrying physical activity with the stunning views of southern Portugal’s coast, these trails offer the perfect combination for a healthy and enjoyable outing. Around Lagos, there are several dirt roads and...
Márcia Neto makes silver and gold jewellery inspired by nature in the centre of Lagos
Márcia Neto’s creations express nature’s touch with realistic and clean designs – September 3, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio The arts have always been an integral part of Márcia Neto’s life, from her childhood and adolescence to her academic and professional career. Growing up in Alcobaça, in the district of Leiria, Márcia comes from a family of ceramists and painters. This artistic heritage sparked her creative journey early on, and...
Inside explores Portimão’s emerging role as an artistic hub
Art Port: Four unique galleries are leading the way to transform Portimão into a cultural hub – September 3, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio The city of Portimão has often been at the forefront of the Algarve’s cultural expansion, thanks to its rich history and vibrant community. Four remarkable galleries are leading the charge to elevate the city into an artistic hub, each bringing a unique flair and a fresh wave of creativity to Portimão...
Natural healing: Sara Therapy brings wellness and inner peace through Reiki
Whether it is to sleep better, reduce anxiety, overcome addictions, or simply relieve the stress of everyday life, Reiki offers a solution for everyone – September 2, 2024 | Inside Promotion | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group Over a decade ago, Sara Sargaço’s life took an unexpected turn when Reiki, the “intelligent universal energy that organises and restores balance”, found her. Initially unfamiliar with this ancient...
Portugal’s southernmost vines at Vinha da Falésia produce fresh blends with a nod to local history
Vines with a view: On a clifftop between Lagos and Praia da Luz, you’ll find a unique terroir producing fresh mineral whites and jammy reds – August 23, 2024 | Text Alexandra Stilwell In Portugal, when it comes to vineyards with a view, there are plenty set amid the magnificent rolling hills of the Alentejo, the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Dão, or the idyllic banks of the Douro. But none have a more stunning and...
A tourist at home: Away from the crowds, we explore a traditional winery and an ideal spot for a meal or snack for this season
Embrace the opportunity to be a tourist at home and discover the hidden treasures that lie just off the beaten path – August 13, 2024 | Text Marie Patterson | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group Although we spend most of the year looking forward to the warm summer days, sometimes the months of July and August can get a little too much, and some well-deserved serenity is needed, away from the bustling summer crowds. So, on this...
