20.7.10

New Holiday Inn Algarve Blog

Following our rebranding to Holiday Inn Algarve, we have set up a new blog - please click here

Please add this address to your favourites, as the Hotel Garbe blog will close soon.

13.7.10

Holiday Inn Algarve

The Hotel Garbe has now rebranded, at the beginning of the month we changed name and are now known as the Holiday Inn Algarve, Armação de Pêra, part of the family of Intercontinental Hotels Group.

The changes to the Hotel are part of a 20-year franchise agreement whereby the hotel will benefit from the advantages associated with being part of a large group while still maintaining the management, administration, responsibility and ownership of the hotel.

Recent changes at the hotel include the refurbishment of 66 guest rooms, reception and introduction of a new fitness facility.



We have set up a new blog http://holidayinnalgarve.blogspot.com/


We are looking forward to welcoming our regulars and new guest to the Holiday Inn Algarve.


16.6.10

Algarve News and Events

Don't miss this months Be Hip Show - now online - http://www.hipalgarve.net

11.6.10

Thank you for your Feedback

Feedback Title: Excellent hotel

Description: We stayed 3 nights and have nothing but good things to say about the Hotel - the location is second to none and the room, the service, the cleanliness, the food and staff could not be faulted. We would recommend the hotel and will certainly go back . Thanks for a great stay.

8.6.10

Coming up this weekend


Thank you for your comments

Credit where it is due but we stayed at your hotel over the weekend and was impressed by the position, quality of food and accommodation and helpfulness of staff. We only chose the hotel on the off chance and would have no hesitation recommending it to others.

7.6.10

Contributed - Help for Heroes Fundraising Success


The dinner/dance on Saturday, 29th May at The Garbe Hotel, Armação de Pêra, was an outstanding success, with a sell-out of 120 tickets. SARABAND kindly provided the music, free of charge. A tombola together with an auction helped to increase the overall profit to more than €5,300. An initial €5,000 has been sent to the Help for Heroes charity in the UK.

The organisers of the event, Carol Williamson, Carole Good-Dixon and Heather Scott wish to thank everyone who supported their fundraising over the past weeks, for the many donations received and for the 60 plus tombola prizes provided. To those who gave free advertising, publicity and printing etc, our heartfelt thanks.

Fundraising will continue through the summer with the main emphasis on 'PHONES for HEROES' a scheme to recycle unwanted mobile phones with 60% of the proceeds being donated to H4H. To date, 'PHONES for HEROES' has raised over £40,000 for the charity and is an environmentally friendly way of disposing of your old phone, too. Details of 6 collecting points are as follows:

Cockerel Country Kitchen Restaurant, Areias Sao Joao, Albufeira.
Quo Vadis Restaurant, Cerro Grande, Albufeira.
Monty’s restaurant, Vale do Lobo.
The Garbe Hotel, Armação de Pêra.
Let the Magic In, English Shop, Algoz.
Direct Transport, Porches.

2.6.10

In our inbox

We choose your hotel on the off chance and must say we were extremely pleased at its location, quality of accomodation, food and helpfulness of the staff. We would have no hesition returning or recommending it to others.

31.5.10

Tripadvisor - Thank you

Having spent a great week at the Hotel Garbe in April 2009 we were eagerly awaiting our return in May 2010. This time we were delighted to bring our latest addition to the family, a 9 month old boy. I am delighted to say the Hotel once again made our holiday a memorable one for all the right reasons.

Myself and my wife along with our two children had a great holiday. We are only home a week and we are planning our next visit.

Where do I start,

1. The family suite was perfect. Very spacious with air conditioning, mini fridge, tea/coffee making facilities etc and the best beach views on the Algarve.

2. The rooms as always were spotless and the housekeeping staff always had a smile for you..oh and the entire hotel staff are so good with young children.

3. The pool was so nice and relaxed. Despite having very 'mobile' baby we all enjoyed the pool. The sun lounge area was quiet and relaxed and the beach bar was ideal for snacks and their cool freshly squeezed orange juice is something else!!

4. The buffet breakfast every morning was as good as I remembered it. It's good to see a hotel that does not cut corners on quality, the food was very good with a fine selection of hot and cold food available on the buffet.

5. The Indian cuisine at the Raj Restaurant was top notch.

6. The location of the hotel on the beach is so convenient, a minute's walk will bring you onto a beautiful beach.

7. Finally, in the evening my wife and I loved retiring to the bar for a drink to watch the sun set. The views from the bar provided the perfect backdrop to end another fine day on the Algarve.

Overall the hotel was ideal for us. It is so relaxed and you can see that on the faces of the guests, smiles all round. Friendly staff, very reasonable prices and a view of the Atlantic to die for....what else do you need.


We will definitely return in 2011.


Tripadvisor

27.5.10

Contributed - New Book of Short Stories set in the Algarve

New Book of Short Stories set in the Algarve in 2007 by Lisa Selvidge

A new book of interlinking short stories set in the Algarve in 2007. The stories chart the lives of locals, tourists and ex-pats alike while the media are focused on a little girl who has disappeared. Lisa Selvidge, a resident of the Algarve for 6 years and a graduate in Portuguese and Russian, has been inspired by the different inhabitants of the Algarve, both those who choose to make it their home and those who were born there, as well as the effects of one of the biggest media coverages the Algarve has ever known.

SYNOPSIS:
An English couple in search of an easier life in the sun, a German hippie with a singing dog, a UK property developer, a Portuguese waiter, a showgirl at the casino, a drug dealer, an old widow in the mountains and a fisherman’s son make up some of the memorable cast of characters that inhabit these interlinking stories. Minor characters become protagonists in others in this rich tapestry of life in the Algarve in the summer of 2007 when a little girl went missing.

