26.1.06

Preferred Travel - Walking in the Algarve


Contributed by Preferred Travel Services

26th March - 7 nights and 7th May, 2006 - 7 nights

Day one: Transfer from airport to Armacao de Pera, just 45 minutes away.

Days two-seven: There are three full day walks - as each walk is split into two parts you have the flexibility of deciding for yourself how much walking you do.

Walk One - transfer by coach to Monchique town for your morning walk to Malhada (5 miles– moderately easy). This is a beautiful walk that takes you deep into the heart of countryside that sees very, very few visitors. Life continues as it has done for centuries - fields in the valley are ploughed using the family mule and those on the hillsides by hand. You will pass through ancient woodlands and cork forests where you discover mountain flora such as beautiful pink peonies and bushes of rare toothed lavender, not visible from the beach resorts below.

Our afternoon walk is on the lower slopes of Mount Foia (3 miles – moderate). Your walk takes you through an ancient oak forest (the oldest on the Algarve) and eucalyptus woods to give you panoramic views down to the sea. On our return we stroll along old mule tracks to pass by the ruins of the 17th century monastery of Nossa Senhora de Desterro (Our Lady of Exile), destroyed by an earthquake in 1755.

Walk Two – transfer to Praia de Marinha for the morning walk along the cliff tops (5 miles – moderately easy). This will be a circular walk along the cliff tops where the coastline is considered to be one of the most picturesque on the Algarve. Multi-coloured cliffs, hidden sandy beaches, spectacular blow holes and the scent of wild aromatic herbs make this a walk not to be missed. Bring plenty of film for the camera as there is a view waiting to be ‘snapped’ around every corner.

Transfer to Silves for our afternoon walk of the Arade and Odelouca rivers (3 miles – easy). This delightful walk follows the old levada (water channel) as it carries water around the hillsides above the banks of the Arade and Odelouca rivers, which are home to many wading birds. There are wild flowers in abundance including paper white narcissi, the beautiful rock rose and the naked man orchid. Our return is along quiet country lanes where the air is heavy with the scent of orange and lemon blossom and time just seems to stand still.

Walk Three – transfer to Barao S. Joao for the morning walk of the National Forest (5 miles – easy). In the western Algarve the National Forest is a small area of woodland where strenuous efforts are being made to preserve the indigenous vegetation. The walk passes through areas planted with umbrella pines, acacia trees and arbutus bushes. The margins of the woodlands offer panoramic views over an unspoilt countryside to the Serra of Monchique.

You will then transfer to Lagos and your afternoon walk along the coastal path from Luz to Burgua (3 miles – easy). This section of coastal path is renowned not only for its views but also for being a haven for orchids – especially the bee orchid. Hidden deep in the grasses you have every chance of seeing the yellow ophrys, the sawfly ophrys and the rare Iberian mirror ophrys.
If you would like to stretch your legs further, we are also offering a half day optional excursion into the Cape St Vincent Natural Park for a walk there too (5 miles – moderately easy). This is a quite beautiful walk along a section of coastline deep within the Cape St Vincent Natural Park, which remains hidden from most visitors to the Algarve. The Park has a spectacular selection of flowers which are unique to the region and this optional walk gives you the chance to discover them for yourselves, including the bright yellow flowers of asteriscus maritimus, the delicate grape hyacinth, the unusual barbary nut and the rare milky white vetch.You will, of course, also have free time to explore Armacao de Pera, or take the weight off your feet and spend some time on the beach.

Day eight: free until departure to the airport for your return flight.

To book or for more information

http://www.preferredts.com/walkalgabre.asp

25.1.06

Activity Course - 23-25th January

Barbara Camph ran her second stained glass course this week in the Hotel.

Participants were delighted to learn the various stages of this art. Each made a butterfly and a box to individually designs.



Monique Wells collects penguins so was delighted that she was able to make a little penguin family.





Pictured here are two of the participants with Barbara after receiving their certificates


Other course dates:-

Creative Writing 30th, 31st, 2nd & 3rd February
Photography 6th, 7th, 9th & 10th February
Painting 6th, 7th, 8th & 10th February
Flowers of the Algarve 13th, 14th, 16th & 17th February
Belly Dancing 20th, 21st, 23rd & 24th February
Stained Glass Course 20th, 21st, and 24th February

To book of for your copy of our brochure, please contact us on +351 282 320 260 or email activities@hotelgarbe.com

24.1.06

Theatre Dinners - Next Week

RAJ AT GARBE
INDIAN RESTAURANT
“A Portada Theatre Group”
Production of
Alan Bennett’s

“TALKING HEADS”
With
Nicky Moran and Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy plays Graham in “Chip in the Sugar”
Nicki Moran plays Susan in“Bed Amongst the Lentils”

Two of Alan Bennett’s award winning stories,
now adapted from the highly acclaimed
television series for the stage.

