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17 May 2013

L’HOTEL PORTO BAY SÃO PAULO

is now a Gucci outlet !!

If you are staying at L’Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo and want to buy Gucci articles, you don’t need to stray further than the hotel reception !! Bags, perfumes, shoes and sunglasses by the famous Italian brand.

And if you want an article that is only in the catalogue, you can order it and it will be delivered to your room within 24 hours. Yet another service facility at this sophisticated 5-star hotel in São Paulo.

find out more about L’Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo . ..

15 May 2013

PORTO BAY HOPE

has already raised 32,500 euros

HOPE, SMALL Gestures Big Hopes is the social welfare campaign launched in August at the Porto Bay hotels in Portugal - Madeira and the Algarve - which runs until August 2013.

It included an initial deposit of 10,000 euros from the Porto Bay group, and guests are invited to get involved by making a contribution of 1€ per stay.

The beneficiary associations are, in Madeira, the APCM (The Madeira Association for Cerebral Palsy) and the Portuguese Anti-Cancer League. In the Algarve, the Albufeira Humanitarian Solidarity Association and the APEXA -Association for Helping People with Special Needs.

At the end of 2012 the accumulated amount of donations reached the amount of 24,164 euros. At the moment the accumulated amount has reached approximately 32,560 €.

The first donations were handed to institutions in December. The Algarve institutions received a donation of 9,132 euros. In Madeira the beneficiary institutions received an equitable donation totalling 13,556 euros.

With small gestures we're making all the difference . .. Thank-you to all guests for their cooperation !!

find out more about HOPE . ..

13 May 2013

FLORAL CARPETS

in the Porto Bay hotels in Madeira

From 9th to 14th May the Porto Bay hotels, in Madeira, celebrate the Flower Festival with Floral Carpets. There will be floral carpets in the receptions lobby’s of The Cliff Bay, Vila Porto Mare, Porto Santa Maria as well as in hotel Porto Bay Serra Golf. These floral carpets are colourful and prepared from traditional Madeira flowers. Petals, leaves and wild flowers blend with traditional regional elements, that gain several shapes as flowers and even look like animals.

The Porto Bay hotels are also organizing a group of parallel activities associated with this theme. One of these is “Green Fingers Day”, when guests and Porto Bay employees join forces to take part in the cleaning and maintenance of the public garden next to the Porto Mare Hotel.

The guests at The Cliff Bay will be able to visit the Quintinha das Ervas along with Chef Benoît Sinthon, who will do a presentation on some of the edible flowers he generally uses in his dishes at the Il Gallo d’Oro restaurant, the only one on the island with 1 Michelin star. There will also be a workshop on culinary uses for edible flowers.

The botanical specialist Raimundo Quintal will act as guide on a visit with hotel guests to the Santo da Serra Garden and the Porto Bay Serra Golf Hotel. Finally, there will be a workshop on the endemic plants of Madeira at the Porto Mare Hotel.

Included in the Porto Bay Events calendar, this action reinforces the concern of the Porto Bay Group to streamline activities that maximize the experience of the destination.

see the floral carpets' video . ..

10 May 2013

TENNIS CLINICS

from may 11 to 19 th at Porto Bay Falésia

The hotel Porto Bay Falésia, in the Algarve organizes Tennis Clinics during the month of may. Counts with a special guest Olympic tennis player Bernardo Mota. During 2 weekends in May (11, 12, 18 and 19) participants will get a chance to pratice tennis with this professional player. Bernardo Mota will teach you game tactics, tricks and techniques.

This is an exclusive event by Porto Bay and it makes part of the Port Bay Events Calendar. This action reinforces the concern of the Porto Bay Group to streamline activities that maximize the experience of the destination.

learn more about the tennis clinics package . ..

6 May 2013

SOCIAL NETWORKS

Porto Bay is now on instagram !!

Porto Bay has made available another social network channel – Instagram. The free application for smartphones, enables photographs to be taken, applying a filter or effect and shares them in the Instagram itself or on other social networks, such as Facebook or Twitter.

If you have a smartphone, capture your best moments from the past in our hotels: a detail, a view, a flower, a smile, an inspiration . .. share it using the application and, on the description, insert the hashtag #portobay. You can also follow the instagram photo feed through Porto Bay's Facebook. Yet another network to be added to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr . ..

follow instagram portobay . ..

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26 April 2013

PORTO BAY HAS A KIOSK

in Copacabana beach

In Rio de Janeiro, refreshing flavours come down from high at the Porto Bay Rio Internacional to come to the famous Copacabana beach. Recently inaugurated, the kiosk is open daily. Wraps, salads and sandwiches are served on the wooden esplanade with natural juices, coconut juice, caipirinha or chôpinho.

It will be serving not just the hotel guests but also those strolling the famous avenue known as the “calçadão”. Yet another help point to be joined to the hotel's already existing beach service (reclining sunbeds, parasol, towels). Following a morning jog or at the end of the afternoon, enjoy one of the greatest charms of the marvellous city.

find out more about Porto Bay Rio Internacional hotel . ..

19 April 2013

"TRUE ITALIAN ESSCENCE"

at Il Basilico from 19 to 28 April

The "True Italian Esscence" festival is back, from 19 to 28 April, at the Porto Bay group's Italian restaurant , Il Basilico, part of the Vila Porto Mare in Madeira. The festival presents new creations and sees the return of some special aromas for old times' sake, with a total of 64 dishes.

Chefs Alcino Marques and Cristiano Cutietta also went to the treasure chest to bring out some old recipes to renew their annual culinary offering. Regular restaurant customers were invited to suggest dishes that they missed on the restaurant menu and the 3 best dishes were incorporated into the festival menu.

There are also some new features, including Italian cuisine workshops, a visit to the resort's central kitchen and even live music.

This festival moves on to the Hotel Porto Bay Falésia in the Algarve from 25 to 28 July. The event is part of Porto Bay Events - the calendar of events created by the Porto Bay Group.

consult the event's menu and programme . ..

8 April 2013

PORTO BAY LIBERDADE

know the first images of the hotel

Porto Bay Liberdade is the Porto Bay's new charm hotel in Lisbon. The five star hotel will be located in the heart of the Portuguese capital, next to the famous Avenida da Liberdade, in Rua Rosa Araújo, and will be inaugurated in the Spring of next year.

The author of the project is architect Frederico Valsassina who has preserved the lovely early 20th century façade establishing a dialectic between the old and contemporary. When it comes to the architecture of the interiors, the coordination has fallen to James Ward and Paula Bianchi.

discover the images of the hotel Porto Bay Liberdade . ..

3 April 2013

CHOCOLATE AND LIQUOR WINES

from April 3rd to 7th at Porto Bay Falésia

The Porto Bay Falésia hotel, in the Algarve, inaugurates the "Chocolate & Liquor Wines" event. For 5 days there will be a number of activities inside and outside the hotel : tasting sessions, workshops, and cocktails every day in the bar, sculptures in the hotel lobby and treatments in the SPA using chocolate.

There will be a visit to the Quinta dos Avós which will include a visit to the Rural Museum (Museu Rural). The "I Love Chocolate" dinner will take place on Saturday at the Il Basilico restaurant, with a gourmet menu blended with a special selection of wines.

The presence of 2 invited Pasty Chefs is also highlighted, who will come from the group's hotels on Madeira Island: Yves Michoux is part of The Cliff Bay hotel team and Luís Silva is the Pastry Chef at the Vila Porto Mare resort.

This shall be the first of a series of 5 events that Porto Bay Events is organising this year on the Porto Bay Falésia hotel. This activity reinforces the Porto Bay Group's concern to boost activities that heighten the experience of the destination.

consult the event's programme . ..

18 March 2013

L’HOTEL PORTO BAY SÃO PAULO

Official hotel for São Paulo Fashion Week

The São Paulo Fashion Week is back again with the Summer collection 2013/14 . .. and the L’Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo is the official hotel for the event !! The entourage of journalists and the international press arriving in São Paulo to cover the event will be staying at the Porto Bay group's 5-star hotel. From 18 to 22 March at Parque Ibirapuera, the most exciting fashion paired with the refinement of L’Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo . ..

6 March 2013

PORTO BAY RIO INTERNACIONAL

now with free internet

The Porto Bay Rio Internacional now has free Internet !! Through the Wi-Fi system available throughout the hotel, you can remain connected 24 hours a day. Stay connected to news of the world, to your business or simply keep in touch with friends and family . .. use your notebook or mobile to be always up-to-date. Why not share the marvellous view of Copacabana from the hotel on Instagram or Facebook ??

learn more about the Porto Bay Rio Internacional . ..

19 February 2013

12 MICHELIN CHEFS

at The Cliff Bay

The 4th edition of the Stars Route kicks of this week at the Il Gallo d'Oro, The Cliff Bay hotel's Michelin star restaurant. Twelve Michelin chefs are preparing 5 gourmet dinners on the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 25th and 26th of February.

Joining host chef Benoît Sinthon from France will be chefs Kei Matsushima (Keisuke Matsushima. 1*), Serge Goulomès (Mougins . 1*) , David Faure (Aphrodite . 1*) and Olivier Barbarin (Château d'Audrieu).From Finland Chef Hans Välimäki, (Chez Dominique . 2**) and from Spain the invited chef is Fernando Agrasar (Galiza . 1 star).

Some of the hosts from other Stars Route events will take part in the opening: Hans Neuner (Ocean, 2**), Dieter Koschina (Vila Joya, 2**), Ricardo Costa (The Yeatman, 1*), José Cordeiro (Altis Belém, 1*) and Vitor Matos (Largo do Paço, Amarante, 1*).

At the same time, The Cliff Bay is putting on a programme of activities during the day. Events at the hotel worth highlighting are the Iberian Cuisine workshop, Madeira Wine Tasting, Valrhona Chocolate Tasting and Workshop, Caviar Tasting, and Molecular Cuisine Show Cooking.

Right in the heart of the fish section of the Mercado dos Lavradores market, on Saturday, February 23rd, at 12 a.m., there will be a public workshop entitled "Sushi and Sashimi Demonstration", run by chefs Kei Matsushima, Benoît Sinthon and other Invited Chefs. Showcasing regional products in haute cuisine.

consult the event's programme here . ..

18 February 2013

THE CLIFF BAY AMONG THE 25

most romantic hotels of the world

Tripadvisor has recently divulged the 25 most romantic hotels of the world, and the hotel The Cliff Bay, from the Porto Bay group, was considered one of them. The five star hotel, located on the island of Madeira, is the only Portuguese hotel on an international list that encompasses other prestigious hotels in Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Maldives, Thailand, the United States, the Arab Emirates, among others.

The dissemination of these awards has been amply referred to in the press and on social networks, and CNN published this list on its site. The award thus bestows the international visibility and recognition of service excellence of Portugal's hotel sector.

“The most romantic hotels of the world” is one of the distinguished categories of the Travellers’ Choice Awards 2013, and is based on the opinion and evaluation of millions of travellers and tourists. The hotels distinguished result from a combination between the highest classification from travellers and the popularity index on Tripadvisor, a clear recognition from clients given all the services provided.

13 February 2013

THE CLIFF BAY

New solariums & jacuzzi

The Cliff Bay sea access area features new facilities, especially on the hotel's east side. Now you can enjoy the freshness of the Atlantic Ocean and the spectacular view over Funchal Bay on the new pontoons. A new outdoor jacuzzi on a wooden decking makes the area even more glamorous. A treat for the guests making the most of the January sun that flood the island of Madeira !! Finally, the floor covering of the solarium and swimming pools have been revamped with improved ease of access.

discover the photographs of the The Cliff Bay hotel outdoor areas . ..

11 February 2013

GUESTS MARCH

in the carnival parade

For the 2nd year in a row, Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts a wing of guests take part in the Grand Allegorical Parade of Madeira Carnival, which took place on Saturday, 9^th February .

The Porto Bay wing has around thirty tourists who march with the Fura Samba group, under the slogan “my island will touch your heart”. However, the Carnival fun started the day before the parade, when the costumes will be tried on and a dance rehearsal and social event will be held involving the various participants.

This initiative has become part of the Porto Bay Events calendar, so as to enable the guests to make the most of their experience when staying at the hotels in the chain by immersing themselves in the local traditions of each destination.

On Carnival Saturday the centre of Funchal is awash with thousands of tourists and residents who come to see the allegorical parade, one of the major attractions of the Madeira Carnival Party. Over a thousand revellers will be split into 10 groups, with ten allegorical floats, marching to the sound of specially selected music, with previously rehearsed dances and sparkling costumes.

learn more about the Porto Bay's Carnival troupe . ..

25 January 2013

THE CLIFF BAY

launches the 2013 Stars Route

The opening of the culinary route will be held once again in Funchal, at the Il Gallo d’Oro restaurant, in The Cliff Bay Hotel (Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts). The first event of the 2013 Stars Route will take place between 20 and 26 February. And, once again, it looks promising!

Chef Benoît Sinthon will be the host of 12 guest Chefs not only from Portugal but also from throughout Europe. On display will be the culinary inspirations of Finland, the United Kingdom, Spain, mainland Portugal and, this time, France, the capital of European haute cuisine, will also be prominently represented.

5 memorable dinners are being prepared resulting from a meticulous blending of 12 world-famous Chefs. Host chef Benoît Sinthon will be joined by eleven other international Chefs, all of whom have been awarded 1 or 2 Michelin stars.

They are Kei Matsushima (Keisuke Matsushima Restaurant, France, 1 Michelin star), Serge Goulomès (Le Mas Candille, France, 1*), Fernando Agrasar (As Garzas, Spain, 1*), David Faure (Aphrodite, France, 1*), Hans Välimäki (Chez Dominique, Finland, 2*), Adam Simmonds (Danesfield House, United Kingdom, 1*), Olivier Barbarin (Châteux d'Audrieu, France, 1*).

From Portugal, and from other participating hotel restaurants of the Stars Route, we have Hans Neuner (Ocean, 2^*), Dieter Koschina (Vila Joya, 2*), Ricardo Costa (The Yeatman, 1*) and José Cordeiro (Altis Belém, 1*). There will also be a special presentation of pastry-making, thanks to Pastry Chef Christophe Renou, from the famous Valrhona School, in France.