‘Lisa Selvidge has brilliantly captured the essence of life in the Algarve, delving beneath the charming white-washed exterior to express a darker side to life in the sun for locals, ex-pats and tourist. Beyond the Sea is a bitter-sweet portrayal of on-goings that are not only fascinating, but unsettlingly realistic – like peeking through the neighbour’s window. I thoroughly enjoyed it.’ Carrie-Marie Bratley, The Portugal News

‘It's hard to get short stories just right. Lisa Selvidge unfurls her collection with a clear insight into the Algarve’s loosely woven workings with a worryingly perceptive grasp of the human condition - just right!’ Paul Rees, get real weekly
‘A delicious kaleidoscopic view of the sun-soaked polyglot Algarve.’ Natasha Donn, Algarve 123

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Selvidge has an MA in creative writing from the University of East Anglia and taught creative writing for 9 years at both the UEA and the Norwich School of Art & Design. She is the author of The Trials of Tricia Blake, The Last Dance over the Berlin Wall and a Writing Fiction Workbook. She has also edited a collection of writings about the Algarve called Summer Times.

The book is published by Montanha Books on May 28 2010 and will be available from online bookshops and www.lisaselvidge.com for £8.95. It is also available as a download for £3.00 from http://stores.lulu.com/lisa9 and throughout shops in the Algarve including The Griffin Bookshop, Almancil, The Owl Story Bookshop, Lagos, The Magna Carta, Alvor and Lura dos Livros, Tavira.

There will be a book launch at the Galeria Porca Preta, Monchique on June 10 at 6.30 pm, 2010 including refreshments and live music, and at The Griffin Bookshop, Almancil on June 24 at 6.00 pm.

26.5.10

Fantastic Things


Importers of British High Street Labels

will be selling a wide selection of clothing
in the Hotel Garbe

on Thursday, 27th May, 2010, Thursday 10th June and Thursday, 24th June, 2010
Burton, Ralph Lauren, M&S, Monsoon and many more.

Chelb Room
Hotel Garbe

from 10.00am - 7.00pm




Coming up - Contributed


21.5.10

New Room


On 1st July, 2010 the Hotel Garbe will become the Holiday Inn Algarve. As part of our commitment to 'Great Hotels Guests Love' we have refurbished a sample bedroom, a further 66 guest rooms will be complete by end of June

From the press

The official relaunch of the hotel as the Holiday Inn Algarve is set for July 1.

By DAISY SAMPSON daisy.sampson@theresidentgroup.com

Works to rebrand and redecorate the Hotel Garbe in Armação de Pêra have already begun as part of the process to convert the hotel into a Holiday Inn.

The 185-room hotel on the seafront in Armação de Pêra, which first opened its doors to clients in 1963, has already had works to refurbish the reception area of the hotel completed and 66 of the rooms in the hotel will be redecorated and brought in line with the Holiday Inn standard by the end of June, with the rest of the rooms being remodelled during the winter months.

The official relaunch of the hotel as the Holiday Inn Algarve is set for July 1. A spokesman from the Hotel Garbe told the Algarve Resident: “The hotel has not been sold and all the staff at the hotel will remain the same. This relaunch will mean that the hotel will no longer be known as the Garbe but it will retain all the quality services clients have come to know.

“It is great for the staff here who are learning new skills and this will be passed onto the clients of the hotel.”

The changes to the Hotel Garbe are part of a 20-year franchise agreement whereby the hotel will benefit from the advantages associated with being part of a large group while still maintaining the management, administration, responsibility and ownership of the hotel.

The spokesman added: “It has been sad to lose the name of the Garbe but we intend to rename perhaps the meeting room or a suite with the name Garbe to honour the tradition of the past.”

Other developments to take place at the hotel as part of the relaunch include the refurbishment of a meeting room for up to 50 delegates which is due to be completed by December 2010, new signage and logos, upgrade showers and bathroom amenities and new exterior landscaping.

Client bookings will not be affected by the changes.

For further information about the changes, please call the Hotel Garbe on 282 320 260.

Source: Algarve Resident

19.5.10

Algarve - News and Events

Don't miss this months Be Hip Show - now online - http://www.hipalgarve.net

From our Golf Desk

Hello Helen & Jane

Once again, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Garbe.We send our heartiest thanks to the pair of you & to every member of staff for the wonderful welcome & service that is always on offer at the Garbe!! All arrangements from the car, our favourite room & the Golf schedule were superb. Even the weather was delivered to order.


Kind regards

14.5.10

Holiday Inn Algarve Coming soon!!!!

From 1st July 2010 the Hotel Garbe will become the Holiday Inn Algarve.

As part of our commitment to ‘Great Hotels Guests Love’ the reception area of the hotel has been refurbished and a further refurbishment of 66 guest rooms will be complete by end of June.

We hope to see you soon in the new Holiday Inn Algarve.

11.5.10

Contributed - ALFA

The association of literature and film friends in the Algarve

A associação dos amigos da leitura e do filme no Algarve

ALFA – the association of literature friends in the Algarve holds a literature salon in English.

Every first Monday of the month, at 7.30 p.m. sharp a gathering of authors and readers will inspire to unknown creativity.

ALFA is not a book club, where you have to read certain books in order to participate.

Here you listen to others reading, get food for thoughts and become inspired to read or write, paint or sing, simply be creative.

