Jetsettersblog

Many tourists have already discovered and fallen in love with Lagos in the Algarve, Portugal: with its friendly locals, superb beaches, modern marina and eclectic nightlife, it is a fabulous holiday destination. Now the word is spreading and tourists and travel editors have recently voted Lagos into first place on TripAdvisor’s list of “15 Great Cities to discover in 2012″

With the opening of the A22 motorway, Lagos is now only a 50 minute drive from Faro airport so more tourists are travelling further west for their holidays to the Algarve. Many who reach Lagos are so impressed with the unspoilt historic town with its numerous restaurants and bars, and beautiful beaches, that they are hooked and vow to return again.

There is a wide choice of accommodation in and around the city but the recently opened Belmar Spa & Beach Resort offers a modern, stylish four star resort in an enviable location overlooking the Porto de Mós beach, but still only a few minutes drive from the city centre.

The resort is ideal for family holidays and those who wish to go out and explore the locality and all it has to offer. The professional Reception staff can help to advise visitors on things to do which may include: dolphin watching, boat trips, hot air balloon trips, mountain bike treks, visits to the zoo and museum to name but a few.

To relax after a busy day exploring, Belmar Spa offers luxurious beauty treatments in addition to the extensive indoor facilities including pool, sauna, Turkish Bath, Jacuzzi, hydrotherapy pool and gymnasium.
There are also four outdoor pools, a sports pitch/tennis court and a children’s playground to keep the kids happy.

The resort comprises an aparthotel with studio, one and two bedroom apartments and two bedroom duplex apartments, in addition to two clusters of two and three bedroom apartments. All accommodation is spacious and luxurious with all the conveniences of modern day living, including satellite television, air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, including dishwasher and washer/dryer, a safe and underground parking.

All accommodation is self-catering; however a continental buffet breakfast is served daily in the main restaurant. This can be pre-booked when making a reservation and an à la carte breakfast menu is also on offer. Room service is available to guests in the aparthotel from 8am until midnight.
The Lobby Bar is ideal for an aperitif before dinner at Restaurante Levante*, which offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed setting with striking sea views.

Flights to Faro can be booked with airlines including Monarch (www.flymonarch.com ), British Airways (www.ba.com ) and Easyjet (www.easyjet.com ) from the UK. Aerlingus (www.aerlingus.com ) from the Republic of Ireland. Ryanair (www.ryanair.com ) now offer flights to Faro from the UK, Republic of Ireland and many other European destinations. Car hire or taxi transfers to and from Faro airport can be arranged through Oceânico Direct.

Please visit www.oceanicodirect  for more details. Or call 00351 282 771 810, / e-mail reservations@oceanicogroup.com

*Opening times vary depending on season.

About us: Oceânico Group is one of the leading property developers and resort and golf operators in the Algarve. The Group consists of Oceânico Developments, Oceânico Golf and Oceânico Direct.

The Network of Cities and Medieval Villages, which includes 10 Spanish and two Portuguese localities, will launch soon. Tour packages go on sale through travel agencies and online. The organization plans to promote the network as a destination, and will develop specific offers for travel agencies.

The project allows the localities to promote together. To attract tourists, the Network of Cities and Medieval Villages will develop a series of initiatives, such as the IV International Competition for snacks and tapas, held in January. Marvão and Vila Viçosa are, for now, the only two Portuguese districts that have joined the project.. The Network of Cities and Medieval Villages brings together Spanish and Portuguese towns whose common denominator is the heritage of medieval origin and is expected to add more communities in Portugal and Spain, and also in southern France.

Boost your immune system and beat the winter blues with some of the best detox holidays around the world. Health and Fitness Travel (www.healthandfitnesstravel.com), who provides tailor-made active and wellness holidays worldwide share their top five detox holidays to get your new year off to a healthy start.

Detox yourself through good nutrition, carefully chosen treatments and holistic activities to achieve mental clarity, body detoxification and stress reduction with guidance from health professionals. Detoxing is a great way to increase energy levels, clear our skin, boost our immune system and improve overall health. With a carefully tailored programme that suits our body and mindset, a detox holiday can be the first step to a fresh outlook and change of lifestyle.

