Let’s Blog About Villas

Although it is said that Casablanca is a city in Morocco with a lot of five-star hotels, Marrakech is not behind. He also holds a number of accredited five-star hotels. A stay in this city is more than just reservations for hotel rooms. You can also enjoy a large number of riads in Marrakech, where his entire family could have protection and a time of luxury. Villa rental in Marrakech is also possible. Here are some points of differences between these two options.

Outside. Looking from the outside of these two wonderful opportunities for housing in the city, you can get to see the differences. Villas at the site are generally traditional and historical style, while riads in Marrakech are more modernized. Both facades are inviting, and although you could definitely bring your entire family only to see the fate that might meet their needs. As travelers, you have to consider their safety as well. Both sites are protected by their own comfort and protection with its high fences.

Reception area. Villa rental in Marrakech will provide a room where you and your family might have a good time. The same goes for the riads in Marrakech. Like the exterior of the two, however, there are comparisons. Riads are well lit, while the villas are not always a lot of lighting effects. Both have their own fireplaces where you can enjoy the warmth of the evening you can not under the cold breeze.

Bedroom. Villa rental in Marrakech will give you room where you can take a nap or a good night’s sleep. Compared with Riads in place, however, the former is more limited. If you’re taking a family trip, you have to rent more rooms that their children might occupy. Riads in Marrakech could give you a better option, since there are larger places where you can relax and have fun. Taking advantage of the hall of the provisions of both sites, you have to make sure that the places they could take their place around the group.

Other Ameneties. That is more modern, riads in Marrakech have a lot of other facilities that you could enjoy in private. Instead of sharing with other occupants, you are given the opportunity to use exclusively all amenities. Villa for rent in Marrakech, you have to share some parts with other people. Since it is more traditional type, you have to enjoy luxuries outdoors.

To give you a better idea of what villa rental and riads in Marrakech are also on the necessity of history. Villa rental is more of a tradition accepted by a large number of countries already. In order to the large number of hotels in the world, the Moroccans were wise enough to transcend into different roles. This is where the concept of Riads enters. They are definitely more luxurious than any other hotel reservations you can get. Both, however, are more than just a place to sleep and could relax. They will also consider their own homes.

