Stepping Out in the Algarve
A Walkers Paradise!
The Algarve is a walkers paradise. This Southern part of Portugal may be best known for its exclusive golf resorts and fabulous beaches, but there is a lot more to be discovered just a short distance from the main resorts. Select Resorts offer holidays in the main exclusive golf resorts such as Quinta do Lago but we also encourage visitors to get out and about to see the stunning scenery and wildlife which is so close by!
The Algarve´s climate makes walking a pleasure at least nine months of the year. In the springtime, the countryside is covered by brightly coloured flowers. Summer adds the butterflies and an abundance of wildlife. In autumn there is new growth and giving the sense of a second spring.
There is a wide variety of walks from coastal foot paths to rugged mountains, orange valleys to quaint traditional towns. One of the most stunning parts of the Algarve, Monchique and its surrounding regions are a delight to explore. Walking allows you the opportunity to explore the landscape which has been untouched by development.
Few visitors are aware of the variety of wildlife on the Algarve. From flamingos to eagles, from ancient olive trees to wild orchids, from geckos to wild boar, the Algarve has an abundance of wildlife. The flora and fauna of the South coast changes season by season. Cork oak, olives, pines, eucalyptus and tree heathers and cultivated orange and lemon groves and almond trees give a colourful display and smell. There are gum cistus, wild jasmine, rock roses and oleanders.. There is also a lot to see for birders, including cranes and flamingos.
Local guide books and good walking guides can help you find the best routes around the area, and can also suggest walking guides who can arrange a walking tour with other like minded explorers. By using local guides and visiting rural restaurants and shops selling local products also helps put money into the local economy, and walking is an environmentally friendly and healthy way to explore the beautiful Algarve.
All you need at the end of a tiring day walking is some good food and a comfortable villa to relax in. Check out Select Resorts website www.selectresorts.co.uk to arrange your accommodation in the Algarve now.
Enjoy!
Add comment December 16, 2008
Four Seasons County Club Quinta do Lago - Popular Again for 2009!
Four Season Country Club Quinta do Lago
Located in the prestigious golfing resort of Quinta do Lago, the Four Seasons Country Club has been a favorite with Select Resorts clients for many years. It could be the fact that the resort offers a high standard of accommodation throughout, and with all the properties with the same décor clients know what to expect. Its popularity could also be due to the fact that it offers excellent facilities on site including a kids club meaning it makes an easy and convenient holiday for families. Golfers also like the Four Seasons Country Club as golf courses are as close as 500m and guests receive preferential rates.
Along with the choice of one and two bedroom apartments sleeping up to six people, the Four Seasons Country Club also offers a gym, health and fitness club, restaurant and bar and indoor and outdoor pool, really making it a club for all seasons! Despite the array of facilities, the Four Seasons Country Club is pretty. The apartments are built in little clusters with the appearance of a little white washed village. The beach and nature reserve is also very close.
It would be fair to say that the Four Seasons Country Club suits all types of holiday makers and its excellent reputation means that accommodation gets booked up very early. At the moment there is also a fantastic special offer giving early bookers 10% discount for holidays between 1/1/09 and 29/3/09 if booked before 31/12/08. So hurry, before everyone else gets there first! Enquire Now!!
Add comment December 9, 2008
Attention Vale Do Lobo Villa Owners
In these turbulent economic times it makes sense to have the right people working with you. Select Resorts are a long established Villa Rentals specialist based in the UK. We have a proven track record of delivering quality rental revenues to our owners for over 25 years.
We are now actively seeking villa owners in the area in and around Vale do Lobo to register their properties with us. We are not seeking sole agency agreements, simply the opportunity to rent your property. Select Resorts have a strong database of clients who return to us year after year seeking quality property just like yours. We also have an excellent record in getting bookings outside of the traditional high seasons.
Select Resorts is a great place to start if you wish to increase your year round revenues.
If you are interested in finding a rental agent who will work proactively on your behalf then call Georgina on 01202 786490.