The Stars Route culinary event at The Cliff Bay is part of the calendar of events created by the Porto Bay Group.

learn more about the Stars Route . ..

21 January 2013

CHOCOLATE & MADEIRA WINE

in Madeira’s hotels

From 21 to 27 January, four hotels on the island of Madeira, The Cliff Bay, Porto Santa Maria, Vila Porto Mare resort and Porto Bay Serra Golf, are organising an event dedicated to chocolate and Madeira wine.

The wide-ranging programme will provide guests with a deliciously memorable experience. Tasting sessions of chocolate and Madeira wine, Workshops and demonstrations of cake-making, decoration with flowers and chocolates, afternoon teas and cocktails with chocolate, chocolate sculpture displays in the hotels, visits to the cellar, SPA demonstrations involving chocolate, and more.

As for music, on the 24 January, the programme includes a concert by the Orquestra de Cordas da Educação Artística/SRE (string orchestra), held in The Cliff Bay hotel and also another concert in Porto Santa Maria hotel at 7.00 pm. To close the Chocolate & Madeira Wine week, Porto Bay shall stage the “inaugural Recital of a Bechstein piano restored in England”, by Artur Pizarro, with a Madeira of Honour, on 27 January (6.00 pm).

The Chocolate theme then moves on to the Algarve, in the Porto Bay Falésia hotel, which is holding the first “Chocolate & Liqueur Wine” event, in March.

This shall be the first of a series of 9 events that Porto Bay Events is organising this year on the island of Madeira. This activity reinforces the Porto Bay Group's concern to boost activities that heighten the experience of the destination.

consult the event's programme . ..

17 January 2013

7 PORTO BAY HOTELS

awarded Travellers Choice 2013, TripAdvisor

Inclusion in the “Travellers’ Choice” lists compiled annually by TripAdvisor, the world’s foremost travel review website, counts amongst the most highly desired distinctions in international hospitality today.

A total of 7 Porto Bay Group hotels have been awarded a place amongst the world’s finest in TripAdvisor’s lists for 2013. The hotels selected were The Cliff Bay, Porto Mare, Porto Santa Maria, The Residence, Eden Mar and Porto Bay Serra Golf, in Madeira, and L'Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo. Most of the group’s distinctions came in categories comprising the Top 25 hotels in Europe, Portugal and Brazil.

António Trindade, CEO of the Porto Bay group, has reacted to the announcement, declaring that “It is an enormous pleasure and an honour to lead such an inspiring Group and Team.”

This recognition of the group’s hotels by TripAdvisor is based on the opinions and ratings of over 75 million travellers and tourists.

consult the Porto Bay's award list . ..

14 January 2013

PORTO BAY FALÉSIA & PORTO MARE

awarded by HolidayCheck !

The Porto Bay Falésia Hotel in the Algarve won the HolidayCheck Award 2013, which distinguishes the 99 most popular hotels in the world. The hotel won in the category of “Popular Among Couples”, one of 7 different categories that distinguish the hotels.

Also The Porto Mare Hotel received an award, the “Top Hotel2013 ”. The award distinguishes the best hotels in the region where they are located, receiving a recommendation of 99% by travelers.

The awards work as a benchmark for 2013 and will be presented in Berlin this coming March, during the ITB 2013 Travel Trade Show.

This selection results from polling 780,000 reviews received during 2013, having as criteria the recommendation rate and the number of positive comments. In order to be among those chosen, they must have at least 40 reviews and an average superior ranking of over 90%.

HolidayCheck is one of the most important worldwide travel consultants. It has about 30 thousand visitors per month, and has gathered over two million on-line reviews throughout the years.

consult the Porto Bay's award list . ..

20 December 2012

CHRISTMAS COMPETITION

10 stays draw

Porto Bay launched its Christmas MAKE a WISH competition where the prizes are 10 stays in Porto Bay hotels in Portugal and Brazil.

Participants have to make a video in the form of a digital postcard to combine photos of the hotels, a Christmas song and their own snaps. To qualify for one of the stays you have to share the video on the groups' Facebook page and like the page.

The competition runs until the 9^th January and the prizes will be drawn at 10 a.m. on the 14^th January at the Porto Mare Hotel. The list of winners will be published the following day here on the official Porto Bay Facebook page.

join the challenge . ..

18 December 2012

PORTO BAY RECEIVES 3 PRIMO AWARDS

from Thomas Cook/ Neckermann

Three hotels from the Porto Bay Group received the PRIMO 2012 award, presented by one of the largests German operator, Thomas Cook/Neckermann.

The Porto Bay Falésia Hotel in the Algarve was recognised for the fifth consecutive year with a PRIMO. In turn, in Madeira The Cliff Bay and the Porto Mare hotel also received awards for the. The certificates were presented by the Thomas Cook representatives in Madeira for during a lunch at the Porto Mare Hotel.

The PRIMO award highlights the 100 best hotels from the entire Thomas Cook/Neckermann catalogue, and from among the thousands of hotels that are part of the production of this German operator. This award is based on satisfaction surveys conducted among its guests.This recognition within the German market is one of a wide range of awards that make Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts the most highly decorated Portuguese hotel group in the world.

Click here if you wish to see all the Porto Bay Awards

13 December 2012

TRIPADVISOR TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE

São Paulo: 2^nd most popular destination in the world

The TripAdvisor travelling community selected the world's Destinations on the Rise and São Paulo was the 2^nd most popular destination to be selected !! Strolling through São Paulo is a multi-faceted experience . .. architecture, museums, the cultural and let's not forget the many flavours from all corners of the world. Lose yourself in the urban excitement of a rich multicultural blend . .. a voyage for the senses in the largest capital of South America !!

discover the secrets of São Paulo . ..

and the elegance of the L'Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo . ..

7 December 2012

PORTO SANTA MARIA AWARDED

as “Best Summer Hotel”

The hotel Porto Santa Maria was nominated the number one hotel (amongst 900 hotels from around the world) for the entire Summer 2012 activities of the tour operator Thomas Cook Northern Europe. The tour operator covers several markets including Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

On a scale of zero to five, the Hotel Porto Santa Maria reached an outstanding score of 4.87. The nomination is based on the results of questionnaires completed by the tour operator’s customers where they were asked to assess the standard of the customer services and accommodation facilities provided.

Also the Eden Mar hotel achieved the 7th place. Thank you !!

click here to see the Porto Bay's award list . ..

5 December 2012

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PROGRAMMES

in the Porto Bay hotels in Madeira

The month of December is upon us and preparations for Christmas and New Year celebrations are afoot!! On Madeira island and specially in Funchal city center this is a very traditional season.

Porto Bay hotels have already organized all sorts of entertainment, all combined in very intensive programmes. In the programmes amongst other activities guest can find: guided visits to see the lights in Funchal,floral arrangements, afternoon teas, cooking demonstrations and sugar sculpting, Madeira wine tastings, happy hours, hydrogymnastics live music every night, gala dinners . ..

This is an event which is exclusive to Porto Bay and is a fixture within the Porto Bay Events calendar. This activity reinforces the Porto Bay Group's concern to boost activities that heighten the experience of the destination.

find out all about the programmes : The Cliff Bay . Vila Porto Mare . Porto Santa Maria

28 November 2012

100 BIGGEST AND BEST COMPANIES

Porto Bay: “Best Consolidated Group”

Porto Bay SGPS, SA has been awarded first prize for the 'best consolidated results' category for the second year running in the '100 Biggest and Best Companies in the Madeira Islands', a joint initiative run by the Diário de Notícias da Madeira and the company Previsão.

The company Península, S.A., which also belongs to the Porto Bay group and owns the five star hotel The Cliff Bay, in Funchal, also came top of the 'Best Hospitality' category.

António Trindade accepted the awards yesterday at the prize giving ceremony that was held in Funchal. In an interview with the Diário de Notícias da Madeira about the response to the award, the President of the Board of Directors for the Porto Bay Group maintained that 'When we have still managed to achieve these results in spite of a number of external and internal factors that are having an impact on the market, it helps to be able to say: "we did it". And this is what we say to our shareholders, our staff and to the market'

23 November 2012

MICHELIN GUIDE

renews Star for Il Gallo d'Oro

Il Gallo d’Oro, the 5-star restaurant of The Cliff Bay Hotel, in Funchal, has had the star awarded to it by the most influential restaurant guide in the world, the Michelin guide was distinguished for the fifth consecutive year. This distinction was announced yesterday during the ceremony in Madrid for the launch of the Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2013.

Il Gallo d’Oro was awarded the star in 2009 and is still the only restaurant on the island of Madeira to receive this distinction. The gourmet restaurant of the multi-award winning hotel The Cliff Bay, has been run since 2004 by Chef Benoît Sinthon who has experience in renowned French restaurants.

The Il Gallo d´Oro Restaurant, in The Cliff Bay hotel has been entirely renovated. The objective of remodelling the restaurant was to update and identify the area and the dining room to go with the award-winning quality of its cooking, enriching the tasting experience of its aromatic cuisine with Mediterranean and Iberian influences.

consult the Porto Bay's award list . ..

19 November 2012

PORTO BAY PRESENTS 'MADEIRA MEMORIES'

The Porto Bay group presents the 'Madeira Memories' event for two weeks, from 15^th-30^th of November 2012. Yet another initiative which is part of the Porto Bay Events programme! The programme is dedicated to memories of the Island, with film showings, photographs, guided visits, suggested walks, workshops, lectures, performances and many other events.

It's a good travel tip if you want to experience the costumes, heritage, traditions, society and interesting facts that have gradually established the Island's identity over the course of history. In addition to the information provided at the various group hotels, for this specific event Porto Bay decided to use a 'Chalet' from the early 20^th century as a base, with its unique setting on the Estrada Monumental, alongside The Cliff Bay hotel.

The 'Chalet' will be open to the general public, just as it is, from 10am until 6pm. Offering access to an exclusive view over the ocean. Inside, as well as Madeira wine, embroidery and wicker you can watch a film and there is a photography exhibition on display. The film is the result of a combined collection of old films about Madeira Island, many of which were filmed by tourists between 1920 and 1975, which belong to the private collection of Hugo Reis. The Vicentes Museum is also displaying a selection of old photographs at their premises. The program also includes workshops, short performances and storytelling.

Finally, the island's fine dining scene was also challenged to try and represent memories of the Island and on the 21^st and on 28^th of November the Il Gallo D´Oro restaurant, at The Cliff Bay hotel, will be holding an event offering contemporary cuisine based on the memories and flavours of the island.

learn more about the event here

12 November 2012

PORTO BAY

wins recognition in the English market

The Porto Bay hotel group won recognition this week in London at one of the world's most important tourism trade shows - World Travel Market. Operators Sovereign and Thomson Holidays, both from the “World of TUI” group, chose the Cliff Bay, Porto Mare and Eden Mar hotels in Madeira and the Porto Bay Falésia in the Algarve.

The Cliff Bay won the top prize “Overall Winner” - from the Thomson Holidays “À La Carte” brochure. This means that it has been rated over hundreds of luxury hotels from various destinations across Europe, North Africa, America and Asia. The most exclusive operator, Sovereign Luxury Travel - also gave this 5 star hotel from Madeira Island an “Award of Excellence”.

The Porto Mare and Eden Mar, on Madeira Island, and the Porto Bay Falésia hotel, in the Algarve won “Top Gold Medal Winner 2012”, over a vast range of hotels from all around the world. As a result of these awards the hotels will stand out even more and this award will be on show in next year's brochures helping clients to recognise their quality.

These awards are based on the results of questionnaires completed by the operator's customers. The results provide recognition for the high standards of service and the quality of the accommodation.

click here for the Porto Bay's award list . ..

23 October 2012

LA FINESTRA RESTAURANT

participates on Rio Restaurant Week

From 22^nd October till 4^th november, Rio de Janeiro is the stage for the 7th edition of Rio Restaurant Week. And for the 2nd time this year the Porto Bay Rio Internacional hotel’s restaurant, La Finestra, participates in the event with a special menu for lunch and dinner time.

The gastronomic event takes place in 60 gourmet restaurants, during 2 weeks, throughout the city goal with the goal of presenting a special tasting menu available to all. A part of the menu price reverts to help a social cause and in this edition will revert to the “Ayrton Senna Institution”.

One hundred cities around the world celebrate the finest flavors and celebrate 20 years of its creation of Restaurant Week in New York.

learn more about the event here . ..

22 October 2012

L’HOTEL PORTO BAY SÃO PAULO

featured in the editorial of a British fashion magazine

L’Hotel Porto Bay provided the setting for a fashion editorial for the British magazine Schön which is out now. The issue stars model and actress Isabeli Fontana who was photographed by Gustavo Zylberszatjn.

A series of photos were taken and a video was made of the fashion production which shows off all the hotel's characteristics and refinement. The most prominent features include the staircase in the hotel lobby- featuring a Flemish tapestry embroidered in the second half of the 16th century - as well as suites and other public areas of the hotel.

The Porto Bay group 5 star hotel was chosen for the fashion shoot as it combines the ideal decorative and architectural features required to recreate the feel of cinema Noir, which provided the inspiration for the editorial.

see the video here . ..
and here the site of Schön magazine . ..

19 October 2012

PORTO BAY RIO INTERNACIONAL

in the list of world's best hotels from Expedia

The Porto Bay Rio Internacional hotel makes part of the "Insider's Select" list for the 5th consecutive year, having come 1 out of 20 award-winners in South America. The selection results in an annual ranking of the best hotels in the world defined by the online travel agency Expedia. The hotel’s selection was based on over 500,000 reviews from travelers, based on quality of service, value, and experience provided to the guest. This annual ranking is composed of a universe of 650 hotels out of 150,000 available in Expedia’s website.

click here for the Porto Bay's award list . ..

17 October 2012

PORTO BAY WINE WEEK

this week in the Algarve

From 15th to 21st October the hotel Porto Bay Falésia is the stage for Porto Bay Wine Week. It is the first time that the event takes place in the Algarve and aims to bring the world of wines from the south of Portugal closer to hotel guests and the local community. It is similar to what already takes place with the counterpart event at Porto Bay hotels in Funchal.