Silence Day I arrived in Bali on the eve of the Hindu New Year in the Balinese Saka calendar. “You know tomorrow is Silence Day, yes?” The friendly customs officer informs me. I tell him I am a regular visitor to Bali, but this is my first time during the sacred holiday. It makes an impression. I am greeted by Suter, driver from Vision Villas. He hands me an ice-cold bottle of Aqua and we set off to manoeuvre through the many colourful parades that are spread out along the road as the Hindus celebrate on the evening before their day of silence. In Indonesia they celebrate their New Year through purification and sacrifice. On New Year’s Eve, the villages and homes are cleaned, food is cooked for two days and in the evening people make lots of noise to scare away the devils. The Ogoh-Ogoh Suter tells me there is a great lot of activity and exorcism island-wide. The devotees in traditional Balinese costume to go to pure worship and collect holy water. They also carry and burn the ogoh-ogoh, a giant papier-mache statue representing evil spirits. The next day will be the day of total peace and quiet, where everything stops for a day. They do not leave their homes, cook or engage in any activity. Streets are deserted, the airport is closed and tourists are not allowed to leave hotel complexes. He then laughs and says, “It is only one day at least, for the sake of environment. The air will be clean tomorrow.” He is absolutely right. There is always a logical explanation behind the ancient wisdom. Vision Villas is located in Medahan, not too far from the artisan villages of Gianyar. It is set in breathtaking surroundings, amidst nature at its best, in rural Bali. It is a personal enrichment resort. I am intrigued. Pure Elegance Balinese Komang, the very efficient and friendly receptionist, welcomes me with a refreshing lemon drink and after I have registered, asks me for my dinner order. It is late, but she says the kitchen is open. “Would you like your food on your verandah?” What could sound better? She takes me through a well-manicured lush garden, the candles illuminate our path, we walk towards the pool, up a few steps to Ganesha room. The four-poster bed with its silk cushions and a most comfortable bed with fluffy pillows sit in the middle of the room. There are beautiful artworks along with a Ganesha statue in the wooden display case which also cleverly hides the mini fridge stocked up. The arrangement with the welcome fruit basket is a work of art in itself and my favourite flower, the frangipani, is everywhere. The gorgeous bathroom, with its flower arrangement that sits inside a fresh young coconut, is exquisite and there is a statue of a graceful lady hiding the nozzle in the outdoor shower. Pure Balinese elegance coupled with meticulous attention to detail in this five-star luxury boutique resort, in the midst of rice and vegetable fields is astounding. Wireless Internet throughout the resort. Heaven! Pure Thoughts I have come with an open mind, and I feel I will be blessed by many insights that this place is ready to offer me “and being here at this auspicious time will be a special experience. I think pure thoughts, I want to see all the dimensions that Roger and Renate Hamilton have set for their guests to discover. I leaf through the information booklet about the Ganesha room. From my years studying in India, I know Ganesha is the ‘God of Knowledge’, or as it says in my folder, ” ‘God of New Beginnings’ - the elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Aum, the sound symbol of cosmic reality.” I read on. “You are in a better place now than when you were at the end of your last cycle. Pause in this place and take the time to connect and reflect before your new beginning. What are you grateful for? Who are thankful to you? “, The folder in my room taunts me. After a night of blissful slumber I sit on my verandah, sun on a wooden chair, a silk cushion supporting my head. I have John Grisham’s latest book on my lap but do not feel like reading. The place draws me in.. It is shroud in soul-pleasing foliage that attracts the birds and butterflies, the pool shimmers with its turquoise blue water and the fountain overflows with joyous rhythm. The bees buzz and circle the flower-laden trees. I am neither thirsty or hungry. This beauty has fulfilled my soul. Bali is the ‘Island of Gods. ” Is this the Eden we all crave to be in?, I wonder. Mythology and Symbolism I look at my surroundings with an open mind, searching for meanings and nuances. Ancient mythology and symbolism play a big role in the creation of this resort. Will I be able to peel away layers to delve into the deeper meanings of this magical place as I am challenged to do by my hosts? Or should I just enjoy the beauty it offers, to relax and rejuvenate my spirits? I go around taking pictures and committing to memory the spots that are inspiring and gorgeous. thoughts Beautiful, beautiful places. Renate - Guests Come First Reading the information in my room urges me to go on a discovery tour around the special rooms at Vision Villas. I must look for my guide Renate and hostess who has so graciously opened her home to me during this holiday. She has even kept a few of the staff for me to feel comfortable. I feel humbled and grateful. “Guest always comes first,” she tells me happily while showing I her resort. “There are 12 rooms which follow a cycle, telling a tale from creation to preservation to completion. Each room represents a Hindu God who is part of the cycle. “I poke my head into most rooms. Every room is different, and all the decorations are unique and have been personally researched and found by Renate and her interior designer / friend Desley Truscott . “We did the whole place in three weeks just before the XL Results Foundation Country Managers’ meetings last March. We were still hanging curtains when people were arriving. Roger is the person who had the ideas about how each room, every statue, fountain and pathway was going to be designed and how they all had to be connected in a cosmic cycle. “True Seekers Find the Answer The extensive write-up in each room lets guests get a glimpse of Roger’s whole vision and an indication of his depth of knowledge in this area. “Everything comes together in harmony and completion in the chain of 12 rooms while the 13th room