Enjoy the International Gourmet Festival in Portugal's Algarve

The sixth annual International Gourmet Festival will be taking place in Portugal's stunning Algarve region in 2012. One of the most popular gastronomy events on the continent, the festival exclusively features Michelin-starred chefs from all Europe, there to honour the best in international cuisine. Each chef will contribute a tasting menu with wine pairings and other festivities include a golf tournament on one of the region's famous courses, cooking workshops and a Go-Kart race just for the chefs. The Vila Joya Resort will be hosting the event, which takes place from the 12^th to the 22^nd of January 2012.

For those looking for a place to stay while their taste buds are tempted for ten days, Premier Holidays has a beautiful collection of Algarve holiday villas, perfectly situated to attend the International Gourmet Festival. Casa Girasole is located just outside the small town of Guia, which is close to the site of the festival and also famed for its quintessential Algarvian restaurants. The beautiful villa sleeps up to seven people, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The living space is open-plan and contemporary, with a modern kitchen perfect for trying out a few of the chef's recipes from the festival. A furnished outdoor area also boasts a charcoal barbecue and the property has a luxurious private pool (with optional heating for a small fee).

Another Algarve villa, Casa Belmira would suit a smaller party, with the capacity to sleep five people (four adults and one child). This single-storey villa resides in the Quinta dos Alamos community, also close to Guia and Albufeira, and with easy access by car to Vila Joya. A water park and the Zoomarine theme park are located close by, as well as the opportunity to swim with dolphins on the coast. The kitchen is well-equipped for a self-catering holiday and an outdoor dining area provides the perfect spot for supper after a long day of golf and wine tasting.

To enjoy Michelin-starred chefs during the day and a luxurious villa by night, Monte dos Avos is the ideal choice. This newly-constructed villa is located a little way out of Albufeira in Alcantarilha, but the distance towards the festival remains fairly equal. It stands imperiously on a small hill so residents may enjoy a stunning panoramic view over the grounds, the swimming pool and the surrounding fruit trees. The villa sleeps eight people in four bedrooms and is an attractive property for a group of friends wanting to enjoy the mouthwatering feasts that the International Gourmet Festival will undoubtedly provide.

For more Algarve villas, things to do and places to stay, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Get away to the Algarve for New Year with Premier Holidays

As 2011 draws to a close and New Year's resolutions are set all over the country, many people are left with the challenging task of deciding how to spend their New Year's Eve. Parties will be held all over the UK, in pubs, clubs or just houses, with Auld Lang Syne being sung enthusiastically and fireworks set off as the clock strikes midnight. But some people will be looking for a quieter way to see in 2012, and what better way than a New Year break to Portugal's beautiful Algarve region. Premier Holidays has a large selection of luxury villas available for last-minute booking, starting at prices in the region of £500 per week.

For those looking to invite a few friends along to see in the New Year, Monte dos Avos, is a large Algarve villa in the Albufeira region, and a perfect choice. With four bedrooms (sleeping eight people) and three bathrooms, the villa is all set for an intimate party in enclosed, private grounds. Set atop a hill, the villa has a private pool should the weather be warm enough for a dip, and a barbecue and seating area for al fresco dining. The interior is elegantly decorated, with an inviting living room and adjoining indoor dining area. The property is just a short distance from a newly-developed golf course, perfect for spending the first day of 2012 relaxing.

Situated in the Vilamoura region, the Villa Oraya Algarve holiday villa is one of the largest properties on offer, sleeping eighteen people in seven bedrooms. The heated pool gives guests the option of hosting a pool party to celebrate the New Year, with stunning views from the garden and both a gas barbecue and a traditional charcoal barbecue. The property is just a short drive away from numerous beaches and amenities such as bars, restaurants and some of the region's many golf courses. The home of piri-piri chicken, Guia, is just a 20-minute drive away from Villa Oraya, with a Zoo-Marine theme park also nearby.

For a romantic getaway with a partner, friend or small family, the beachside Apartments Praia Mar are surely the perfect choice. The apartments feature a private terrace overlooking the sandy beach, as well as great accessibility to beachfront amenities. The Blue Flag beach of Praia da Luz is a few minutes' walk away, and the watersports centre there offers activities such as kayaking, water-skiing and wakeboarding. The old historic town of Lagos is also a short distance away, giving guests the chance to soak up a bit of culture before they enjoy their New Year's Eve in one of Luz's many restaurants or bars.

For up to date late availability in the Algarve, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Escape To The Algarve During The Olympics

The London 2012 Olympics promise to be an occasion to remember but for those who would prefer to escape the hustle and bustle and chill out instead, the Algarve is the perfect place to work on a tan and enjoy a slower pace of life. Premier Holidays, the Algarve villa specialists, are now taking bookings for summer 2012 and have some great deals on those booking early for the Olympic period.

While others focus on the run up to Christmas and New Year breaks, turning attention to summer now means having the pick of the best Algarve holiday villas. With excellent availability and early-bird booking prices, making an Olympic getaway plan can be cost effective and ensure a holiday to remember.

Premier Holidays offers a choice of apartments and two to seven bedroom luxury Algarve holiday villas with a choice of locations throughout the popular Portuguese region. For those who want miles of golden sandy beaches to explore and gorgeous local restaurants to dine at, the resort of Quinta Dos Alamos is a winner.  All of Premier Holiday’s Albufeira and Guia and Area Villas are just a short drive from quiet sandy coves and at the opposite end of the scale, the livelier town of Guia.

Just West of Faro in the golden triangle, Vale do Lobo villas are situated in the heart of the  action and are an idea choice for those who want to escape the Olympics but not miss the chance to enjoy water sports and sports facilities while away. The beautiful seven bedroom Villa Oraya near Vilamoura overlooks the surrounding countryside of Vilamoura with breathtaking views, close proximity to a number of golf courses, a private pool and easy access to the bars, restaurants and a casino.

For a total getaway, a villa in the Algarve’s Eastern Countryside is undoubtedly the way to go. Life is slow and unhurried in this traditional rural enclave but restaurants are plentiful and delicious food and drink bountiful. The 8 bedroom Villa Rebekah in Loule, in the Algarve’s Eastern Countryside is of a traditional Algarve design with uninterrupted views of the countryside to the ocean beyond.

For up to date availability and more suggestions for places to stay in the Algarve next summer call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.