Tuesday 31st January 2006
&
Wednesday 1st February 2006
7.00 for 7.30 pm
3 Course Indian Dinner with Wine and Coffee
28,00 Euros per person

Don’t miss it book now!!.
Tel.282 320260 Fax: 282 315087
E-Mail hotelgarbe@mail.telepac

23.1.06

THE WAY IT WAS - 1962


The Hotel Garbe was the third Hotel built in the Algarve, it was purpose built in 1962 with just 50 rooms.

It has only had two owners. Many of its guests have been returning to the Hotel for their annual holidays year after year.

Much has changed in the last forty years, the Hotel has grown, it now has 184 rooms. The outdoor heated swimming pool was added in 1974 and of course it now has the well known Raj Indian Restaurant.

21.1.06

Carnival Weekend

PROGRAMME
2 nights accommodation sharing twin landview room and breakfast
1 Carnival Dinner and Fancy Dress Party (Saturday, 25th February)

Price: 69 Euros
Per person in twin room

Single Supplement (2 nights) 24 Euros
Seaview Supplement (2 nights) per person 24 Euros
Extra night (bed and breakfast) per person 23 Euros
Children up to 12 years – 50% reduction


The Armaçao de Pêra Carnival Parade takes place in the afternoons of 26th and 28th February, 2006.

19.1.06

Executive Champagne Marlin Fishing


Contributed by http://www.tightlines-portugal.com/

3 Day Short Break at the Hotel Garbe with 2 days Marlin fishing with John Bate.

Due to popular demand we are able to offer this new holiday package.

Up until this year I have not been able to offer Marlin fishing as so many of the so called Marlin fishing providers / charter boats have been unreliable with very little chance of the anglers using these actualling catching any Marlin!

This year I have tied up a with to English anglers with their own charter boat which is fully equipped with the right tackle and equipment to make the trip worthwhile and when located, the Marlin properly fished for! They are based in the right area and fish way beyond the local boats normal range, out into true blue water where the Marlin are to be found.

This holiday is based on 3 nights at the Hotel Garbe with 2 days fully escorted Marlin fishing. The package includes a room with sea views, full continental breakfast. A light lunch with champagne is provided on the charter boat.

Your fishing charter is 'exclusive' to your party and not, as often experienced, shared with other anglers!

We practise catch and release ie. we put all sharks and marlin back to catch again

I provide the transport (air conditioned Mercedes minibus) to and from the airport and collect you for transport to and from the charter boat each day.
Prices guide:

For more information, please contact j.bate@clix.pt

18.1.06

January Art Get-Togethers

Every Monday during January a number of our "regulars" get together to paint. This is a photograph of the session on Monday.

16.1.06

A Romantic Weekend

Celebrate St. Valentines Day - with a romantic weekend at the Hotel Garbe

10th - 12th February, 2006 - 2 NIGHT BREAK

Only - 68 Euros per person - includes 2 nights accommodation and buffet breakfast and Saturday night Dinner Dance

Book now - Tel: 282 320360 E-mail:
valentines@hotelgarbe.com

The Beach Today











These pictures were taken from the Hotel Terrace this morning at 11.00am - the perfect day for a walk on the beach.

10.1.06

Creative Writing Course

30th, 31st January and 2nd and 3rd February

Course starts at 10.00am on Monday, 30th January in the Hotel Garbe

The course consists of four 3-hour sessions.

If you enjoying writing , and would like to learn creative writing for profit or pleasure, this is the course is for you. Jenny Grainer, a professional journalist, will provoke your writing skills. Start that book or your memoirs for future generations to remember you by.

Price per person is 125 Euros. Includes welcome drink , farewell dinner and course certificate.

This course is one of a number that we are running this winter at the Hotel Garbe - others include Stained Glass, Middle Eastern Dancing, Painting, and Photography. For more information about this course or the others please contact us.

9.1.06

Singing the Janeiras


Guests in the bar of the Hotel Garbe were delighted when this local group entertained them on 6th January.

Singing the Janeiras is a tradition that was passed from generation to generation, from grandparents to parents and from parents to children.

People used to go, in organised in groups, along the streets singing songs, stopping outside houses to sing in exchange for a slice of chourica or a drink.