watches,” he writes. There are questions but only the true seekers will find the answers. On the other hand, one does not need to be a philosopher, a Hindu, or even religious to learn and appreciate the thought that has gone into creating this resort. Anyone can enjoy the ambiance and fabulous the many amenities that it provides for its guests or what it does for charities in Bali. Renate, a radiograph by profession, is very passionate about the association of Vision Villas with John Fawcett Foundation, where she volunteers three days a week. “I do anything there, including cleaning the toilets. “Local Crafts A one-night stay at the Villa results in a donation that provides one eye operation for a Balinese. Every day that you stay here you give vision to a person. Renate is very big on charity and, like her husband, strongly believes in making money and giving it away. She has set up a gift shop in the resort which she sources locally made unique gifts for, with all proceeds going to the Foundation. There are silver jewellery, wooden statues, silk ware, handmade soaps and toiletries on sale. An auction was organised after last year’s Entrepreneur Business School (EBS). With the help of friends and associates it raised RP40 million for John Fawcett Foundation. She proudly displays the receipts from the donations at her gift shop. Renate is a very fit looking lady and she radiates a healthy glow. I ask if she is into any fitness regiment. She mentions casually that she was a champion swimmer in her youth in Ireland, where she won lots of trophies in the nationals and county meets. I find her worldly and so down-to-earth. She is very enthusiastic about Bali and her volunteer work. Her positive attitude on life and enthusiasm is contagious. We chat about her childhood. As a youngster she lived in Zambia with her family and loved the outdoors and the animals. In the Flow Bali is home and she says coming home through the gates its positive energies envelope her and she feels calm and in harmony with her surroundings and she feels her life is worthwhile . She volunteers at the Bali International School with her friend, Jane Manser, a New Zealander, whose parents were Olympic swimmers. They coach 80 children from 27 nationalities and promote internal competition. We walk through the gardens and she shows me her favourite spot, the spa pavilion which sits in the middle of a big square pond where the water lilies and lotus flowers jostle for attention and wait to be kissed by the rays of the sun. White muslin curtains hang from the four corners and it is a very romantic and peaceful setting for a relaxing spa treatment. (But today everyone is off and I will have to wait for another time to experience it.) ‘Presence’ in the Spa She tells me a story about the Parvati room that faces the spa bale. “In the beginning the staff would refuse going in as they felt a ‘presence’ inside. A few family members who are spiritual teachers felt the same way so the village priest had to be called in and after the rituals and ceremony, white curtains had to be hung across the room at the pavilion to attract the ‘presence’ were outside and Talismans put on opposite sides of the bale. Now the room is fine and the feeling that someone was there is gone. “But then this is Bali. Superstitions rule, I say! We keep walking and she shows me the tennis court and the library.” We also sponsor 33 students from the village, they could not afford to go to school so we help them out. “I am sure the villagers are very grateful to have such a generous neighbor within them.” We feel very safe here, “she adds.” They protect us. Most of the village is in some way connected to the resort. They employ locally and Renate everyone is very pleased with her management team who are very competent in their positions. Vision Villas has held a wedding, XL Country Managers meetings, EBS gatherings and even a detox week workshop put on by a Life Member. “It has been a very enjoyable year so far” she says, “and it has been a blast living here and meeting so many interesting Life Members.” The Children Impress I felt as if I had monopolised Renate long enough. This was the long weekend for the children and they needed her attention. Kathleen, a very smart young lady of 12, shows me her drawings. She likes to draw and design clothes while Luke, the youngest, who is eight, impresses me with his poetry. Ten-year-old Theresa is ready to make a cake. I leave them and wonder around the compound. I find my favourite spot on the second floor near the library. The reading pavilion is peaceful and overlooks the green fields. Comfy cushions and a good book are what the doctor ordered, so I sit to read and look at the stone monk on the floor. Some kids see me from the field and yell, “hello”. I wave back, then change places so they can not see me. I do not want them to get into trouble. Silence Day is not over until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Nugget Says Hello There should be no lights, no music and only candles. We have an early dinner. The staff ask me if I want something from the menu, and I say I will have the same as the family. Renate has cooked lasagna, which is delicious. We have the cake they all made together, and everyone agrees it is a marvellous effort and very tasty indeed. Kids go to their rooms. Nugget, the adopted dog, comes and says hello, and Renate and I sit in the candlelight and chat for hours. Candles are everywhere. I bid goodnight and goodbye to my gracious hostess and return to my room. “The room you are in is prepared to offer you a personal insight if you are prepared to accept it. The full vision that this place offers is a magical treat that it unravels over time.” I will come back to discover more. I have found a few answers to the questions, which made my stay meaningful. If your soul aches for peace and tranquility, make a stop at the Vision Villas “to get vision and to give vision,” as their mantra goes, and in the process feel recharged and rejuvenated. I left the room of Ganesha, the elephant god with the head, to travel across Bali to meet real elephants who were rescued and taken care of by a very caring soul, which you can read about in a future edition of XL Magazine.
Day of Silence
I arrived in Bali on the eve of New Year in the Hindu Balinese Saka calendar.

