https://www.visitalgarve.pt/en/Default.aspx Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

America, Asia, Caribbean, Countries, Deals, Europe

Every day’s a Tropical Sky schoolday

30th October 202331st October 2023 funtime65

Now as I’ve still so much to learn I rely on the dream-makers, our holiday providers, to teach me… and I know that every day’s a Tropical Sky schoolday.

Because Tropical Sky it was who schooled me in snorkelling after earlier false starts in Barbados.

I’ve picked up a number of other attributes on the way.

Keeeeep dancin’: With Judy Murray in Portugal

Learning to play tennis like a grand slam champion from Judy Murray in Quinta da Lago on the Algarve.

Ride like Roy Rogers in the Wild West and cling onto a tub on the rapids in Colorado.

Paint like Picasso in Tobago though I kept reaching for the mixing pot to drink out of habit thinking it was rum.

Or cook like Craddock and bake like Berry anywhere between my old stomping ground of Co. Wicklow and the States.

All these skills and a few more, tobogganing, scootering, paddel (a hybrid between squash and tennis) and paddle boarding I’ve also picked up along the way.

Although I was for once tongue-tied when asked to blow my own trumpet (still to do that one) by the inimitable Marsha in Tobago.

Picture perfect: With SLM & Marsha in Tobago

When she asked our party what we were good at.

And while my colleague (and her favourite) Vic wowed her with his acumen in building his own house.

My claims of being a poet from my time at the Edinburgh Fringe didn’t impress her and she pipes up: ‘Jim, you got no skills.’

Of course I showed off me skills while seeing off Vic at the goat racing with Marsha watching. No kiddin’!

All of which came to mind while browsing through the list of activity holidays Tropical Sky have to offer in their latest mail drop.

Antigua, set and match

Curtain Bluff hotel, Antigua: Anyone for learning tennis, and the five-star Curtain Bluff Hotel, in verdant Antigua.

Look out for Antigua Tennis Week each Spring and Tennis Challenge Week in November.

A seven-night AI stay at Curtain Bluff Hotel, with flights from London Gatwick, arriving 20 May, is from £3,679 pps.

Curry favours in Sri Lanka

Anantara Kalutara Resort, Sri Lanka: Now I’ve another of my go-to holiday providers, G Adventures, to thank for teaching me the secrets of curry making.

Not all of them mind, I could still do with Spices Cooking School at Anantara Kalutara Resort to fill in the rest.

Their interactive classes see you explore the spice markets with the chef and pick out the ingredients before tucking into your meal with Prosecco.

A seven-nighter, arriving 12 June is from £1,629 pps half-board with return flights from London Heathrow.

Cookery classes can be booked for an additional cost of £124 pp.

Wild West Hero

Tanque Verde Ranch, Arizona: Now forgive me if I retell the story of how I ran into a cowboy ex-Aberdeen University classmate in the baking sun on the Great Plains.

And I asked him as he taught me how to ride a horse if he missed the sub-zero temperatures of the north-east of Scotland.

Now Tropical tell us that nestled amidst the desert and mountains of Tucson is the Tanque Verde Ranch.

A six-nighter at Tanque Verde Ranch, arriving 12 June from £2,649 pps, sharing a Road Runner Sala on full board basis.

With return flights from London Heathrow with Tropical sister company www.americansky.co.uk).

Painter Lucia

Anse Chastenet: In St Lucia is a long way from Joe Reilly’s art class painting apples that looked like men’s parts.

As it happens it took my Tobagonian pals to make an artist of me and show that I could paint… in this case a mill.

The Anse Chastenet is nestled within a 600-acre estate with beaches, coral reefs and views of the Pitons.

Let artist Naja Misaki Simeon take you on a group class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or opt for private sessions for a fee.

A seven-nighter AI at Anse Chastanet, arriving 12 June, is from £2,449 pps with return flights from London Gatwick.

Atoll order

Fushifaru Maldives: Now what to do when you’re caught between a coral and a hard place.

As I was in Kuramathi when swallowing water I tried to stop on the Indian Ocean floor.

Only to be scolded for killing the coral while it was cutting my feet!!

Snorkelling was my limit but if you want to extend yourself to scuba diving Best Dives at Fushifaru Maldives will show you how.

