Christmas Quiz - Win a weekend for two!!!


1. Who is Santa Claus named after?
 
2. Boxing Day is also the Holy day for which Saint?
 
3. "Something stupid" was a Chrismas hit in 2001. Who sang it originally?    
 
4. Who introduced Christmas trees to England?

5. Which actor played The Grinch in 2001?
 
6. How many drummers were drumming in the "Twelve Days of Christmas"?
 
7. On what date is Epiphany?
 
8. What are the names of the three Kings?
 
9. How many times is the word Christmas mentioned in the song "Jingle Bells"?
 
10. Who was crowned King of England on Christmas day 1066?  
                                                                                                                                                                               
Send your answers by e-mail to info@hialgarve.com before 3.00pm on 26th December, 2013

 All correct entries will be placed in a draw. The first one drawn will win a weekend for two in the Holiday Inn Algarve.
 
Answers will be posted in early January.

New Year's Eve Gala Dinner


Christmas Day Gala Dinner

Christmas Eve Gala Dinner


What's On - Holiday Inn Algarve - Armação de Pêra

Events in the Hotel
 
Thursday, 23rd January - A tribute to Elvis
Monday, 3rd Febuary - Mexican Train with the Rotary
Tuesday, 4th February - Mini Fashion Show
13th February - Clean Mind,Clean Body
Friday, 14th February - Valentines Day Dinner
Wednesday, 19th February - Royal British Legion Valentines Lunch
Saturday, 22nd February - Jazz Night - Raj Indian Restaurant
Saturday, 2nd March - Carnival Night - Bar Boa Vista
Wednesday, 19th March - St. Partick's Day Lunch
Wednesday, 16th April - Royal British Legion Easter Lunch
Friday, 23rd May -
24th - 26th October, 2014 - Creative Writing Workshop
Saturday, 6th December - Father Christmas Parade
Thursday, 25th December - Dip in the sea for charity
Thursday, 25th December - Christmas Day Dinner
Wednesday, 31st December - New Years Eve Gala Dinner
Thursday, 1st January - Dip in the sea for charity
 
Events Nearby
2nd and 4th March - Armação de Pêra Carnival
March - 2014 Algarve Cup
April - Cultural Market - Lagoa
Easter Sunday -  Festa das Tochas Floridas (Flower Torches Festival) - São Brás
25th May - 25th October - Fiesa, 2014 - International Sand Sculptures Festival - Pêra
5th - 7th June - "Jazz at the Fontes" Fontes de Estômbar, Lagoa
June - Caldeirada (Typical Fish Dish) Festival - Armação de Pêra
Sunday 29 June to Saturday 5 July -  Dance World Cup 2014 - Lagoa
4th-6th July - World Superbike Championship - Portimão
1st - 10th August - Medieval Fair - Silves
7th - 9th August - Sons de Atlantic - Senhora da Rocha
August - Procession in Honour of Our Lady of the Fisherman - Armação de Pêra
15th - 24th August - Fatacil, 2014 – Lagoa
September - Procession in Honour of Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos - Armação de Pêra

Creative Writing Workshop - now in its fourth year....


Workshop Venue - Holiday Inn Algarve, Armação de Pêra

Date: Friday, 24th October - Sunday, 26th October 2014

WHAT sort of writer are you? What sort of writer do you dream of becoming? Have you found your writing voice? If you have not written before, do you want to find out what that voice might be?

This exciting workshop in the heart of the Algarve will help you develop your creative skills and explore your unique powers of expression. The course incorporates exercises that enable you to free your imagination and develop the voice that is uniquely your own. This weekend course will include:

• four 2.5 hour work...shops
• techniques to start writing or develop work-in-progress
• a chance to initiate pieces that lead to more extended works of prose or poetry
• the opportunity to have writing done in the workshop read and discussed
• Open Mic evening session for those who wish to share work already written (voluntary)

LEVEL
The workshop is open to anyone with a desire to write, from beginners to experienced writers. Sessions will be conducted in a friendly, constructive atmosphere.