“You know tomorrow is the Day of Silence, yes?” The customs officer friend informs me. I say I am a regular visitor to Bali, but this is my first time during the holy feast. It is an impression.

I am greeted by Suter, driver of Vision Villas. The hands me an ice cream bottle of Aqua and compensation to maneuver through the many colorful parades that stretches along the road as Hindus celebrated on the night before his day of silence.

In Indonesia celebrated its New Year across the purification and sacrifice. On New Year’s Eve, villages and homes are cleaned, cooked food for two days and at night people make a lot of noise to drive away demons.

The Ogoh-Ogoh
Suter tells me there is a lot of great activity and exorcism throughout the island. The devotees in traditional Balinese costume Pure and go to worship to collect holy water. Also, transport and burn the ogoh-ogoh, a giant papier-mache statue that represents evil spirits. The next day is the day of total peace and tranquility, where everything stops for a day. They do not leave their homes, cook or participate in any activity. The streets are deserted, the airport is closed and tourists are not allowed to leave resorts. He then laughs and says: “It’s just one day, at least for the sake of the environment. The air is clean tomorrow.”

He is absolutely right. There is always a logical explanation behind the ancient wisdom.

Vision Villas is in Medahan, not too far from the craft villages of Gianyar. It is set in surroundings, in the midst of nature at its best, in rural areas of Bali. This is an action for personal enrichment. I am intrigued.

Pure elegance Balinese
Komang, very efficient and friendly receptionist, I welcomed with a refreshing drink lemon and after having registered, ask me for my dinner. It is late, but she said that the kitchen is open. “Would you like your food on the roof?”

What could sound better?

She leads me through a well-manicured lush garden, candles illuminate our path, walk to the pool, until a few steps to Ganesha room.

The four posters of the bed with silk cushions and a more comfortable bed with fluffy pillows and sit in the middle of the room. There are beautiful works of art, along with a statue of Ganesha in the cabinet wood also cleverly hides the mini fridge stocked up. The agreement with the welcome basket of fruit is a work of art in itself and my favorite flower, frangipani, is everywhere. The magnificent bathroom, with its flower arrangement that is within a fresh young coconut, is exquisite and there is a statue of an elegant lady hiding in the shower nozzle outdoors. Pure Balinese elegance coupled with the meticulous attention to detail in this five-star luxury boutique resort, amid rice and vegetable fields is surprising. Wireless Internet throughout the resort. Heaven!

Pure Thoughts
I have come with an open mind, and I think it will be blessed by many ideas that this place is ready to offer my “and be here at this time will be a special experience. I think pure thoughts, I want to see all sizes and Roger Hamilton Renate has been set for their guests to discover. I leaf through the information leaflet on the Board of Ganesha.

From my years studying in India, I know that Ganesha is the ‘God of Knowledge “, or as we say in my folder,” “God of New Beginnings’ - the head of elephant denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Aum, the symbol of sound cosmic reality. “I have read on.” You are in a better place now than when you were at the end of its last cycle. Pause here and take the time to connect and reflect before his new beginning. What are you grateful for? Who are you thankful? “The folder in my room teasing me.

After a night of sleep I am happy that in my terrace, on a wooden chair sun, a silk pillow to support my head. I have John Grisham’s latest book on my lap, but has no desire to read. The place draws me in. It was wrapped in the soul of nice foliage that attracts birds and butterflies, the pool glitters with its turquoise water and the source is brimming with joyful rhythm. The drone of bees and the circle of trees laden with flowers. I am neither thirst or hunger. This beauty has fulfilled my soul. Bali is the ‘Island of the Gods’. Is this Eden that we all yearn to be?, I wonder.

Mythology and symbolism
I look at my environment with an open mind, the search for meanings and nuances. Ancient mythology and symbolism play an important role in creating this resource. Will I be able to peel away layers to delve into the deeper meanings of this magical place that challenged me to do for my hosts? Or should we just enjoy the beauty it offers, to relax and rejuvenate my spirits? I’m going around taking pictures and committing to memory the spots that are inspiring and beautiful. Beautiful thoughts, beautiful places.

Renate - guests come first
Reading the information in my room I urged go to a discovery revolves around the Extraordinary Chambers in Vision Villas. I must find my guide and host Renate so graciously opened their home to me during this holiday. She has kept even some of the officials so that I feel comfortable. I am honored and grateful. “Guest always comes first,” I said happily showed me while his appeal.

“There are 12 rooms that follow a cycle, telling a story building for the preservation of their journey. Each room represents a Hindu God is part of the cycle.”

I lean out the head in most rooms. Each room is different, and all the decorations are unique and personally have been investigated and verified, Renate and his interior designer / friend Desley Truscott.

“We made all over the place in three weeks, just before the XL Results Foundation Country Managers’ meetings last March. We were still hanging curtains when people were coming. Roger is the person who had ideas about how each Room, each statue, fountain and road would be designed and how they all had to be connected in a cosmic cycle. ”

It is true that seek to find the answer
The wide-write in each room allows customers to obtain a picture of Roger’s joint vision and an indication of their depth of knowledge in this field. “Everything comes together in harmony and termination of the chain of 12 rooms, while the 13 th room clocks,” he writes. There are questions, but only seeking the true will find the answers.

On the other hand, one need not be a philosopher, a Hindu, or even religious to learn and appreciate the thinking that has invested in creating this resource. Everyone can enjoy the fabulous atmosphere and the many services it provides for its guests or what makes charity in Bali.

Renate, a radiology profession, is very passionate about the association of Vision Villas with the John Fawcett, where volunteers three days a week. “I do anything there, including cleaning toilets.”