Add comment November 25, 2008
PRICELESS PORTUGAL – Available Throughout December From £22 Per Person Per Night
Select Resorts (www.selectresorts.co.uk / 01202 786490) is offering up to £70 per night off a selection of villas and townhouses in the Monte da Quinta Club, on stays before 31 December. All villas and townhouse are modern and comfortable and include a fully equipped kitchen, TV with cable channels, PlayStation and internet access, plus a private garden with plunge pool or swimming pool. This superb new resort is located in the very heart of exclusive Quinta do Lago on the Algarve. Facilities include the club house with café, restaurants, health club, three swimming pools including a children’s pool, gymnasium, Jacuzzi, steam room and children’s club. Many activities are available nearby such as golf, horse riding, tennis and cycling.
Prices start from £87 per night (a saving of £38) for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse. Sleeping up to four, the price equates to less than £22 per person, per night. Boasting a private garden and plunge pool, townhouses are perfect for couples or groups and are available with one, two or three bedrooms.
Whilst a three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa starts from £140 per night (a saving of £67). Sleeping up to six, the price equates to less than £24 per person, per night. With a private garden and swimming pool, the villas are well-suited to large groups or families and are available with three, four or five bedrooms
The price includes a welcome pack on arrival, daily maid service and full use of the complex facilities.
Add comment November 24, 2008
Los Olivos La Manga Club
Carol Denson, a member of our reservations team, recommends Los Olivos in La Manga Club:
Los Olivos La Manga Club
Located on the Costa Calida in Spain, La Manga Club has something for everyone. This ever popular resort offers 3 superb Golf Courses, an impressive Tennis Centre, swimming pools, football pitches and a beach! Dining at one of the many and varied restaurants is also a must! The resort caters for all ages and is ideal for families, couples, or singles, with abundant activities available, or space to just relax and enjoy the sunshine. The area is well known for its mild climate and even in winter temperatures rarely fall below 18ºC!
Rather than choosing a specific property, I have decided to take one of the many developments as my focus for a perfect holiday. Los Olivos consists of modern, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments which are spacious both inside and out. They are centrally located, making them ideal for those who
Los Olivos Pool in La Manga Club
wish to be within easy walking distance of amenities such as tennis, golf, shops, bars and restaurants. The apartments are furnished to a high standard with fully fitted kitchens and modern appliances throughout. Every apartment has a huge terrace, with a built in BBQ, and they all offer stunning views over the resort and out to the Mar Menor. Additionally there are two outdoor pools, a children’s pool and a heated indoor pool, with a separate Jacuzzi, both of which are for the exclusive use of Los Olivos residents.
This sought after development remains popular year after year and is always fully booked throughout the summer so it is definitely advisable to book early! Call 00 44 (0)1202 786490 for more information.
Add comment November 14, 2008
Praia del Rey – an award winning resort
Praia del Rey Resort
Kathryn Hayter recommends Praia del Rey:
For the second year running Praia del Rey has won ‘Portugal’s Leading Resort’ at the world travel awards this year. It is hardly surprising considering it’s year round sunshine, championship golf course, high standard accommodation, world class spa and vast range of activities. The sea at Praia del Rey is fantastic for surfing, whilst the calmer Obidos lagoon is ideal for windsurfing and rowing. The resort also has a tennis centre with 7 courts, a UEFA standard football pitch, kids club, spa and its crown jewel – the award winning golf course.
Despite all the wonderful sports facilities, this for me is the not the only reason why I would choose Praia del Rey for my holiday. What attracts me and a lot of other people, is its location. Less than an hour from Lisbon with many regional flights from the UK, the resort is in an unspoilt and beautiful region. Far away from the main tourist trap of the Algarve, Praia del Rey benefits from rolling hills and stunning natural beaches. There are also traditional and un-commercialised towns and villages within easy reach, perfect for tourists wanting to see the ‘real’ Portugal. The town of Obidos is only 15 minutes from Praia del Rey, and has lovely white washed houses surrounding the castle which overlooks the little streets onto the sea. There are festivals all year round, including a chocolate festival – another great reason to visit!
Praia del Rey Resort
The resort also offers a range of accommodation types, including a fabulous five star Praia del Rey Marriott hotel and self catering Praia del Rey Villas, Apartments and townhouses of a high standard. With so much on offer, a great location and fantastic choice of accommodation, I would recommend this resort to families, couples and groups.