The hotel at Olhos de Água presents a varied programme. There will be wine tasting sessions for a week with running commentaries, treatments in the Spa with wine therapy and visits to wine cellars in the Algarve region. Two wine-theme dinners will take place at the weekend, which will feature the Morgado da Torre and Herdade de São Miguel wines.

The Porto Bay Falésia will also host an exhibition by the plastic artist Guareta Coromoto, the theme being about wine. The reception hall will be decorated with screens and kites.

This is an event which is exclusive to Porto Bay and is a fixture within the Porto Bay Events calendar. This activity reinforces the Porto Bay Group's concern to boost activities that heighten the experience of the destination. By doing this it intends to broadcast quality Portuguese products and encourage guests to learn more about them.

consult the event's programme here . ..

10 September 2012

PORTO BAY IN LISBON

Hotel opens in 2014

Work has begun on the hotel Porto Bay Liberdade. With 98 rooms, the new hotel will mark the entry of the hotel group into the city of Lisbon. The Portuguese capital is the third Portuguese destination for the Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts. Located at Rua Rosa Araújo, next to the Avenida da Liberdade, the opening it set for March 2014. Following the origins on the island of Madeira, in the Algarve and on Brazilian soil - São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Búzios, Porto Bay “will be singing the fado” in Lisbon !!

find the video from Lisbon here . ..

4 September 2012

PORTO BAY WINE WEEK

this week at Porto Bay Hotels in Funchal

Porto Bay Wine Week runs from September 3 to 7, at the group's hotels in Funchal. Yet another initiative which is part of the Porto Bay Events programme.

Five days dedicated to wine with a special programme at the Cliff Bay and Porto Santa Maria hotels and at the Vila Porto Mare resort. Guests will be invited to take part in guided wine tasting sessions, wine-based dinners, to discover the region's wine tradition, as well as the wide variety of castes and national wines.

The programme also includes a visit to a vineyard on the north of the island, at Seixal, where the Terras do Avô wine is made, a guided visit to the Madeira Wine cellars, decorations and live tableaux in the hotels and wine-based SPA treatments.

Porto Bay Wine Week, on Madeira, is a continuation of the Madeira Wine Festival, with the aim of widening the range of the region's tourist events, sparking interest and the experience offered by the group's hotels to its clients.

click here to konw more about the event's program . ..

2 August 2012

IL GALLO D’ORO

Newly decorated !!

The Il Gallo d´Oro Restaurant, in The Cliff Bay hotel has been entirely renovated. Last week, the restaurant, which is recognised with one star by the Michelin Guide, received its first guests in a new environment, with a Southern décor. Contrasting pastels, earth tones and gold create a symbiosis between classic and contemporary styling.

The objective of remodelling the restaurant was to update and identify the area and the dining room to go with the award-winning quality of its cooking, enriching the tasting experience of its aromatic cuisine with Mediterranean and Iberian influences.

Along with the redecoration, a new area has been created dedicated to wines, with a demarcated presence right at the entrance to the restaurant. The new wine cellar reinforces its commitment to haute cuisine and to the wines, promoting an atmosphere favourable to the preservation of the wine, at the level of light, temperature and humidity. The goal is to thus ensure greater proximity of the wines through a more direct contact with the portfolio, supported by the “sommelier” Sérgio Marques.

TO ALL 'STRAWBERRY WORLD' CUSTOMERS

Following the failure to pre-pay stays, as agreed with the operator 'Strawberry World', and confirmation of the news published by the Portuguese Hotels Association about the filing for bankruptcy of that tour operator, we must inform you that credit titles or documents issued by that Tour Operator will no longer be accepted. Under this or other names or marks which are not recognized by the Group Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts.

Therefore, we recommend the customers of 'Strawberry World' to contact the operator through the information listed in the documentation issued at the time of booking.

We kindly request you to inform us, through our Reservations Department, about your interest in formalizing a new direct booking.

Restricted exclusively to customers affected by this situation, caused by the operator 'Strawberry World', we will give you a 15% discount on the rate corresponding to the reserved dates, as displayed on this website.

July 25th, 2012
Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts

Websites operated by 'Strawberry World'*:
www.madeira-portugal.com (and any combination www.HOTELNAME.madeira-portugal.com, i.e. www.portosantamaria.madeira-portugal.com);
www.portugal-live.net;
www.madeira-live.com;
www.strawberry-world.com;
www.madeira-web.com;
www.lido-tours.com;
www.madeira-portugal.travel;
www.strawberryworld-algarve.com;
www.strawberry-world.net;
e www.strawberry-world.biz

* This is a list of the sites detected by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts up to this date, and we have no guarantees that this a thorough listing of all the web addresses and trade marks related to the operator “Strawberry World”

6 July 2012

ITALIAN WEEK

at Porto Bay Falésia

From 26 to 29 July, the Porto Bay Falésia Hotel presents a new culinary event dedicated to the flavours of Italian cuisine.

Entitled “Itália com Alma” this event has as its special guest Cristiano Cuttieta, chef of the Il Basilico Restaurant on the island of Madeira. After the 3rd edition was held in May in Madeira, this is the début of the event in the Algarve.

A menu will be presented which is a blend of new Italian tastes based on the gastronomy of the Tuscany region: crostini, carpaccio, bruschetta, risotto, ravioli, tortellini, foccacia, gnocchi - authentic Italian flavours in the most diverse forms, textures and aromas.

3 July 2012

BEFORE IT WAS PORTO BAY GLENZHAUS

Now named as Porto Bay Búzios

The boutique hotel of the Porto Bay Group in Búzios, formerly known as Porto Bay Glenzhaus, was rechristened in June as the Porto Bay Búzios. This change was made mainly to make it easier to associate the hotel with the destination where it is located. Maintaining the style for which it was always known, and now with three new suites, this charming little hotel is waiting for you . ..

see the hotel Porto Bay Búzios here . ..

21 June 2012

PORTO MARE WINS

the Tui Holly Award

Once again Hotel Porto Mare won the Holly Award– awarded by one of the world's biggest tour operators TUI, a German company. This annual prize is awarded to the top one hundred hotels around the world.

The Hollys reflect the opinion of approximately half a million guests that stayed in around 5 thousand hotels that work with the operator TUI. The tour operator awards the hotels that get the best results based on feedback from guest experiences. Just six Portuguese hotels received this award.

click here for the Porto Bay's award list . ..

19 June 2012

PORTO BAY FALÉSIA

celebrates the Popular Saints

In keeping with the Popular Saints, the Porto Bay Falésia Hotel in Olhos d’Água is putting together a series of dinners to commemorate the Popular Saints. Today will be the first, in honour of St. Anthony, followed by St. Peter on the 23rd and St. John on the 28th of June. The dinners will be outside in the lounge over the cliff, and will feature the traditional grilled sardines. As for entertainment, we'll have one folk group to liven things up with traditional Portuguese rhythms.

This is an exclusive event by Porto Bay and it makes part of the Porto Bay Events Calendar. This action reinforces the concern of the Porto Bay Group to streamline activities that maximize the experience of the destination.

14 June 2012

CLASSIC CARS . PORTO BAY EVENTS

from 16 to 30 June in Madeira

Exhibits of antique cars, miniatures, trips to Funchal and to Câmara de Lobos in a Dodge Brothers 1933 bus or a 1939 Rolls Royce, are some of the proposed activities until the end of June. The event is one of the highlights of the Porto Bay Events calendar, and occurs in the Porto Bay hotels on the island of Madeira.

The stage for the exhibits of classic cars will be the reception hall, along with a private collection of miniatures (approximately 18,000 cars belonging to the Toy Museum). The event was especially scheduled to coincide with the events related to the theme of classic cars : the Gathering of Veteran Volvos(23rd & 24th june) and the Funchal Auto Parade (16th june).

The event will be promoted through activities inside the hotels in the Funchal group (The Cliff Bay, Porto Santa Maria and Vila Porto Mare Resort), and associated with activities taking place simultaneously on the island of Madeira.

consult the programme here . ..
and here the event's journal . ..

4 June 2012

EIGHT PORTO BAY HOTELS

recognized by tripadvisor

Eight out of ten Porto Bay hotels were recognized with the “Certificate of Excellence” by tripadvisor - the world's largest travel consultants on-line. The award is based on comments and voting from travellers. In Portugal, the hotels recognized were the five-star The Cliff Bay; the Eden Mar Hotel; the Porto Mare Hotel and the Porto Santa Maria Hotel, located in Madeira. In the Algarve, the Porto Bay Falésia Hotel was selected. And in Brazil, all of the Group's hotels were selected: the L’Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo, the Porto Bay Rio International Hotel in Rio de Janeiro and the Porto Bay Glenzhaus Hotel in Búzios.

It should be noted that the 4 hotels in Madeira that were honoured are among the Top 10 list of hotels on the island referenced on tripadvisor. In turn, the Porto Bay Falésia is in third place among the 167 hotels referenced in Albufeira. In São Paulo and in Rio de Janeiro, Porto Bay hotels are in second place, respectively.

Tripadvisor is the largest travel site in the world and a benchmark for travellers. They present hotels, restaurants and recommendations for points of interest in destinations on a global level. This on-line community has around 50 million visitors and has already acquired over 60 million reviews.

click here for the Porto Bay's award list . ..

24 May 2012

SOUP FESTIVAL UNTIL JULY

at the Porto Bay Rio International

The Porto Bay Rio International Hotel in Copacabana is once again hosting the Soup Festival. The event starts on 24th May and offers culinary delights every week until the end of July.

The La Finestra Restaurant thus celebrates the arrival of autumn and cold weather to the city of Rio de Janeiro. For dinner, the restaurant offers a soup buffet offering soups, broths and creamy varieties: old-fashioned bean soup, cream of tomato soup with sausage, cream of pumpkin soup with lentils, seafood broth or cream of asparagus soup are just some of the possibilities.

This is an exclusive event by Porto Bay and it makes part of the Porto Bay Events Calendar. This action reinforces the concern of the Porto Bay Group to streamline activities that maximize the experience of the destination.

16 May 2012

LA FINESTRA RESTAURANT

participates on Rio Restaurant Week

From 16-23 May, Rio de Janeiro is the stage for the 6th edition of Rio Restaurant Week. And for the 2nd time the restaurant La Finestra participates in the event with a special menu for lunch and dinner time. The Porto Bay Rio Internacional participates in the event with a special menu for the event.

The gastronomic event with a duration of 1 month is more than 100 gourmet restaurants throughout the city goal with the goal of presenting a special tasting menu available to all. A part of the menu price reverts to help a social cause. One hundred cities around the world celebrate the finest flavors and celebrate 20 years of its creation of Restaurant Week in New York.

see the menu that the restaurant La Finestra prepared for the event . ..

8 May 2012

TENNIS CLINICS . PORTO BAY EVENTS

from may 12 to 20 th at Porto Bay Falésia

The hotel Porto Bay Falesia, in the Algarve organizes Tennis Clinics during the month of may. Counts with a special guest Olympic tennis player Bernardo Mota. During 2 weekends in May (12, 13, 19 and 20) participants will get a chance to pratice tennis with this professional player. Bernardo Mota will teach you game tactics, tricks and techniques.

This is an exclusive event by Porto Bay and it makes part of the Port Bay Events Calendar. This action reinforces the concern of the Porto Bay Group to streamline activities that maximize the experience of the destination.

learn more about the tennis clinics package . ..

28 April 2012

TRUE ITALIAN ESSENCE . PORTO BAY EVENTS

in Il Basilico restaurant from 4 to 13 May 2012

The Il Basilico Restaurant – part of the Vila Porto Mare Resort - is promoting a week dedicated to the tastes of Italy. Inspired by the essence of Italian cuisine, the offerings can't be turned down. Crostini, carpaccio, bruschetta, risotto, ravioli, tortellini, foccacia, gnocchi . .

The 2012 edition, Chefs Cristiano Cuttieta and Alcino Marques are in creative mode to give us a blend of new Italian flavours, which will certainly be a delight !! At the end of the culinary week, the dish chosen by our guests will be noted in the updated menus of the restaurant.

Included in the Porto Bay Events calendar, this action reinforces the concern of the Porto Bay Group to streamline activities that maximize the experience of the destination.

see the menu here . ..

26 April 2012

FESTIVAL ON BY PORTO BAY

wins American HOW magazine prize

The design for the 2011 ON Festival by Porto Bay was a winner in the HOW International Design Awards. The renowned competition promoted by the American magazine HOW provides recognition for the exceptional creative work produced by creative individuals or groups from all over the world.

The image for the festival was created by designer Rubina Santos, who is in charge of Communication Design for the Porto Bay group. The ON image won 1st prize in the “MISCELLANEOUS MERIT” category out of the 15 competition categories. The prizes were awarded according to projects that met the criteria ‘showing an ideal mix of strategy, concept and execution’.

220 projects were selected from almost 1,000 entries that were submitted. The winners were recently published in the special edition of HOW that came out in March this year. The panel of judges included Dale Doyle and Steve Gordon, well-renowned professionals from the design scene in the United States. Out of the winning projects, this is the only Portuguese project.

see here the announcement of the award in HOW magazine. ..

20 April 2012

PORTO BAY EVENTS . FLORAL CARPETS

in the Porto Bay hotels in Madeira

From 20th to 29th April the Porto Bay hotels, in Madeira, celebrate the Flower Festival with Floral Carpets. There will be floral carpets in the receptions lobby’s of The Cliff Bay, Vila Porto Mare, Porto Santa Maria as well as in hotel Porto Bay Serra Golf. These floral carpets are colourful and prepared from traditional Madeira flowers. Petals, leaves and wild flowers blend with traditional regional elements, that gain several shapes as flowers and even look like animals.

The guests of Porto Bay hotels will have the opportunity to participate in the making of the floral carpets, do a guided visit to the Vila Porto Mare garden, as well as, watch a show where the troupes that take part Flower Festival Parade, present their outfits.

Included in the Porto Bay Events calendar, this action reinforces the concern of the Porto Bay Group to streamline activities that maximize the experience of the destination.