Local Craft
One night accommodation at the Villa translates into a donation that provides an eye operation for a Balinese. Every day that you stay here gives vision to a person. Renate is very big in charity and, like her husband, cree strongly in making money and giving it away. She has launched a gift shop in the appeal that she made at the local sources of unique gifts, with all proceeds going to the Foundation. There are silver jewelry, statues of wood, silk, pottery, craft soaps and toiletries for sale.

An auction was organized last year after the Entrepreneur Business School (EBS). With the help of friends and relatives posed RP40 million for the John Fawcett. She proudly displays revenue from donations to its gift shop.

Renate is a very appropriate looking lady and she radiates a healthy glow. I ask if at any fitness regiment. She mentioned casually that was a champion swimmer in his youth in Ireland, where he won a lot of trophies at the national and county meets. I find it so mundane and down-to-earth. She is very enthusiastic about Bali and its volunteer work. His positive attitude and enthusiasm for life is contagious. We talk about his childhood. As a young man who lives in Zambia with his family and being outdoors and animals.

In the Flow
Bali is home and she said coming home through the doors of their positive energies on her and she feels calm and in harmony with their surroundings and feels his life is worth. She volunteers at the International School of Bali with his girlfriend, Jane Manser, a New Zealander, whose parents were Olympic swimmers. The coaches of 80 children of 27 nationalities and promote domestic competition.

We walk through the gardens and she showed me your favorite site, the spa pavilion which is in the midst of a large square pond where water lilies and lotus flowers jostle for attention and expect to be kissed by the sun’s rays. White muslin curtains hang from the four corners and is very romantic and peaceful for a relaxing spa treatment. (But today everyone is out and I’ll have to wait another time for the experience.)

A ‘Presence’ in the Spa
She tells me a story about the room Parvati facing the spa bullet. “In the beginning officials refuse to go as they felt a” presence “inside. A few family members who are spiritual teachers felt the same way so the village priest had to be called and then in rituals and the ceremony had to be white curtains hung in the hall at the flag to attract the presence of ‘outside talismans and were on opposite sides of the bullet. Now the room is very good and the feeling that someone has been ido . ”

But then this is Bali. Superstitions rule, I say!

We still walk and she showed me the tennis court and library. “We will also sponsor 33 students from the village, could not afford to go to school and therefore help them out.” I am sure that the villagers are very grateful to have such a generous neighbor within them. “We feel very safe here,” he adds. “They protect us. Most of the people is in some way connected to the appeal. They employ all local and Renate is very satisfied with his management team who are very competent in their positions.

Vision Villas has held a wedding, XL Country Managers meetings, gatherings and even a workshop EBS detoxification week to put a Life Member. “It was a year very enjoyable so far,” he says, “and has been an explosion living here and reunion for many members of interesting life.”

Children impress
I felt as if I had monopolized Renate long enough. This was the long weekend for children and they need your attention. Kathleen, a very intelligent young man of 12, shows me his drawings. He likes to draw and design clothes, while Luke, the youngest, who is eight, I am impressed with his poetry. Ten-year-old Theresa was ready to make a cake. I go and ask around the complex.

Finding my favorite site on the second floor near the library. Reading flag is peaceful and overlooks the green fields. Comfortable cushions and a good book is what the doctor ordered, so sit down to read and watch the monk stone on the floor. Some children I see from the field and yelling, “hello”. I wave back, then switch places and therefore can not see me. I do not want to get them into trouble. Silence is not the day over until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Nugget says hello
There should be no lights, not only music and candles. We have an early dinner. The staff asks me if I want something on the menu, and I say I will take it as a family. Renate has cooked lasagna, which is delicious. We have the cake they all made together, and everyone agrees is a wonderful effort and very tasty indeed. The children go to their rooms. Nugget, adopted the dog, comes and says hello, and Renate and I feel the candlelight and chat for hours. The candles are everywhere.

I bid goodbye and goodnight to my gracious host and return to my room. “The room in which is is prepared to offer a personal vision, whether they are prepared to accept it. The full vision offered by this magical place is a treatment which unravels over time.” I will return to discover more. I found some answers to questions, which made my stay meaningful. If your soul aches for peace and tranquility, make a stop on the Vision Villas “to get the vision and make the vision” as their mantra goes, and in the process of recharge and feel rejuvenated.

I left the room Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, to travel through Bali meet the true elephants that were rescued and cared for by a very caring soul, which can be read in a future edition of the magazine XL.