Next event:

When: 7.30 pm sharp, on monday,
7th of June 2010
Where: Convento de S. José, Lagoa

With: Lynne and Peter Booker
Peter Booker will be chairing the meeting and he will talk about the book,The Madness of Queen Maria: The R emarkable Life of Maria I of Portugal by Jeni- fer Roberts. Also appearing will be Paul Rees and Charles May, publishers of Algarves ́s e- newspaper,get real. Find out about the trials and tribulations of the media business. Lynne Booker will discuss her new cultural project with get real: writing about people who live in the Algarve, either full or part time and who contribute to enhancing the region´s cultural diversity.

Lynne would like attendees of the ALFA session to contribute their ideas.

'I think an "Algarve Living Legends" series could interest many readers and encourage people to come forward with suggestions. I would like something ´interactive´ and I think get real is upfront in promoting culture here in the Algarve. As you know I have always felt that the Ministry of Culture, the Câmaras and those promoting tourism should emphasise the multinational and multicultural nature of the Algarve. The amount of talent here is amazing yet many talented people are struggling.' Paul Rees


ALFA
Apartado 376
8504-913 Portimão
Portugal

www.alfacultura.com
mail: alfacult@gmail.com
Tel 00351 282 413 160
Mobile: 00351 917 602 607
lit.ALGARVE 16-19 September 2010 - the first international literature festival in the Algarve brings appr. 50 authors from 8 countries to the Algarve, who will appear in Albufeira, Armação de Pera, Lagoa, Portimão, Olhão, S. Bras de Alportel and Tavira.

5.5.10

May Raj Promotion

Complimentary Dessert when you next dine in the Raj Indian Restaurant.

Gulab jamun is a popular dessert in countries of the Indian Subcontinent such as India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. It is made of a dough consisting mainly of milk solids (often including double cream and flour) in a sugar syrup flavored with cardamom seeds and rosewater or saffron

Don't miss this opportunity to try Gulab jamun. Print our voucher and bring it with you. www.rajatgarbe.com/voucher.pdf
Book your table now tel:- 282 320260 This offer may not be used in conjunction with any other Raj Promotion

Raj at Garbe
Hotel Garbe,
Armação de Pêra,

Another perfect day




3.5.10

Contributed - VE DAY and VJ DAY - 65th ANNIVERSARY

This year, the Royal British Legion in the UK will be holding a series of events and services to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of VE and VJ Day.

On Wednesday the 19th May, as part of these celebrations the Royal British Legion in Portugal will hold a short service on the outside veranda at the Hotel Garbe commencing at 11.30am, followed by the RBL monthly lunch in the restaurant to which everyone is invited - please confirm your arrangements with the hotel reception.

Father Haynes, the RBL Algarve Chaplain, and Father Bob Bates will take this service and the Standard will be paraded. The service will last 20-30 minutes, and will remember not only how our Freedom was fought and won, but will also look forward to the hope of Peace in the lands where our troops are still fighting.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Royal British Legion
Algarve Branch

2.5.10

What's On in May

Weekly
Mondays - 9.30am - Pilates - Advance Class – Chelb Room
11.00am – Pilates – Beginners Class – Chelb Room
Wednesday Evenings - 6.00pm - Silver Jewellery - Reception Area
Thursday Evenings - 6.00pm - Pearl Jewellery - Reception Area
Fridays - 9.30am - Pilates - Advance Class – Chelb Room
11.00am – Pilates – Beginners Class – Chelb Room
Fridays – 2.00pm - Learn Bridge - Chelb Room
Fridays – 7.30pm - Bridge Millennium - Chelb Room
Saturdays – 1.45 pm - Bridge - Chelb Room
Sunday Evenings - 6.00pm - Silver Jewellery Exhibition - Reception Area
.
“Boa Vista” Bar
Happy Hour - 20% - Every Day from 6.00 to 9.00pm
Daily Entertainment – 9.00pm
Saturday,1st May - Sandra & Jorge – Música Ao Vivo
Monday, 3rd May - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 4th May - Ilze - Singer
Wednesday, 5th May - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday 6th May - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday, 7th May - Nuno - Resident Organist
Saturday, 8th May - Sandra & Jorge- Music for Dancing
Sunday, 9th May - Carlos Pontes – Música Ao Vivo
Monday, 10th May - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 11th May - Arte Viva - Music for Dancing
Wednesday, 12th May - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday 13th May - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday, 14th May - Xico - Guitar Player
Saturday, 15th May - Sandra & Jorge- Music for Dancing
Monday, 17th May - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 18th May - Ilze - Singer
Wednesday, 19th May - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday 20th May - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday 21st May - Nuno - Resident Organist
Saturday 22nd May - Sandra & Jorge- Music for Dancing
Sunday 23rd May - Carlos Pontes – Música Ao Vivo
Monday 24th May - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 25th May - Arte Viva - Music for Dancing
Wednesday, 26th May - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday, 27th May - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday, 28th May - Xico - Guitar Player
Saturday, 29th May - Sandra & Jorge – Música Ao Vivo
Monday, 31st May - Nuno - Resident Organist

The Facilities and Entertainment Featured May Change Without Notice

1.5.10

May Newsletter

Our latest newsletter is now available -

please click here

29.4.10

"Don't miss" when you are in the Algarve.....