Consult the programmes here : The Cliff Bay . resort Vila Porto Mare . Porto Santa Maria

3 February 2012

NEW PORTO BAY SERRA GOLF

Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts has acquired a new hotel in Madeira.

The Estalagem “Serra Golf”, located in Santo da Serra, next to the golf course, is now to be known as the Porto Bay Serra Golf. Refurbished, the hotel with 22 rooms, opened on March 18th with new features.

This small charm hotel has 22 rooms, a building listed as "regional heritage", offers a heated-covered pool, a lounge with a fireplace, dining room, welcome lounge, library and film/CD library, games room, gym, sauna, massage room.

An oasis close to the nature and to "Laurissilva" forest, to Golf courses, walking and water trails, to horse riding centre. ..

Consult here the press release, here for hotel photos and here for the hotel

22 February 2012

THE CLIFF BAY

welcomes 10 Michelin Chefs !!

Il Gallo D´Oro restaurant, in The Cliff Bay Hotel will mark the launching of the 3rd edition of The Stars Route, an itinerant festival among restaurants which have received stars from the famous Michelin Guide. The1st event will take place this coming 16, 17, 20 and 21 March. And it looks promising! Chef Benoît Sinthon will be the host of ten guest Chefs not only from Portugal but also from throughout Europe: Finland, United Kingdom, Spain, Hungary and Austria.

From abroad, we’ll have Hans Välimäki, the most prestigious chef of the moment in Finland, with 2 Michelin stars; Diego Guerrero, one of the best new haute cuisine chefs in Spain, who received his 2nd Michelin star this year; Nigel Haworth, a cuisine celebrity in the United Kingdom (1 Michelin star); Miguel Vieira, Portuguese chef working in Budapest, Hungary ( 1 Michelin star); and Christian Petz from Austria, a Chef with a luxurious career.

Representing some of the other participants in the Stars Route, Hans Neuner (2 Michelin stars, Austrian),Aimé Barroyer (1 Michelin star, French), Albano Lourenço (1 Michelin star, Portuguese), Ricardo Costa(1 Michelin star, Portuguese) and Vincent Farges (1 Michelin star, French) will be present to participate in the opening.

click here to The Stars Route site . ..

ask here (info@portobay.pt) for more information about this event (prices, menu, program)

13 February 2012

MAKE PART OF THE PORTO BAY SECTION

at the Carnival Parade !!

The Great Allegorical Parade of the Madeira Carnival takes place on Saturday, 18 February, on Avenida do Mar. Over a thousand participants divide themselves into about a dozen colourful and lively troupes.

In 2012, for the first time, guests staying at any of the Group's hotels in Madeira – The Cliff Bay, Porto Santa Maria, Eden Mar, Porto Mare and The Residence – will be able to participate in a special section of the “Fura Samba” troupe.

Guests participating in the Porto Bay section will have a special costume with a symbolic cost, and, at the end of the parade, this costume will be delivered as a souvenir of their participation !!

See the costume here . ..

and here ask for more information the Porto Bay ward . ..

2 February 2012

PORTO BAY EVENTS

New site: events of the destination !!

Porto Bay set up recently a new site on the Internet : www.portobayevents.com. The objective of this new project, Porto Bay Events, is to gather and make available to Porto Bay clients (whether retailers or end clients), information on the main events of the destinations where the Group has a presence, as well as events organised and produced within the Group's hotels.

Promotion of this project is supported mainly by this new website, to be launched in four languages, and the Porto Bay Events brochure itself. Right now, the Porto Bay Events Madeira is ready, and we're working on the Algarve and the other destinations in Brazil. The website may be used to check the general calendar of events, details for each event and their respective programmes, as well as to access the photo and video galleries.

24 January 2012

CHOCOLATE & WINE WEEK

in Madeira's Hotels between 23th-29th January

The Porto Bay hotels in Madeira - The Cliff Bay, Porto Santa Maria e resort Vila Porto Mare - will be promoting a week devoted entirely to chocolate.

During 23rd and 29th January there will be an opportunity to watch chocolate demonstrations and sculptures artistically sculpted by the hotels’ pastry chefs. There will also be workshops about chocolate, chocolate cocktails in bars, tastings of Madeira wine blended with chocolate, Guided visit to Madeira Wine Company and other delights. ..

The afternoon tea, during this week, will will take on an even more special flavour . .. a special occasion designed to tempt all who wish for a truly toothsome afternoon. The week will culminate in a chocolate-themed dinner in all the hotels.

see the programme for The Cliff Bay . ..
see the programme for the resort Vila Porto Mare . ..
see the programme for the Porto Santa Maria . ..

18 January 2012

PORTO BAY HONOURED

by HolidayCheck !

The Porto Bay Falésia Hotel in the Algarve, and the Porto Mare in Madeira, were recognised by HolidayCheck, which serves as a benchmark for 2012. The HolidayCheck Award 2012 distinguishes the 99 most popular hotels in the world, organised into seven different categories.

Distinguished in the “Beach Holiday” category, the Porto Bay Falésia was the only Portuguese hotel honoured in this category. The Porto Mare Hotel received an award in “Top Hotel” category. The award distinguishes the best hotels in the region where they are located. In Portugal, only five hotels have received this distinction.

This selection results from polling 530,000 reviews received during 2011, having as criteria the recommendation rate and the number of positive comments. In order to be among those chosen, they must have at least 40 reviews and an average superior ranking of over 90%.

HolidayCheck is one of the most important worldwide travel consultants. It has about 30 thousand visitors per month, and has gathered over two million on-line reviews throughout the years. The awards will be presented in Berlin this coming March, during the ITB 2012 Travel Trade Show.

click here for the Porto Bay's award list . ..

20 December 2011

PORTO BAY RECEIVES 3 PRIMO AWARDS

from Thomas Cook/ Neckermann

Three hotels from the Porto Bay Group received the PRIMO 2011 award, presented by the second largest German operator, Thomas Cook/Neckermann. The Porto Bay Falésia Hotel in the Algarve was recognised for the third time with a PRIMO. In turn, in Madeira the Eden Mar suite hotel and the Porto Mare hotel, which are part of the Vila Porto Mare Resort in Madeira, also received awards for the same year.

The certificates were presented by the Destination Manager for Thomas Cook, Rainer Knob, during a luncheon that took place 16 December at the Porto Mare Hotel.The PRIMO award highlights the 100 best hotels from the entire Thomas Cook/Neckermann catalogue, and from among the thousands of hotels that are part of the production of this German operator.

This award is based on satisfaction surveys conducted among its guests.This recognition within the German market is one of a wide range of awards that make Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts the most highly decorated Portuguese hotel group in the world.

Click here if you wish to see all the Porto Bay Awards

1 December 2011

2012 NOVELTY

Madeira Event's Calendar !!

Porto Bay launches its annual calendar of events !! Learn about the main events that Madeira Island and the Group's hotels offer throughout the year.

Culinary weeks, Memories of Madeira, Classic Cars, Golf, Carnival, Flower Festival, Jazz, Madeira Wine, the exclusive End of the Year . .. !! Porto Bay combines programming with everything going on around it !! To start with, Madeira. In brief, the remaining destinations’ calendars and its own website will be presented.

click here to learn more about Porto Bay Events Calendar . ..

1 December 2011

PORTO BAY RIO INTERNACIONAL

Hotel entrance redecorated . ..

Following the rooms' refurbishment at the Porto Bay Rio Internacional - hotel in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - now it's time for the entrance area and the bar by the reception to get a new makeover. The areas are now more spacious and inviting. The bar's new décor has a cosier concept. A fusion of camel, chocolate and raspberry tones predominate . ..

click here to see the hotel's photo gallery . ..

30 November 2011

EDEN MAR AWARDED AS

“Best Summer Hotel”

The hotel Eden Mar was nominated the number one hotel (amongst 900 hotels from around the world) for the entire Summer 2011 activities of the tour operator Thomas Cook Northern Europe. The tour operator covers several markets including Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

On a scale of zero to five, the Hotel Eden Mar reached an outstanding score of 4.8. The nomination is based on the results of questionnaires completed by the tour operator’s customers where they were asked to assess the standard of the customer services and accommodation facilities provided.

click here to see the Porto Bay's award list . ..

25 November 2011

MICHELIN GUIDE

renews Star for Il Gallo d'Oro

Il Gallo d’Oro, the 5-star restaurant of The Cliff Bay Hotel, in Funchal, has had the star awarded to it by the most influential restaurant guide in the world, the Michelin guide, renewed for the third consecutive year. This distinction was announced yesterday during the ceremony in Barcelona, Spain, for the launch of the Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2012.

Il Gallo d’Oro, belonging to the Porto Bay hotel group, was awarded the star in 2009 and is still the only restaurant on the island of Madeira to receive this distinction.

Il Gallo d’Oro, the gourmet restaurant of the multi-award winning hotel The Cliff Bay, has been run since 2004 by Chef Benoît Sinthon who has experience in renowned French restaurants such as Jean Michel Lorain's three Michelin-starred La Côte Saint Jacques. This restaurant is renowned for the sophistication of its aromatic Mediterranean and Iberian cuisine in which fresh produce from the island of Madeira combined with high quality products from various other regions of the Iberian Peninsula play a key role.

click here for the Il Gallo d'Oro photo gallery . ..

18 November 2011

FLAVOURS OF HUNGARY

held at The Cliff Bay

“Flavours of Hungary” will be held on November 24^th at Il Gallo d´Oro restaurant (1 star Michelin). Benoît Sinthon has invited Chef Miguel Vieira. Especially coming from Budapest, the executive Chef of the Costes Restaurant, also awarded by a michelin star, will prepare a special theme menu with touches of Hungarian cuisine.

The gastronomic event makes part of the Madeira Liszt Festival, sponsored by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, and pays a tribute to the famous Hungarian composer with five concerts. The festival runs between November 21st and 27^{th, at the Dias Municipal Theatre, organized by the Friends of the Madeira Conservatory Association.

click here to know more about Flavours of Hungary . ..

and here to see the menu . ..}

16 November 2011

FESTIVAL MADEIRA LISZT

sponsored by Porto Bay

Porto Bay is sponsoring the Madeira Liszt Festival, which will take place between November 21st and 27th, at the Dias Municipal Theatre, organized by the Friends of the Madeira Conservatory Association.

The Hungarian Franz Liszt, whose 200th birthday we celebrate this year, shaped the history of music by the boldness and genius of his work, by the revolutions imposed on the musical style of the era, and by having raised pianistic virtuosity to levels never before imagined.

Besides presenting five concerts, Madeira Liszt Festival links cinema and gastronomy to the name of this pianist. For the culinary component, on 24 November, "Flavours of Hungary" will be held at the Il Gallo D´Oro (1 star Michelin) restaurant, The festival has special guests as Balázs Szokolay, Raul Costa and Elvira Foti and the conductor Vitorino d'Almeida.

click here for more information . ..

15 November 2011

HOTELS IN MADEIRA

recoginized by Thomson & Sovereign

For the sixth consecutive year, The Cliff Bay hotel has received the “Overall Winner – Best Accommodation” award from the “A La Carte” brochure of the British operator Thomson Holidays, a brochure that highlights luxury accommodations by that operator. An award of equal relevance was attributed to The Cliff Bay by another operator of the TUI Group, Sovereign UK, which included the five-star Porto Bay hotel in Madeira among the 15 Best Hotels of Europe.

Besides these awards, Thomson Holidays also recognised three other hotels from the Madeira group with the “Top Gold Medal Winner” 2011, namely the hotels Porto Santa Maria, Eden Mar and Porto Mare. These commendations are awarded after studying questionnaires and opinions given by the operators' customers.

click here to see Porto Bay's award gallery . ..

10 November 2011

PORTO BAY

supports the Funchal International Film Festival

The Funchal International Film Festival is sponsored by Porto Bay. Between 12 and 19 November, you can enjoy an independent films programme, which will take place at the Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre.

Besides a showing of international films, the festival will also feature “home-made production” through the category Madeira Premiere, which will select the best short film from Madeira. This year's edition pays tribute to Terry Jones(prestigious comediant and co-founder member of The Monty Python) and Roberto Farias (film director and also the president of the Brazilian Academy of cinema).

Porto Bay has thus found one more way to encourage and support events that enliven the cultural life of Funchal !!

click here to see the programme . ..

9 November 2011

WORLD TRAVEL MARKET

Porto Bay is awarded 1 of the 10 ‘Global Awards’

Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts was awarded with the prestigious ‘Global Award’, attributed by the World Travel Market organisation, yesterday in London. The group was one of ten to pick up the Global Awards. The award recognises the “the group’s dedication for design; its commitment to the environment and for always working in harmony with its hotels’ surroundings.

António Trindade, CEO for Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts received the award from WTM director, Fionna Jeffery. Ruben Obadia, Publituris director, Jeremy Hunt, British Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, and James Cracknell, two times Olympic medal winner, were also present at the awards ceremony.

The award is handed out by Jornal Publituris, one of the ten world tourism publications that make up the WTM Global Media Network, and distinguishes organisations and individuals that have contributed towards the development of the Tourism sector in their region.

click here to find out more about the award presentation . ..

9 November 2011

PORTO BAY RIO INTERNACIONAL

Is the official hotel for the Claro Rio Champions

The Porto Bay Internacional, at Copacabana, is the official hotel for the Claro Rio Champions tennis tournament. The prestigious tennis players who are taking part in this year’s competition – Guga, Moyá, Ivanisevic and Gaudio, Corretja, Lapentti, Daniel and Meligeni – will be staying at the Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

The Claro Rio Champions takes place from November 17^th to the 19^thand the tournament is part of the Champion Series world circuit. The tournament is returning to Rio de Janeiro for the third consecutive year and will take place at Maracanãzinho.

click here to find more about the tournament . ..

2 November 2011

HOTEL PORTO MARE

has more facilities

The 'junior suites' at the hotel Porto Mare have recently been fitted out with kitchenettes. What's more, DVDs and iPod dockstation are now in all the hotel rooms. Also there is a wake up clock included in the ipod Dockstation. Take advantage and relax with all the comfort on one of the hotel Porto Mare’s spacious rooms.