LOCATION Workshop Venue - Holiday Inn Algarve, Armação de Pêra, Holiday Inn Algarve is situated in southern Portugal in a prime beachfront location with stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Date: Friday 24th October - Sunday, 26 October 2012

Length of course: 2.5 days

For more information - http://www.anneaylor.co.uk/

New Years Day Hangover Brunch


 With Rui Sax on the Saxophone

WEDNESDAY, 1ST JANUARY 2014

11.00 hrs – 15.00 hrs    
  
With Rui Sax on the Saxofone

BUFETE / BUFFET
Variedade de sumos de fruta
A selection of fruit juices...
****
Variedade de cereais
Choice of cereals
****
Iogurtes e fruta fresca
Yoghurts and seasonal fresh fruits
****
Pão branco, pão integral, croissants e torradas
White, wholemeal bread and rolls, brioches, croissants and toast
****
Compotas, marmelada e mel
Jams, marmalades and honey
****
Carnes frias, patés e queijos
A selection of cold meats, pate and cheese
****
Ovos, bacon, e salsichas
Eggs, grilled bacon and sausages
****
Tomate assado, feijão vermelho e cogumelos no forno
Grilled tomatoes, baked beans and sautéed mushrooms
****
Canja de galinha
Portuguese chicken broth with noodles
****
Medalhões de espadarte grelhado com manteiga de limão
Grilled swordfish medallions with lemon butter
****
Bife de vitela com molho de cogumelos
Veal steak with a mushroom sauce
****
Emincé de frango com frutas
Sliced chicken breast served with banana, kiwi, peach and pineapple
****
Variedade de sobremesas
A choice of Portuguese cakes and pastries
****
Café, chá, leite e chocolate
Coffee, tea, milk or chocolate

€ 20.00 – Iva Incl. Taxa 23%

 

 

Poem - The Father Christmas Walk

We were delighted to receive this poem from Helen Amaral, who was one of the participants in the Father Christmas walk last Saturday:
 
The Father Christmas Walk

On a bright and sunny December day
A walk takes place the Algarve way.

In Armação our seaside town
the people gather from all around.
...
Dressed as Santa, one and all
different sizes, short and tall.

All nations joining to give some aid
to those less fortunately paid.

Little ones all nice and cute
Dancing along to drum and flute.

Let’s make some noise, let’s sing and shout
Happy Christmas we’re about.

Follow the trail along the streets
as Santa’s helpers give out sweets.

Pass by the market all busy with fare
from local farms they sell there wares.

We stop sometimes along the way
just for a rest or simply to say.

Hello dear friends, come join us today
Feel alive and be happy we say.

Along the promenade we walk,
a chance to view, a chance to talk.

With friends we haven’t seen a while
enjoying the views of the ocean mile.

How lucky we are in this pleasant land
together we stand here hand in hand.

With Fresh air and sunlight all around
Peace and happiness truly found.

2nd Father Christmas Walk


Last Saturday, 7th December, 2013 more than one hundred Father Christmases took part in the second Armação de Pêra Father Christmas walk.

Sunshine and blue skies were the backdrop for the bright red Father Christmas suits.

The walk in aid of the Food Bank Portugal which passed through the streets of Armação de Pêra - was led by Angelo of local gym - Fit-Gym, who also ensured that the group did warm-up excersises before starting.

Music from the Percutunas commenced the event. Cristina Bentes from the Food Bank Algarve, was delighted to collect a substantial amount of donations from the Hotel on Saturday.

 
Thank you everyone - the participants, those who came to watch, for the donations to the Food Bank, the sponsors: Fit-Gym, Remax Praia, Dive Spot, Dave Sheldrake Photographers, The Junta da Fregusia de Armação de Pêra, Polis Apoteose, and especially the Percutunas Orchestra for walking at the front with great music.

 
 
 

Christmas Eve - Tribute to Elvis


Sunday, 8th December - Get together of writers, poets, artists, muscians and photographers.


This weekend in Armação de Pêra

Dia da São Martinho

Dia da São Martinho – Saint Martin - is celebrated on the 11th November.

Celebrated throughout Portugal, this annual event pays homage to the saint who, on a cold and blustery November night, shared his cape with a poor stranger. The day is toasted with new wine tasting and roasted chestnuts – a Portuguese speciality

The legend goes that São Martinho was a brave soldier. On this day, a long time ago, he saw a poor beggar shivering with cold and without hesitation he handed him over his warm military cloak.

As a reward God made the sun shine through the clouds, and in remembrance of his generosity, on this day every year the days get a little warmer.

Christmas Shopping at the Holiday Inn Algarve

This year give a present with a difference in the form of one of our gift vouchers:-

Weekend breaks – Treat someone special to a weekend by the beach, with a relaxing stay at the Holiday Inn Algarve.