I could go on, but why not check it out on our website to see for yourself! Visit Praia del Rey
Add comment November 13, 2008
A Journey through La Manga Club (Part III)
Today we conclude our journey through the La Manga Club Resort and its various village communities. La Manga Club is a fantastic resort and my writing does not do it justice so have read, look at the pictures and visist our main site www.selectresorts.co.uk for more information. (Go to Part I or Part II)
Las Palmitas Pool La Manga
Las Palmitas is a small, exclusive development set on a hillside within peaceful gardens. The village is made up of just 14 detached La Manga Club 2 and 3 bedroom villas in located in a quiet corner of La Manga Club with beautiful views over the resort. The villas are very spacious with large terraces.
Las Reinas comprises a selection of detached villas, with individual plots, all offering a private swimming pool to guests. The properties are situated overlooking the tennis courts right at the heart of the resort, so they a great choice for those looking to train for Wimbledon.
These 2, 3 and 4 bedroom villas boast panoramic views across the resort and out towards the Mar Menor. The terraces offer fantastic opportunities for sun bathing and barbeques. The villas also provide greats views of the golf course.
Los Miradores is a collection of studio, 1, and 2 bedroom apartments, and was one of the first projects in La Manga Club. These striking apartments, situated between the Hotel and the central resort facilities, are built into the hillside. They offer unique views across the golf course and the surrounding Spanish countryside.
Los Molinos La Manga Club
Los Molinos
The ever popular Los Molinos village is a charming development situated in an elevated position on resort. Boasting great resort views, the villas privacy and private terraces as well as great communal facilities such as the pool, a children’s pool the poolside bar and a restaurant.
Las Naranjos is a fantastic development of villas and townhouses, featuring not one but two communal pools situated close to the Tennis Centre and the central resort facilities.
This imposing modern development is found in the centre of the development close to the Pitch and putt and a short walk to the tennis courts. Offering great views of the Mar Menor from your private balconies, the apartments also boast great communal facilities, including a great heated pool and even a Jacuzzi.
Once again this La Manga Club villa and apartment development offers great views across the Mar Menor. The developments offers a choice of 2, 3, or 4 bedroom apartments and communal facilities including two pools one of which is heated.
These 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and 4, 5 and 6 bedroom La Manga Club villas are finished to a high specification and are tastefully furnished by the owners. They are centrally located, near Las Sabinas. Some villas have heated pools and most have beautiful views over La Manga
Panoramic Views from Viewpoint La Manga
Viewpoint
As the name suggests this small collection of exclusive individual villas with private pools is in one of the most scenic locations of La Manga Club. The villas have 4 and 5 bedrooms and each offer fantastic panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Select Resorts have a fantastic selection of La Manga Club Villas and La Manga Club Apartments available for rent so call +44 (0)1202 786490 for more details.
Add comment November 12, 2008
A Journey Through La Manga Club (Part II)
In yesterday’s post we began the first stage of our visit to the developments of La Manga Club. Today we continue with a look at a further 9 of these developments.
El Rancho La Manga Club
This popular resorts destination is built around a selection of nine communal pools. This wonderful village offers a variety of fabulous views with different properties enjoying either golf, resort, pool or sea views. The villas are a selection of 2, 3, or 4 bedroom properties.
Superbly located the bungalows are situated close to the south Golf Course and the Hyatt Hotel. The location offers easy access to the golf clubhouse as well as the central resort facilities, and of course the hotel’s restaurants and bars.
Centrally located and close to the Par 47 Pitch and Putt course, these duplexes and townhouses are amongst the most modern of the La Manga Club properties. The complex offers an excellent communal swimming pool. Hacienda Del Golf is a short walk to the Tennis Club and Spa facilities.
La Colina offers guests beautiful gardens which surround this selection of apartments and duplexes. Guests staying in La Colina can also avail of the attractive communal pool. La Colina is situated near both the Tennis Centre and Bellaluz Village.
La Quinta Club Pool
Offering great resort views and onwards to the Mar Menor, the beautiful apartments are centrally located near the tennis and Pitch and Putt course. The developments comprise tropical gardens and a heated communal pool.
Las Brisas comprises a selection of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom Villas and Townhouses. The village offers a communal pool, whilst some the of the detached villas offer private pools. A quite area of the resort, some of the villas offer views across the South Golf Course.