If you want to re-energise and awaken your senses, take a look at our top five detox destinations. Banish those winter blues and say hello to a new, healthier you! These holidays allow you to relax and enjoy your detox in beautiful surroundings.

SHA Detox
Spain

The world’s first macrobiotic wellness resort focuses its detox programme on the removal of toxins by actively purifying the body, and educating guests on how to maintain their new healthy habits. Experiment with juice fasting, macrobiotic detox specific foods, acupuncture and lymphatic drainage after consulting with a doctor and nutritionist to ascertain your specific needs. Guests are supported post-stay with a personalized post treatment health plan and receive follow up email consultations for two months.

Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at SHA Wellness Clinic from £2,790pp including the detox programme, return flights and transfers

Ananda Detox
India

This secluded Himalayan retreat offers a serene space to free yourself from negative thoughts. Guests are shown how to control and improve their diet, speed up their metabolism, and revitalise their body and mind. The programme begins with wellness and culinary consultations, a fitness test and a body composition analysis. A range of detoxifying baths, massages, showers, salt scrubs, aroma cocoons and a personalised yoga session will follow. You are also invited to participate in scheduled wellness activities, such as meditation, cooking demonstrations, workshops and lectures.

Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at Ananda from £2,859pp including the detox programme, return flights and transfers

Kamalaya Detox
Thailand

Thailand’s award-winning Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Resort is the perfect location for cleansing and detoxing beginners. After an initial consultation, you will experience a range of low intensity holistic therapies such as massage, meditation, sauna, yoga, and Shakti fitness. Through these you will learn how to improve your health and increase your energy, leading to rejuvenation, personal growth and optimum wellbeing.

Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at Kamalaya from £2,929pp including the detox programme, return flights and transfers

Longevity Essential Detox
Portugal

This luxurious mountain resort overlooking the Algarve coastline offers seasonal detoxing by cleansing the organs and returning harmony to your system. Enjoy massages, wraps, deep skin cleansing and personal training sessions. Through highly personalized evaluations and consultations, guests can expect improved mental clarity, inner balance, a lessening of tension and a complete re-energisation of body and mind. Expert to experience improved health on all levels including internal balance and increased vitality.

Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at Longevity Wellness Resort from £1,990pp, including the detox programme, return flights and transfers

Kempinski Detox
Turkey

The seven day detox programme at this stunning wellness resort over the Aegean Sea above Barbaros Bay in Turkey, is designed to treat your entire body. Aiming to filter out and reduce your bodily toxins, the Sense of Detox programme uses an integrated mix of Anika detox treatments, delicious healthy cuisine and the option of wellness activities to cleanse your body and mind. With improved mental clarity and focus, increased energy levels and firmer skin, you will feel relaxed and refreshed.

Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at Kempinski from £1,695pp, including the detox programme, return flights and transfers

For more information visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/detox-holidays or call 0845 5441936

Tivoli Hotels and Resorts are launching an exciting new package that offers guests the chance to experience three different destinations and three beautiful hotels in seven days. The package perfectly demonstrates the breadth of Tivoli’s offerings with different experiences in each hotel in three distinct destinations – Lisbon, Sintra and The Algarve.

The Portugal Experience starts with a three-night stay at the luxurious Tivoli Lisboa where guests will receive VIP treatment on arrival. The five-star Tivoli Lisboa is situated in the heart of the city and offers the ideal location to explore Lisbon’s culture and sightseeing, as well as having fabulous views over the entire city from the award winning Terraco Restaurant and open air Sky bar.

Guests will spend the next two nights at the impressive Palacio de Seteais in Sintra. Capturing the romance and architectural style of the 18th Century, the hotel sits in the magnificent hillside surroundings of the UNESCO world heritage site, with breathtaking views of the green valleys and ancient castles dotted around the landscape. Included in this fabulous package is dinner in the exquisite Seteais Restaurant, the perfect way to end the stay in Sintra before heading to Portugal’s south coast.