We have listed ten " not to be missed" things to do when on holiday in the Algarve. We have only scratched the surface - please add your suggestions:-

Sample the hot sausage bread straight from the bread oven in Caldas da Monchique


Visit a colourful Algarve Market


Take a Kayak tour in Ponta da Piedade

Enjoy Quad bike tour, through the countryside

Swim with the dolphins

Visit the most Southwesterley point in Europe

Eat Snails in May

Eat Chicken Piri Piri in Monchique

Watch the fishing boats come in - Armação de Pêra beach


In our Mailbox today

We came to the Garbe two years ago and vowed to try and come back every year.

We didn't make it last year but were so glad we came back again this year.

We love the hotel, the food is great, the rooms are comfy and the atmosphere is one of complete relaxation.

I've recommended it to all my friends and family and I hope they get to share that wonderful experience of breakfast on the terrace on a gorgeous sunny morning.

Thank you for a lovely stay. Keep up the good work!!

'Allo 'Allo


28.4.10

Coming up this weekend - Silves Rural Fair


Ruralidades Silves, 2010
30th April, 1st and 2nd May - Fissul Centre - Silves

Familiarise yourself with the products, traditions and culture of the Silves Area.

Over the three days, you will be able to enjoy the riches that the inland areas of the Algarve have to offer, traditional cuisine, handicrafts and a huge range of leisure and adventure activities are just some of the things that you will find on offer.

Dried fruits and sausages, homemade bread and the well-known and much loved oranges, these are just a few of the products that you will be able to find at this Fair.

You will also have the chance to enjoy folk dancing and accordian music.

More infomation from - Silves Municipal Council

Tel.: 282 440 800

"Há caracois" - Snails

Caracóis are small snails which are found in the Portuguese countryside during the months of May and June.
.
For those who like them they are delicious.

Eaten between the months of May and July the snails are usually boiled and then flavoured with garlic and oregano.
.
The best snails, it is said, are those picked from fennel plants. Look for a sign reading “Há caracois”, meaning snails are on the menu.
.
They can be bought at most markets, to cook at home:-

1 kl. (around 35 oz.) of small/medium snails. You can pick them from your garden… :)
3 crushed cloves of garlic
1 hand full of oreganos
Salt
Wash the snails well. After they are well cleaned, place them in a pot casserole and cover them in water.

Add, garlic and oregano, bring them to the boil - simmer, stirring once in a while.

Let it cook for around 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve with chilled beer and bread. You’ll need tooth sticks to get the snails out of their shells. Enjoy!

26.4.10

New Year's Eve Programme

Wednesday, 29th December 2010
• Arrival
• Afternoon Tea and Cakes
• Welcome Cocktail Party with Music from our Resident Organist
• Buffet Dinner with wine
• Dancing to Live Music
• Accommodation

Thursday, 30th December 2010
• Buffet Breakfast
• Afternoon Board Games in the Chelb Room
• Afternoon Tea and Cakes
• “Pajama Party” Fancy Dress Night
• Buffet Dinner with wine
• Dancing to Live Music
• Accommodation

Friday, 31st December 2010
• Special Last Day of 2010 buffet breakfast with Bucks Fizz
• Afternoon Tea and Cakes
• New Years Eve Gala Buffet Dinner
• All night dancing to Live Music
• Dance Show
• After midnight
Traditional Soup
Buffet of Salads , Cold Meats and Dessert Table
• Accommodation

Saturday, 1st January 2011
• Special New Year’s Day Hangover Brunch
• New Years Day Dip in Sea for Charity followed by Hot Chocolate for the Swimmers

Price: 359 Euros per person in twin room


Single Supplement per night - 14 Euros
Seaview Supplement per person per night - 12 Euros


Children from 2 to 12 years - 50% reduction sharing room with parents
Cots Free


Please also see our special festive tariff. For more information please contact us.

mail@hotelgarbe.com - www.hotelgarbe.com

Another Spectactular Day


23.4.10

Charity Dinner Dance


Saturday, 29th May, 2010
7.30pm – 11.30pm

Three course buffet dinner with wine

Dancing to Live Music by Saraband

Tickets: € 25 (includes charity donation0

Raffle prizes … Donations Gratefully Received

Tickets / Information call
Carol Williamson – 282 322854
Carole Good-Dixon – 966571639
Heather Scott – 282 471096

25% off room rates at the Hotel Garbe, Armação de Pêra,for this event, please Tel 282 320 260

Hotel Garbe 2010, Christmas Programme

Thursday, 23rd December 2010
• Arrival
• Mulled Wine, Mince Pies and Carol Singing
• Welcome Buffet Dinner with wine
• Dancing to Live Music in Bar Boa Vista
• Accommodation

Friday, 24th December 2010
• Buffet Breakfast
• Afternoon board games in Chelb Room
• Afternoon Tea and Cakes
• Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner with our Resident Organist
• Dancing to Live Music in Bar Boa Vista
• Accommodation

Saturday, 25th December 2010
• Special Christmas Day buffet breakfast with Bucks Fizz
• Christmas Day Dip in Sea for Charity followed by Mulled
Wine for the swimmers
• Afternoon Tea with Christmas Cake
• Christmas Day Buffet Dinner with special appearance
by Father Christmas
• Dancing to live music in Bar Boa Vista
• Accommodation

Sunday, 26th December 2010
• Special Boxing Day buffet breakfast with Bloody Marys
• Afternoon Tea and Cakes
• Boxing Day Treasure Hunt
• Buffet Dinner with Wine
• Dancing to live music in Bar Boa Vista
• Accommodation

Monday, 27thDecember 2010
• Buffet Breakfast

Price: 398 Euros per person in twin room

Single Supplement per night 14 Euros
Seaview Supplement per person per night 12 Euros
Cots Free

Children from 2 to 12 years - 50% reduction sharing room with parents

Please also see our special festive tariff. For more information please contact us.

