Thursday, 29 September 2011

Premier Holidays' Hunt for Exclusivity and Luxury

Algarve villa specialists, Premier Holidays, will shortly be embarking on a two-week trip to the region to find more exclusive and luxurious villas for customers looking for their ideal self-catering holiday accommodation.

Earlier this year, the firm added fifty new self-catering villas and apartments to its portfolio following a successful viewing trip to Portugal. A Premier Holidays team is now heading back to the region as  part of the firm's commitment to expand its already extensive range in and around the southernmost region.

Ian Fox, managing director at Premier Holidays, which already offers a wide range of villas in the Algarve, said, “As the 2011 Summer season winds down, this trip is the perfect opportunity for us to expand the range we offer to our loyal customers and also to new customers looking for the perfect Algarve villa.

“We'll be taking pictures when looking at new potential villas and making sure that we only add those that we find aesthetically pleasing because we only want to offer the best. The pictures will be available online, helping those debating which property to reserve to make their choice. The trip will also mean that our team will be able to give first-hand advice about villas in the Algarve when advising customers because they've actually visited the accommodation.”

Premier Holidays offers  Quinta dos Alamos villas as well as accommodation in other popular areas in  the Algarve including Albufeira, Lagos and Carvoeira.  For more information about the range of accommodation available or to find out more about the Algarve, visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Monday, 26 September 2011

Golfing Holidays In Portugal's Algarve

British Golf has enjoyed something of a renaissance lately, with Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy ranked as the top three male golfers in the world right now. Luke Donald's blistering performance in the PGA Championship 2011 earned him his status as the world's best golfer, and Lee Westwood is famed for ending Tiger Woods' reign as world number one in 2010. Young Irishman and one of golf's biggest prospects Rory McIlroy recently won the US Open, and who could forget Darren Clarke's masterful performance at the 2011 Open Championship? All of them are from the British Isles and have given Britain a sporting event to be proud of.

If you're harboring secret ambitions to join the elite club of golfers, or if you just want to play nine holes on a luxurious holiday, look no further than Premier Holidays, who provide luxury self catering Algarve villas within driving or walking distance of dozens of fantastic golf courses.

Carvoeiro is a superb location for a family-friendly holiday, with miles of sandy beaches and a great atmosphere in the quaint town centre. It is also home to the Vale de Milho golf course, an ideal course for beginners just getting the hang of the sport and for regular players to improve on their short game. The lovely Algarve Villa Cassandra is just 1.5km away from the Vale de Milho course, and is just a ten minute drive from one of the world's top 100 beaches, Praia de Marinha. The fully air-conditioned self catering villa is well-equipped and modern, with four beautifully furnished bedrooms with en suites. The 12 x 6 metre swimming pool can be electrically heated for an extra charge and the outdoor patio area is ideal for al fresco dining after a long day on the green.

Not far from Carvoerio is the lovely little town of Albufeira, with sandy coves waiting to be explored and a wealth of traditional Portuguese cafes and restaurants (one of which is where the famous 'piri piri' chicken was created). Casa Rosinhas is a four-bedroomed villa with a private pool and terrace with delightful views. There is a splash pool for small children, a large private parking area and a built-in charcoal barbecue,  an essential in a self catering Algarve villa. Casa Rosinhas is a short drive (7km) away from the nearest golf course, with many others to choose from in the area, including Pine Cliffs, Salgados and the Oceanico Academy, opened in 2009.

Premier Holidays is also proud to offer the stunning Casa Ventana in Lagos, set across two floors, with the living space positioned on the upper floor to really take advantage of the amazing views. The area is private and secluded, but the villa is just a short drive from a collection of shops and restaurants, with some superb sandy beaches and the resort of Luz. Landscaped with palm trees and fruit trees, the garden area has a 10 x 5 metre swimming pool and an al fresco dining area, perfect for balmy summer evenings after a day on the golf course. In the area of Lagos is the fantastic 27-hole course Palmares. Transformed by American golf course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr, the views from the course over the Bay of Lagos are breathtaking and with five of the holes placed on sand dunes, it can be a real challenge for any golfing enthusiast.

For up to date late availability in the Algarve, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit

Monday, 12 September 2011

Tempt Your Taste Buds With A Wine-Tasting Holiday In Portugal's Algarve

Sir Cliff Richard, veteran singer with over 260 million records sold over a 53-year career, is celebrating after winning 5 awards – but not for his musical talents. The worldwide star has received a quintet of prestigious awards at a Portuguese wine competition, judged by Michelin-starred sommeliers and wine critics from all over the world.

Sir Cliff, who owns the 24 hectare Adega do Cantor, has been heavily involved in creating his own wine in Portugal for several years and his hands-on approach (he can often be seen getting his hands dirty in the vineyards themselves) has now paid off. Joining his seemingly endless list of musical awards and accolades are his new wine awards, including Best Red for the Region (2009 Onda Nova Alicante), and two gold medals for his Onda Nova Verdelho 2010 and Vida Nova Rose 2010.

The stunning estate, sometimes nicknamed 'Cellar Of The Singer', is situated in Faro, the southernmost district of Portugal, in an area called Albufeira. The gorgeous region is home to some of the world's finest coastlines, with both lively beach resorts and sleepy villages alike.

If a wine-tasting holiday in a stunning location sounds appealing, an Algarve holiday villa from Premier Holidays could be perfect for you. Premier Holidays has a number of stunning self-catering Algarve villas, close to a number of vineyards, including Sir Cliff's, for a holiday with a real difference.

The beautiful Villa Alamo sleeps 7 people (6 adults, 1 child), is air-conditioned and has a private optional heated pool. A patio provides an idyllic setting for al fresco dining and the kitchen is modern and well-equipped for a self-catering holiday. It is located near the charming village of Guia, near Albufeira, and home to many traditional Portuguese bars and restaurants, one of which is where the famous 'piri-piri chicken' was created.

Also located in Guia is the Casa Rosinhas, a luxurious 4-bedroomed Premier Holidays villa, with a master suite occupying the entire upper floor of the property. The master suite has a private terrace with gorgeous vistas and a bathroom with a large corner bath and hydro-massage shower, making this lovely villa the perfect location for a decadent wine-tasting getaway.

As well as the Adega do Cantor estate to explore and sample, there is also the Quinta dos Vales project, a 20-minute drive away. Quinta dos Vales is a unique project, with a winemaking centre, a small animal farm and a centre for arts and events all rolled into one. If you're planning on bringing the family, there is an aquatic theme park (Zoomarine), with rides and various attractions, and there is a dolphin interaction programme for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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