V.T.L. News - 2009 . . .

Welcome to our latest edition of “V.T.L. NEWS” which has been produced to bring you up to date with events at Vivenda Mimosa and throughout the Algarve.

With all that is happening in the world at present, what better way to start the New Year than planning for that holiday in the sun, be it for a long weekend, week, fortnight or longer. The credit crunch may be upon us but we all need a break from the daily grind and the Algarve has lots to offer and whilst the Euro/Sterling exchange rate is not that great the Algarve still presents good value for money.

The Algarve is still one of the most visited areas for European travelers and those from further afield, so much so that over the next few years Faro Airport is going to be investing in better facilities together with larger aprons to allow greater numbers of flights and improved parking and car hire facilities. There are also to be two new airports built which will allow easier access to the Algarve, one in Huelva across the border in Spain and one in the region of Ourique.

Close to the villa, the annual Loulé Carnival will be held between the 21st and 26th February 2009 and as in previous years the theme will be “Paz, Amor e Carinho” or in English “Peace, Love and Affection”. The carnival has been running for over a hundred years and both locals and visitors alike dress up in colourful costumes and take part in wonderful floral and musical processions which many say rivals the spectacle of Rio.

This year February also sees the 35th Annual Tour do Algarve cycle race which is held over 5 days and covers in excess of 800 kilometers.

Come March Spring usually arrives in abundance when the temperatures start to rise and the trees are covered in sweet smelling blossom. Spring generally is seen as the start of the tourist season and as such the whole of the Algarve steps up a gear and numerous events are laid on and attractions to suit all tastes are to be found all over.  

As an appetizer of what is on offer this year I am pleased to give you this brief list of events and attractions which, in addition to the beaches, golf, tennis and other sports, nature reserves, lagoons and mountains, should keep you occupied throughout your holiday should you so desire.

The Algarve Live Science Centre in Faro with numerous inter active exhibits throughout the year
The first A1 Grand Prix Race Meeting at the new Portimao Circuit (April)
The Portimao Air Festival featuring acrobatic planes, helicopter, air and land attractions (April)
FI Power Boat Championship in the Arade River (May)
Historic Formula 1 Racing Championship (May)
Festival Med in Loulé with good food, music and other Mediterranean entertainment (June)
The Annual Jazz Festival begins with attractions across the Algarve (July)
The Sardine Festival featuring traditional food and entertainment (August)
Fatacil sees the largest fair covering Handicrafts, Tourism, Agriculture, Cultural & Music (August)
World Super Bike Championship (October)
The Annual International Film Festival in Portimao (November)

Regarding activities at the villa I am pleased to say that Vivenda Mimosa has continued to see a steady stream of guests during the past year, all of whom have been able to relax and enjoy the facilities on offer both at the villa and in the Algarve itself. With enquiries currently being received and bookings already taken for 2009 it really is not too early to start thinking about your holiday plans, so why not contact us now to see if Vivenda Mimosa is available during your chosen or preferred dates.

On behalf of myself Ian, Fiona and Ray our local management team, Eugenie and Manuel our housekeeper and handyman, may I extend our thanks to all the guests that we have seen during the past year and to say that we look forward to welcoming and being of service to both old and new guests to Vivenda Mimosa in the coming months.

For further information and details on villa availability please contact us.