Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Enjoy the Algarve Jazz Musical Festival with Premier Holidays Self Catering Algarve Villas


The Algarve is known for being one of the top beach break destinations in Europe, with miles of sandy shores, quaint fishing villages and family-friendly resorts to choose from. But during the last weeks of July, lovers of jazz music from all over the world will join traditional holidaymakers in flocking to the region in southern Portugal for the annual Algarve Jazz Music Festival. Situated in the Loule area, and run by the Casa da Cultura (House of Culture), the festival has been hosting outstanding musicians since 1995 and continues to thrill audiences in 2012. With intimate gigs in bars and historic sites, and huge, open-air concerts in parks and pavilions, there is an eclectic mix of blues, funk and jazz music for all to enjoy.

The Loule area of the Algarve is set back slightly from the coast, with plenty of accommodation available in surrounding villages and resorts for those wishing to enjoy the festival. Premier Holidays have a wide catalogue of beautiful Algarve holiday villas in nearby areas such as Vilamoura, Faro and Vale de Lobo, perfectly situated for music fans who want to be near the action of the annual event.

The Lagomare Algarve Holiday Apartments are in a prime location to enjoy both the jazz festival and everything else the Algarve has to offer. With cafes, restaurants, beaches, water parks, nightlife and historical sites all within easy access, it is the perfect holiday home for a short, jazz-filled getaway. The apartments have two bedrooms, both furnished to a high standard, and a beautifully appointed open plan living and kitchen area. A garden and private pool are also available to residents, to unwind after a night of jazz riffs and licks. 

The Vilamoura area is home to some of the more spacious villas in Premier Holidays’ extensive portfolio; the beautiful Algarve Holiday Villa Oraya can sleep up to eighteen people, with seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms and leather sofas seating sixteen in an expansive living area. Perfect for a getaway with a group of jazz-loving friends, the villa has a south-facing pool and is set in beautifully manicured gardens, with outdoor eating areas for al fresco dining and even a private terrace with breathtaking views for those lucky enough to procure the master bedroom. The villa is just a short drive away from festival in Loule, as well as from some of the most beautiful beaches and towns in Portugal. 

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

Friday, 15 June 2012

The Algarve Offers A Taste Of Local Flavour


Summer in the Algarve is all set to kick off in fine style following last week’s annual wine festival. Offering plenty of wine tasting opportunities, the fair featured both small and large producers and attracted tourists and locals alike, giving just a hint of the rich gourmet culture that can be found throughout the region.  The Algarve features prominently on the list of Portugal’s best selling wines and the festival offered a great way to pick up fantastic wines at value prices.  For those who missed out, it’s still possible to enjoy a true wine tasting experience by visiting one of the area’s many vineyards. There you can learn about the cultivation of the grapes, the different varieties of fruit and harvest methods, all while an expert guides you through the mouth-watering flavours of a different local beverages. A wine tasting excursion is the perfect way to unwind and relax and with a handful of self-catering Algarve villas on offer within a short drive of some of the region’s most prolific producers, the only problem is deciding which to try first.

Some of the best wine tasting tours are favourably close to the popular holiday resorts of Lagos, Vale do Lobo and Guia, including the winery Adega do Cantor which famously produces Sir Cliff Richard’s ‘Vida Nova’. Other wine tasting experiences include the Adega Algarvia on route to Vale Do Lobo and the Monte Da Casteleja wine cellar situated between Lagos and Portimao. Excursions such as wine tasting can easily take up an entire afternoon but picking a villa within a short drive means you can fit more than one wine tasting experience into even the shortest of weekend breaks.

If you’re planning an Algarve getaway with fellow foodies, Premier Holidays has a number of luxurious villas and apartments to choose from which are well suited to larger groups. Sleeping up to 7 people, the spacious, modern Casita Jemima is conveniently situated within the old town of Vale do Lobo. A quick stroll will take you straight to the beach and the old town square La Praca, sufficiently surrounded by a good selection of cafés, bars, shops and restaurants.  Complete with a garden and sun terrace with superb views of the old town area, Casita Jemima is a prime location for a spot of sight seeing by day and to experience the bustling Portuguese atmosphere by night.