A seven-nighter AI at Fushifaru Maldives, arriving 20 May is from £3,299pps with return flights from London Heathrow.

And for my Tobagonian pal Marsha’s information.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Wild Women’s Wellgarve

2nd August 20232nd August 2023 funtime65

I’ve gatecrashed these gigs so bring it on… Wild Women’s Wellgarve.

Well, it was Biarritz and a thalassotherapy hotel, and I was the only bloke among a gaggle of women (it was ever thus).

And there I was getting covered with mosses and gels, doucheing down… and drinking kale.

All of which proved to myself that I’m as comfortable on a girly getaway as I am on a boys’ booze bus.

Now over to our friends at Cassidy Travel, who we’ve been sharing all their boys’ weeks away sporting packages (girls are allowed too).

And they have given us the nod here on women’s tribes.

That’s their words so don’t shoot the messenger!

Cassidy have flagged up Wild & Free in one of our favourite European coastal resorts, Algarve.

As a women’s retreat to give you time and space to connect with your authentic self, gather with your tribe and tune into feminine wisdom.

It’s hosted by Sarah Shannon and Wild & Free takes you on a journey.

She promises that she’ll help you find ways to listen to your inner wild and allow yourself to be free.

And you’ll enjoy morning meditations and rituals, guided journaling and yoga classes suitable for all levels.

And workshops, women’s circles, a cacao ceremony, sound healing and other special activities.

All included in the price.

There will also be plenty of free time to enjoy the surrounding beaches and stunning retreat venues on your Wild Women’s Wellgarve trip.

And, of course, I’m a past master of Algarve sporting, fitness and wellness at the Campus, Quinta do Lago

And don’t you just know the first of these retreats is on a very special anniversary.

Although The Pampered One is already being swooped away… to Firenze.

Wild & Free September Retreat

They have a five-night package with all meals and activities included on September 17 at Loule in the Portuguese holiday getaway.

With deluxe private & standard private rooms from €2179pp.

Twin sharing rooms en-suite from €1599pp.

Flights and transfers are not included but can be added at time of booking.

Wild & Free October Retreat

Or enjoy Autumn in the Algarve with all meals and activities included, arriving in Loule on October 26 for a five-night package.

With deluxe private & standard private rooms from €2179pp

Twin Sharing Rooms En Suite from €1599pp.

And again you can add on your flights and transfers on booking.

Europe, Sport

Anyone for tennis and Bandanaman

29th May 202329th May 2023 funtime65

It was beyond even Judy Murray so what chance would Annabel Croft have but that’s the challenge… in the Algarve it’s anyone for tennis and Bandanaman.

All predicated by an Active Lives survey from Sport England which has flagged up the highest figure recorded for tennis since the survey began with 915,000 adults now playing tennis regularly.

Which, of course, will delight all those Engurlish racquet and ball fans.

Didn’t they try to claim Oor Andy as their ain and are still waiting for their first men’s Wimbledon champ in 87 years?

Still, you’ve got to feel sorry for them!

With that and tennis on my mind as it always was when bringing up the Son and Heir in Co. Wicklow in Ireland it’s timely.

To remind y’all about how the next British champion could well hail from Algarve.

Croft original

The Annabel Croft Tennis Academy at Pine Cliffs offers tennis camps over five days.

With ten hours of coaching focusing on different skills each day, or weekend courses.

Or for those that want to play a casual game.

And if there’s anyone for tennis and Bandanaman then players can simply rent a court and play with friends and family.

The resort is perfect for families – earning it an award for ‘The Best Family Resort’ in Europe by the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

The resort offers an extensive selection of activities for the whole family to do.

Including the Porto Pirata Children’s club with life size pirate ships, MIMO Algarve – a cooking school with family classes.

Cliffs’ Algarve

No, not that Cliff: But his wine is all over the Algarve

Pine Cliffs’ tennis facilities include five floodlit courts – two clay courts, three hard courts and a padel tennis court, which can be booked by the hour or as a block for the week by contacting the academy directly.

And padel, of course, if you hadn’t come across it in your travels was best described to me as ‘the child which tennis and squash’ would have made.

The Junior Tennis Camp (4-13 yrs) and Teenage Tennis Camp (13-17 yrs) comes in at €295 and Adult Tennis Holiday- €365.

