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.

There’s Still Time For Late Summer Savers In An Algarve Self-Catering Villa

If you haven’t yet taken your summer holiday, a late break in September could see you saving as much as 92% on peak break prices according to new research by Santander.

The high street bank found that those who plan a trip to coincide with the school holidays may end up spending 92% more than those who go after the end of August. For those who have yet to plan a holiday, these savings could be just the incentive needed to book a late availability Algarve holiday villa and jet off for a late summer break in the sun.

Blisteringly hot in August, the Algarve also remains warm and sunny throughout September, so there’s no need to compromise on beach or pool time if you go away later in the year than would normally be the case.

With the cheaper cost of a September break compared with an August summer holiday, why not splash out on a larger property and holiday in style? Premier Holidays, specialists in self catering Algarve holiday villas and apartments, have a number of luxury Algarve villas in popular resorts to choose from. Ideal for larger families and groups of friends, amenities such as private pools and spacious outdoor areas make a September trip just as memorable and enjoyable as an August break.

While it may be a few degrees cooler towards the middle and end of September, the pleasant climate means it’s possible to enjoy a great round of golf or days sightseeing without having to battle uncomfortably high temperatures. For those travelling with young children and older family members, the lower temperatures make the experience that much more enjoyable.

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

Book Your Algarve Villa Now For Summer 2012 For Best Rates

You may only just be about to jet off on your summer holiday but now is the time to plan for next year if you want the widest choice of accommodation and best rates for summer 2012 advises Algarve villa holiday specialists, Premier Holidays.

The firm has recently expanded its portfolio of Algarve villas with more properties in all of the top resorts, including Vale do Lobo, Lagos and Quinta dos Alamos.

Ian Fox, Premier Holidays’ managing director said, “Booking early means having your choice of properties in each of the resorts. Making an early start on holiday plans for next summer also means you’re avoiding the last minute rush to secure a holiday property and makes it more likely you’ll be able to reserve your preferred Algarve villa or apartment at a preferential, early booking rate.”

Premier Holidays specialises in villas in the Algarve and has more than 100 properties for guests to choose from. They range from two to seven bedroom villas in variety of Algarve locations. Golfers and sun worshippers are well catered for with a wide selection of Quinta dos Alamos and Vale do Lobo villas, while those wanting to get away from it all can choose from a number of properties tucked away in the unspoilt Eastern Countryside.

Properties can be booked online and by calling Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400.

For more information about the Algarve and to book visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Premier Holidays Expands Algarve Villa Choice

Algarve holiday villa specialists, Premier Holidays have added 50 new self-catering villas and apartments to their portfolio following a successful viewing trip to Portugal last month.

All of the new additions are based in central areas of the Algarve, bringing the total number of Algarve villas and apartments available to 130. This ample choice includes properties in popular resorts including the golfing resort and holiday hot spot of Vale do Lobo, Lagos and Quinta dos Alamos.

Ian Fox, managing director at Premier Holidays, said, “We’re delighted with the success of our recent viewing trip and extremely pleased at the large number of beautiful Algarve villas we saw and were able to add to our selection of self-catering holiday properties. We also viewed a number of our existing villas and took lots of new photos, allowing customers an even greater preview of their chosen property both before and after making a reservation with us.”

Each of the 50 new Algarve holiday villas is now available for summer 2012 reservations. Some also have limited availability for the remainder of summer 2011. All of the new properties in the Vale do Lobo area are available for winter golf breaks towards the end of this year and at the start of next year.

The beautiful three-bedroom Casa da Luz in the beach resort of Praia da Luz is one of the Algarve villas available for booking for a late summer getaway. With availability from the middle of August, this townhouse is just a few minutes walk from the beachfront promenade in Praia da Luz and has a shared swimming pool. With its proximity to the bay, restaurants, bars and shops it’s a great place to relax and catch the end of the summer season.

Villa Maribella, a typical Algarve villa, is contemporary and luxurious and enjoys an elevated position above Praia da Luz. With fabulous views, a private pool and five bedrooms it’s ideal for larger groups of friends and family wanting to enjoy the best of the Blue Flag beach resort but with privacy to enjoy private parties, BBQs and sunbathing.

For more information about the Algarve and to book a villa or apartment online, visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Jet ToThe Algarve from Ireland For Some of Europe’s Best Golfing

Irish golfers keen to emulate the back to back US open success of  Northern Ireland golfers Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy will now find it a lot easier to log in extra hours on the course with a new daily route from Belfast to Faro. The Algarve city is a gateway to golfer’s paradise and just a short drive from a number of world class courses with almost guaranteed year round sunshine.

While Belfast shivers in snow, wind and rain for much of the winter, the temperate climate of the Algarve makes for excellent golfing facilities and sun drenched rounds are possible even in the depths of December or January.

Wrapping itself around the stunning coastline of southern Portugal, the Algarve’s 30+ courses are not just sun traps but idyllic destinations in their own right. With dramatic landscaping, beautiful sea views and excellent facilities, it’s no surprise the region plays hosts to a number of international and European championships.

Of course, with legendary courses such as Valderama to visit during any golf holiday, picking a suitable base is essential to really making the most of the trip. A self-catering Algarve villa is a flexible and practical option, particularly for groups of golfers travelling together.   Cheaper than a hotel but with all of the comforts of a luxury stay, a large Algarve villa – say four or five bedrooms- can comfortably accommodate groups of eight or more. Choose one with a private pool and outdoor space and post-golf rest and relaxation takes care of itself.

The popular resort of Vale do Lobo combines the facilities you’d expect in a holiday resort such as a gorgeous beach, great bars and choice of local fish restaurants with a convenient central location just a stone’s through from a wide selection of golf courses.