Set is a peaceful location, these detached 2, 3, and 4 bedroom villas each with private garden and small private pool. The also offer wonderful roof terraces and resort views.
Las Lomas La Manga Club
The Hyatt run Las Lomas village is a fine selection of apartments, townhouses and deluxe rooms. The village itself is designed in a typical Spanish style and boasts some lovely restaurants, and communal pools.
This beautiful little development is built around the communal pool and benefits from being within easy walking distance to the central resort facilities. These bright and sunny apartments are tastefully furnished and some of those apartments also command views to the Mar Menor.
More to follow tomorrow….
Select Resorts have a fantastic selection of La Manga Club Villas and La Manga Club Apartments available for rent so call +44 (0)1202 786490 for more details.
1 comment November 11, 2008
A Journey through La Manga Club
La Manga Club Resort
La Manga Club comprises of various communities or villages of villas and apartments, with individual villas in each village generally being of similar size and architecture. These villas may also share gardens or communal swimming pools.
Over the next few days I will take you through a short journey through the villages and developments of La Manga, before returning to look more closely at the resort facilities.
Albatros is a village offer 2, 3 and 4 bedroom villas most of which include small private pools, spacious gardens and barbeque area and most of which offer beautiful views over the La Manga Club resort.
Bellaluz La Manga Club
This central village location comprises traditional-style village apartments built around a lively central plaza of restaurants, bars and shops. The village also offers visitors a communal pool. The village is in an ideal location, just 15 minutes from the resort centre.
El Coto Del Golf is situated on the edge of La Manga’s North Golf course. The La Manga Club apartments in this exclusive development are modern 2, 3, and 4 bedroom properties, some within private plunge pools. Some of the apartments also enjoy access to a heated indoor swimming pool.
These beautiful individual villas are located in a tranquil area of the resort and command glorious views over La Manga Club and towards the Sea. They are large, spacious villas offering private pools. El Forestal is only a short drive to the central resort facilities of La Manga Club and to La Cala beach.
El Pinar La Manga Club
El Pinar combines well appointed apartments, duplexes and penthouses situated on a high point of La Manga Club, offering commanding views of the resort. This small complex is only a short stroll to the main resort facilities and also offers residents use of a lovely communal pool area.
Read Part II of our journey ….
Select Resorts are pleased to offer a variety of La Manga Club Villas and La Manga Club Apartments for rental, including great deals for 2009.
Add comment November 10, 2008
Keep Safe on your Villa Holiday.
Be Safe in Your Villa Pool
Going on holiday is fun and it should be enjoyable and exciting for everyone. It is not a reason though to forget to look after yourself and your family. Below is a brief guide from Select Resorts to staying safe on your villa holiday this year, just some simple steps to make sure your holiday stories are ones to remember fondly.
- On arrival check exit points in the event of an emergency – make sure your fellow guests know what to do if they have to leave the villa in a hurry.
- Check the location of a fire extinguisher.
- Take a few minutes to look for potential hazards, particularly water features etc.
- Keep young children away from balconies.
- If you are unsure of how electrical items work, check with the management company for assistance. It will waste your holiday time and might lead to more problems if you try to fix everything yourself.
- Use any fireguards or other safety equipment provided in your villa, they are there for a reason.
- Many villas have tiled floors which can become slippy when wet. If your children are running in and out of the pool and into the house this will increase the risk of them or you slipping so be vigilant.
- If your property has a pool then check where life bouys are kept, check for depth markers and advise your children accordingly.
- If you are using the pool remember the rules that you would have observed at your local swimming pool, i.e. No diving, no bombing etc. Although it is your own pool for the week keep in mind that you have a responsibility to keep your children and you as safe as possible.
- Keep Children supervised.
This list is not exclusive so remember to pack your common sense when you travel. Be Careful, Be Safe.
Remember as well that prior to leaving check that you have travel insurance and if necessary any additional medical insurance documents such as your EHIC card. The EHIC card allows EU nationals to obtain the same level of healthcare as a local resident in a member country when travelling. ( How do I get an EHIC card? )
Select Resorts offer fantastic villa holidays to top destinations, including Quinta do Lago Villa holidays and La Manga Club Villa Holidays
Add comment November 6, 2008