Private lessons can also be booked for €75 /hour or shared lessons from €45 /hour per person.

Off court

Moulded in clay: And learn how to play on all surfaces

Of course, there’s plenty to do off court too with a nine-hole golf course.

And Serenity Spa – The Art of Wellbeing – with a myriad of treatments and its indoor Thermal Oasis with a herbal sauna, hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, steam room and a salt sauna.

The resort offers hotel accommodation as well as luxury suites, apartments, and private villas, for self-catering.

There are eight swimming pools, as well as 11 restaurants and bars, which offer a wide variety of cuisines and dishes to cater to every taste.

Two adults can stay at Pine Cliffs Hotel in June from €385 per night including breakfast. A family of four can stay in a Two-Bedroom Pine Cliffs Gardens suite in June 2023 from €515 per night.

And if you see the awesome Annabel slamming her racquet on the ground and uncharacteristically yelling ‘You cannot be serious’ then it’s because she is coaching. Anyone for tennis and Bandanaman.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Food & Wine

Portugill a pescatarian paradise

26th April 202326th April 2023 funtime65

When you see the flat fish smiling back at you you know you must be in Portugill a pescatarian paradise.

If you’re a fish fan there’s nowhere quite like Portugal for fin in the sun.

Which is where Pine Cliffs, A Luxury Collection Resort in the Algarve comes in.

With a series of new experiences at its own on-property cooking school MIMO Algarve.

Because food and especially fish is a religion in the Algarve.

Boom 101

Codfish 101: See we told you the Portuguese believed in Cod.

There are said to be more than 1,000 recipes that use codfish in Portugal.

You’ll learn how to prepare this signature fish as well as its origins and conservation methods.

By preparing a snack, an appetiser and a main entree. €68 per adult.

Stews and soups

Fishing is fun: On a Portuguese fishing boat

Cataplana: Of course our scaley pals, the fish can be cooked up in any number of ways.

And simply speaking sardines on a roadside barbecue grill is quintessentially Portuguese.

There’s something rustic and ravishing too about a stew and the Portuguese version is almost as good as its Irish counterpart.

This pork and seafood stew is a staple of Algarve cuisine.

Guests will learn the unique method of cooking and how to prepare this typical dish. €98 per adult.

Traditional Algarve: And if there’s one food I’ll guarantee not to share it’s clams… sorry, I’m shellfish that way.

Guests learn how to make typical and traditional Algarvian foodsuch as ‘Xerém’ (a thick soup with clams) and ‘Caldeirada (a fish and potato stew).

In this class, recipes from all over the region will be prepared, not only from the coast but also from inland regions, for a broader taste of southern Portuguese cuisine. €88 per adult.

Drinks are on them

And because we love an oul Vinho Verde and Sagres and want to learn more..

Afternoon Workshops are available from Tuesday to Saturday, from 4pm. These include Portuguese wines and beers:

Algarvian Wines – Take a tasting tour around Algarve’s main vineyards at a wine tasting class and discover five unique grape varieties and their pairings with their certified sommeliers. €48pp.

Portugal in five glasses – Journey through an authentic Portugal, a country of luxuriant colours, unique flavours and delicate scents and celebrate traditions, heritage, and wine. €48pp.

Cocktail Challenge – Learn how to make cocktails, main bar techniques and presentation to impress friends and families. €60pp.

Cookies & Cupcakes – Fun for the little ones who can mess around with flour, eggs, and sugar.

The prepared snacks will be accompanied by fresh lemonade that they will also prepare for themselves.

€65 for 1 child (between 5-12 ages) and 1 adult (mandatory).

Fine Pine

Rates for staying at Pine Cliffs Hotel start from £278.00 per night.

Based on two adults sharing a deluxe ocean view room including breakfast. Price based on October travel.

Si, Portugill a pescatarian paradise.

Countries, Europe

WaterfAlgarve

12th October 202212th October 2022 funtime65

Salmon pink overweight Brits shouldn’t be let out in public which is why Quarteira are keeping them in with their groundbreaking indoor WaterfAlgarve.

Aquashow, the first and only indoor water park in the Algarve and on the Iberian Peninsula, opens on October 20.