Raj Vouchers - Perhaps they have a taste for all things spicy. Raj vouchers make an ideal present, offering a mouth-watering meal for your loved ones.
 
Beauty Vouchers - If you really want to spoil someone, this is the present to give. Leave them feeling rejuvenated, revitalised and refreshed with a ticket to pampering heaven.

Coming up - in Lagoa



In our mailbox

Excellent stay!! Beautiful location can not get any closer to the beach. The bar was a lot of fun with the saxaphone player doing all the old/new hits. Staff was very accommodating. Location to city center was perfect if you go you must plan on visiting the center to eat, we were recommended to a restaurant that has been in the same family for 40 years amazing.

True Beachfront



We were delighted to receive this e-mail this morning.

Dear Hotelier,

Your hotel Holiday Inn Algarve has been certified as ‘true beachfront’ by a new global authority on beachfront hotels, and drawn in detail never seen before on the maps of The Beachfront Club. This new qualification, and inclusion in this exclusive hotel marketing club, will increase the power of your hotel’s biggest advantage, absolute beachfront location.

Only hotels that meet our strict criteria – no roads of traffic between the rooms and the water – are certified, thus allowing beach-lovers around the world to quickly find all true beachfront hotels, without having to worry about being fooled by misleading advertising from those not really on the beach.

Best beachfront regards

www.thebeachfrontclub.com

Calendar of Events

Events in the Hotel 
 

1st - 30th November - Raj Indian Restaurant Promotion  
Tuesday, 12th November - Mini Fashion Show
Thursday, 14th November - Silves Rotary Lunch 
Thursday, 14th November - Silves Rotary Mexican Train
Monday, 18th November - Silves Rotary Mexican Train
Wednesday 20th November - Royal British Legion Monthly Lunch
Tuesday, 26th November - Mini Fashion Show
Thursday, 28th November - Silves Rotary Dinner
Saturday, 7th December - The 2nd Father Christmas Walk
Tuesday, 10th December - Mini Fashion Show
Thursday  12th December -  Silves Rotary Lunch 
Wednesday, 11th December - Theatre Dinner - Raj Indian Restaurant
Thursday, 12th December - Theatre Dinner - Raj Indian Restaurant

23rd-27th December - Christmas Programme
25th  December - Christmas Day dip in the sea for Charity
30th December - 1st January - New Year's Programme
1st January, 2014 - New Year's Day dip in the sea for Charity



The 2nd Great Father Christmas Walk


Mexican Train with Silves Rotary Club

The beach at 8.15am this morning


All Saints Fair - Silves



The Annual All Saints Fair will take place in nearby Silves this year from 31st October until 3rd November.

The event takes place in the car park behind the Castle and adjacent streets.

The event has a long tradition in the city, since 1492, at which time Silves was honored with the "Charter of Fair" by King John II.

Calendar of Events


Events in the Hotel

1st - 31st October - Raj Indian Restaurant Promotion
 
25th - 27th October - Writing Workshop 

Thursday, 31st October - Silves Rotary Dinner

Thursday, 14th November - Silves Rotary Lunch 

Thursday, 28th November - Silves Rotary Dinner 



Saturday, 7th December - The 2nd Father Christmas Walk

Thursday  12th December -  Silves Rotary Lunch 

Thursday, 12th December - Theatre Dinner - Raj Indian Restaurant

Friday, 13th December - Theatre Dinner - Raj Indian Restaurant

23rd-27th December - Christmas Programme

25th  December - Christmas Day dip in the sea for Charity

30th December - 1st January - New Year's Programme

1st January, 2014 - New Year's Day dip in the sea for Charity


Events Nearby
25th May - 25th October - Fiesa - the International Sand Sculptures Festival
31st October - 3rd November - All Saints Fair, Silves
 

Mediterranean Garden Fair coming up

Thank you for your reviews

Relaxing break Age:35-49
Traveler Type:Leisure Check

Out Date:2013-09-24

Yes, I recommend this property. Arrived Sept 2013 for a 7 day break with my wife and another couple. We are all in our mid to late forties and must say felt very young among the other guests. That said it was nice to have peace and quiet around get pool and would say if you are looking for livley night life then this is not the place.

On the other hand if you are looking for a clean comfortable hotel with great staff in an ideal location for a lovely beach holiday then this is the one for you. Breakfast selection was excellent and the curry house which is part of the hotel is highly recommended. Overall a wonderful time.