Villa Leonora is also in the Valle do Lobo region and within easy driving distance of the well-known wine tasting bodegas, a handful of water sport facilities, two golf courses and the beach. Sleeping up to 5 people, Villa Leonora comes complete with a pool, terrace and shaded outside dinning area, just the place from where to watch the sun go down.  With an open plan deisgn, the Algarve Villa Leonara is modern and comfortably furnished.

Ultra modern and definitely chic, Monte Dos Avos offers a more country feel but comes complete with private heated pool and stunning picture postcard views. Within walking distance from the peaceful but beautiful village Alcantarilha, the villa is also only within a few minutes drive of the Armacao da Pera resort and the pretty town of Guia. Monte dos Avos is in a superb location from which to base all manner of day time excursions but perfect for anyway wanting to steal some time away from the hubbub of the tourist resorts at the end of a long, yet fun-filled day.

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

Thursday, 14 June 2012

Escape To An Algarve Villa With Friends This Summer


The Algarve in Portugal is one of Europe’s premier beach destinations, and ideal for a holiday with friends. With restaurants, cafes, bars, exhilarating water sports and a multitude of sandy beaches, it is the perfect spot for a sun-soaked break this year. Premier Holidays have almost one hundred stunning Algarve holiday villas to choose from, all in prime locations to enjoy everything the south of Portugal has to offer. From two-bedroomed luxury apartments to sprawling countryside villas, Premier Holidays has something to suit every client looking to escape with pals this summer.

The Casa Sultan Algarve villa, with five bedrooms and stunning views of the Carvoeiro coastline, is a stunning example of the luxury self-catering accommodation Premier Holidays specialise in. Complete with optionally heated swimming pool, outdoor barbecue area and even a small games room, the villa is ideal for a group of friends escaping to experience some Portuguese sunshine. The picturesque cove of Carvoeiro is just a short walk away, with many restaurants offering traditional cuisine. Whale-spotting and swimming with dolphins are all part of the activities in the surrounding area, with water parks, tennis courts, golf courses and boat rentals all available. The Casa Sultan sleeps ten people and is available from just £1281 per week.

Situated in the Luz area, Villa Ksenia offers a high standard of a holiday accommodation in private, secluded grounds. The local sandy beach is a twenty minute walk away, with the nearest amenities just a five minute stroll. A health spa and a tennis centre are located within two kilometres, a leisurely walk for those who enjoy getting out and about on holiday. The villa itself sleeps ten people and is furnished in a stylish manner; a raised dining area leads onto the terrace and the kidney-shaped pool, while the open-plan living and kitchen area is kitted out with leather sofas and the finest cooking appliances. With prices starting at just £795 for a week, this stunning villa is not to be missed.

For smaller groups, Casita Dulce is a beautifully renovated townhouse located in the heart of the “Old Village” in the Vale de Lobo area. The famous beachside centre of Praca is a short walk away, and the traditional town square features an array of restaurants and shops. The townhouse sleep four people and is fully-fitted with a top-of-the-range kitchen and bathroom suites. The outdoor dining terrace is perfect for balmy nights sipping wine and eating alfresco, while those more active can enjoy two superb 18-hole golf courses, a horse riding centre and a go-kart track. This property is available to rent for just £506 per week.

For more information and to book call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

Escape Britain’s Summer Of Sport With A Break In The Algarve


The UK is set to go sports crazy this summer, with events such as Euro 2012, Wimbledon and, of course, the Olympics and the Paralympics all directly featuring a range of British sporting talent. Sports fever is already gripping the nation, and many who aren’t so fanatical about the multitude of tournaments taking place this summer will be looking for any means to escape and enjoy a relaxing break away from the competitive and all-consuming nature of these events. Premier Holidays has the solution in the form of their stunning selection of Algarve holiday villas. With sizes ranging from one-bedroomed apartments to luxurious villas which sleep up to fourteen, Premier Holidays has a self-catering solution to suit anyone looking for a much-needed break this summer.