Gipsy and other weekly markets in the Algarve

Taking place throughout the Algarve markets attract tourists and locals. A huge variety of goods is usually available - handicrafts - wicker, wood and ceramics, household and dry goods and clothes and shoes.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit a market - whther to buy a souvenir or to just enjoy the atmosphere. from all over the region -

The most popular markets!!!

Albufeira
Caliços - 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
Guia: 3rd Friday of the month
Paderne: near Rua Miguel Bombarda - 1st Saturday of the month

Alcoutim
Pereiro: in front of the parish church - 4th Sunday of the month
Vaqueiros: Rua do Poço Novo -2nd Thursday of the month

Aljezur
Rogil: near the parish council - 4th Sunday of the month
Aljezur: near the school & kindergarten - 3rd Monday of the month

Almancil
Almancil: near the school - 1st & 4th Sunday of the month

Castro Marim
Castro Marim - 2nd Saturday every month

Faro
Estói: near the supplier\'s market -2nd Sunday of the month

Lagoa
Lagoa: area in front of Fatacil - 2nd Sunday every month

Lagos
Lagos: area at the municipal stadium ( Estádio Municipal) - 1st Saturday every month
Odiaxere: Largo do Moinho - 4th Monday of the month

Loulé
Almancil: at the school - 1st & 4rd Sunday of the month
Ameixial: EN 2 - 1st. Thursday of the month
Azinhal: at the school - Last Saturday of the month
Benafim: Rua 25 de Abril - 1st. Saturday of the month
Boliqueime Largo da Igreja - Last Thursday of the month
Cortelha: -2nd. Saturday of the month
Loulé: opposite the Convento de S. António -Every Saturday

Monchique
Monchique: Largo do Mercado - 2nd Friday every month

Olhão
Fuseta: near the camping ground - 1st Sunday every month
Moncarapacho: near the street Rua das Olarias - 1st Sunday every month
Quelfes: frente a Escola EB1 - 4th & 5th Saturday of the month

Portimão
Portimão: Exhibition area (Parque de Feiras e Exposições) - 2nd Monday of the month

Quarteira
Quarteira: Fonte Santa - Every Wednesday

Sagres
Sagres: in front of the market hall - 1st Friday every month

São Bras de Alportel Market
São Bras de Alportel: Fairs Park - Every Saturday

Silves
Alcantarilha: Centre of the village - 1st Friday of the month
Silves: near the Cemetery - 3rd Monday of the month
Algoz: Largo da Vázea - 2nd Monday of the month
Azilheira / S. Marcos de Serra -1st Thursday of the month
São Bartolomeu de Messines - 4th Monday of the month
São Marcos da Serra : near the Cemetery - 1st Saturday of the month
Tunes : Rua 1° de Maio - 4th Saturday of the month

Tavira
Tavira: Rua Vale Caranguejo - 3rd Saturday of the month
Santa Catarina: Rua 1° do Maio - 4th Sunday of the month

Vila do Bispo
Vila do Bispo: opposite the market hall - 1st Thursday of the month
Barão de S. Miguel: village centre - 1st Monday of the month
Budens: village centre - 1st Tuesday of the month
Raposeira: opposite the school - 1st Wednesday of the month
Sagres: opposite the market hall - 1st Friday of the month
Vila Real de Santo António
Vila Real d.S.A.: Square Marquês de Pombal - 1st. Sunday of the month

22.4.10

Special "Flavours of the Sea' Package

23rd - 30th June

coincides with the Caldeirada Festival
in Armação de Pêra
and the Traditional Dancing Parade on 23rd June

3 Nights - 115.00 Euros per person

Accommodation and buffet breakfast
Supplements
Single Supplement (3 nights) 36,00 Euros
Seaview Supplement (3 nights) per person 36,00 Euros
Marchas Populares - 10.00 pm - 23rd June, 2010

For more information, reservations or if you only want to stay
1 or 2 nights please contact us - Tel. 282 320260

21.4.10

Royal British Legion April Lunch


A few photos from the Royal British Legion lunch which took place today.

The Algarve Sub-Branch now has a membership of 150 and meets the 3rd. Wednesday of every month at Hotel Garbe for lunch.
.
All visiting RBL members are welcome and please join us in the Bar for pre-lunch drinks at mid-day.

For more information please contact Mr. Peter Wilkinson at thealgarvewilkinsons@gmail.com More photos can be seen here



20.4.10

A taste of Portugal - Prawns Piri-Piri


Ingredients
2 tbsp piri piri sauce

half a tsp chilli powder

juice of 2 lemons

24 large king prawns, raw with heads on

1 bunch of watercress

1 bunch of coriander

Method
1. Mix together the piri-piri sauce, chilli powder and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Add the raw king prawns, coat thoroughly, cover and marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.

2. Tear the watercress and coriander into sprigs and arrange on a large serving plate.

3. Heat a heavy frying pan until hot. Dry-fry the king prawns, seasoning with a little sea salt, until they turn pink and opaque, around 3 minutes.

4. Serve at once on the watercress and coriander.

Enjoy with a light white wine from the Alentejo

19.4.10

From our Golf Desk

GOLFING 29 MARCH 2010

Hi All at the Golf Desk,

Thank you for your mail. Be assured that the golf experience you provided was judged the best yet of our 8 trips, yes better than Vilamoura. Everyone was impressed by the whole package and already are talking of a return. ( I even think one of the lads is planning his summer holiday with you ). The hotel experience was excellent.... staff were very friendly and efficient and most importantly very sincere, - great value,- food, service, accommodation, attention to guests was very much appreciated by all. The golf was superb value. Courses were a joy to play. Thank you. We definitely will be back, and hopefully bring a few more with us. You have set yourselves a very high standard to follow, but I'm sure that is no problem for you.