My reservation was from Sunday to Sunday and was booked online directly through the product vendor for Global Resorts Network. It took about 2 minutes to finish securing and paying for the trip. Although a member can book a hot week often as far out as 45 days, this was a last minute vacation idea for my family. What a fun way to finish up the summer before my daughter started back to school. I discovered the availability on a Tuesday afternoon for check in the following Sunday. (I love being flexible so I can grab these deals!)

We arrived late Sunday afternoon. After clearing security at the front gate, we were pointed to the reservation and guest amenity center. We were greeted at the door by staff who showed us where to the check in. It took about 10 minutes to secure our room, get our keys and get to our condo. I was stunned to see how large this vacation complex was. It’s a small city!

Following check in, we headed to the local grocery store to stock up for the week.

Our 2 bedroom/3 bath condo was bright and clean with large white tile floors throughout except for the bedrooms and a nice throw rug in the living room (makes good sense in light of the rainy Florida weather and several pools on site). The condo featured a full kitchen and a breakfast bar stocked with dishes, cookware, large and small appliances, just everything you’d need to prepare meals. We enjoyed a washer and dryer and lots of storage closets.

The two bedrooms were separated from each other for maximum privacy and each had their own full baths and double sinks. One room featured two double beds and the other featured a queen with access to the patio. Both had plenty of closet, cabinet and drawer space, night stands, plenty of lighting and TVs. A third guest bath was located off the main living area and featured a tile shower.

The living area was very nice and comfortable, lacking nothing. A beautiful tan leather couch and matching oversized chair were nice to relax on. Just like home, we had end tables, a matching coffee table, large entertainment center and sliding doors to the back patio, beautifully tiled in a Florida burnt orange color. A table and chairs as well as a lounge chair called for outdoor living and being fully screened in overlooking the lake, it was hard to resist. If the weather was too hot, inside we had a beautiful dining area that seated 6 comfortably for meals.

The resort amenities include:
14 swimming pools, children’s pools and Jacuzzis
Game Room with high tech video games and air hockey
100 Seat Theater for movies at 3, 5 and 7 pm (changing every day)

Multiple:
Shuffleboard courts
Sand Volleyball counts
Tennis courts
Basketball courts
Horseshoe pits

Also available is an Activity Center
Kids Club
Bike rental
Paddle Boating
Miniature Golf Course

Also on site:

Joe’s Marketplace and Deli located at the club house and is open daily. Offers a wide variety of groceries, sandwiches, sundried and one of a kind souvenirs.
Pizza Hut Express for delivery to your condo or poolside.
Joe’s Pool Bar for a variety of specialty drinks for enjoyment at the pool.
Photo shop for 1 hour developing
Resort Train to transport guests around the property

The resort offers daily and weekly rates for internet access. We did run into issues with being able to use the internet services. We had to run next door to the Ramada and use their lobby for checking emails as the internet service was not operational during our stay. It was very annoying, but overall, our stay was relaxing and enjoyable. If having access to internet is important, double check with the staff at the resort before you confirm your reservation.

On a final note, the Westgate Vacation Villas would not be a place you would come if you are seeking a quiet romantic private get-away. You won’t find that here. There’s a lot of action and a lot of families enjoying the amenities and their vacation at Westgate. I loved the family atmosphere and seeing everyone have fun. We were never bothered during our stay and the staff was always friendly and helpful.

The location of the Westgate Vacation Villas are perfect in relation to any of the Orlando/ Kissimmee theme parks, including any Walt Disney Park, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and the list goes on. The main gate to Disney World is just one mile away. Also within a few minutes’ drive are all the conveniences of home such as major chain grocery stores, the library, 3 Wal-Marts, places like that.

The Global Resorts Network travel club membership allows members to reserve 7 night, 8 day vacations in over 5,000 locations worldwide for as low as $298 and never more than $799, most cap out at $698. Reservations are made right online with a full customer service department to assist if need be. Convenient, easy, fast and over the top customer service make this travel club membership something to write home about. A member will quickly discover that after using the membership just once or twice, they have recouped their investment and now can use it for a lifetime.