The Algarve region is famed for many things: its stunning stretches of sandy white beaches, incredible cliff formations, the warm climate and its hospitality towards tourists. Whether staying in a family-friendly resort like Vilamoura, exploring the historical streets of Lagos or relaxing in the quaint fishing village of Luz, there is something for all guests to enjoy.

The Vilamoura area is perfect for leisure and recreation, with a whole host of shopping boutiques, restaurants and bars. For those who can stomach a little sport, or whose other halves won’t be able to handle more than a few days without a little competition, this region has some of the best golf courses in the country, as well as many beautiful beaches to while away the day. The Villa Vanessa Algarve villa is a modern property suitable for a family, just two kilometres from the main marina in Vilamoura, where there are theme parks and sea-life shows to keep everyone occupied. Sleeping up to six people, the villa features elegant landscaped gardens overlooked by a patio dining area, and shares a large communal pool with the surrounding properties.  

The famous Algarvian restaurants which feature prominently in the town of Guia are famed for being the birthplace of piri-piri chicken, as well as a whole host of other regional delicacies. The Casa Rosinhas Algarve holiday villa sleeps up to eight people, ideal for two families escaping Britain together, and is situated just outside of Guia. Zoomarine and Aqualand theme parks are just a short drive away, with the opportunity to swim with dolphins also available nearby. With a private, optionally heated pool, four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a private terrace with delightful views of the surrounding countryside, the relaxing atmosphere at Casa Rosinhas will feel a world away from the summer of sport taking place back in the UK.

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

Emulate Golfing Heroes With An Algarve Golf Holiday


British golfing heroes like Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke will be gearing up to defend titles in the US Open and The Open Championship respectively in the next few months, in the midst of a British sporting summer to remember. The experienced Clarke’s stunning victory in the 2011 Open Championship in Lytham St Annes, and young upstart McIlroy’s prestigious talent have earned them these significant titles, and now starts their defence of them, with the US Open commencing on June 14th, followed by the Open Championship later in July. Watching such important tournaments can have many golf fans itching to grab their own clubs and head to the nearest golf course, but why not book a Algarve holiday villa and head for sunnier climes with the whole family to enjoy a Mediterranean golfing break?

Premier Holidays are a provider of luxury self-catering Algarve villas, all situated conveniently within walking and driving distance of some of Portugal’s best golf courses. Whether entertaining a secret dream to join the crème de la crème at next year’s Open, or simply wishing to work on your swing to impress colleagues on the green, Premier Holidays can offer a stunning holiday residence to be home for a week or two whilst sampling the best that southern Portugal has to offer.

The Carvoeiro area is home to the Vale de Milho golf course, which is a fantastic course for both beginners and regulars. The short holes are perfect for those wishing to work on their putts and for those just getting into the popular sport, they will be able to see that it’s not as easy as it looks. Just 1.5km away from this great course is the Villa Cassandra Algarve holiday villa, which sleeps eight people and has a private pool with optional heating available. The stunning property features four bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms, and has an outdoor patio area which is perfect for al fresco dining after a long day on the driving range.

Other golf courses in the Algarve include Pine Cliffs, Salgados and the Oceanico Academy, which opened in 2009 and offers great training programmes for men, women and children. The nearby town of Albufeira is perfect for a family holiday, with plenty of cafes and restaurants and perfect white sandy beaches. The Algarve villa Casa Rosinhas is situated in a prime location for access to all of these amenities, just a short drive away from golf courses, water parks and beaches, and a 400m walk from the nearest restaurant for those who’d like to stay fairly local. The villa’s own splash pool is perfect for smaller children, and the large private parking area makes it ideal for multiple families holidaying together and heading for the beach in separate cars. Golfing enthusiasts can while away the day on the course while the kids enjoy the Aqualand Water Park, before meeting in the evening for a traditional Portuguese family meal of ‘piri-piri’ chicken on the seafront.
                                                  
To book a Algarve holiday villa and for more information call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.