Helen, no need to apologise re tee times. Your transport company was very accommodating. Any hitches were purely my fault. I should have had all that organised with you weeks before hand. I will know better next time. Some of the lads are just beginning to discover that, (as an Irish song says) "You can't do all night what you used to do all night". I mean of course drink!! and then expect to play golf early the next day. Thank you for all your help and work for us. We are singing your praises to anyone who will listen over here.

AFPOP Quiz Night success - contributed

Last Friday evening 16th April the Hotel Garbe in Armacao de Pera hosted an Indian Dinner & Quiz Night for the Albufeira AFPOP group.

Diamond Cleaning Services (Albufeira) sponsored the prize draw which allowed funds to be donated to Albufeira Bombeiros.

Following an excellent 3 course Indian meal in The Raj Restaurant the grey cells were tested by Lynn and Martin's Quiz and after a closely fought contest the winners prizes were split between two teams, both agreeing to forego the tension of a tie break question.

The winning teams are pictured here along with Peter and Miriam Hare the AFPOP representatives for Albufeira.


16.4.10

Algarve - News and Events

Do not miss this months Be Hip Show - now online - http://www.hipalgarve.net -

13.4.10

In todays' mailbox

We had a most relaxing week. Everything was perfect. Our room was so comfortable and the staff so friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the long breakfasts and the dinner we had was delicious and great value with the 20% off. We can't wait to go back! Thank you!
Junior Suite 320 from 3-10 April 2010

Calendar of Events

Events in the Hotel
Thursday, 10th June - Fantastic Things
24th - 27th June -
Caldeirada (Typical Fish Dish) Festival
Thursday, 24th June - Fantastic Things
Saturday, 25th December - Swim for Shoes - Dip in the Sea for Charity
Saturday, 25th December - Christmas Day Gala Dinner
Sunday, 26th December - Boxing Day Treasure Hunt

Events Nearby
23rd June - Traditional Dancing through the streets of Armação de Pêra
3rd -12th August - Sardine Festival in Portimão
3rd and 4th July - WTTC World Touring Car Championship:
7th - 15th August - Medieval Fair - Silves
Sunday, 8th August - Procession in Honour of Our Lady of the Fisherman
20th - 29th August - Fatacil - Lagoa
16th - 19th September -
Lit. Algarve (International Literature Festival)
Sunday, 19th September - Procession in Honour of Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos
21st - 29th August, 2010 -
Fatacil in Lagoa
28th August - White Night - Loule
4th December - The Angels Christmas Cracker

12th Caldeirada Festival


will be taking place in Armação de Pêra from 24th to 27th June, 2010.

Caldeirada” is a typical Algarvian dish which consists of stewed fish and sea food with potatoes, onions ,tomatoes, pimentos, spices wine and olive oil.

A number of local restaurants, including our Por do Sol Restaurant participate, and as well as serving Caldeirada we will also have other typical fish dishes available.

Hotel Garbe will serve its ´Caldeirada feast` for lunch or dinner daily through the festival and both hotel guests and local residents are invited to join the celebrations.


For more information please contact Hotel Garbe, Armação de Pêra
mail@hotelgarbe.comTel: 282 320 260

Algarve Ladies Lunch Clubs Joint Meeting


On Tuesday April 6th members from five of the Algarve Ladies lunch clubs gathered at the Hotel Garbe in Armacao de Pera, for a very successful lunch followed by a short formal meeting.

Fifty plus members travelled from across the Algarve in order to meet and share the various activities, events and processes of their particular groups. This event had taken place before in 2005 and 2007.

Following a welcome drink, and 3 course buffet lunch the Organiser, Carole Good-Dixon, invited speakers from the five groups to give a short talk about their specific organisation. This gave all present an idea of when and where each group meets, the philosophy of how each group manages its organisation, including in several, the financial management. Some invite speakers and lunch in the same venue, whereas others travel all over the Algarve meeting in different locations each month.

Thanks go to Maureen Yould from Western, Wendy Webb from As Serranas, Lis Jensen from both Central and Eastern as well as Antje Whittle from the Lunch Bunch. As a result of their involvement members are looking forward to creating an annual event that will now build on this information and plan for a central shared issue relating to Womens’ issues. Members will be kept informed of future plans.
Carole Good-Dixon

9.4.10

Thank you for your feedback

I just wanted to say on behalf of my husband and myself how much we enjoyed our time at the Hotel Garbe. Everyone was so helpful and we were so lucky with the weather. It is so good when everyone goes that extra mile to make sure visitors enjoy their holiday. Thanks to everyone.

6.4.10

Contributed - Speed Networking at the Hotel Garbe - 22nd April

Following the success of the first Speed Networking session, the Hotel Garbe, Armação de Pêra will once again be the venue.

Thursday April 22nd. Arrive for 09:00am to start the ''Speed'' for 09:30 am. Cost 4 euros and coffee/water will be provided

The success of this type of event completely relies on knowing the amount of poeple who will be present, as the circulation needs to be determined before hand. Therefore, please advise me if you will be attending by April 14th. The number attending is limited to a maximum of 38. We need to start on time.

