Tag Archives: Exclusive Pictures

Vila Vita Parc, Portugal: A Luxury Suite in Algarve

Posted on May 31, 2014 | Leave a comment

We arrived in the early evening

at Vila Vita Parc under a mixed sky, after 2h30 drive. It’s raining! It seems we have left the heat in Lisbon! The Algarve is a region of southern Portugal, supposed to be more sunny than rainy.

We were dropped in karting in front of our Oasis Suite Premium Rooftop which overlooks the gardens and the main building currently under renovation (photo below).

The night falls quickly,

I can’t see the gardens. The property seems huge … Lovely surprise entering the room: beautiful orchids and flowers with a bottle of Portuguese champagne greet us!

The decoration is classic and comfortable: white walls, spotless bedding and fast wifi. There are also small fireplace and a large dressing. I feel good and enjoy the sheen of discreet luxury.

A book of the Leading Hotels of The World

whose the Vila Vita Parc is a member, is placed on a secretary. I flip through the Vila Vita Parc’s magazines, the articles of various restaurants, beaches and activities we discover tomorrow.

In the large bathroom, Villeroy & Boch sanitary and Portuguese traditional tiles and soap dish: I really like the Claus regressive packaging and excellent conditioner. Claus is a famous soap brand from Porto.

The suite has two bedrooms.

Too happy to chat about our latest adventures up more time, we fell asleep in the big bed of the main room. The second room will be a supplemental dressing room and office, LOL!

Woke up at 10am in beautiful sunshine. And here is the little building with our first floor suite and superb rooftop terrace with Moroccan lamps.

On my way to the breakfast, I discover thousand lush green plants! Green vertigo and I haven’t seen the ocean yet … To be continued ….

Informations

Vila Vita Parc & Oasis Suite Premium Rooftop

Algarve, Portugal: Anti-stress Massage @ Vila Vita Vital

Shopping for gifts in Lisbon

HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

My friend and I were guests of the Vila Vita Parc. Do I really need to add all my opinions are mine? Many thanks to the Vila Vita Parc team.

Fashion: Let’s Go To The Beach In Algarve, Portugal

Posted on May 27, 2014 | Leave a comment

Please give me a (fashion) break!

And let’s head to this small beach in Algarve! Here are my happy few must have to go to the beach! Colorful pareos (pictures 1 & 5, Zara and picture 3 Gérard Darel). I always take many, I also use them as a scarf or a cover when it’s a bit windy!

Colorful African bangles to chill with my Portugese ELLE …

I’m looking at the waves …

While my Roxy T-shirt is drying. The fabric is so sweet! Pictures below & 8: my “Slim” Havaianas, loved them for ages! A bit of glam protection with Vichy Compact Solaire Embellisseur SFP 30 that also illuminates the skin.

Nice zebra design to match with my XXL beach bag!

Stylish Diane Von Furstenberg wallet in plastic to remove sand! Time for Bikini girls (picture 9)! Can’t find my top, oops I forget to take a picture of the bikini’s top!

I could stay hours swimming!

That’s why I tested the Bio Beauté by Nuxe’s 50 SFP sunscreen, with a delicious coconut perfume and paraben free. Unfortunately the texture is a bit greasy and leaves on the skin a white layer. But the protection is strong!

Love these natural leather sandals

of Zara. Never without my Essie nail polish! Sorry I have to go back hammocking under the Algarve incredible blue sky! So what are your “go to the beach” must have? I’m really curious to discover yours …

The pictures were shot at the beach of the beautiful Vila Vita Parc.

Meeting Sandra Gato, the Editor in Chief of ELLE Portugal

Algarve, Portugal: Anti-stress Massage @ Vila Vita Vital

FASHION & DESTINATIONS

Areias do Seixo: Awesome Eco-luxury Hotel in Portugal

Posted on April 24, 2014 | 2 comments

Before exploring the beautiful cliffs and beaches near the Areias do Seixo,

I have tea with a friend in the large lounge-dining room of the hotel (pictures 1, 2 & 3). I really like how light brings rhythm in the big hall, drawing shadows, chiaroscuro. The view of the nearby ocean (photo 7). Decoration: a successful mix of raw concrete, antique objects, the omnipresence of wood, cabinet of curiosities and ultra modern structure. The whole creates an unique world really contemporary and poetic. We are in the Costa de Prata, under an incredible blue sky, but I can also feel a little elsewhere, Morocco, Scandinavia … nomadic setting.

In the evening I meet Gonçalvo Alves,

co-owner of the Areias do Seixo with Marta Fonseca who are a couple of travelers, from Torres Vedras:

– We wanted a big house where people meet to share simple things. We also had a real interest in ecology and sustainable development. We wanted something beautiful and very simple in hippie chic spirit, the best of luxury. We worked with the architect Vasco Vieira and designer Rosarinho Gabriel to create a unique place dedicated to people who are in love.

How the Areias do Seixo is it an eco-friendly hotel?

– We have a green cover on the roof to balance temperature. To consume less, geothermal underfloor heating and thirty solar panels for electricity and heating. We use compost to fertilize our garden and vegetable garden. Products of the restaurant are from organic agriculture and most of them are from the region, including wine.

Ninety percent of people who work at the hotel are locals. It becomes common to worry about the environment in Portugal. Our great-great grandparents were very green and sustainable. And Portuguese remained very authentic, very attached to their roots. We draw our knowledge among the ancients. We apply the rule of the 3 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle.

What would you like your guests to take away from their experience of Areias do Seixo ?

– Some say they have redesigned their life and relationship to the environment after their stay here. It’s wonderful for us because it is our passion !

Obrigada to Gonçalvo Alves, Marta Fonseca and all the team !

Informations

Areias do Seixo – Charme Hotel.

Areias do Seixo: A Room With A Small Fireplace

3 Restaurants in Lisbon, Portugal

HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

My friend and I were guests of the Areias do Seixo hotel and as always these opinions are mine.

2 Comments

Posted in "On the road again", Fooding & Bars, Hotels

Tagged 5 star, Architecture, Costa de Prata, Décoration, Design, Ecology, Europe, Exclusive Interview, Exclusive Photos, Exclusive Pictures, Gonçalvo Alves, Hippie Chic, Hotel Reviews, Lounge, Marta Fonseca, Nature, Near the Atlantic Ocean, Organic Agriculture, Organic Products, Portugal, Respect for the Environment, Restaurant, Sustainability, Tested