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Expert financial advice Keep up to date with our Finance expert, chartered accountant Ricardo Chaves from All Finance Matters. HOLIDAY RENTALS If you are considering renting your property, there are several questions regime on my rentals? then your taxable income will be a lot lower, that you need to be aware of in The effective tax rate on Category B, in the as you only invoice for the income your order to avoid any problems with simplified regime, for a non-resident Property receive, after deduction of commissions by the Portuguese Authorities. First of Owner will be 8.75%, for apartments and the portals and the rental agency. all, you need to bear in mind when villas and 3.75% for hostels, etc. So, for 8) What is the tax threshold for the Local you rent your property in Portugal, that example if you have earnings of €10,000 the Lodging activity? irrespective if you are a tax resident or not, taxable income, equates to €3.750 in a villa There is no threshold in terms of personal the rental income will always need to be or apartment. If you are non-resident, you income tax, you will always be taxed on 35% declared in Portugal. will be taxed at 25% (25% x 35% = 8.75%) of the gross income received (invoiced). There Secondly, the Tax Authorities (Finanças) state If however you are non-resident, then the is however a VAT threshold, if you are exempt categorically that Property Owners letting taxable amount is the same (35%) but the and invoice more than 14.5000€ during 2023, directly to holidaymakers are viewed as tax rate depends on your tax bracket. Please this means that in 2024 you will start charging business activity and must be declared. note that under Category F (long term lets), 6% on your local lodging invoices. There Despite this, several taxpayers have been the same income is taxed autonomously at will be no consequences on your income declaring rentals on Category F, this should 28%, so the tax liability would be €2,800, 3 for 2023, as the alteration will only occur in be reserved for “long-term” rentals (more times more! January 2024 and only from February 1st of than 30 days). Only the “locação turística”, 4) Do I have to issue invoices to 2024, you will start billing with VAT. when the property owner makes a contract holidaymakers? 9) What are the implications of being on ceding the property to an agent for ongoing You have two options, either you issue the VAT regime? letting to tourists, which may be taxed under invoices to the guest or you issue invoices You will need to submit quarterly VAT returns; category B or F. to your rental agent. Please note that this for this you will need to submit all the invoices The main reasons for you to assure that depends on the type of contract you have related with your property to your accountant, your property is fully compliant, are: with the rental agent and it may be important so he can assess your VAT liability. Most of 1. You can only advertise on any of the portals, that you keep the AL license in your name, in the invoices for the utilities will be at 23%, if you have a rental license number (AL); order to do this. which means that your deductions will be 2. The tax authorities receive information on 5) Will I need to be VAT registered? quite high, when compared with the low the income paid by the rental portals (Air BnB, You will be VAT registered, but you will benefit VAT rate charged to guests. You can also Booking.com, etc) and fines are considerably from a VAT exemption unless you chose not offset the VAT on the commissions from your high for those not complying with all the to be exempt, or if your income exceeds rental agent, accountancy fees, equipment obligations. €14,500 per year. Please note that as the VAT purchased to the property, etc. If you have a 3. Tax is considerably low if you are on this you will charge to holidaymakers is 6% and as VAT credit, this can be refunded in the future. scheme, as a non-resident you pay as little most of your operating expenses has VAT at 10) Can I offset my mortgage interest as 8.75% tax, instead of being taxed at 28% 23% rate, normally you should be in credit in against my tax liability? (which is the tax rate for long term lets). The terms of VAT or have a very little VAT liability. No. As you are on the simplified regime, the tax is even lower, for hostels, guesthouses 6) I have several properties and charge taxable income is assessed automatically. and other properties where you can rent a VAT to my guests; can I use a rental agent Only if you were in the normal regime, this single room, instead of the whole property: and still pay the 6% VAT rate? would be possible. Please note that the 3.75%. Yes, providing the rental licenses are in normal regime is only interesting, if you have So why take unnecessary risks and not obey your name it’s possible to invoice the rental a lot more than 65% of costs in comparison the law? Please find below some questions agency at 6%, for the income received. to your income. and answers, to help you understand a bit Normally only the license holder can invoice 11) Do I have to pay Social Security more about the local lodging: for the Local Lodging service (see Law contributions? 