28 October 2011

L'HOTEL PORTO BAY SÃO PAULO

Renewed area for conferences and meetings !!

The five-star L'Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo inaugurated its new area for conferences and meetings with a cocktail party on October 25th. With six rooms and a total capacity for 285 people, in an investment of around two million Brazilian reais. The enlargement project also extends to the Trebbiano restaurant area. Another space with a touch of exclusivity . ..

click here to see for the photo gallery . ..

2 October 2011

CHEF BENOÎT SINTHON HOSTS GOURMET DINNER

at the L'Hotel Sao Paulo

The Chef Benoît Sinthon - Il Gallo d'Oro in The Cliff Bay - hosts a harmonized gourmet dinner together with Chef Luiz Pinheiro- L’Hotel São Paulo -and with Chef Yves Michoux - Patisserie Chef from The Cliff Bay.

The event takes place at the Trebbiano Ristorante - L’Hotel São Paulo - on the 4^th October. The dinner will be harmonized and also counts with the presence of a live performance of a pianist.

Also in Brazil, Benoît Sinthon and Yves Michoux, will take part in the haute cuisine event ZAHIL “Saber Viver”,which will be held at the Gávea Golf Club, on 6 and 7 October. They will join a deluxe international cast: Daniel Boulud (3 stars Michelin), Claude Troigros and the Brazilian Roberta Sudbrack . ..

clik here to find out more about the event Zahil Saber Viver . ..

12 September 2011

PORTUGAL TRAVEL AWARDS

Porto Bay is the “best hotel chain”

Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts was selected as the “Best Hotel Chain” by the Publituris Portugal Travel Awards 2011 and the Porto Mare Hotel, in Madeira, was selected as the “Best 4-Stars Hotel”. These awards cover 15 tourism categories, including aviation, tourism operations, hotels, rent-a-car, golf, destinations and tourist regions.

The recognition followed various stages of voting: the journalists who selected the six nominees in each category; the trade in general that cast its vote online; and, finally, a jury made up of 11 personalities from the tourism sector in Portugal who selected the winners from the three highest entries in the previous stage.

During the 9th Annual “Publituris Portugal Travel Awards 2011” Gala, held in Evora on 9 September 2011, António Trindade, Porto Bay CEO, received the awards.

click here to see the awards list . ..

2 September 2011

ALL PORTO BAY HOTELS IN PORTUGAL

honoured with Award of Excellence by Thomas Cook UK !!

All the Porto Bay hotels in Portugal in Portugal have been distinguished with the “Award of Excellence” prize awarded by one of the largest tour operators in the United Kingdom – Thomas Cook UK.

The hotel’s quality was acknowledged in Madeira trough the five star The Cliff Bay, and four star hotels, Suite Hotel Eden Mar, Porto Mare, The Residence and Porto Santa Maria. Also in the Algarve, the hotel Porto Bay Falesia received this distinction.

The “Award of Excellence” prize results from questionnaires undertaken with the tour operator's clients, based on the recognition of high standards of service and the quality of accommodation. These prizes refer to the performance in the 2010’s Summer Season and the Autumn/ Winter 2010/2011 season.

click here to see the Porto Bay's award list . ..

31 August 2011

IL GALLO D’ORO RECEIVES AWARD

from the Wine Spectator magazine !

The wine list at Il Gallo d'Oro, the restaurant at The Cliff Bay, was honoured with the "Award of Excellence" by the prestigious American magazine Wine Spectator.
The basic criterion is a careful and diverse selection of wine varieties, in keeping with the menu of the restaurant.
In Portugal, Wine Spectator has only distinguished three wine lists – Oceans, Fortaleza do Guincho and in Madeira, Il Gallo d'Oro, is the only one. One more reason to enjoy a sophisticated experience . ..

click here for the Porto Bay's Awards list . ..

and here for the Wine Spectator website . ..

19 August 2011

“ALMA DI VINO” WINE WEEK

at Vila Porto Mare,between 5th and 9th September

The Vila Porto Mare resort is celebrating the grape harvest season with “Alma di Vino” Wine Week between September 5^th and 9^th. A programme of entertainment enabling guests to enjoy free wine tasting sessions with wines from various Portuguese regions served with tapas, a re-enactment of grape pressing, a cask-making demonstration and how grapes can be used in SPA treatments. The high points of the programme is a visit with lunch included to a vineyard in the north of Madeira island (Seixal) and a dinner to round off at Med. Wines from the Douro, Alentejo, Algarve, Minho (vinho verde) and Madeira will be featured.

click here for more information about the programme . ..

and here for the Porto Mare, Eden Mar and The Residence . ..

17 August 2011

THREE PORTO BAY HOTELS IN SPIES TOP 10

Porto Mare named best SPIES hotel

The Porto Mare hotel has been classified as the best hotel by SPIES/Thomas Cook Northern Europe. In addition to Porto Mare taking the top spot, The Cliff Bay and The Residence, both hotels in the Porto Bay Group in Madeira, also made the Top 10 in the customer preference list for this tour operator which operates from Scandinavian countries.

This accolade, which is in recognition of both quality and satisfaction, was based on a comparative analysis of 730 hotels all over the world compiled by SPIES, carried out during the 2010/2011 winter season.

click here to see the hotel's awards . ..

31 July 2011

360º PANORAMIC VIEW OF FUNCHAL

at the hotel Porto Santa Maria . ..

The Porto Santa Maria hotel has now a new idyllic space: the Harbour Terrace! Probably one of the best places in the city of Funchal !! Enjoy the 360º panoramic view over the Funchal bay, the mountains, the harbour and the sea . ..
Now hotel guests can relax, take in some rays while reading a book, or savour a "mojito" or a "poncha" at the end of the day in this awe inviting atmosphere . ..

20 July 2011

3RD EDITION OF ON BY PORTO BAY

Raises 41 000 euros !
The cerimony was at the Hotel Porto Santa Maria

The 3rd edition of ON by Porto Bay took place at the Old Town of Funchal from the 15th to 17^th of July, and exceeded all the expectations! The support to social charity causes showed trough the value that was gathered: almost 40 thousand euros, 5000 euros more than the last edition in 2008. This year's receipts went to the group "Dançando com a Diferença"(Dancing with a Difference) and "Associação de Desenvolvimento Comunitário do Funchal" (the Funchal Community Development Association). .. Besides the goal of raising money for social institutions, the Old Town was higlihted with several entertainment activities.

There were close to 300 participants during the festival. Among these, 35 artists ( painting, sculpture and photography) have been doing their works live and in colors that were auctioned during the charity dinner. For the first time at the ON by Porto Bay, we counted with international artists: the Spanish Martin y Sicilia and Jose Luis Serzo.

At the event opening there was a children parade trough the town of Funchal with balloons, the city was colored.One of the benefaciaries of the event, Dançando com a Diferença (Dancing with a Difference), made a performance at the Old Town Gardens, counting with the act of 100 children.

Three unoccupied houses: Deep House, Light House and Wine House, gained life during the festival. With the artist producing their pieces and with music filling out the space.

To end we would like to leave our THANK YOU once without all the cooperation of the artist, volunteers and our partners, it wouldn’t be possible such a nice Festival.

The cerimony (of deliverance of the gathered amount) to the beneficiaries took place in the Porto Santa Maria at the 18th August.

click here to see the ON photo gallery . ..

and here for the site . ..

7 July 2011

ON BY PORTO BAY IS BACK TO FUNCHAL

The 3rd edition of ON by Porto Bay returns to Funchal this July, on the 15th, 16th and 17th. Providing various aspects of the arts and entertainment, including music and street entertainment...ON “fusion art” will take place in the old part of town - Largo do Corpo Santo, Rua de Santa Maria, Jardim do Almirante Reis and at the Porto Santa Maria Hotel. More than 30 artists, nationals and internationals, confirmed their presence at the ON . ..

The Festival started in 2006 and returned in 2008, by great popular demand. Its aim is to step up street entertainment in Funchal, as well as raising money for charitable and social causes, being a charity fundraiser organised by the Porto Bay Group. The colourful, live artistic performances are put on by artists whom take part voluntarily.

ON’s crowning moment is a dinner-auction where this year’s receipts go to "Dançando com a Diferença" (Dancing with a Difference) and the Associação de Desenvolvimento Comunitário do Funchal (Community Development Association of Funchal) In previous years it made a total of 65,000 euros.

This festival is supported by several partners: FNAC, TAP, Câmara Municipal Funchal, Diário de Notícias, MEIO.pt, Story Centre , TSF Madeira, Aeroportos da Madeira, Blandy's, Euroscript, Tecnicromo, MBN e Ferrelectric.

click here to see the program of ON . ..
click here to the see the official site of ON and here to the facebook of ON . ..

7 June 2011

PORTO BAY FALÉSIA

Exhibition by Paula Sá Fernandes

The Algarve’s Porto Bay Falésia hotel is hosting an exhibition of paintings by the artist Paula Sá Fernandes. Running until the end of June, the selection of work will be put on display in the hotel’s entrance hall. Born in Madeira in 1960, the artist lived in Kenya where she produced the bulk of her work. Paula currently lives in Sines, where she has her atelier. A detailed, realistic and poetic register of daily life emerges strongly from Paula Sá Fernandes’ work, giving the impression of a multi-faceted “intimate diary” including elements from nature surrounding her. Despite having lived life to the full, and travelled so extensively, Paula Sá Fernandes has never forgotten her Madeira roots and the magic of its gardens, overtones of which colour her work.

7 June 2011

EDEN MAR

Atmospheric Alfama !!

The Alfama, one of four restaurants at the Vila Porto Mare Resort, with its Portuguese inspired cuisine, now has a fresh, new look. The restaurant has been completely redecorated in warm and inviting colours, making it even cosier and more welcoming. Why not admire the fantastic gardens from the terrace while trying some typical Portuguese appetisers, followed by Madeira’s famed seafood kebabs? Go on . .. treat yourself to delicious slice of grandmother’s tart and don’t count the calories! You could even immerse yourself in one of the restaurant’s theme weeks – A Night of Fado and A Night of Fish.

30 May 2011

EDEN MAR & THE CLIFF BAY

Win “Holly” from TUI

Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, won, once again two Holly Awards. This award is given by the Tour Operator TUI, to the best 100 hotels in its wide world production. After last year’s winners, Porto Santa Maria and Vila Porto Mare Resort, in this edition the Eden Mar and The Cliff Bay - both in the city of Funchal, Madeira Island - were awarded with the Holly prize. The Awards’ Ceremony will take place in Dusseldorf, Germany, on September where the Hotels representatives will attend.

click here to see the List of Awards

VILA PORTO MARE WITH “CHOCOLATE WEEK”

The Vila Porto Mare Resort will be promoting a week devoted entirely to chocolate during 20th and 24th April. During the five days there will be an opportunity to watch chocolate demonstrations and sculptures artistically sculpted by the master Belgian chocolatier, Raphael Rovillard, and pastry chef Luís Silva . .. plus lectures on the benefits of eating chocolate, chocolate cocktails in the Portofino bar, tastings of Madeira wine blended with chocolate, and other delights. ..

Afternoon tea that week will take on an even more special flavour . .. a special occasion designed to tempt all who wish for a truly toothsome afternoon. The week will culminate in a chocolate-themed Easter dinner in the Atlântida restaurant.

click here to see the “Chocolate Week” programme,

and here for further information about the Afternoon Tea. ..

29 March 2011

THE CLIFF BAY WELCOMES LUXURY CHEFS

The first event of the 2011 Stars Route will take place at the Il Gallo d´Oro restaurant, in The Cliff Bay Hotel, this coming 28, 29 and 30 April, and will feature a high profile guest list.

Along with the host chef, Benoît Sinthon, Executive Chef of The Cliff Bay, we have: Michel Roth, one of the symbols and ambassadors of French haute cuisine, Executive Chef of the charismatic Ritz Hotel of Paris, with two Michelin stars; Chef Dieter Koschina, from the Hotel Vila Joya, in the Algarve, the only one in Portugal with two Michelin stars; and Chef Diego Guerrero, from Spain, responsible for the Madrid restaurant, El Club Allard, with one Michelin star.

Prior to the event, The Cliff Bay is promoting a culinary week, beginning on 25 April, with different activities, workshops and tastings. French pastry chef Gilles Marchal, from La Maison du Chocolat in Paris will be the guest of The Cliff Bay's pastry chef, Yves Michoux, and together they will be responsible not only for the sweets and desserts, but also the Stars Route and the culinary week.

click here to see the blog for the Stars Route. ..
click here to see the programme for the culinary week. ..

21 March 2011

VILA PORTO MARE PROMOTES "ITALY WITH SOUL"

Between 1^st and 10^th of April, at the Il Basilico restaurant, the Vila Porto Mare resort is promoting a week dedicated to the flavours of Italy.

Entitled “Italy with Soul”, this event has as its special guest Chef Angela Campana who, along with Chef Cristiano Cuttieta and the Il Basilico team, will present a blend of flavours, inspired by the essence of Italian cooking. Pasta, risotto, fish and meat dishes will be judged by guests during this event, and the best will become part of the restaurant's menu. ..

From 1992 to 1995 Angela explored countries like the USA, Nepal, Tibet, China and Spain, enriching her talent and natural pleasure in cooking with new experiences, knowledge and flavours.

Her curriculum includes experiences with the BACCO chain of restaurants in Italian cities such as Barletta and Bari which were awarded 2 and 1 Michelin stars respectively.

Make your reservation through the contact: +351 291 708 708.

NEW MOBIBOOK SYSTEM

MOBILE BOOKING IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PORTO BAY

Mobile booking is now available for all Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts on Madeira, in the Algarve and in Brazil. The new booking system is a practical, simple and easy to use micro-site that guests can use to book at any Porto Bay Hotel or Resort. The site can be accessed at any hour of the day or night, no matter where you are, all it takes is an Internet enabled mobile device.

This new system was designed to increase the satisfaction of our clients using technology and digital information. The Porto Bay booking platform is compatible with all Internet enabled mobile devices, and especially smart phones and the like - iPhones, iPads, Android and Blackberry phones.