To finish this unique experience, guests will spend their final two nights relaxing in the glamorous Algarve, staying at the Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura. While staying in this beautiful five star hotel, guests will be treated to a 90 minute massage at the Elements Spa by Banyan Tree, the first spa by Banyan Tree in Europe. The week’s trip will be rounded off in style with dinner in the EMO Gourmet Restaurant at the Tivoli Victoria.

To make the tour of Portugal’s finest destinations even more alluring Tivoli Hotels and Resorts are offering guests a special choice of extra treats added on to their package. Choices include 4 days car rental whilst in Lisbon, a bike tour of Vilamoura or a golf lesson at the Oceanico Victoria Course, home to the Portugal Masters.

The Portugal Experience package is valid until 31 October 2012. Prices start from £1,807 for 7 nights based on two people sharing. Flights to Lisbon from £25.99 one way.

And Activities For Younger Guests
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, which opened in July 2010, is the ‘natural’ family friendly escape for those who want the best of a beach resort with the luxury of ‘home comforts’. It’s situated on Portugal’s unspoiled Western Algarve coast, near the historic fishing port of Sagres and is surrounded by National Park, overlooking one of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

The whole culture surrounding Martinhal is family friendly and children are especially welcome. With this in mind, new for 2012 the resort is adding a number of new children’s clubs to its existing variety of services and creating activity programmes which are all individually adapted to the needs of different age groups.

For children aged between two and four years, Martinhal’s ‘Raposinhos Kids Club’ provides an active and inquisitive approach to fun. Situated on the Village Square it has a children’s playground in a sheltered walled garden with lots of toys, games and puzzles to keep minds and busy fingers occupied. Close by children aged between five and eight are catered for in a separate area called the ‘Fox Club’ where a programme of activities during the main school holiday periods includes T-Shirt printing, cookery classes, “The Little Scientist” lessons and face painting. In addition, during the summer months there are indoor and outdoor evening surprises to entertain children while parents enjoy their dinner.

A team of qualified child minders supervise the Raposinhos and the Fox Club according to UK OFSTED requirements. During school holidays this is on a ratio of 1:4 for the two to four year olds whilst the five to eight years olds are cared for on a ratio of 1:8.

Both clubs offer one complimentary three hour session per child per day (either in the morning or in the afternoon) for families staying seven nights or more.

Babies and toddlers – aged six months to two years – are equally happy and safely cared for in a separate Crèche area with one child minder to every three children, which can be booked for a two hour session for 25 Euros per session (two sessions available per day). An experienced team of babysitters are also on hand in case baby-sitting services are requires for a maximum of two children under the age of six per baby sitter.

In addition for parents travelling with small children Martinhal offers a ‘Baby Concierge’ service for guests to pre-book baby equipment, from small items like door protectors, thermometers, potties, bottle sterilisers & warmers, to bigger items like safety gates, baby cots, baby baths and even pushchairs that have wheels specially adapted to the beach.

Older children can meet up with like-minded youngsters aged eight and older in the nearby ‘Blue Room’. Named after the tube created by a breaking wave that surfers try and ride in, this stylishly designed self-contained futuristic space provides a place for older children to absorb themselves in the latest video games, team up for a game of table football or simply hang out with some newly made friends. The Blue Room is open to all guests on a complimentary basis.

For tweens & teens two new clubs have been devised. These comprise the ‘Explorers Club’ which caters for the nine to 12 age range and the ‘Teenager Club’ for 13-16 year olds. These clubs are the ideal meeting point for young people, and run special activity programmes such as beach volleyball, water polo, Padel tennis try outs sessions as well as other more relaxed activities including cocktail making contests. All activities are accompanied by the hotel’s fully trained and experienced leisure team.

Martinhal’s Club 98 is the essential hub for those who take a more sporting approach to family holidays with facilities ranging from two high-grade artificial grass tennis courts, two glass-sided Padel tennis courts, four swimming pools and a multi-purpose sports field for hosting football and other team events. In addition guests can try everything from windsurfing, kite surfing, skimming, kayaking, parasailing, fishing and diving as well as land based pastimes such as pony trekking, climbing, mountain biking, hiking and eco-karting. The most arduous task will be trying to decide what to book first and how to fit everything in.

