Tempting ideas from the Algarve for that perfect Christmas gift
Ah, Christmas! The season of goodwill and cheer. The season of trying to find that perfect gift for that special someone….Whether you plan to spend Christmas and New Year in the Algarve or visit during the year, here are some great Algarve gift ideas that we’d be happy to receive anytime.
Has your loved one always had a hankering to take to the skies? For an amazing and exhilarating adrenaline rush Skydive Algarve offers tandem skydiving. Enjoy super views of the beautiful coast from the airplane and even during your jump. Safely harnessed to your instructor you can take in all the beauty that surrounds you! If water not air is the preferred element, then a winning gift is the Dolphin Emotions programme available at Zoomarine. This is the only place in Europe that you can swim in the pool and interact with the dolphins. There’s a briefing and educational session before heading to the pool, where you get to learn some tricks and interact with these amazing creatures. This is a gift that generates memories for a lifetime. (Zoomarine is closed from October to March, but advance booking for the Dolphin Emotions programme is advised).
Skydive Algarve
Sharing food and drink at Christmas is traditional. Vila Vita Parc, one of the most luxurious resorts in the Algarve, offers beautiful gourmet hampers packed with delicious goodies, such as olive oils, honey, truffles and wine from their country estate Herdade dos Grous. Vila Vita also has a rather special wine cellar. Built six metres below the surface with bricks originating from the largest brick factory during the Austro-Hungarian empire, the cellar houses 11.000 bottles of the best wines from Portugal and around the world. Among the stars of the cellar is the Madeira wine, dating from 1850, the 18 litre bottle of 2007, award winning Herdade do Grous wine and a 1997 Château Petrus. What a fabulous gift a private dinner party here would be. Seating up to 12 guests only, this is a spectacular and exclusive setting for a very special occasion. Wine tasting is also available here.
Vila Vita Parc Wine Cellar
If love is in the air as well as Christmas carols, why not plan an Algarve wedding? To make things as easy as possible, Algarve Events Wedding Planners offer a professional service to make your wedding dreams come true.
Of course, if you really want to splash out this Christmas, why not offer the one you love their very own place in the sun? Now is the time to buy property in the Algarve. There are some fabulous deals to be had. Speak with a local real estate agent that offers not just expertise but a personal approach, such as Diamond Properties in Boliqueime or Lisa of LWL Properties in Tavira, experts in East Algarve real estate.
There is no obligation to be so extravagant, though….there are lots of lovely treats to be found at Lewis Andrews Lifestyle Store – from sparkly cards to kids toys to sound systems. Even real Austrian Christmas trees if you’re pining for one…..Always a fabulous treat is some luxury pampering at a top notch spa, and it doesn't get much better than Conrad Algarve Spa. Offer a treatment or a package to start the New Year fresh and revitalized. The Spa at Vivenda Miranda offers Neal's Yard Remedies products and treatments - the first overseas outlet to do so. Book yourself or a friend in for some organic, healthy and eco-friendly pampering at this intimate spa that has a eye popping location overlooking the Lagos coastline.
Perhaps the best gift of all is simply time spent in the Algarve. Fresh air to breath, beaches and country trails to walk, sunshine to warm your skin and good food and wine to share with the ones you love.
(Main image: Conrad Algarve Christmas Tree, decorated by Juventino Design )
A Christmas Day walk on the beach, Algarve