And why that’s important is that it is a welcome addition for visitors to the Iberian peninsula in the cooler months.

You’ll also hopefully avoid the sun-worshiping British lager louts the likes of which bumped into us literally in Mallorca.

Tornado falls

The Quarteira facility includes slides, swimming pools, family relaxation pools, Jacuzzis, children’s water slides, baby pool, water jets (phew, breathe).

Those waterfalls, an adventure pool (with climbing wall, hammock, rings), wave pool and a children’s pool with slides and water cannons.

Their pride and joy is their ‘Tornado’, a 26-metre high tower.

The descent is done with a buoy, leading down to a giant cone with a diameter of 16 meters creating a sensation of free fall.

Each ride is accompanied by sounds and lights chosen by each person at the beginning of the slide.

And the water therapy doesn’t stop there.

Water therapy

The spa includes a relaxation pool with Jacuzzis, water jets, water beds, a counter current swimming area (phew breathe again)

A shower with essence oils, essence pool, sauna, Turkish bath, thermal bath, ice well and fountain, and two massage rooms.

And all of that without even going outside and risk getting wet.

Better doing that inside.

Just the ticket

It comes out in the wash: The best showers

And so to the prices, a single day ticket is (13–64-year-olds) – €65, (6-12-year-olds) – €55 (65+ year olds) – €55, (3-5-year-olds) – €45

Of course you’ll want to kick back at the end of the day and they’ve a hotel for that too.

The Aquashow Hotel by the outdoor waterpark is an ideal refuge, only a few metres from the park.

It has 148 rooms, a gym, two outdoor pools and a relaxing indoor pool, for use after your massage at the Aquafeeling Spa.

And while parents have a drink or light meal, children have an indoor and outdoor playground at their disposal.

The Hotel remains open all year.

So get out there to what I’m calling the WaterFalgarve.

And my friends at Visit Algarve can have that pitch for free.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Winter abroad to save fuel

30th September 202230th September 2022 funtime65

Turn off the heat, lock the door and winter abroad to save fuel this winter.

Well, we need no second invitation, Click and Go and what Ireland’s online Travel specialists are offering.

We’ll pass over, of course, that they have us down as pensioners as we’re sure this applies just as well for all ages.

A winter’s tale

My old pal and C&G CEO Paul Hackett explains: ‘We have had many clients booking holidays for the winter.

‘Because it’ll be cheaper to be on holidays in Spain in a 4-star hotel than heating their homes in Ireland.

‘These offers are perfect for retirees or for people who are able to work remotely.’

Bully for us: With Sara and The Son and Heir

‘We have incredible deals from November to March in the Algarve, mainland Spain, and Malta.

‘The day to day cost of living in these destinations is much less than Ireland. It is amazing that you can discover a new place while saving.”

With dinner, bed and breakfast from just €40 it isn’t hard to see why.

So click and go…

Three and easy

3 weeks

*Fuengirola in a 4-star hotel, half board, for three weeks from €869pp. Find out more.

*Benalmadena in a 4-star hotel, half board, for three weeks from €949. Find out more.

*Torremolinos in a 4-star hotel, half board, for three weeks from €979pp. Find out more.

Extend your stay for another week from just €280!

Month of sun days

4 weeks

*Fuengirola in a 4-star hotel for four weeks from €1,099pp. Find out more.

*Benaladena in a 4-star hotel for four weeks from €1,229. Find out more.

*Torremolinos in a 4-star hotel for four weeks from €1,259. Find out more.

Prices are per person and include flights and accommodation.

The Click&Go website allows for stays up to 90 day.

So that’s us all sorted and where we want winter abroad to save fuel.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

Portyogal

4th October 20214th October 2021 funtime65

Lyra did things to me that should never be done to a man (and definitely not before dinner). Welcome to Portyogal.

And while the Algarve conjures up images of Sun, Sea and Sagres to most, Sport is the order of the day at The Campus in Quinta do Lago

Portugal’s popularity for golfers is well established but more and more of us have been discovering its other activities.

Among them tennis, with lessons from Judy Murray, and the Iberian favourite padel, a hybrid of tennis and squash.

Sun, steak and sardines

With all that sun, steak and sardines (and I can do sibilant alliteration all day) you’ll be wanting to swim it off.