You can also book directly from Porto Bay’s Facebook page, just log-on to Facebook and you will easily find the Porto Bay page with a specific section for online booking.

The two distribution systems are complimentary and linked to the booking system available on the group’s official webpage.

24 January 2011

THE CLIFF BAY IS ONE OF EUROPE’S “TOP 10 LUXURY HOTELS”

TripAdvisor “Travelers Choice 2011”

The Cliff Bay, a five star resort in Funchal, on the island of Madeira, is one of the “Top 10 Luxury Hotels” in Europe according to the 2011 edition of TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice, published this past week. TripAdvisor is the world’s leading travel auditor.

The Cliff Bay is # 8 on the “Top 10 List”, an honourable and distinguished position. The Cliff Bay is the only hotel in Portugal to be included among Europe’s Top 10 Luxury Hotels. TripAdvisor ranks hotels based on the opinions of millions of travelers and tourists; TripAdvisor‘s Traveler’s Choice is the world’s largest community of travelers.

The award combines the highest scores given by travelers and the TripAdvisor popularity index, which reflects client recognition of the overall services provided

See here TripAdvisor hotels list

3 January 2011

L’HOTEL PORTO BAY SÃO PAULO

Official hotel for São Paulo Fashion Week

Nominated as the official hotel São Paulo Fashion Week 2011, the five star L'Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo in São Paulo City, will host the whole delegation of international journalists and members of the press who will visit both cities to cover the event.
In the previous edition of the event (2010), L'Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo had already been considered as the official hotel of Sao Paulo Fashion Week.

São Paulo is home of one of the most important fashion weeks in the country, alongside the major fashion events in Paris, Milan, New York and London. São Paulo Fashion Week runs from 28th January to 2nd February at the Biennial Pavilion in Parque do Ibirapuera.

click here for more info about the event

THE CLIFF BAY IS RANKED NUMBER ONE

NOMINATED BY THOMAS COOK NORTHERN EUROPE

The Cliff Bay Hotel was nominated the number one hotel (amongst 800 hotels from around the world) for the entire Summer 2010 activities of the tour operator Thomas Cook Northern Europe. The tour operator covers several markets including Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

The Bay Cliff Hotel had previously been rated top by Thomas Cook Northern Europe last winter, when they were again selected amongst hundreds of hotels from a variety of destinations. It’s the first time any hotel has been awarded top spot as both a winter and summer destination.

The nomination is based on the results of questionnaires completed by the tour operator’s customers where they were asked to assess the standard of the customer services and accommodation facilities provided.

16 December 2010

“MAKE A WISH !!” CHALLENGE

Win a free holiday in 2011

This December Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts is launching a challenge specifically aimed at the community of Porto Bay followers and fans on the world's largest social network today – Facebook. Included in the Porto Bay Group's digital Christmas card which is sent to all its clients, the “Make a Wish” challenge is one of various 2010 Christmas and New Year promotional activities undertaken by Porto Bay. The challenge is valid between 14^th December and 9^th January 2011 and will be communicated to clients by means of email and inclusion on the Porto Bay web site and social networks. A free draw for 5 vouchers for stays at one of the Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts will take place at 19.00 on 12^th January 2011 at Porto Mare Hotel in Madeira. The following day the list of winners will be published here and on Porto Bay's official Facebook page.

Find out what this challenge is about... and join in!

UPDATE
13/01/2011

The winners of this challenge were:

GlÓRIA OLSSON - BEV WATTS - ALEXANDRE PINTO - KEV BURGESS and SARA MAGALHÃES

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PROGRAMMES

PORTO BAY HOTELS & RESORTS

The month of December is upon us and preparations for Christmas and New Year celebrations are afoot!!
On Madeira island and specially in Funchal city center this is a very traditional season.

Porto Bay hotels have already organized all sorts of entertainment, all combined in very intensive programmes. Although very distinctive between themselves each Porto Bay hotel in Madeira island – The Cliff Bay, Vila Porto Mare resort (Eden Mar, Porto Mare, The Residence) can assure its guests a very traditional and truly Christmas spirit.
In the programmes amongst other activities guest can find: guided visits to see the lights in Funchal,floral arrangements, afternoon teas, cooking demonstrations and sugar sculpting, Madeira wine tastings, happy hours, scuba diving lessons, pilates, hydrogymnastics live music every night, gala dinners . ..

Find out here all about the programmes !!
THE CLIFF BAY
VILA PORTO MARE (Eden Mar, Porto Mare, The Residence)

26 November 2010

MICHELIN RENEWS STAR FOR IL GALLO D’ORO

FOR THE THIRD TIME

Il Gallo d’Oro, the 5-star restaurant of The Cliff Bay Hotel, in Funchal, has had the star awarded to it by the most influential restaurant guide in the world, the Michelin guide, renewed for the third consecutive year. This distinction was announced yesterday during the ceremony in San Sebastian, Spain, for the launch of the Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2011.

Il Gallo d’Oro, belonging to the Porto Bay hotel group, was awarded the star in 2008 and is still the only restaurant on the island of Madeira to receive this distinction.

Il Gallo d’Oro, the gourmet restaurant of the multi-award winning hotel The Cliff Bay, has been run since 2004 by Chef Benoît Sinthon who has experience in renowned French restaurants such as Jean Michel Lorain's three Michelin-starred La Côte Saint Jacques.

This restaurant is renowned for the sophistication of its aromatic Mediterranean and Iberian cuisine in which fresh produce from the island of Madeira combined with high quality products from various other regions of the Iberian Peninsula play a key role.

Click here to see our photo gallery about Il Gallo d'Oro

12 November 2010

PORTO BAY WINS AWARDS IN LONDON

by Thomson and First Choice

This week, during the World Travel Market event in London, some of the Porto Bay hotels were distinguished with awards by Thomson and First Choice, brands belonging to one of the largest worldwide tour operators – World of TUI.

Porto Bay was the outright winner of two categories of awards announced by Thomson. In a universe of over 4 thousand hotels with which this large English tour operator works, only 4% of these were included in the list of awards given.

The five star The Cliff Bay, located on a promontory in Funchal, won first place (Overall Winner) in the “Best Thomson À la Carte Accommodation” category. Porto Mare Hotel, part of the Vila Porto Mare resort also in Funchal, won first place (Overall Winner) in the “Best Thomson Platinum Accommodation” category. Suite Hotel Eden Mar also won a Gold Award in this category.

The tour operator First Choice awarded Porto Bay Falésia in Olhos d'Água in the Algarve the “Gold Choice Award” medal in the category “Best First Choice Premier Accommodation”.

PORTO BAY AT ABAV

AMERICAS FAIR 2010

For the second year running the Porto Bay Group is participating in ABAV – Americas Fair 2010 in Rio de Janeiro. The event will take place from 20-22^nd October in the Riocentro (Rio de Janeiro) and seeks to bring together professionals and suppliers to exchange information, introduce new products and present the main trends in the growing tourism market. The Americas Fair is considered to be an ideal event for building business and networking.

Apart from the refurbishment undertaken at L'Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo and Porto Bay Rio Internacional, Porto Bay will launch the magazine IN Porto Bay no. 7 – Brazil Edition to the trade. The Group will be represented at the event by António Trindade, CEO of Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, and Cláudio Santos, CEO of Porto Bay Brazil.

19 October 2010

HOTELS IN BRAZIL REFURBISHED

L'HOTEL PORTO BAY SÃO PAULO e PORTO BAY RIO INTERNACIONAL

This year Porto Bay invested more significantly in refurbishment both in Porto Bay Rio Internacional hotel and L'Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo, located in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo respectively.

In the city of marvels, right on Copacabana beach, Porto Bay Rio Internacioal Hotel has a “new face”. Since it was bought by the Group in 2007, the hotel's public areas – roof and pool, restaurant and lobby - had already undergone refurbishment. This year the new look has been extended to all categories of rooms, which have been equipped with new flooring, curtains, bed covers and furnishings, ensuring an even higher level of comfort and elegance.

Purchased just over one year ago, the five star boutique L'Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo has also seen all its rooms and suites redecorated. This investment aims to further increase the comfort offered by this hotel which is renowned for the very personalised service it offers.

Four million reais have been invested in the two outlets with a view to offering more comfort and bringing these hotels into line with the standards of the Group.

suite withe view over Copacabana beach

13 September 2010

PORTO BAY SPONSORS CHOPIN CONCERT SERIES

Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts is joining the celebrations for the 2nd centenary of Frédéric Chopin's birth by sponsoring, in Madeira, a series of nine concerts presenting the composer's piano works in full, performed by Artur Pizarro, an internationally renowned pianist from Portugal.

The first of the nine concerts is coming up on 27 September, with the rest of the programme extending into May 2011. This concert series is the work of the Madeira Conservatory of Music Friends Association.

The concerts will be held in the Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre on 27 September, 10 October, 28 November and 19 December 2010. The dates for next year are still to be confirmed, but are expected to be 16 January, 20 February, 13 March, 10 April and 25 May.

With this series of concerts, Porto Bay is furthering its strategy of community involvement, grounded on the belief that private enterprise should also share responsibility for stimulating social and cultural development in the region.

Tickets will be on sale at the Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre. The Porto Bay group is also providing its customers with the chance to buy tickets in advance on its site www.portobay.com and through its reservation center on +351 291 708 750 or book@portobay.pt .

.foto de Sven Arnstein

3 August 2010

PORTO BAY AND SATA LAUNCH JOINT CAMPAIGN

Anyone travelling to the island of Madeira with SATA between 15 August and 15 November 2010 and staying at one of the Porto Bay group hotels in Madeira – The Cliff Bay, Suite Hotel Eden Mar, Porto Mare, The Residence or Porto Santa Maria – will receive a voucher for a return ticket, with a zero air mile value, to the golden isle of Porto Santo.

This campaign, the result of a partnership between the Porto Bay group and SATA, is intended for all members of the SATA IMAGINE programme who purchase tickets to Funchal on flights operated by SATA and stay in one of the five hotels of the Porto Bay group – The Cliff Bay, Porto Santa Maria, Eden Mar, Porto Mare and The Residence - for a minimum of three nights.

5 PORTO BAY HOTELS WITH "AWARD OF EXCELLENCE"

THOMAS COOK UK

The five hotels belonging to the Porto Bay Group in Madeira have been distinguished with the “Award of Excellence” prize awarded by one of the largest tour operators in the United Kingdom – Thomas Cook UK. The five star The Cliff Bay and four star Suite Hotel Eden Mar, Porto Mare, The Residence and Porto Santa Maria hotels were all awarded this distinction. The “Award of Excellence” prize results from questionnaires undertaken with the tour operator's clients, based on the recognition of high standards of service and the quality of accommodation. These prizes refer to performance in 2009.

25 May 2010

L´HOTEL PORTO BAY SÃO PAULO

São Paulo Fashion Week Official Hotel

Nominated as the official hotel of São Paulo Fashion Week 2010/2011, the five star L'Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo will host the whole delegation of international journalists and members of the press who will visit the city to cover this event. The São Paulo fashion event at which the new summer collections will be presented will take place from 8^th to 14^th June in the Bienal Foundation building in Parque do Ibirapuera.

The São Paulo Fashion Week is one of the biggest and most important fashion weeks in Latin America on par with the main fashion events held in Paris, Milan, New York and London.

Situated on Alameda Campinas, 50 metres away from the corner of Avenida Paulista, and close to the best restaurants, bars, museums and stores selling the most emblematic brands in the world, L' Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo offers a central location without the bustle of the main avenue.
This eighty room boutique ,designed in a European style,with a restaurant, SPA, indoor pool, gym is perfectly complemented by high standards of service and comfort.

+ info about the event

5 PORTO BAY HOTELS WIN EXPEDIA INSIDER’S SELECT AWARDS

The Porto Bay Group's hotels, The Cliff Bay, Porto Mare and Eden Mar in Portugal and L´Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo and Porto Bay Rio Internacional in Brazil have been distinguished as Insiders’ Select™ hotels by Expedia, placing them in the premium category.

Since the launch of these awards only 20 hotels in Portugal have been awarded a special mention in the Expedia Insiders' Select™category, positioning them in the premium category of the Expedia ranking.

Expedia Insiders' Select™is an annual award that recognises the top hotels amongst the cream of the hotel trade around the world. The awards are based on the evaluations of experienced Expedia® clients following the analysis of over 1 million questionnaires completed by widely travelled tourists.

The Porto Bay hotels were identified as providing a consistently high standard of service, offering an exceptional and memorable experience.

The Expedia Insiders' Select™ programme includes just a small percentage of top quality hotels that benefit from this distinction in the Insiders' Select list as evidence of their commitment to excellence as recognised in the Porto Bay hotels.

6 April 2010

“THE STARS ROUTE” BEGINS ON 22ND APRIL AT THE CLIFF BAY

Headed up by Chef Benoît Sinthon, Il Gallo d'Oro, The Cliff Bay's restaurant in Funchal, will host the first “The Stars Route” event on 22nd and 23rd April, serving up the festival's first unforgettable gastronomic experiences.

Benoît Sinthon will receive Chefs Joachim Koerper (Eleven) and José Avillez (Tavares) for the food festival's opening event. Apart from the gourmet dinners served in Il Gallo d'Oro, an extensive gastronomic programme is organizes for that week (19-24) including workshops and demonstrations, wine tastings and guided visits in which guests may participate.

The joint initiative of Lágrimas Hotels & Emotions, Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, Vila Vita Parc, Fortaleza do Guincho and Tavares, “The Stars Route” will take place throughout spring 2010 in Michelin-starred restaurants located all over mainland Portugal and in Madeira.

Each of the participating Chefs will host two other guest Chefs for two days during which they will work as a team to prepare one or more tasting menus.

View The Star Route Blog

25 March 2010

WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2010

Two of Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts ´hotel have been nominated for the Oscars of the tourism sector – The World Travel Awards 2010.

For the category of Portugal’s leading hotel, the five star The Cliff Bay located in Madeira island.

Porto Bay Rio Internacional in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, nominated for the Brazil’s Leading hotel.