8.1.06

Coming up - January and February, 2006

Theatre Dinners - Raj at Garbe – Tuesday, Wednesday, 17th and 18th January, 2006
“A Portada Theatre Group” Production of “Visitors from London” A comedy by Neil Simon With Nicky Moran and Tom Hardy, Directed by Pricilla Morgan. The English Visitors are in California for a very special occasion. Follow the ups and downs of marital bliss in their hotel suite, as penned by the inimitable Neil Simon who said “ This is the best short comedy I have ever written” 7 -7.30pm. Only 28 Euros per person to include 3 course Indian Dinner with Wine and Coffee. Special rate for overnight accommodation - 20 Euros per person per night sharing twin landview room to include breakfast

Theatre Dinners - Raj at Garbe – Tuesday, Wednesday, 31st January and 1st Feburary, 2006
“A Portada Theatre Group” Production of Alan Bennett’s “TALKING HEADS” With Nicky Moran and Tom Hardy. Tom Hardy plays Graham in “Chip in the Sugar” Nicki Moran plays Susan in“Bed Amongst the Lentils” Two of Alan Bennett’s award winning stories, now adapted from the highly acclaimed television series for the stage. 7 -7.30pm. Only 28 Euros per person to include 3 course Indian Dinner with Wine and Coffee. Special rate for overnight accommodation - 23 Euros per person per night sharing twin landview room to include breakfast

St. Valentines Gala Dinner Dance - Saturday, 11th February 2006
Celebrate Valentines Day in the most romantic way. The Hotel Garbe has a St. Valentines Gala Dinner Dance on Saturday, 11th February, 2006. Full buffet dinner. 26 Euros per person to include wine and coffee. Special rate for overnight accommodation - 23 Euros per person per night sharing twin landview room to include breakfast.

Theatre Dinners - Raj at Garbe – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 21st and 22nd, February, 2006
The Jefferies English Theatre presents Suzanne Jefferies and Victor Graham in Old World by Aleksei Arbuzov - A light comedy in two acts - 7 -7.30pm. Only 28 Euros per person to include 3 course Indian Dinner with Wine and Coffee. Special rate for overnight accommodation - 23 Euros per person per night sharing twin landview room to include breakfast

Carnival Fancy Dress Dinner and Dance - Saturday, 25th February, 2006
Four course dinner with wine and coffee, dancing to live music, and a prize for the best outfit - 30 Euros per person. Special rate for overnight accommodation - 23 Euros per person per night sharing twin landview room to include breakfast.

5.1.06

Arabian Night

Contributed by Jeanette Elliott
Photos: Jack Napper
Azure silk and lilac chiffon, gold braid and ostrich plumes, bangles and sparkles and a lot of laughter – the Arabian Night was a huge success at the Hotel Garbe and the perfect warm up for the following nights New Years Eve celebrations.

The effort put in to all of the costumes was wonderful and the antics in the bar during the judging caused great amusement
.



The Audience clap-o-meter was in fine form for the judging. .

John and I have had a great time over the festivities with the Christmas and New Year events at the Hotel and hope that next years fancy dress event will be even better, watch this space for the theme!

Jeanette Elliott


2.1.06

Swim for Shoes


CHRISTMAS DAY
We woke up to rain and grey skies - but that did not deter the Christmas Day Swimmers. More than 30 participated in the Christmas Day "*Swim for Shoes*" on the beach of Armacao de Pera, and help to raise more than 600 Euros to buy new shoes for the 44 teenagers living at the Children's Home, A Gaivota, in Albufeira.

The sea was surprisingly warm and as one swimmer said very exhilarating!!!! Certificates were awarded to all those who got wet and everyone enjoyed a very welcome glass of Mulled Wine in the Hotel Garbe bar afterwards.
NEW YEARS DAY, 2006
The weather was much better and another group of dippers joined in singing Auld Lang Syne before heading for the sea. Hot chocolate in the Hotel Garbe bar rounded off an enjoyable and certainly different way to start the new year !

So far more than 950 Euros has been raised in total to buy shoes and our thanks, to all who participated, donated and promoted this event. Due to the success of these events the Hotel Garbe is going to make these part of their future annual festive programme.

1.1.06

New Years Eve Gala Dinner

HAPPY NEW YEAR

More than 180 guests saw the New Year in at the Hotel Garbe. Our Por do Sol Restaurant was decorated for the occasion. Starting at 8.30pm the event continued well past midnight, when guests were able to enjoy the magnificient firework display provided by Armacao de Pera.

Our kitchen provided a full buffet:-

Cream of Asparagus Soup
Selection of Salads
Cold Grilled Chicken
Cold Roast Turkey
Seafood Platter
Assorted Miniature Pastries
Roast Suckling Pig
Salmon Platter
Variety of Fine Cheeses
Medallions of StoneBass with Sea Food
Sole Fillets with Pineapple
Grilled Veal Medallions
Stuffed Rump of Steak with Madeira Sauce
Grilled Breast of Chicken
Breast of Duck with Almonds and Raisins
Grilled Lamb Cutlets
Selection of Desserts and Fresh Fruit
And After Midnight

Traditional “Caldo Verde” & Selection of Salads

There was all night dancing to Live Music and Live Dance Show