Centro de Portugal Region

The Palmaz hotel in Oliveira de Azeméis (Centro region), is the first eco-hotel in the country

Wednesday, 23 November 2011 00:00

Set in natural surroundings of the river Caima River Valley, and opened in April 2011, If Palmaz was a wilderness, the Hotel Rural River Valley would be an oasis. And whether this is the most appropriate comparisons or do not, the fact is that the first large country hotel operating wholly from renewable energy can, at first sight, have the effect of surprise and comfort that the image a refuge for hikers in the Sahara would thirsty. They divided the 30 rooms decorated by different concepts, each suited to one of the four elements found in nature. It is a philosophy that fits into the hotel's green policy and at the same time, allows the use of an appropriate palette of tranquility and quiet. The hotel includes a suite of four rooms, one that is adapted for guests with limited mobility and, later, several single rooms, all spacious, all with a large balcony and full of potential - for breakfast for sunbathing.There are no houses in sight, no cars, no electricity poles with wires disturb the blue, just the colors of the trees, the voices of birds, and at dawn is still dark, almost mystical experience of chimes of the chapel bell, the sensitive ears to agree a prayer to Mary which is passed, strange in the early morning air. For those who want to stay at the oasis, the offer includes the library, with some 200 titles, especially literature that belonged to Maria Jose Duarte Nunes and was donated by the hotel manager.

Guarda: M Bio-Hotel to debut in Portugal

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 00:00

The Lusitania Hotel is the first bio-hotel. The new concept that integrates a garden where farming will go straight to guest’s tables in the restaurant. M bio-converted hotel, the unit group Natura IMB Hotels in Guarda, and Inn will offer 63 suites, restaurant, bar and meeting rooms. You have even heated indoor pool and outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna, spa and health club, tennis court and circuit integrated in the gardens, traditional orchards and vegetable garden.

Portugal’s School of Embroidery

Saturday, 19 November 2011 00:00

Castelo Branco is the home to Portugal’s School of Embroidery. The Centro’s regional embroidery is a distinctive style of the region that tourists often find unique and fascinating. The school is set in the heart of the historic city of Castelo Branco.

Schools of Lousã, Portugal, considered amongst the most innovative in the world

Tuesday, 08 November 2011 20:37

The Microsoft Corporation selected the Lousã Schools Grouping to integrate its world Program of Innovative Schools. The selection distinguishes those schools that, in the world context, have stood out by the use of technology in the classroom. Rui Grilo, Microsoft Portugal's Education Director says, "We are very proud to see another Portuguese school integrating Microsoft's World Innovative School's Program, promoted by Microsoft Corporation. This acknowledgement comes as an evidence of the excellent performance by Portuguese teachers and students at taking full advantage of the available technologies in schools today while applying it to teaching and learning methods.” And Grilo goes on to say, "It's very satisfying to realize that our schools in Portugal compete on an equal standing, in international benchmarks, with the other schools, including those from much more resourceful countries.”

Five Star Resort in Guarda to Receive Frank Gehry Project

Tuesday, 08 November 2011 00:00

In an investment of 66 million Euros, the Cegonha Negra Golf Resort & Spa in Guarda will be home to a project headed by North American architect Frank Gehry. The hotel will open in 2014. An initiative of entrepreneur Alexandre Abreu, the hotel will include the Dredge Museum, also to be developed by Gehry, one of the biggest names in international architecture. The architect also designed Lisbon's Park Mayer in Lisbon, though it was never finished. In August, Alexandre Soares contracted Gehry, in Los Angeles, to work on the project. For Soares, this is the manifestation of his dream to see “two projects by one of the biggest names in architecture” completed in Portugal. Besides the five star hotel and museum, the complex will include an 18-hole golf course, designed by Severiano Ballasteros. The project draws its inspiration from another golf course, the Quinta da Bica Golf Academy in Belmonte, which features a 9-hole pitch-and-putt golf course, with driving range and putting green. A Michelin guide-recommended restaurant, gym with Wellness campus and nightclub are also included. The Cegonha Negra Golf Resort & Spa is in the second phase of construction, where it will create a five-star vacation village with 94 apartments, 65 houses, and a medical spa in a 25 million euro investment to be completed in the summer of 2012. The third phase of the project – the hotel and museum – will open its doors in 2014.