Yes, and the ancient practices of yoga too. It’s not called Portyogal for nothing!

If you don’t know your Downward Dog from your Cobra, and if you do, then you’ll want to know you’re with experts

And our old friends at Travel Department know their Portugal and know their yoga.

My type of TD

TD offers a guided trip where your vinyasa/hatha practice will be varied and themed each day.

Your MOONS yoga teacher will help you focus on slow, mindful movement with stronger holds.

And if you’re very good teacher will allow you out to take in Sagres.

The beer? Yes, but also the region.

With walks along the coast, the sun, surf and siestas.

The TD Algarve Yoga Holiday is from €639pp including three nights’ B&B with all yoga activities.

Depart May 5 and October 13.

Yoga moves

And so since you’ve been practicing your yoga over lockdown you’ll be ready to go.

I know I am having limbered up under the tutelage of my old pal and Nidra practitioner SLM who I exercised with in Tobago.

That is when we weren’t clinking beers on the Nylon Poo l sandbank in the middle of the Caribbean.

Countries, Europe, Sport, UK

Anyone for tennis and Andy Murray?

2nd July 20212nd July 2021 funtime65

Do you have a battle for the remote between the Euros and Wimbledon? Anyone for tennis and Andy Murray?

The Bionic Man of tennis returns to the Centre Court to play Canadian Denis Shapovalov this afternoon.

And Mum Judy will be watching.

Mixed Doubles

It’s reassuring to think that the supercoach who honed my forehand in Portugal does the same for her wee boy.

Judy put me and my international party through our paces at The Campus resort in Quinta do Lago.

Without giving away any of Judy’s trade secrets she starts with the basics and short tennis before building up to full courts.

Easy Ryder

With my pal John pitching for a Ryder Cup spot

If you haven’t a lifetime to become one of the world’s elite athletes then this sportified corner of the Algarve is where to go.

You’ll be the envy of the park with your drop shot and sliced backhand.

While you can prepare for this month’s renewal of The Open by visiting Quinta’s Paul McGinley Academy.

In the swing of it

Paul’s pals will dissect your swing, let you practise it on the range and then let you on the course.

And yes, the clubs are in the bag, of course, ready for The Open at Royal St George’s Kent on the south coast of England.

An aside here from a previous life when I ran a newspaper sports desk.

And I had asked the secretary to arrange accommodation for our golf writer for that year’s Open.

Not easy but she was excited to find accommodation within a 20 mile radius.

The French name of the guest house ought to have given it away.

Back to Portugal and we’re all hoping for a clear run at it without the switching of traffic light colours.

Portugal’s delights

Portugal is of course The Algarve but it is so much more, Lisbon, Porto, our old tour guide pal Jose Madomis’s home town, Coimbra….

And his hero Cristiano Ronaldo’s island, Madeira.

Cristiano has left the building at the Euros and we trust Our Andy won’t go the same way in London.

If he does, of course, football-daft Andy will have more time to watch the Euros.

When asked this time whether he’d support England now his beloved Scotland are out, he blocked it as if at the net.

Andy had playfully worn the jersey of England’s then opponents Croatia at a previous Euros in his youth,

But this time the Surrey-based national treasure wished them well.

Andy’s castle

Otherwise he’d be taking refuge in his newly-acquired hotel, Cromlix, near his home town of Dunblane, back in Scotland.

Which is where your favourite blogger’s Travel journey began with his first trip 30-odd year ago.

Now myself and The Scary One could form a Mixed Doubles team against my old mate Judy and Andy.

Anyone for tennis and Andy Murray? Or Jimmy Murty?

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

Holiday Snaps – United for Malta

3rd March 20213rd March 2021 funtime65

I’m in good company, with footballers Paul Pogba, Victor Lindelof and Brandon Williams all fans of my honeymoon island… we’re all United for Malta I guess.

The three Manchester United players were only too happy to flag up the jewel of the Mediterannean.

With Malta the club’s official destination partner.

French World Cup winner Pogba said: ‘It’s beautiful, there aren’t a lot of people and I can go there with my family.

He picked out St Peter’s Pool in Delimara.

While Lindelof is rightly taken by Comino.