Debbie Turner is an entrepreneur and Global Resorts Network home business coach and focuses on outsourcing. For details on the Global Resorts Network luxury travel club membership and business opportunity please visit www.grnreport.com, Blog: www.globalresortsnetworkblog.com Debbie can be reached at 843.270.5611

No, not a four bedroom ocean-view villa for a fortnight in August. I’m talking for keeps, here. Well, at least for a year or so, anyway.
When we first decided on a move to Portugal. No, I’ll start again. When we first decided on a move to the Algarve, it was agreed that renting a property would be the best way to explore the region before committing to a purchase. After all:
the cost of living in Portugal is less than that of the U.K.;
there are lots of rental properties available;
the Estate Agent we met in April said he could sort us out with quite a few long term lets to look at.
Game on. But what of the Players:
a single man in his early twenties with a backpack and the clothes he stands up in?
a rich and retiring couple with Euros to burn and all the time in the world to do it?
a Portuguese speaking Property Consultant with a thing for white paint and tiles?
None of the above, I’m afraid. ‘We’ consisted of myself, my partner, her parents, our son and each and every thing we owned.
Our criteria were, not so much ‘open ended’ as ‘never ending’. Still, at least the ladies agreed on the main points - they shall live in a spacious and light, low maintenance modern villa with a couple of balconies above the pool area and barbecue zone. They will not be overlooked; looking over; too close to or too far away from people. The immaculate, manicured gardens will compliment the rural surroundings and be the ideal place to sit and marvel at the breathtaking views of the rolling hills, whilst listening to the gentle crashing of the waves from the private beach below. It will be tranquil and unspoilt by tourists and only a two minute walk from a world class Chinese restaurant. Oh, and by the way, we’ll be needing two of those. Not too close, but not so far away that we can’t visit each other regularly.
Unfurnished.
Hopes, Rocks and Dashed are the words that spring to mind now. But at the time, 800 Euros a month seemed a generous budget for such a humble abode in a country where “it’s cheaper to live” and there are “lots of rental properties” and the “nice man” we met has “loads” to show us etc.etc.
So, with one of the houses sold and ours still awaiting a buyer, it was time to wave off the scouting team.
We hoped it wasn’t too many days before the villas were located and deposits deposited. Our son was due to start Year 10 of his education in less than a month and it would be better for all concerned if he was ’settled in’ before then.
The school was a fee paying school, but also a necessity, as the relative continuity of the curriculum meant the lad had a fighting chance of (academically) surviving the move. Anyway, this school is located west of Central Algarve. So, we now had another criteria to add to the mix: one of the luxurious villas (off the beaten track, yet close to all amenities) needed to be, either, near the school, or close to a school bus pick-up point. Anything east of the airport or too far inland was out of the question.
From their vantage point (east of the airport and quite a bit inland) the scouting team made daily sorties into the west; reporting back to the U.K., incessantly gathering intelligence that would one day, hopefully, soon, prove crucial to the relocation exercise.
One day came and one day went. August departed and September arrived. We departed and also arrived. Then, after a short honeymoon period it was time to get down to the business of finding our elusive (air conditioning in every room and miniscule electricity bills) villa.
September (we were told) was when shed loads of lets came on the scene. Once the tourists had gone, landlords would be “biting our hands off”. We were all becoming very excited about how ‘off the beaten track’ the (separate Jacuzzi, for those who prefer not to swim 15m lengths of the pool) villa was going to be. I mean, even we couldn’t find it and we were trying damn hard.
Each day we trawled the Estate Agents, who suggested we try the Villa Management people, who, in turn, suggested the Resident, the Portugal News and the 123 newspapers. The Resident and 123 papers hit the streets on a Thursday and so did we. Driving around with a mobile to the ear; munching lunch out of a bag; scribbling appointment times on a pad; changing gear and guzzling peach flavoured iced tea (the new Coca-Cola).
One of our many caffeine pit-stops was at a supermarket (I’ll use a pseudonym rather than the real name of the supermarket). This supermarket was called Macedonia and it was in a town called Old Mans Hill. On the notice board of the supermarket, appeared a postcard offering a villa for long term rent, right there in Old Mans Hill. Moreover, I had read the postcard and understood it: the landlord would speak English. He did.
We met, looked around and returned to the ladies with our quarry. Was this one of the (old and traditional but modern and clean) villas in the bag?
No. But it was big enough for all of us together and (not wishing to divulge the cost) was exactly twice the 800 Euros budget we were going to spend per villa anyway.
So myself, my partner, her parents, our son and each and every thing we owned moved into the villa, which, apart from storage space and a pool, met none of the criteria specified. We needed to continue the search.
October (we were told) was when all the properties became available. September (we were told) was not a good time: Golfers take over where the tourists left off, and whoever told us September was good knew nothing. Once October comes, the landlords would be “falling over themselves to get to us”.
Once again, the cycle began. Mondays to Wednesdays driving around different areas nipping in and out of estate agents; looking for ‘Aluga Se’ signs on the fronts of houses; scanning the supermarket notice boards. Thursdays and Fridays were early starts and involved phoning one number out of the paper en route to see another property. But each and every time, having driven from A to B to C to D with hope in our hearts - nothing. The ad. would give the raw details: number of rooms; location; price etc. The initial phone contact would provide a little more info, and both stages allowed you to eliminate or investigate the property further. But, without images, stage 3 had to be a trip to the property.
Much misery over many miles ensued. One property we were shown around belonged to a family whose business had gone bust. The first six or so rooms were underwhelming but inoffensive; the seventh contained the family. Our guide was surprised at how much of a problem this presented.
Another property we viewed had an old man in bed. “The Grandfather wouldn’t be alive much longer. So the casa would be available then” we were informed.
Then there was the house of poodles. The owner beckoned us in from behind the back door, then scurried away into a downstairs room, where she continued our conversation. Five plates of dog food sat in a sort of line. You could tell Monday’s plate from Friday’s plate. The shower room had no shower curtain and, even in the dim light, you could see it was full of old shoes. We never actually met her.
In the same area, another lady escorted us around her property for ten minutes before casually announcing the blue door in the hallway would be her access only - to her part of the house.
This practice seems not uncommon, as several Portuguese landlords intended to continue living in some annexe or other. One had 3 buildings available on the same site - 2 empty plus his house. If we didn’t like the 2 empty ones we could have his family home and he would move his family into one of the others.
Ultimately, you need to inspect a property before you can fully assess its viability as a home. But, had I been able to see photographs online, I could have definitely weeded out 80% of them before arranging a visit - saving time, disappointment and Earth’s precious resources.
As a result of my frustrations, I have built a free submission website for landlords to offer properties. Images are encouraged and I have tried to make the whole process as simple as possible.