Various entities, involving one hundred and sixty six countries and three thousand two hundred tourism-related organisations from all continents, have made these awards since 1993. The grand final will take place in London on 7^th November 2010 and voting for the best in Europe is underway until 10^th September on the World Travel Awards site. Voting is open to the public but industry votes count for two votes.

To vote:

Vote here Porto Bay Rio Internacional
Vote here for The Cliff Bay

21 February 2010

MADEIRA ISLAND UPDATE

Funchal City and areas affected by the 20th of February Madeira Floods have now returned to normality.

After intensive recovery works that involved a team of 2000 people made up of individuals from the public and private sector including the army, security forces and volunteers there are but a few roads and general accesses that are still limited and some areas continue with the cleaning and reconstruction.

Madeira Promotion Bureau Photos of the day

21 February 2010

MADERIA ISLAND UPDATE ON FLOOD SITUATION

We are pleased to inform that the Porto Bay Hotels – The Cliff Bay, Porto Santa Maria, Eden Mar, Porto Mare and The Residence have not been affected by the flood and are operating normally.

The island of Madeira is returning to normal, after the adverse weather conditions, which took place on Saturday 20th February 2010.

The cleaning and recovery operation continues effectively, with a team of 2000 people made up of individuals from the public and private sector including the army, security forces and volunteers.

Electricity has been restored to the whole island except the Meia Légua district of Ribeira Brava.

Water has now been restored to the whole island.

Most schools on the island have reopened today, with the exception of the schools in Ribeira Brava and one school in Santa Cruz.

Mobile phone reception and internet connectivity is fully restored to the island.

Both Funchal Airport and the Harbour continue to be operational and running. The ferry boat connections to Porto Santo are also running a regular service.

The tourism areas of Estrada Monumental and Lido are operating normally.

The areas of Central Funchal, including the Cathedral, Avenida Arriaga and Avenida do Mar have been once again made accessible to tourists and Madeirans alike.

The main roads are still accessible from the East to the Ribeira Brava district.

The road from Ribeira Brava to São Vicente in the North of the island remains closed.

We are grateful for the overwhelming messages of support and solidarity communicated across the globe.

Madeira Promotion Bureau Photos of the day

This information will be updated continuously.

21 February 2010

MADEIRA HOLIDAY UPDATE

Extensive news of Madeira floods has recently been seen in general media. As reported, Madeira Island was exposed to severe weather conditions on February 20th 2010. As a result of the rainfall, flooding occurred adjacent the river beds going through the Funchal city centre. Similar situation also occurred in some areas mostly along the South coast.

Local authorities together with private enterprises and general population are doing an exceptional effort in bringing the affected areas back to normal. Airport and harbour are operational as well as ferry connection to neighbour island Porto Santo.

There are few limitations to the Madeira road network and public transportations is being restored around the island. Telephone networks and other communications are restablished.

Many touristic areas and popular tourist attractions like Botanical Garden, Golf Courses and island excursions are available.

We are pleased to inform that the Porto Bay Hotels – The Cliff Bay, Porto Santa Maria, Eden Mar, Porto mare and The Residence are operating normally.

Madeira Promotion Bureau Photos of the day

This information will be updated continuously.

23 February 2010

PORTO BAY SETS UP A RELIEF FUND

As a consequence of the severe weather conditions that affected Madeira Island last 20^th February 2010, some local population is in need of support. For this purpose we have created a fund that will be delivered to two institutions of social charity – “Caritas Portuguesa” and the Red Cross “Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa”.

Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts granted a first donation of 20,000 euros which will be added to the ones from our guest. Porto Bay will duplicate every euro donated by guests up to a total of 300,000 euros.

There has been an excellent response from guests currently staying at the Group’s five hotels in Funchal and those who have got in touch from abroad.

We have created a special account "Small Gestures, Big Hopes" for the relief fund.

Donations can be made via bank transfer to the following account:

NIB: 0007 0000 00835287274 23
IBAN: PT50 0007 0000 0083 5287 2742 3
SWIFT / BIC: BESCPTPL

In order for us to send a donation receipt, please email us the following information to donations@portobay.pt or by post to Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, Marketing Director, Rua do Gorgulho, nº 2, 9004-532 Funchal.

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A very big thank you.

25 January 2010

VILA PORTO MARE AWARDED “GOLD CERTIFICATE”

On 22^nd January the Vila Porto Mare Resort was awarded the “Foresee Gold Certificate of Excellent Food Hygiene Standards”by LusoCristal Consulting, a renowned international firm of consultants in food safety management systems. This certificate is awarded to establishments that achieve a score of 80% or more following three consecutive, unannounced audits. Amongst other things, the audits cover 4 key concepts in Food Hygiene and Good Practice: cross contamination, food preparation and conservation and proper cleaning procedures.

The award ceremony took place at Hotel Porto Mare's Bar Lido and was attended by LusoCristal's Managing Director, David Bungard, and Technical Director, Eliana Bungard (Engineer), and António Pais, General Manager of the Vila Porto Mare Resort, amongst others.

Vila Porto Mare is composed of three hotels – Eden Mar, Porto Mare and The Residence – which together offer 4 restaurants, 4 bars, various swimming pools as well as an ice cream parlour and Spa. Vila Porto Mare is the biggest resort in Portugal to be awarded the Gold Certificate.

The award reflects the excellent levels of Food Safety and Hygiene monitoring and control procedures for food and beverage in all its restaurants, kitchens and bars.

19 January 2010

A STAR-STUDDED FOOD FESTIVAL

Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, together with Lágrimas Hotels & Emotions, Vila Vita, Fortaleza do Guincho, Tavares and Eleven restaurant have joined forces to create a food festival unprecedented in Portugal. Scheduled for spring 2010 the food festival will take place across the whole country from north to south, including the Island of Madeira, in Michelin starred restaurants. Each of the chefs involved will host two other guest chefs over a period of two days during which they will work as a team to prepare a tasting menu which promises unforgettable gastronomic experiences.

In other words, an itinerant food festival that will offer food lovers many opportunities to enjoy the best cuisine in Portugal.

Porto Bay will be represented by The Cliff Bay's gourmet restaurant, Il Gallo d'Oro. Awarded a Michelin star for the second year running, the restaurant is proud to hold the only star in Madeira.

19 January 2010

PORTO BAY GROWS 3% IN 2009

Currently offering 1314 rooms (1100 in Portugal and 214 in Brazil), the Porto Bay Group recorded an operating revenue of 54.2 million euros in 2009, representing a 3% growth against the previous year.

Of the total revenue, 37 M€ were generated in Madeira, 7.6 M€ in the Algarve (Porto Bay Falésia) and the remaining 9.6 M€ in Brazil. The GOP (Gross Operational Profit) recorded by the group, both in Madeira and in the Algarve, stood at 36% of billing.

For the Porto Bay Group the year's big revelation was the rate of guest loyalty achieved. In Madeira, its longest established destination, repeat guests represented over 30% of reservations, in other words, 76 thousand room nights in the year. These figures are also driven by the group's loyalty programme – the Prestige Club – which, in December, logged 101 thousand cards issued – a revealing recognition of the Porto Bay experience.

19 January 2010

ANTÓNIO TRINDADE DISTINGUISHED AS “TOURISM PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR”

On 14^th January António Trindade, Porto Bay's CEO, was distinguished by the Associação dos Jornalistas Portugueses de Turismo (Association of Portuguese Tourism Journalists) with the “Tourism Personality of the Year” award. Salvador Alves Dias, president of AJOPT, praised António Trindade's long career in the tourism sector and highlighted the international dimension that Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts has achieved, bringing credibility to Portuguese tourism.

FREE WI-FI AT THE CLIFF BAY

Connecting to the internet at The Cliff Bay is now easier and free. Now you can stay in touch with the news, keep on top of your business, access your email or simply contact your friends and family for free while staying at The Cliff Bay.

Free wi-fi is now available throughout the hotel 24 hours a day for all our guests. You can now use your laptop or mobile phone to connect to the internet from the comfort of your room, in the lobby or on the terrace.

It's easy to keep in touch.

25 November 2009

IL GALLO D'ORO MAINTAINS ITS MICHELIN STAR

Il Gallo d'Oro, the gourmet restaurant at the five star The Cliff Bay in Funchal, retains its place in the select club of restaurants awarded Michelin stars. The award was announced during a ceremony in Madrid on 25^th November at which the Spain and Portugal 2010 edition was presented.

Headed up by Chef Benoît Sinthon, Il Gallo d'Oro was awarded one star by the Michelin Guide – the world's most influential restaurant guide - for the first time last year. This is the first and only star to have been awarded in Madeira.

To reserve: 291 707 700 or cliffbay@portobay.pt

See here The Cliff Bay hotel
See here Il Gallo D'Oro

PORTO BAY WINS 9 GOLD AWARDS

11 November 2009

Yesterday Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts were awarded nine Gold Awards for 2009 by Thomson and First Choice, two operators belonging to the World of Tui, at the World Travel Market in London (WTM).

Special mention goes to the Porto Mare hotel in Madeira that was nominated Overall Winner in the “Platinum 4 Star” and “First Choice 4 Star” categories and also to Porto Bay Falésia, which opened in 2008 in the Algarve, and received its first award from First Choice.

Down here you can find the World Travel Market awards, 4 Thomson and 5 First Choice, to the Porto Bay hotels.

Hotel The Cliff Bay

winner A la Carte - Thomson
winner 5 star - First Choice

Hotel Porto Mare
Overall winner Platinum 4 star - Thomson
Overall winner 4 star - First Choice

Hotel Eden Mar
winner Platinum 4 star - Thomson
winner 4 star - First Choice

Hotel Porto Santa Maria
winner Platinum 4 star - Thomson
winner Premier 4 star - First Choice

Hotel Porto Bay Falesia
winner 4 star - First Choice

Click here if you wish to see all the Porto Bay Awards

PORTO BAY AWARDED 3 PRIMOS

11 November 2009

Three of the Porto Bay Group hotels received PRIMO 2009 awards given by the German tour operator Thomas Cook/Neckermann. The award ceremony took place last weekend during “The Summer Goes on Tour” trade fair organised by this tour operator at the Frankfurt “Messe” in Germany where Porto Bay had its own stand.

In Madeira Suite, Hotel Eden Mar and The Residence were honoured with PRIMO 2009 awards, while in the Algarve, Porto Bay Falésia was distinguished with this prize for second year running.

Click here if you wish to see all the Porto Bay Awards

19 October 2009

TUI HOLLY 2009

Porto Santa Maria and Vila Porto Mare, both hotels of the Porto Bay Group and both located in Funchal, Madeira Island, were once again awarded with the ‘Holly’ Prize , distributed by TUI. The price awards the 100 best hotels of TUI worldwide among their over 5000 hotels portfolio.

Since TUI has started to introduce the ‘Holly’ Prize, Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts have been ranked among the Top 100 several times. Last year the prize was given to Porto Mare and Eden Mar Hotel.

NEW PORTO BAY GALLERY ON FLICKR

Porto Bay Hotels and Resorts has posted a new photo gallery on Flickr.

This new gallery, called Porto Bay Friends, enables people to share photos, experiences, details and remarkable sights from the various destinations where you can find Porto Bay Hotels and Resorts. From Madeira to the Algarve, and taking a leap across the ocean to Brazil, there are countless perspectives to see, enjoy and share.

Join us at http://www.flickr.com/photos/portobayfriends

PORTO BAY ON FACEBOOK

Now all fans of Porto Bay can join the group’s page on Facebook.

This space is for sharing information, photographs, promotions, events and other news.

Connect to Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts...http://www.facebook.com/PortoBay

3 September 2009

PORTO BAY COMPETITION ON TWITTER

Shortly after the launch of a competition on Twitter asking followers to: “Send your best photo of a Porto Bay Hotel”, the winning photo was sent in. Joana Miranda’s remarkable photo taken at The Cliff Bay Hotel has won her the first prize of one night’s stay at one of Porto Bay’s hotels.

Keep following us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/portobay

9 June 2009

GARDENS OF VILA PORTO MARE STORE 365 SPECIES

Vila Porto Mare resort, in Funchal, recently completed the identification of all the botanical species that live in its gardens, and now one can recognize at least 365 unique species — 416, if one adds cultivars and hybrid plants — with the help of the individual identification signs that visitors now may find next to each plant. This number places our garden in the Exceptional Class of Taxonomic Richness.

Therefore, we decided to launch a new blog, totally devoted to the garden of Vila Porto Mare, where one can already access records of about 100 species, the presentation and profiling of the Garden. The remaining plants will be uploaded gradually, and soon the complete collection will be available online. We also plan to add further sections to provide a better outlook on this privileged corner of Madeira Island.

Read more: http://vpmgardens.blogspot.com

29 May 2009

PORTO BAY IN SÃO PAULO

This is the Porto Bay Group's third destination in Brazil. Following on the heels of Rio de Janeiro and Búzios, the Porto Bay Group has now acquired a third property in the financial capital of Latin America, the five star L' Hotel São Paulo which shall from now on be known as Porto Bay L' Hotel São Paulo.

L' Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo is located on Alameda Campinas, on the corner of Avenida Paulista, in the financial and cultural centre of the city, close to the city's best restaurants, bars, museums and stores. This five star, eighty-room outlet is a boutique hotel with a restaurant, SPA, indoor pool and gym.

This is the fourth investment for Invesvia, which includes the Portuguese groups Porto Bay and Logoplaste, who established their partnership four years ago with the acquisition of a property in Lisbon that is currently undergoing licensing. The Porto Bay brand broke into the international market with its entry into Brazil in January 2007.

Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts opened its first hotel in 1988. It operates out of Madeira where it owns four and five star hotels. The group's properties on Madeira include The Cliff Bay, Porto Santa Maria and the Vila Porto Mare resort that is made up of three hotels that share common facilities (Suite Hotel Eden Mar, Porto Mare and The Residence). Inaugurated last year, Porto Bay Falésia in the Algarve is the group's first property on mainland Portugal.