Valletta you better you bet

The idea is to put together a postcard (remember them) of Malta.

And you can check it out on https://www.manutd.com/en/videos/detail/pogba-williams-and-lindelof-create-their-perfect-postcard-with-visitmalta#

The jewel of the Med 26 years ago was my wee treasure… only what they don’t tell you is that gems have rough edges!

A cheeky wee Algarve

The loved-up Miss F dragged me away to the Algarve for our first summer holiday together although in truth I didn’t need much dragging.

On a budget then we were taken by the Algarve tradition of taking your litre plastic bottle down to the local wine shop in Cabanas.

Where the owner would fill it up with house wine for a few escudos (yes, it was that long ago).

As Portugal awaits the green light for us to return to its shores we welcome too the push for Algarve wines.

And what’s more they’ll even share their art with you on the Quinta dos Vales estate.

Get a three-hour induction in winemaking in the Bottle Blending Workshop from €62pp.

Even better stay the night, you’ll need it to put your boozy head down, from €75 per night.

And here’s a toast from past travels in Quinta do Lago.

Our bit for charity

Charity begins at home and seeing we’re all holed up at home let’s all do our bit.

Bike4tourism is a multi-continental charity ride which is hoping to break the Guinness world record for numbers of participants.

With part of the money raised going to an environmental cause and helping Travel companies affected by Covid-19.

Now my cycling has come on a lot since collapsing on the roadside in the Algarve way back then.

Probably the vino collapso!

And Machu more

If running, or swimming, is more your thing and you want to help out, say, the Machu Picchu porters, then join me in this challenge.

This month we’re being invited to run, swim (OK, or bike) 25 miles to help out the Machu porters who are currently packless.

Twenty-five miles is the length of the famous Peruvian trail.

And £25 provides funds to purchase one essential food parcel for a Peruvian porter and their family for a month.

If like me you’ve taken your foot off the pedal during lockdown then this is your chance to rectify that.

Or alternatively you can donate £25 to Peru 25for25. Visit the Lata Foundation.

And when you do get out to Peru then it’ll be with our old pals at G Adventures.

They are offering seven days Cusco to Cusco from £620, down from £729, Valid on November 1.

MEET YOU ON THE ROAD

Countries, Deals, Europe, Flying, Food & Wine, Ireland, UK

Holiday Snaps – booze brothers

16th May 202016th May 2020 funtime65

The news that they will pour away 70m pints of spoiled beer down the drain would merely have been an invitation to The Sesh.

Our drinking fraternity at Aberdeen University have scattered to the four corners of the world – funny when many couldn’t be raised from their scratchers.

My Best Man Andy is in Singapore https://www.visitsingapore.com/en/, Jevan is back home in the West Indies https://www.visittrinidad.co.tt , https://www.visittobago.gov.tt. My kiss with Rihanna, Let’s rumba in Barbados and Ready, steady GOAT… racing in Tobago /.

While some of my English pals, Wee Jon and Micky, and Gaelic emigrees Alan and Anna went to the bright lights of London https://www.visitlondon.com and The London life.

And those flatmates that were foisted on us such as Grumpy Vangelis (no, seriously) My Greek odyssey and the cheery Ibohal Singh (song) https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en.html are doubtless back where they belong.

It’ll be 40 years in a couple of years since we first bowled up in Aberdeen so I feel a reunion in the making.

And we’ll need more than 70m beers for that… https://www.visitabdn.com and Aberdeen – a light in the north.

Sláinte

Aberdeen University’s other great gift to the world, after me, is of course Blair Bowman.

Blair Whoman? Yes, Blair Bowman, who only gave us World Whisky Day.

Surprisingly this celebration of uisce beatha has only been running since 2012.

The organisers say that 250,000 people participated in registered events in 2014.

I don’t know the figures for the last few years – I guess they’d overdone the golden liquid!

To the pantheon of greats who graduated from Aberdeen Uni, Alex Kapranos, Alistair Darling and Nicky Campbell add Jevan Jutagir.

A proud half-Scots, half-West Indian who is one-third of the Barbados Whisky Mafia.

And who if you’ve got an in will crack out the good stuff before Foreday Morning at Crop Over in Barbados https://www.visitbarbados.org, My kiss with Rihanna and Turtle recall.