The beach this morning at 8.30am


Theatre Dinners returning this winter


WHAT`S ON - OCTOBER 2013

Thursday, 3rd October - Arte Viva - 9.00pm - Bar “Boa Vista”

Thursday, 3rd October - Pearl Exhibition - 6.00pm   Reception Area

Saturday, 5th October - Bridge - 12.45pm - 5.00pm - Restaurant Raj

Saturday, 5th October - David Paul - 9.00pm - Bar “Boa Vista”

Sunday 6th October - Silver Exhibition - 6.00pm - Reception

Tuesday 8th October - Arte Viva - 9.00pm - Bar “Boa Vista

Thursday, 10th October - Silves Rotary Lunch - 12.45pm - in the Restaurant Raj

Thursday, 10th October - Pearl Exhibition - 6.00pm   Reception Area

Saturday, 12th October – Sandra and Jorge - 9.00pm - Bar “Boa Vista”

Sunday 13th October - Silver Exhibition - 6.00pm - Reception

Wednesday, 16th October - Royal British Monthly Lunch - 1.00pm - Rest Por do Sôl

Wednesday, 16th October - Rui Sax - 9.00pm - Bar “Boa Vista”

Thursday, 17th October - Pearl Exhibition - 6.00pm   Reception Area

Saturday, 19th October - Bridge - 12.45pm - 5.00pm - Restaurant Raj

Saturday, 19th October - David Paul - 9.00pm - Bar “Boa Vista

Sunday 20th October - Silver Exhibition - 6.00pm – Reception

Tuesday 22nd October - Arte Viva - 9.00pm - Bar “Boa Vista”

Thursday, 24th October - Pearl Exhibition - 6.00pm   Reception Area

Friday 25th - Sunday 27th October – Writing Workshop -   Chelb Room

Saturday, 26th October - Bridge - 12.45pm - 5.00pm - Restaurant Raj

Saturday, 26th October - Sandra and Jorge – 9.00pm – Bar “Boa Vista”

Sunday 27th October - Silver Exhibition - 6.00pm - Reception

Wednesday, 30th October - Rui Sax - 9.00pm - Bar “Boa Vista”

Thursday, 31st October - Pearl Exhibition - 6.00pm   Reception Area

Thursday, 31st October - Silves Rotary Dinner - 7.30pm - in the Restaurant Raj

Thank you for your kind comments - "Enjoyable Hotel"

5 of 5 stars.

Reviewed 29 September 2013 NEW

Having spent many holidays in hotels I really enjoyed The Holiday Inn.

The position is fantastic, on the sea front and a short stroll to the quiet resort, bars and cafes of Armação de Pêra. We had a spacious room and was cleaned every day. Went bed and breakfast with a great choice of food available.

The hotel staff were very helpful and very pleasant. The dining room was spacious and you could also eat on the veranda which had fantastic views of the long picturesque beach. A bonus was the connecting Indian restaurant.

Duplicate Bridge in the Holiday Inn Algarve

 
Duplicate Bridge in the Holiday Inn Algarve, Armação de Pêra - every Saturday afternoon

Starting time is 12.45.pm. Everyone welcome.  Weekly.

For more information please contact Finola Gibson - 282 312 873 (answer machine) or by e-mail: finolagibson@gmail.com

Raj Indian Restaurant - October Promotion

Don’t miss this Promotion - Our special menu for the month of October, 2013 - just 14.75 Euros per person.
Traditional Pakoras
A selection of vegetables and chicken dipped in our Chef’s special batter of mild spices and deep fried to a crispy finish – served with salad and mint sauce
or
Raunaq–e–Seekh-Kabab
Finely minced lamb, seasoned with fresh green herbs and spices
 
 North Indian Garlic Chicken
A creation from the King of Rajasthan - tender chicken cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, prepared with onion, green chillies and lots of garlic
or
Butter Shai Lamb
Tender lamb cooked in a rich butter with mild spices, vegetables and pistachio nuts
or
Saag Paneer
 Homemade cheese cooked with tender spinach in a traditional spicy sauce 

All dishes are served with Pilau Rice and Naan

Kheer
 A traditional South Asian sweet dish.  It is made with rice, milk and sugar and flavoured with spices, cashew, pistachio and almonds.
€ 14.75 per person    

 Offer valid until 31st October 2013 

This offer may not be used in conjunction with any other Raj Promotion
 
For more information or to book please contact - 282 320360 or - info@hialgarve.com
Don’t miss - book your table now

Better Living in Portugal


The Better Living In Portugal Exhibition (Blip Afpop) is taking place at the Portimão Arena on Saturday 5th October and Sunday 6th October. 