Premier Holidays, Algarve villa specialists, have recently extended their already ample portfolio in the Algarve. Fifty new properties have been added, giving more than 130 villas and apartments to choose from. Ian Fox from Premier Holidays said, “Golfers wanting to spend every spare minute on the course should pick a villa on a purpose built resort – any of our Quinta do Lago villas for example enjoy views of the fairways. Built around 72 holes of world class golf, guests are literally spoilt for choice and have very little distance to travel to find a challenging course and excellent training facilities.

“Vale do Lobo is also a safe choice with a choice of villas or townhouses to stay in, situated next to what is possibly one of the most photographed golf courses in the world. One of our most popular Vale do Lobo villas is Casa Potes, a stunning 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom villa with outdoor heated pool, large terrace, games rooms and jacuzzis.”

For more information about golfing in the Algarve and to book a villa or apartment online, visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Try a Self-Catering Algarve Villa For a Fun-Filled Holiday

Just announced as one of low cost airline, EasyJet’s top five summer destinations, the Algarve is the perfect spot for family holidays and last minute escapes. Catering to high expectations but rooted in an affordable pricing structure, Premier Holidays offers an array of family-sized, Algarve holiday villas situated along a stunning coastline of beautiful beaches in the popular Portuguese holiday resort. Just half an hour from Faro airport, the resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta dos Alamos offer large, spacious villas ideal for families on a budget.

Ian Fox from Premier Holiday’s said, “While the many high-profile resorts dotted around the region offer plenty of sea, sun, shopping and a spot of scuba diving, there is more to the Algarve than meets the eye. Rest and relaxation may be at the top of the agenda on a family holiday but Algarve is home to so much more you’ll be raring  to get off your sun bed and go off and explore.”

Travelling with children of any age can seem like a daunting task as it can be difficult to find suitable family activities that everyone can join in with. With Premier-Holidays’ current line-up of great value Algarve villas, there are plenty of places to stay within easy walking distance of the beach and other attractions. Most Algarve holiday villas available for this summer are just a short drive from the historical and charming towns of Faro, Lagos and Albuferia, all of which make for perfect family outings.

If you’re hoping to soak up a bit of history and culture as well as sun and sand, the  historical town centre of Faro is a mere 20 to 30 minutes away from resorts like Vale do Lobo and Quinta dos Alamos. A maze of small winding streets, cafés and bars, taking a morning, afternoon or even an evening to wander around and enjoy the atmosphere is a worthwhile break from the beach. The Cathedral, the Igreja Do Carmino, the Faro Francis Fountain, Civil Government building, the City Hall and the Marina are just a few of Faro’s must see attractions.

An oasis of fun, the nearby Aqua parks Aqualand, Slide and Splash and Aquashow offer something for both young and old. Even water babies have their own areas in which to safely splash and play.

Options for family entertainment also include the ZooMarine complete with marine centre, zoo, amusement park and a dolphin show. Krazy World & Algarve Zoo north of Albufeira is also home to both a zoo and children’s theme park should the little ones get bored of building sandcastles.

Hoping for that extra special something to surprise the kids? Lots of dolphin watching trips set sail from Lagos, Portimaro, Alvor Harbour and Albufeira. Alternatively, an adventure jeep safari promises to keep children and adults alike equally entertained.

Making the search for self catered accommodation easy, Premier Holidays provide a range of attractive Algarve villas with private pools and modern comfortable furnishings. Villa Verandah, in the Vale do Lobos resort is within easy walking distance from the beach, sleeps as many as eight and with prices starting from £817 is great value for large families. 

If you need something a little smaller, Villa Madalena is equally stunning, accommodates six and is located in the exclusive resort of Dunas Douradas.

Situated close to some of the water attractions and the Zoomarine theme park is Casa Belmira. An attractive property, this Algarve villa in the resort of Quinta dos Alamos is perfectly in situe for family days out or a trip to the bustling town of Albufeira. It’s also just a 15 minute drive from the beautiful beach of Gale.

For more information about the Algarve and to book a villa or apartment online, visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Premier Holidays Team Heading to Portugal to Expand Algarve Villa Offering

Premier Holidays, the private holiday villa specialists, will be heading to Portugal later this month in order to expand its portfolio of luxury Algarve holiday villas and apartments.

Established in 1994, Premier Holidays is dedicated to providing easy access to high-end villas and apartments in a number of popular European destinations including Portugal, Lanzarote, the Canary Islands and Cyprus. The web-based firm also has holiday rental properties in Gozo and Malta and the Balearic Islands

With a commitment to offering only the best appointed, best value and best located accommodations, the bookings team are travelling to Portugal in order to view potential new additions to the Algarve villas line up.

Ian Fox from Premier Holiday said, “We will often undertake research trips to our destinations in order to keep up to date with new additions to the area as well as experiencing any new properties first hand. We are always on the look out for suitable Algarve holiday villas to expand our holiday villa offering in Portugal.

“As one of the cheapest destinations in Europe for summer 2011, we expect demand to be high for accommodation throughout the Algarve until the end of the year and beyond.”

With 76 Algarve villas and apartments currently offered through the Premier Holidays online reservation portal, travellers can choose from self-catering accommodations including properties from two to six bedrooms in a number of Algarve resorts. 

Despite the luxurious nature of Premier Holiday’s self catering holiday villas, the firm is also assured of offering value for money – the four bedroom Villa Prado in the popular resort of Quinta dos Alamos for example is available from just £81 per person. The three storey property includes private gardens and a fenced pool area.

As well as exploring regions including Quinta dos Alamos, the Northern Countryside and Vale do Lobo, Premier Holiday’s staff will also be trying out local restaurants and attractions, allowing them to provide a personalised service to guests booking an Algarve villa and requiring more information about the local area.

To browse the range of villas in the Algarve from Premier Holidays and to book online, visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.