Don't miss it book now - bowentherapy.lindsey@gmail.com

Eggs and Bonnets

The sun shined on the participants of the Hotel Garbe 1st Easter Egg Hunt, which added to the enjoyment.
Starting at the Hotel Garbe and taking in Armação de Pêras new seafront promenade the participants had to up to twenty Easter Eggs in the allocated time. The winners Mardie Cunningham and Mary King found all but four!!!!.



The Hunt was followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade and Competition. Carole Good-Dixon was the winner with her Bonnet decorated with a chocolate hen and eggs.

Both events were organised by Martin Binks and Lynn Love on behalf of Castelos dos Sonhos in Silves.

More photos can be seen here


5.4.10

Thank you for your comments

We were delighted to receive this feedback this morning from recent guests David and Lynne:

Excellent hotel, very efficient and personable staff. We will definitely recommend to friends and family and return to visit you probably Sept or Oct. Thank you

April Newsletter

Our latest newsletter is now available - please click here

4.4.10

HAPPY EASTER

From all at the Hotel Garbe





3.4.10

What's On - April, 2010

“Boa Vista” Bar
Happy Hour - 20% - Every Day from 6.00 to 9.00pm

Daily Entertainment – 9.00pm

Thursday. 1st April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday, 2nd April -- Xico - Guitar Player
Saturday, 3rd April - Sandra & Jorge – Música Ao Vivo
Monday, 5th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 6th April - Ilze - Singer
Wednesday, 7th April - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday 8th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday, 9th April Nuno - Resident Organist
Saturday, 10th April – Sandra & Jorge- Music for Dancing
Sunday, 11th April - Carlos Pontes – Música Ao Vivo
Monday, 12th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 13th April - Arte Viva - Music for Dancing
Wednesday, 14th April - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday 15th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday, 16th April - Xico - Guitar Player
Saturday, 17th April - Sandra & Jorge- Music for Dancing
Monday, 19th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 20th April - Ilze - Singer
Wednesday, 21th April - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday 22nd April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday 23rd April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Saturday 24th April - Sandra & Jorge- Music for Dancing
Sunday,25th April - Carlos Pontes – Música Ao Vivo
Monday, 26th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 27th April - Arte Viva - Music for Dancing
Wednesday, 28th April - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday, 29th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday, 30th April -- Xico - Guitar Player

Weekly
Mondays - 9.30am - Pilates - Advance Class – Chelb Room
Mondays - 11.00am – Pilates – Beginners Class – Chelb Room
Wednesday Evenings - 6.00pm - Silver Jewellery - Reception Area
Thursday Evenings - 6.00pm - Pearl Jewellery - Reception Area
Fridays - 9.30am - Pilates - Advance Class – Chelb Room
Fridays - 11.00am – Pilates – Beginners Class – Chelb Room
Fridays – 2.00pm - Learn Bridge - Chelb Room
Fridays – 7.30pm - Bridge Millennium - Chelb Room
Saturdays – 1.45.Pm - Bridge - Chelb Room
Sunday Evenings - 6.00pm - Silver Jewellery Exhibition - Reception Area

The Facilities and Entertainment Featured May Change Without Notice

2.4.10

Raj at Garbe - April Special Promotion




Don't miss this promotion


Enjoy a half bottle of wine per person when you next dine our famous Indian Restaurant ! Offer valid till 30th April, 2010




Book your table now Raj at Garbe, http://www.rajatgarbe.com/, 282 320260












30.3.10

Contributed - Angels arrive at the Garbe

Last Saturday evening,March 20th, THE ANGELS THEATRE GROUP, in response to requests to take their Old Time Music Hall to the Western Algarve gave a performance at The Hotel Garbe, Armação de Pêra.

140 people sat down in the main restaurant to a superb three course buffet dinner with wine and were then entertained throughout the evening with a variety of songs, monologues and a melodrama in the Old Time Musical Hall tradition.
The Angels entertain for charity and their choice on this occasion was the Castelo Do Sonhos. Celia and Dave Mossman, representing the charity, arrived resplendant in period costume to welcome the audience and hand out song sheets. Other helpers, in costume strolled through the audience selling raffle tickets and receiving bids for a silent auction of an autographed bottle of wine from Sir Cliff Richard’s vineyard.

Those of the audience, who had arrived in period style costume, ,were rewarded with a ticket to enter a special free raffle.The prize being an escorted tour ,for two ,around Sir Cliff Richards vine yard – Adega do Cantor.

The enthusiastic audience joined in to sing -along to the choruses of the more well known songs. They were also in fine voice, when encouraged to boo the villain and cheer the hero in the melodrama. .
The fun evening resulted in raising 1,702.37 euros, which is the most money raised at any fund raising event for Castelo do Sonhos. This will go towards buying items from their wish list which includes beds and food.
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The Angels would like to thank all those who support them in their endeavours.More about the group can be found on their web site
http://www.angelstheatregroup.com/ or by e-mailing theangelstheatreco@live.com

29.3.10

Contributed - April ALFA

ALFA literary salon + vernissage

Monday, 5th April (Easter monday - not a holiday in Portugal)

6.00 pm Vernissage Siegfried Mundt will have an exhibition of his art (paintings, prints, and his model boats) in the Convento do S. Jorge in Lagoa.


A recorder-quartet will accompany the event.

7.30 pm ALFA literary salon
Dr. John Piper presents his latest book: St. Petersburg declaration
Convento S. José, Lagoa

All Welcome
For more information: www.alfacultura.comhttp://blog.alfacultura.com
mail: fellgiebel@mail.telepac.pt

28.3.10

Book Signing

On Wednesday 24 March 2010, Dr. John Piper launched his new his new book "The St. Petersburg Declaration".