For more relaxing pursuits, whilst the kids are in their clubs, a visit to the Finisterra Spa is a revitalising must for any Mum or Dad in need of a little adult pampering. Finisterra Spa is set in its own grounds with six individual wooden-clad treatment rooms looking out onto the spa’s own private garden.

The resort’s accommodation has also been designed with families in mind and offers a selection of well thought out and beautifully appointed two and three bedroom self-catering houses as part of the ‘Martinhal Village’, as well as a 38 bedroom ‘Hotel Martinhal’ which has been designed for couples and those with young babies.

The houses are set out around a central village square in four different positions and all are only a short stroll from the beach or one of the four large swimming pools, the gym or meeting the children at the Kid’s Clubs. For example families can enjoy breath-taking views from the Ocean Houses perched at the highest point of the resort overlooking the sea. From the Bay Houses, there are uninterrupted views of the Costa Vicentina National Park’s wooded valley to the east and the ocean to the south. Or for younger families, there is the community feel of Garden Houses, which are arranged around a large children’s freeform ‘Oasis’ pool with natural gardens and enclosed by a continuous Algarvian garden wall to provide both privacy and a carefree environment. The fourth option is to stay in one of the 10 individual Pinewood Houses, set apart in their own ‘close’, each having their own small private swimming pool.

Each house benefits from a daily maid service and every household convenience with a modern designer kitchen, washing machine and dryer as well as a 32″ satellite television with video on demand, complimentary wireless internet access and an MP3 docking station.

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel also has an excellent range of restaurants and eateries including O Terraço, the fine dining restaurant at Hotel Martinhal, which provides a culinary journey through international gastronomy, presented with a Portuguese twist. New for 2012 will be a daily changing menu available for both adults and children. The restaurant will open earlier at 18h00 to appeal to family meal times and during peak times the restaurant will have two sittings: one for adults with younger children and one for adults with older children and adults on their own. Alternatively, As Dunas Beach Restaurant & Bar offers families a leisurely lunch or an alfresco candlelit dinner with a special children’s menu to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. It’s the ideal place to while away a few hours with the beach right on the doorstep. The third option is located in the Village Square, Os Gambozinos is a cosy coffee shop for families during the day with a light lunch menu and serves Italian bistro style dining at night including the house specialty of mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas and a special children’s menu offering bite-sized portions. In addition, a selection of three poolside snack bars are dotted throughout the resort, making a healthy snack or delicious treat never far away and the resort’s own village store, Mercado, has a choice of deli items and wider take-away food.

Martinhal can be reached by a 2 hour and 40 minute flight from the UK to Faro as well as scheduled flights to Lisbon.

A 2 bedroom Village House costs from 163 € per night based on up to 4 people sharing on an accommodation only basis for on a minimum 2 night stay.

Alternatively, rooms at Hotel Martinhal cost from 190 € per room per night including breakfast and 6% Vat based on two sharing a Beach Room with partial sea view.

To book call Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel 00351 282 620 026 www.martinhal.com

Variety Cruises offer a unique small ship cruise concept on their mega yachts cruises.

Itineraries give much more time in ports of call with some overnight stays giving the opportunity to dine ashore or stay out till late in several ports of call on their Mediterranean itineraries.

These small ships are classified as Mega Yachts, carrying between 40 and 72 passengers depending on the vessel.

Their smaller size allows them to access small island harbours and off the beaten track destinations that are beyond the reach of large cruise ships.

Whilst comfort and service on board compare favorably with mainstream cruises, Variety’s mega yachts offer an informal and friendly atmosphere that is quite unique, with meals on board being more like a dinner party than a formal dinner.

Greek Island hopping / Aegean itineraries are offered on half board basis, giving the opportunity to dine ashore in harbour-side tavernas without feeling that one is missing out on a meal on board that is already paid for.

All itineraries offer a good mix of better know ports such as Santorini and Mykonos with lesser known gems such as Folegandros and Syros.

