With all of the amazing places that we get to travel to for events or industry trips to increase our venue and event knowledge, we thought we would share some of the things we have found out. Have a read of Mark’s micro-blogs on Portugal below…
Miles of white sand, turquoise ocean and multicoloured cliffs, Falesia Beach Albufeira, Algarve in southern Portugal is a touch of Portuguese paradise. A short walk from here is the luxurious 5* Epic Sana Hotel. The hotel is a hidden treasure set in a beautifully landscaped park directly above this stunning beach with a fantastic congress centre of 8 flexible meeting rooms, all with natural light and integrated audio visual equipment. Here we delivered a 4 day conference for a software client including exhibition and themed nights for 230 delegates who had travelled from 38 different countries for this awesome corporate event.
Sunset on Vilamoura Marina. It is the largest Marina in the country with 1300 births for boats. The area is fantastic for entertainment, restaurants, nightlife and bars. There’s something about a Marina, a bit like staring at an open fire and this Marina is awesome. We delivered an event at the near by Epic Sana Hotel, a spectacular 5* resort with superb conference facilities and amazing restaurants and pools, situated on a cliff top.
The Crowne Plaza Vilamoura – Algarve which overlooks the North Atlantic Ocean towards Morocco. Pool, Beach, Sea – an awesome combination. This hotel is a short walk to the Marina and within 10 minutes drive of 5 golf courses. It’s about 30 minutes from Faro Airport and has 323 bedrooms.
The conference space has 3 meeting rooms (without pulling the walls across) Sotavento, Barlavento and Atlantico which all have great views (especially Atlantico which looks out at the ocean) this room can comfortably hold 60pax Cabaret. This hotel has a Casino next door and is within walking distance of fantastic bars and dining options. Vilamoura is one of those special places that has everything you need whether leisure or MICE in close proximity, there are endless activities such as deep sea fishing, cruising, water sports, spas, catamaran tours, kayaking, fly boarding, parasailing…..pretty much everything.
Another trip to Portugal but this time to Lisbon (one of Mark’s favourite cities) and he stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel. There are a variety of ways to see the city and you can see some of the modes of transport Mark too whilst visiting above!
Places visited included The Old Pharmacy, Kais Restaurant, Picadeiro Real (former Coach Museum) Jeronimos Monastery, Pasteis de nata, The Docks, Doca Peixe Restaurant, Alfama, St George’s Castle, Restaurant Casa Do Leao at the Castle, Aura Lounge Restaurant, Sintra, Sintra National Museum, Colares Wine Cellars, Cascais, Largo Restaurant, National Park and the Oceanarium.
If you like the look of Portugal for your next event or incentive trip, then get in touch!
Alternatively, want to read more micro-blogs on the places Mark has visited, then head over to his Instagram page @eventstraveller.