The Algarve region of Portugal is famous for the quality of its golf courses and those renting villas in the Algarve region for a holiday will want to take advantage of these superb facilities. There’s not many places where you can spend part of the day playing golf and the other sightseeing or sunbathing on some of the finest beaches in the world. Sun, sea and golf – what more can you want from your holiday in Portugal?

Here are some of the best courses in the Albufeira for those who have holiday accommodation in that area of the Algarve :-

Albufeira Golf Courses

Salgados – This 18 hole golf course is between Albufeira and Armacao de Pera. With its many water obstacles, it is a real test of golfing skills. It is a well balanced  course with each half having three par 3 holes of 170  metres and two par five holes of about 500 metres. The course par is 72.

Pine Cliffs – This 9 hole golf course is located in a pine wood situated on the edge of a cliff. The first two holes are quite easy but the course gets more challenging after that. The hole known as “The Devil’s Parlou” is a particular challenge because you have to play over a ravine. Par is 33.

Balaia Golf Village – Located on the road between Albufeira and Vilamoura, this is a 9 hole course which is ideal for beginners. All holes are par 3 and are based around a loop. The course is also perfect for those wanting to practise and perfect their distance control. Par is 27.

Alto Golf – This 18 hole golf course was designed by Sir Henry Cotton, three times winner of the British Open golf championship. This course really does test a golfer. It has dog legs, cleverly placed bunkers and many trees and shrubs to negotiate your way around but has spectacular scenery to enjoy as it makes its way through two valleys with the Monchique mountains in the background. The course is par 72.

Ocean Golf Course – This golf course can be found in Vale do Lobo and is a Par 70 course. Another Sir Henry Cotton course, this is an 18 hole clifftop course with wonderful views

Pinheiros Altos – On the edge of the Ria Formosa Natural Park is this 18 hole golf course in the Quinta do Lago estate in Almancil. The course is a challenging one because the second nine holes are set between hills dotted with water hazards and the green of the seventeenth hole is on an island. The course has become popular with top professional golfers for pre season practice sessions. The par of this course is 72.

Quinta do Lago South – This par 72, 18 hole golf course has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times. The course can be played in a variety of ways because of its two anti-clockwise loops and is a great course for all standards of players.

Quinta do Lago North (Rio Formosa) – This par 72, 18 hole golf course can be a bit of a challenge. There are sometimes windy conditions on the par 3 holes, there are dog legs on the par 4 holes, water hazards on holes 13 and 18 and the par 5 holes require both accuracy and power from the golfer.

San Lorenzo, Quinta do Lago – Ranked second in Europe, this 18 hole golf course is a challenging course with various water hazards and a few holes going through a pine forest. The 18th hole, which is situated on a half island green, is said to be one of the best finishing holes in the world. There are wonderful views over the sea and over the lakes of the Natural Park that the course is set in. The Par is 72.