Prices on the Jewels Of The Cyclades cruise on the 25 cabin classic motor sailer Galileo start at £975 cruise only or £1295 flight inclusive for 7 nights in April and October in an entry level Cat C outside cabin.

This includes 7 night cruise from Marina Zea (Piraeus) on half board basis, and for the flight inclusive package, scheduled flights London to Athens and transfers to and from the port.

Port charges and taxes are an extra £120 pp.

Other itineraries offered by Variety Cruises with weekly departures April to October include:

Classical Greece on the Mega Yacht Harmony V, Aegean Odyssey on the Sail Cruiser Panorama, Adriatic Odyssey on the Mega Yacht Harmony G, Turquoise Coast and Eastern Aegean on the Sail Cruiser Panorama II.

New for 2012 are their West Mediterranean Cruises, ‘Romantic Riviera’ sailing from Nice and Treasures of South Italy and Malta, sailing from Salerno, Italy on the brand new 5* deluxe M/Y Variety Voyager making her debut with this cruise series in July of 2012.

For more info contact Chris Lorenzo at Variety Cruises UK GSA, Seafarer on 0208 324 3114

SATA/Azores Express is having a winter sale to the Azores or Lisbon, Portugal. For a limited time, SATA is offering special pricing on direct flights from Boston to Ponta Delgada — roundtrip from $272 (plus taxes and fees). To Lisbon from Boston costs $372 (plus taxes and fees) for departures starting on Jan. 20. Those that add in six nights hotel will save on departures on Jan. 24, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7.

A week of hotel and roundtrip air can be as little as $629 per person double plus taxes (approximately $310). For 2011-12, Azores Express has 26 different hotels on five islands.

All packages depart from Boston’s Logan Airport and include roundtrip, nonstop air, six nights lodging and daily breakfast. Flights depart and return on Tuesday and Fridays and passengers can upgrade from coach to SATA Plus Business-Class for a few hundred dollars each way.

Children under 6 stay free, and pay only a child’s airfare.

The Azores are the closet point in Europe to North America. The islands were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago, which have created a dramatic environment.

From the black lava cliffs of the island of Terceira, to Mountain Lake of Fire on São Miguel, the Azores offers an intensely green and sculptured landscape. This ocean-enveloped land enjoys a mild climate year-round between 60°F and 80°F.

The National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations recently named the Azores islands as the world’s second most appealing islands destination in its fourth annual Destination Scorecard survey. A panel of 522 experts reviewed conditions on 111 islands and archipelagos, and the Azores received the title of “authentic, unspoiled, and likely to remain so.” For more information, call 800-762-9995.

Nestled high on the edge of Portugal’s picturesque Alentejo National Ecological Reserve, overlooking 240 hectares of outstanding natural beauty is the stunning, privately owned Nespereira estate. Comprising of four luxury and individually-designed villas and four ‘Nature Hideaways’, Nespereira caters to a broad range of guests including singles, couples, families and small groups, whilst remaining the ultimate rural retreat for those seeking serenity without breaking the bank.

Less than an hours drive from the widely-known Algarve coast, and 90 minutes from Faro airport, Nespereira is easily accessible and perfectly positioned for a diverse range of seasonal activities.

Sleeping from two up to eight people, each of the distinct four luxury villas is fully appointed with spacious bedrooms featuring authentic pieces of local antique furniture, large bathrooms characterised by locally-sourced marble surfaces and baths, and stone terraces where growing grape vines and fig trees provide shade. Ideal for honeymooners is the romantic Windmill, which offers breath-taking 360 degree views of the surrounding rolling countryside and a beautiful mezzanine bedroom reached only by a stone spiral staircase.

The four Hideaways are perfectly suited towards eco enthusiasts or families on a budget, offering comfortable accommodation, with separate shower and kitchen areas. Dotted throughout the estate, each Hideaway provides the opportunity to relax in total peace and seclusion, enjoying the surrounding forest and countryside.

Nespereira welcomes children and offers a host of dedicated, fully-supervised activities. Available on request, children are encouraged to embrace their surroundings by assisting with fun daily chores within the estate in return for pocket money. Chores include working at the restored windmill, helping make bales of hay, tending to the horses and donkeys or assisting with the vegetable patch. Children can also enjoy the Kids Club area where daily cartoons and film screenings are shown and craft classes take place.