The largest exhibition of its kind in the south of Portugal - well worth a visit.
 
For more information please see - https://www.facebook.com/blip.afpop

Royal British Legion September Lunch

The Algarve Sub-Branch has a membership of 150 and meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month at Holiday Inn Algarve 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 Eddy and Maria de Bie eddymaria@sapo.pt

Holiday Inn Algarve - Hotel Shop




Celeste our shop assistant will assist you with your holiday purchases, souvenirs, magazines, newspapers, postcards, chocolates, cosmetics and much more.

Open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 6.00pm

Closed on Saturday and Sunday

“Great Staff and Amazing Location”

We very much appreciate it when our guests share their stay experiences.
 
The negative - the balconies are too small - but theres not much you can do about that without rebuilding

The positives - The staff at reception are excellent - we were a party of 11 (5 kids) and they organised our rooms fantastically so we were in either interconnecting rooms or upgraded to executive rooms (Platinum Status was definitely recognised)

We were on a halfboard basis and you have the option to have either dinner or lunch as part of the package. Breakfast is excellent - plenty of choice, lunch is a la carte and the salads are excellent. Dinner is buffet with plenty of choice and a barbecue on Saturday nights with excellent fish, chicken and ribs

The rooms are on the small side but beautifully maintained (for a holiday Inn) - they are certainly crowne plaza standard in quality. The beds are comfortable with super-kingsize beds and lovely pillows. Plenty of towels and the bathrooms are also well appointed. You also have a fridge which you can use for beer wine and milk etc

Facilities are good with a small but adequate gym, the pool is small but perfectly formed and a lovely temperature. Good pool bar, plenty of deck chairs (and comfortable) - beach towels are free with a 10 euro deposit

The beach is brilliant - literally one flight of steps and you are on the beautiful sands. Deckchairs and shade is rented at 15 euros per couple, which is pretty good value as you can keep them all day.

The promenade is excellent for strolling down - loads of bars and restaurants, and as like most of these places if you go back a couple of streets you miss the tourist tax and can pay less that 10 euro for a good meal and a beer for a euro, a bottle of wine in a restaurant for 6 euros

All in all its a great place with a great atmosphere in a lovely setting. The best bit about armacao de pera is that there are very few british tourists - it is 98% portugese. It makes for a very peaceful and enjoyable holiday, and the whole place is geared for families.

We will be back

Room Tip: It is worth paying for a seaview room - the view is spectacular
 
Stayed August 2013, travelled with family

Rui Sax at the Holiday Inn Algarve



Fortnightly on Wednesdays

- next one - Wednesday, 18th September, 21.00hr - Bar Boa Vista, Holiday Inn Algarve, Armação de Pêra

Christmas, 2014 - Celebrate with Friends and Colleagues



During the festive season, we are offering the following menu, ideal for office parties, Christmas functions of simple friendly get-togethers.

 
Christmas Lunch - available from 1st to 23rd December

Smoked Salmon
Roast Turkey with all the trimmings
Seasonal vegetables

Christmas pudding with brandy butter

Coffee and mince pies

Wine and Water

Hats and Crackers

€25 per person
 
For more information, please call 00351 282 320260 or e-mail: info@hialgarve.com

Calendar of Events


Events in the Hotel

1st - 30th September - Raj Indian Restaurant Promotion
 
25th - 27th October - Writing Workshop 

Thursday, 31st October - Silves Rotary Dinner

Thursday, 14th November - Silves Rotary Lunch 

Thursday, 28th November - Silves Rotary Dinner 

Saturday, 7th December - The 2nd Father Christmas Walk

Thursday  12th December -  Silves Rotary Lunch 

Thursday, 12th December - Theatre Dinner - Raj Indian Restaurant

Friday, 13th December - Theatre Dinner - Raj Indian Restaurant
23rd-27th December - Christmas Programme

25th  December - Christmas Day dip in the sea for Charity

30th December - 1st January - New Year's Programme

1st January, 2014 - New Year's Day dip in the sea for Charity


Events Nearby
 
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