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December 19, 2009updated Feb 07, 2013

Vila Vita Appoints Director of Portuguese Hospitality to Infuse Guest Experience with Cultural Authenticity

By Pardhasaradhi Gonuguntla

VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa, the Five Star luxury resort in the Algarve, has appointed Manuela Felgueiras to the newly created and unique position of Director of Portuguese Hospitality.

“Our goal is to infuse the guest experience at VILA VITA with cultural authenticity and genuine hospitality so guests depart with an appreciation and understanding of Portuguese traditions and a desire to return,” explained Luís Fernandes, CEO of the resort’s parent company VILA VITA Portugal. “This is a unique position in the hotel industry that will help to position VILA VITA as the ‘cultural voice’ of the Algarve.”

Mr. Fernandes explained that, “Manuela is, above all, a genuine and charming Portuguese women who communicates in the most passionate way the spirit and characteristics of the Portuguese people, including our unique and welcoming approach to hospitality. With Manuela, guests may experience the most profound and intense cultural experiences and surprises. Depending on your preferences, you may enjoy the favorite meal of the famed navigator Vasco da Gama, listen to the inimitable voice of Portuguese singing sensation Mariza while sipping one of Portugal’s finest wines, or be spoiled with small souvenirs that immediately make you feel part of the magnificent history of Portugal. The taste for quality and detail, and her inexhaustible kindness and availability distinguish the character of someone whom we may easily call our ‘Portuguese Best Friend.’”

Among the ways Ms. Felgueiras will reach out to guests are:

-Initiate a dialogue before, during and after their visits to discuss their interests, plan activities and enhance their personal experiences.
-Become a valuable source of information on the destination, specifically the Algarve.
Surprise and delight guests with special touches that provide insights into the Portuguese culture, such as welcome, turndown and departure gifts that are distinctly Portuguese.
-Invite leading Portuguese cultural icons to the resort, such as fashion shows with noted Portuguese designers, exhibits by famous jewelers and presentations by top breeders of Portuguese water dogs.
-Plan regular activities and events that celebrate Portuguese dining, music, dance and art.

Appointing a Director of Portuguese Hospitality is one of many steps the resort is taking to create a more authentic, high-end Portuguese guest experience. A collection of boutiques has been added with each specializing in a different luxury Portuguese product. VILA VITA is displaying works by Portugal’s “jeweler to the stars” Gil Sousa. The culinary experience has been completely revamped, converting existing restaurants and adding new ones to offer guests a full range of authentic Portuguese cuisine and music. These include a top Fado club; one of the world’s best Portuguese restaurants focusing on products from the resort’s wine estate as well as special, rare and artisanal products from throughout Portugal; a typical Portuguese tavern featuring regional wines, meats and cheeses; and a typical family-style Portuguese restaurant.

Enhancing the cultural experience is an integral component of the campaign, conceived and directed by Mr. Fernandes, to reposition VILA VITA as one of the top resorts on the international stage. Other enhancements range from creating more luxurious accommodations to revamping the spa and fitness center to adding a beautiful new infinity pool.

VILA VITA celebrates the best of Portugal, immersing guests in ultra-luxurious and authentic Portuguese experiences in a stunning seaside setting with every imaginable service and amenity. Among the highlights of VILA VITA are:

-A wide choice rooms, suites, villas and residences, all exquisitely appointed and featuring terraces, balconies, and ocean and flower-filled garden
-A range of casual and gourmet cuisines at eight different restaurants, complemented by Portugal’s best wine cellar with more than 11,000 bottles.
-A spectacular setting of 54 acres perched above the Atlantic Ocean with Moorish-influenced architecture, lush sub-tropical gardens and Portugal’s most beautiful private beach.
-VITAL Spa with a health and beauty center, holistic medical wellness program and Ice Grotto.
-A luxury yacht for excursions to untouched sandy beaches and intriguing grottos.
-Every indoor and outdoor sport and recreation including water sports and boating.
-Golfing on many of Portugal’s best courses, which are within minutes of the resort.
-Wine tastings, walks, bicycling, swimming in the infinity pool, picnics by horse-drawn carriage, educational tours about organic farming and horse breeding, gourmet dining and overnight stays in charming accommodations.

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