The book signing was held in the Bar Boa Vista at the Hotel Garbe and was well attended by many local residents and patients of Dr. Piper.

This fascinating second novel, was written in response to the shooting of the 27 year old Brazilian man in a London Underground train in 2005 by police using expanding missiles (Dum Dum bullets); seven of the eight projectiles entered his head rendering him mutilated and unrecognizable. The result of this shocking and brutal act, is an anti-war book using the weapon of ridicule.

There will be a second book signing at the Lagoa library on Saturday 24 April at 17.00 hrs. The books have been supplied for sale by the Magna Carta Bookshop of Alvor.

Dr. Piper's first novel " Mother Killers" will also be available.

27.3.10

Marketing Magician Reveals Marketing Secrets at Hotel Garbe

Businesses from east and west Algarve attended the third series of Marketing Magician seminars at the Hotel Garbe. Marketing Magician, Stefan Drew, revealed profit boosting marketing techniques to businesses as diverse as retailers and publishers to restaurants and villa rental specialists in a series of seminars and one-to-one surgeries designed specifically for local businesses.

For the third time in less than a year Marketing Magician, Stefan Drew, has flown in from the UK to deliver his special blend of marketing and business knowhow to Algarve businesses. With topics as diverse as How to Quadruple Your Turnover and Profits to Marketing for specialist businesses such as Restaurants and Real Estate companies there was something every business.

Hotels Garbe’s Vicki Good commented, “These seminars are useful for businesses at any time but never more so than in the current trading climate. Hotel Garbe recognises the need for strong marketing at all times and has changed its marketing focus as new technologies emerge. Like Stefan we recognise that people now spend much more time online. We’ve reflected these changes in our own marketing with a blend of traditional marketing and the new technologies like social networking. In fact we know that some people attended the Marketing Magician seminars after seeing them mentioned on Facebook!”

Stefan Drew commented, “The businesses that attended the events at the Hotel Garbe are exceptional. They are run by positive people that seek to take control of their destiny, learn new skills and apply them to grow and thrive in any economic conditions.”

He continued, “ Over the next few weeks we are posting a few of the hundreds tips and ideas we covered onto various websites. They will be found on our sponsors’ websites; the
Hotel Garbe’s and Get Real Weekly. They will also appear on http://www.stefandrew.com/ where further free advice can be found via a free marketing tips newsletter.”

Further details from Stefan Drew on 07904 897 929

25.3.10

Contributed - Royal British Legion Training


The Royal British Legion Portugal Branch recently held a three-day Caseworkers’ Training Course at the Hotel Garbe in Armação de Pêra.

Thirteen Caseworkers attended a Refreshers' Course while a further eleven attended for the first time. This was the second course of its kind held in Portugal. The course trainer, Brian Simpson, said he was delighted with the professionalism and dedication displayed by all of the delegates and that the course had been a great success.

The Guest Speaker was Paul Rodwell, the British Consul to the Algarve, who gave the delegates invaluable information about what the Consular Services could and could not do; very helpful for Caseworkers when visiting a Client and assessing the need.

Portugal now has more than 30 trained Caseworkers, but more importantly the coverage spreads out to the other parts of the country where more and more British are choosing to settle, many of whom may be eligible for Legion support.

For more information visit http://www.portugal.legionbranches.net/

Coming up - Opera Production “Carmen”


On Sunday, 28th March, 2010 at the Arade Congress Centre (Parchal), Lagoa,
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A superproduction by the National Opera of Moldavia. A highly romantic and very well-known work, it is extraordinarily popular all over the world thanks to its different ingredients and the originality with which it treats the subject matter. With a marked emotional pulse, and steeped in love, passion, seduction and betrayal, its characters develop in a way that captivates the audience from the very first notes, reaching a climax of sensuality.
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More infomation: 282 498 577 http://www.algarvecc.com/

24.3.10

Thank you for your Feedback - March, 2010

My partner and I both very much enjoyed our stay at the hotel - the service was very good, as was the cleanliness of the rooms and the standard of food. We will certainly recommend the Hotel Garbe to our friends.

St. Patrick's Day Quiz - Congratulations and Answers

Congratulations to Jackie Balko who is the winner of our St. Patrick's Day Quiz. Jackie has won a weekend for two people at the Hotel Garbe.

Answers

1. What day do we celebrate St Patrick's Day on?
17th March

.2. Where was St. Patrick born?
Wales

3. What did St. Patrick use the Shamrock for?
To teach about Christianity

4. What animal was St Patrick reported to have driven out of Ireland?
Snakes

5.What are you suppose to do to the Blarney Stone?
Kiss it

6. What did St Patrick do in Ireland before he went to France when he was 22?
He was a slave

7. What colour is traditionally associated with St Patrick?
Green

8. What is the capital city of Ireland?
Dublin

9. What colours are in the Irish Flag?
Green, White and Orange

10. What happens if you look away from a leprechaun?
He will disappear

23.3.10

This Weekend - Folar Fair Paderne

Saturday, 27th and Sunday, 28th March

The Parish of Paderne is holding a Folar Fair. Folar is a type of sweet Easter bread which has a hard boiled egg in it. The fair will be next to the Health Centre from 15.00h - 22.00h each day.

There will be live musical entertainment on each day.

21.3.10

Rhiwbina Bowls Club 2010 Tour


We are very pleased that the Rhiwbina Bowls Club choose our Hotel for their 2010 Tour and took the opportunity to photograph them on our terrace.