In Brazil the brand is present with Porto Bay Rio Internacional in Rio de Janeiro, Porto Bay Glenzhaus lodge in Búzios and, now in São Paulo, with its new five star hotel Porto Bay L' Hotel São Paulo. The products differ in terms of concept but all ascribe to the same quality seal guaranteed by the Porto Bay brand that now boasts a total of 1360 rooms and covers four destinations with nine hotels.

The acquisition was completed today, 29th May 2009. Reservations may already be made on this site's reservations system.

View the hotel: www.lhotel.com.br

View photo gallery: L´Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo

12 May 2009

PORTO BAY IN THE SPIES TOP10

The Cliff Bay was voted the best hotel by travellers using the Danish tour operator SPIES. Two other Porto Bay Group hotels in Madeira – Porto Mare and The Residence – also featured in the top 10 holiday hotels elected by this Scandinavian tour operator's clients.

This award, which recognises quality and client satisfaction, was based on circa 90 thousand questionnaires filled in by clients in a comparative analysis of 600 hotels from the whole SPIES universe during the winter of 2008-2009.

The fact that these kinds of surveys are completely standardised for all tourist destinations and that their results are widely publicised in the press in their countries of origin endows them with the additional characteristic of serving as an instrument for the comparison of overall quality levels of the participating destinations.

10 July 2009

TUI HOLLY 2008

TUI, one of the largest tour operators in Europe, has once again recognised the Porto Bay Group for its quality and service. This time the Porto Mare and Eden Mar hotels have been awarded the prestigious “Holly” prizes. Based on client satisfaction questionnaires, these prizes are awarded to the 100 best hotels in TUI's portfolio of over five thousand hotels with which it works.

12 May 2009

SHORT 140 CHARACTER NEWS FLASHES ABOUT PORTO BAY HOTELS

Now Porto Bay news and bulletins are available on Twitter, one of the most promising social networks on the Internet that allows you to share information in real time by means of SMS text messages, an instant messaging service that allows a maximum of 140 characters. These messages are sent to everyone who has registered as a follower and has agreed to receive them.

Twitter is one of the most recent online community phenomena and, apart from being used by families and friends, is now being used by some of the most prestigious organisations and institutions in the world.

Registe-se: www.twitter.com
http://twitter.com/portobay

11 May 2009

PORTO BAY FALÉSIA AWARDED SILVER BY CRISTAL

Porto Bay Falésia was recently awarded the Silver Certificate by The Cristal. The Cristal is a H.A.C.C.P. health and safety monitoring system. This award was attributed on account of the high standards implemented by the hotel in their Food & Beverage operations.

25 April 2009

VILA PORTO MARE GARDENS

The names and diversity of the plants in the gardens belonging to the Vila Porto Mare Resort are impossible to list as verified by the wide variety of palm trees and plants from all four corners of the world such as Lantanas and Indian Canes, groups of Strelizias, Araucarias, Plumbagos, Screw Pines, Cycas and Heliconias.

330 species have been identified in the 20 thousand square metres of outdoor areas. The phytodiversity of the Vila Porto Mare gardens means that they qualify for inclusion in the Exceptional Class of the Flora Bio-diversity Index.

Recently flower beds have been prepared with horticultural, aromatic and medicinal plants in order to offer guests new smells and flavours. The profusion of plants has also been enriched with species endemic to Madeira with particular emphasis on the xerophiles from the coastal areas.

25 April 2009

FLOWER FESTIVAL

The streets of Funchal are once again in full bloom. Countless flower arrangements of all shapes and colours have been constructed all along the city's central pavements in an unrivalled display of exotic species that give off perfumes and make this event an exceptional tourist attraction for visitors to Madeira at this time of year.

At the Porto Bay Group hotels in Madeira flowers play a key role during these spring days.

The tropical gardens of the Vila Porto Mare resort, home to around 330 identified species, are complemented by flower arrangements constructed by real artists... With commitment and dedication, teams from the various hotels transform some corners into real flower gardens.

Gereberas, Arum lilies, Bougainvilleas... are composed in different arrangements, reflecting the quintessence of the real flower festival.

26 February 2009

"TRUE ITALIAN ESSENCE"

During the first week of March, The Vila Porto Mare resort will be hosting a gastronomical festival titled " True Italian Essence".

The Il Basílico restaurant , located within the resort , next to the Lido promenade, will set the stage for this event, with Chef Angela Campana playing the main role.
Chef Angela Campana inspires all who delight in her cuisine... a fusion of flavours including risottos, pastas, wood-fired pizzas, fish and meat dishes – all with a delicate touch, attention to detail and the quintessence of real Italian cuisine. Flavours combined in a natural and traditional style rounded off by a touch of elegance.

From 1992 to 1995 Angela explored countries like the USA, Nepal, Tibet, China and Spain, enriching her talent and natural pleasure in cooking with new experiences, knowledge and flavours.

Her curriculum includes stints with the BACCO chain of restaurants in Italian cities such as Barletta and Bari which were awarded 2 and 1 Michelin stars respectively.

28 January 2009

EDEN MAR TOTALLY REFURBISHED

The rooms in the first hotel belonging to the Porto Bay Group, Suite Hotel Eden Mar located in Funchal, have been totally refurbished. Pursuing its policy of ongoing renovation and guaranteeing high levels of comfort for its guests, the Porto Bay Group invested approximately two million euros in this refurbishment – the third undertaken at the Eden Mar.

Divided into studios, superior studios, junior suites and suites, this four star hotel's 146 spacious rooms have been redecorated with textiles in warm pastels colours, completely new furniture and LCD televisions. The kitchenettes have been completely renovated and are equipped with a stove, fridge and micro-wave oven. All the rooms in this hotel have private verandas.

See Hotel

28 January 2009

RANKED AMONGST TRIPADVISOR'S BEST

The Porto Bay Group is proud to announce that, once again, two of its hotels – The Cliff Bay in Funchal and Porto Bay Rio Internacional in Rio de Janeiro – have been ranked amongst the best in the world. The “2009 Travellers' Choice” Destinations Awards have just been published on the site of the largest travel community in the world – Tripadvisor.
The Cliff Bay, the group's five star hotel in Funchal, is amongst the 100 “Best Luxury Hotels” of the world, occupying an eminent 19^th position in the world ranking. Another of the group's hotels - Porto Bay Rio Internacional located in Rio de Janeiro, right on Copacabana beach - is ranked a distinguished 18^th under the category “Best in the Top 25 World Cities”.
This is the seventh edition of Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice which recognises the best hotels in the world elected directly by those who know them best – travellers. The Tripadvisor awards represent the opinions of millions of travellers and tourists.

The Cliff Bay - TripAdvisor reviews

Porto Bay Rio Internacional - TripAdvisor reviews

21 November 2008

IL GALLO D'ORO WINS MICHELIN STAR

The most influential restaurant guide in the world, the Michelin Guide, has awarded a star to Il Gallo d'Oro, The Cliff Bay's gourmet restaurant run by Chef Benoît Sinthon.
This is Madeira's first and only star.The Chef who is in charge of the gourmet restaurant at the five star Cliff Bay in Funchal has a curriculum vitae which boasts periods at French restaurants including Jean Michel Lorain's three Michelin starred Cõte Saint Jacques. Married to a lady from Madeira, Chef Benoît Sinthon moved to Funchal in 1994 and took over Il Gallo d'Oro in 1998.
Commenting on the award of the star in the Portugal 2009 Michelin Guide, Chef Benoît Sinthon states “it's a dream I have long chased and I'm going to celebrate appropriately with my exceptional team”.

For reservations: +351 291 707 700 or cliffbay@portobay.pt.

3 November 2008

BRAZIL’S LEADING HOTEL

Porto Bay Rio Internacional, situated on the Copacabana beach front in Rio de Janeiro, won the World Travel Awards' prize as “Brazil's Leading Hotel” - the most prestigious award in the travel and tourism industry.
With thousands of votes collected from professionals from 167 thousand agencies in over 160 countries in the world, the “World Travel Award” has become one of the most important forms of recognition that a tourism product can receive.
The award ceremony took place on 21st October in Rio de Janeiro.

Porto Bay Rio Internacional

PRIMO AWARDS 2008

Every year one of the biggest German tour operators, Thomas Cook/Neckerman, awards prizes to the 100 best hotels in its portfolio of thousands of hotels with which is works.
In 2008 the PRIMO award was given to three Porto Bay Hotels, two in Madeira and one in the Algarve.
The Porto Mare and Porto Santa Maria hotels in Funchal were again selected as prize winners. Porto Bay Falésia – Albufeira, which opened in spring 2008, also won an award – its first in the hotel category.

3 November 2008

500 TILE MURAL PAINTED DURING ON

During the ON Fusion Art 2008 event organised by the Porto Bay Group last September in the Old Town of Funchal hundreds of children represented and painted – live and in full technicolor – the 500 Years of the City of Funchal.
The mural composed of 500 tiles was inaugurated on 18th October in Jardim do Almirante Reis (public garden) as part of the commemorations to celebrate the city's 500th anniversary.

See more pictures at the ON blog

26 September 2008

CHEAPER FLIGHTS

Restrictions on the Madeira airspace have been relaxed. From the end of October when the low-cost airline, Easyjet, launches its twice daily flight on the Lisbon - Funchal route, tickets between the mainland and Funchal shall be available at much more competitive prices. TAP and SATA will continue their scheduled flights as before.

Make the most of it!

Cheaper flights from Lisbon to Funchal!

24 September 2008

“ON” AUCTION

Over three days the old town of Funchal hosted various artists who created and exhibited works which were then auctioned at the gala dinner which closed the 2nd edition of “ON Fusion Art by Porto Bay”. Following in the footsteps of the 1st edition, this year's charity fund-raising event realised a total of 33 thousand euros (up one thousand euros against the first edition which took place two years ago) which have been donated to the Associação de Paralisia Cerebral (Cerebral Palsy Association) and the São Tiago Centro de Acolhimento (São Tiago Shelter).
Both the initiative's organising committee and the Chairman of the Board of the Porto Bay Group expressed their great satisfaction with the event and announced that the 3rd edition of “ON Fusion Art” will take place in 2010. Social responsibility is one of the group's core values and it is hoped that this year's success will be repeated in two year's time.

“ON” auction raises 33 thousand euros

4 August 2008

PORTO BAY LIVENS UP THE OLD TOWN

ON Fusion Art is an initiative supported by the Porto Bay Group which will take place in the Old Town of Funchal over the 12^th, 13^th and 14^th September. Painting, sculpture, graphics, street entertainment, music, installations in old houses and other artistic creations will throb with life and colour on these days in the city's historic centre where you will also find Hotel Porto Santa Maria.

Artists from the region and the mainland contribute voluntarily to the ON project which will culminate in a dinner-auction the proceeds of which will be donated to two of the region's social welfare institutions: Associação de Paralisia Cerebral da Madeira and Centro de Acolhimento de São Tiago.

For more information see the ON Fusion Art Blog

BÚZIOS & RIO DE JANEIRO

Enjoy the best prices combining your stay in Rio de Janeiro at the Porto Bay Rio Internacional during the weekends with your stay at in Búzios in Porto Bay Glenzhaus during the weekdays..!

14 April 2008

NEW PORTO BAY WEBSITE

The www.portobay.com site has had a facelift!

A new way of presenting our products, more complete and up to date image galleries, destination support contents, more useful information and greater dynamism were some of the objectives of this reformulation.

Still available as before in Portuguese, English and German, which reflects the statistics of the traffic on the site, this new version aims to meet the requirements of the more than one thousand visitors who, on average, access our site on a daily basis.

Help us improve... Navigate, explore and send your comments and suggestions to info@portobay.pt

14 April 2008

SHARE EXPERIENCES

Porto Bay is Inspired by You!

One of the new areas on the redesigned portobay.com site – Experiences – invites Porto Bay guests to share their experience of one of the group hotels and offers the possibility of including a photo of their choice. Feeling, experiencing and sharing... A new album of online memories which underscores the Porto Bay Group's philosophy which is based on the strength of its products and the complete satisfaction of its guests.

We look forward to receiving your contribution to “Experiences”...

Experience and share it... Join our album of memories.

12 February 2008

THE CLIFF BAY AND EDEN MAR AMONGST TRIPADVISOR´S 100 TOP CHOICES

The Cliff Bay and Eden Mar – both belonging to the Porto Bay Group in Madeira - were selected amongst the “Best Top 100 Luxury Hotels” by TripAdvisor in their 2008 “Travellers Choice Awards”.

This was the sixth year in which TripAdvisor's Travellers Choice Awards commended the best hotels in the world which earned this distinction from those who know them best – travellers.

The TripAdvisor Awards represent the opinion of millions of travellers and tourists. The winners are determined by a combination of Trip Adivsor's Popularity Index and traveller ratings for specific attributes resulting in overall traveller satisfaction.

The TripAdvisor branded sites represent the largest travel community in the world with five million registered members and ten million reviews and opinions.

TripAdvisor hotel reviews - The Cliff Bay

TripAdvisor hotel reviews - Suite Hotel Eden Mar

14 April 2008

NEW "LOOK"...

What better way to start the new year than with a new look? This is what we have given the pool and lobby areas of the Porto Bay Rio Internacional hotel in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.

A new look in Copacabana. After the general refurbishment of all the rooms just over two years ago, the Porto Bay Rio Internacional in Rio de Janeiro has renovated the pool area on the roof of the hotel and the lobby at the

hotel entrance. Guests can now enjoy the new deck flooring around the roof-top pool.

The flooring was also raised in order to provide even better views over the sea and the fantastic Copacabana beach. The hotel's entrance lobby and adjacent “Limone” lounge-bar were also extensively refurbished in a more sophisticated and timeless style.

The interior decorator, Nini Andrade, supported the Porto Bay Group in developing this new look.

The pool and the "lobby" of the hotel Porto Bay Rio International, in Rio de Janeiro, with a new "look" for 2008.

1 January 2008

SMOKE-FREE HOTEL

We would like to inform our guests that on account of law 37/2007 passed on 14^th August, which comes into force on 1^st January 2008, smoking will not be permitted inside any of the Porto Bay hotels in Portugal including in the restaurant and bar areas. Smoking is also not allowed in the bedrooms with the exception the verandas and open-air areas. We thanks you for your understanding.

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