Following the 2005 launch of Pousada de Salvador da Bahia - Convento do Carmo, in Brazil, the first and only of the Pousadas de Portugal outside of Portugal, 2006 will see the opening of two new Pousadas within Portugal.
Pousada de Tavira – Convento da Graça
Pousada de Tavira, opening in June 2006, will be the fourth Pousada in the Algarve region. Classified as a Historic Pousada, it will be set in Graça Convent, in Tavira. Once the Convent of the Cloistered Augustinian Nuns, and founded by King D. Sebastião around 1569, the Pousada will stand on the site of what was once most likely the Jewish quarter of the stunning seaside town. Tavira is one of the most architecturally attractive towns in the Algarve and is steeped in history. Like most of the towns in the region, most of its major buildings were virtually destroyed by the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 and the town has since been rebuilt with many fine 18th Century buildings along with 37 churches, hence its nickname, ‘The Town of Churches’. Tavira is also referred to as ‘the Venice of Algarve’, due to its positioning on two hills on either side of the River Gilão (the two sides of the town are linked by a seven-arched bridge).
The Pousada itself will feature a breathtaking 16th and 17th century Renaissance cloister, and a baroque-style façade central staircase. Artefacts of Islamic origin were discovered during the restoration work of the building and as a result, the plans have been changed to include the finds, which will be partially visible from the bar. The Pousada will feature 36 bedrooms (five of them suites), a restaurant serving regional specialities and adults’ and children’s swimming pools. Rates from €67.50 (approx. £46) on a bed and breakfast basis per person per night based on two people sharing in low season.
Pousada de Angra – São Sebastião
Pousada de Angra, a Historic Design property, is scheduled to open in June 2006. Located within a 16th century fortress known as the Castelinho of São Sebastião, the Pousada is situated on Terceira Island in the Azores, in the historic quarter of the city of Angra, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America, the nine islands that form the Azores are on a parallel with Lisbon. Terceira means “third” in Portuguese, because it was the third island of the Azores to be discovered, in 1427. The island, famous for its stunning natural beauty, is approximately 76 miles north-west of the main island of São Miguel and has a surface area of 382 km2. Diving, fishing, whale and dolphin watching will all be arranged for guests through the Pousada, which will feature 29 bedroom, including one suite, a restaurant serving regional specialities and a swimming pool. Rates from €52.50 (approx. £35.96) on a bed and breakfast basis, per person per night based on two people sharing in low season.
About the Pousadas de Portugal
The Portuguese Pousadas are a network of more than 40 unique hotels that reflect the rich diversity, culture and traditions of the Portuguese regions in which they are situated. 2005 saw the opening of the first Pousada outside of Portugal: Convento do Carmo in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. First launched just over half a century ago, today, the Pousadas de Portugal are located right across the country, from Minho green and rustic valleys to the Trás-os-Montes luxuriant mountains, to the Alentejo golden plains and the Algarve coast with its fine sand and warm waters. Reservations: Tel 020 7616 0300 or www.keytel.co.uk. Visit the Pousadas de Portugal website at: www.pousadas.pt. The Pousadas de Portugal are part of the Pestana Group of Hotels and Resorts.
For more information contact:
Magellan PR on Tel: 020 8875 2850
Email: info@magellan-pr.com