Whilst all accommodation is self-catered, an al-fresco cafe serves a variety of local and international dishes including locally-sourced fish from the nearby village of Zambujeira do Mar. A selection of Portugal’s finest wines can also be enjoyed and in the winter months, guests have the option to dine in the warmth of the intimate dining room.

On-site, mountain bikes are available to hire enabling guests to explore their nearby surroundings in the cooler months, whilst 15km of signposted tracks and paths throughout the estate invite keen walkers to discover the area further by foot. For the spiritualists, Yoga classes are held twice a week in the dedicated yoga area – a beautiful large space complete with oak floors, an authentic fireplace, and stunning views. Jeep tours and fishing are also on offer whilst the absence of any surrounding artificial light paves way to some spectacular stargazing at night.

For the warmer months, there is a 15-metre swimming pool which is lightly shaded by the surrounding cork trees. Mushroom-picking and bird-watching can also be enjoyed in season whilst watersport enthusiasts can hit the surf at the Zambujeira do Mar beach 15 minutes drive away.

Founder of Nespereira, Sarah Gredley, comments: “Offering the choice of complete relaxation or an abundance of activities, and with both luxurious villa or simple-eco accommodation available, Nespereira confidentially caters for all tastes and budgets.”

Nature Hideaway accommodation is available from £67 per night / £533 per week
Luxury villa accommodation is available from £127 per night / £888 per week

www.nespereira.eu

The Algarve’s Monte da Quinta Resort has enjoyed a star-studded 2011 with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lawrence Dallaglio, Ronan Keating and Steven Gerrard all making the resort their destination of choice.

Real Madrid star Ronaldo enjoyed a family holiday staying in one of the resort’s 70 luxurious villas, while the likes of Arsenal legend Ian Wright; England and Liverpool ace Gerrard; rugby hero Dallaglio and Boyzone singer Keating were among celebrities hosting charity golf events at Monte da Quinta, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for their chosen causes.

As well as having access to three of Portugal’s finest championship golf courses within the luxury Quinta do Lago Estate, the plethora of celebrities had the opportunity to sample a host of other leisure options including horse riding, clay-pigeon shooting, tennis and water sports. And those who wanted some time out from the action could relax in Monte de Quinta’s Magnolia Spa enjoying the indoor heated pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and sensorial shower.

Mere mortals can follow in the footsteps of the stars and enjoy a seven-night package, with four rounds of golf, from just €99 per person, per night, during April, May and September 2012.

Breaks include bed-and-breakfast accommodation in a luxurious suite; four rounds of golf at the celebrated Quinta do Lago golf club; a 10 per cent discount voucher for clothes and golf equipment at MQ Shopping and complimentary access to the Magnolia Spa.

Located in the heart of the prestigious Quinta do Lago estate, Monte da Quinta boasts a collection of 132 self-catering suites and a range of two and three-bedroom townhouses and spacious villas. All townhouses and villas come with private pools.

The resort is an ideal base for a lifestyle vacation, located close to the Algarve’s famous golden beaches and surrounded by leisure options including championship golf, tennis and water sports. On-site there are a number of dining options and an extensive Kids’ Club.

For further information, or to book a stay call 00 351 289 000 300, email mqreservas@mqclub.com  or go to www.mqresort.com

Azores Express/SATA is offering a week-long package from Boston to Lisbon, featuring six nights lodging and air and starting at $859 per person this fall with a half dozen hotels to choose from. Lisbon has a host of new museums, restaurants, cultural venues and hotels.

Packages from Boston to Lisbon (via the Azores) depart Tuesdays and Fridays with six-night stays at a choice of four hotels all year.

For Tuesday departures, packages range from $859 to $1,019 per person, double occupancy (plus tax). All packages include daily breakfast. Clients can choose a package that combines a stay in São Miguel in the Azores for the same $859 base price. Children under 6 pay only child’s airfare.

For more information, call 800-762-9995.