1) As a business, will there be complicated Decree 128/2014 article 16), however if the The Local Lodging activity is exempt of Social accounting/reporting requirements? rental agent is managing all the bookings Security contributions if you rent the house or No, unless your income is over €200,000 and services related to obtaining income, apartment in full and not rooms. But please per year, we will class you on the “Simplified it’s possible that the company can issue the note that this only applies to the cases where Regime” and as the name says, everything invoice to the guest, replacing the property this is your only activity registered with the tax will be simple. owner and in this case when you invoice the office. If you have any other activities, please 2) What is the simplified regime and what rental agent you also use the VAT rate of 6% contact us as there are various full and partial expenses can I offset against my rentals? (as per number 4 of article 4 of the VAT code). exemptions that apply in most cases. Most of the Sole Traders in Portugal elect to 7) What is the best scheme in my operate under the Simplified Regime when circumstances, should I invoice or let my If you have any other questions, please feel opening their business activity. Under the rental agent do it for me? free to contact us, we aim our expertise and simplified regime taxpayers cannot deduct You need to discuss this with your rental know-how to work in your benefit, keeping professional and business expenses against agent, but if your property generates rental you tax compliant while paying only the legal their annual gross income. The taxable income of 10.000€, and you issue invoices minimum. Please note that there are many income of this category will be computed to the guests, your taxable income is 3.500€, other obligations related with the AL activity, automatically, based on their income. even if you may receive a lot less after all but normally your rental agent will assist you 3) What is the tax payable on the simplified commissions and costs. If, however, your with this. rental agent does the invoicing to the guest, 52 www.eastalgarvemag.com
We’ll look after your tax a airs while you look after your lifestyle www.eastalgarvemag.com 45
Expert financial advice by John Alden, Managing Partner at Private Client Consultancy HOW’S YOUR PENSION LOOKING? M any of us worry an ISA or similar. place? about funding for our If these same pensioners have no children, To achieve the 8pc return will require a high retirement. That’s all they want to do is spend their hard- level of risk, but our retiree should not take because pensioners earned cash on trips before they croak. such a risk with the ISA if the aim is to match need to balance the fact However, spending £10,000 a year on inflation. Our retiree should therefore focus on that they can no longer holidays, as most expect less volatile investments. rely on a dependable monthly salary with to do, will very quickly eat It is understandable With a pension that is based into the savings. If they on a mixture of cash and additional inheritance and care costs – and to be nervous in the present market, because of that, it seems that each pound then plan to keep some active global stock market cash back to cover future funds. The retiree’s current is split several ways. Many of us also want care costs by investing a approach will see virtually to earmark our savings for the finer things in life. To live the life and lifestyle we dream of. little here and there – time so holding more no return on the cash, and may not be on their side. his funds carry a relatively Don’t forget to ask the question about how your pension is looking. Many will acknowledge cash may seem high cost. Both will hit his this stumbling block and sensible now, but returns. A far more realistic The average pensioner today, is someone be concerned that it’s return of 6.5pc a year, who has an employer’s pension that pays out around £18,000 a year, alongside an £8,000 a strategy not up to the there is much to before charges, can be obvious scrutiny. And if boosted by lowering his state pension and maybe an average of 9k rental income from a second property, that ‘here and there’ style be said for the costs. investing means numerous It is understandable to which means they will have enough to live old adage “time on. It is also typical for the same pensioner high risk moves, there’s be nervous in the present to own a separate private pension with an most likely going to be a in the market will market, so holding more lot to be concerned about. cash may seem sensible average value of around £115,000 on top of that. Others may have more than one, with Diversifying investments outweigh timing now, but there is much to be said for the old adage “time a value that is considerably more. With a across different the market.” Being invested private pension, it’s also not uncommon to companies, types of asset in the market will outweigh and regions is a great way timing the market.” Being see half of it sitting in cash for fear of falling to reduce risk. But there invested should improve stock markets, along with an additional £25,000 invested in is such a thing as over- should improve the chances of achieving diversification. If our retiree growth in excess of cash stocks and shares is adamant, they will want the chances of returns, and if our retiree is to achieve 8pc a year, which achieving growth sticking to his guns and still in frankly is not very realistic, wants 8pc, then our retiree and there will need to be in excess of cash needs to get moving and an overhaul of the current put it into action. investments in many returns Research has shown cases, especially if that over the long term there happens to be it is better to invest your a whole list of them. This is because spare cash in one hit rather than drip feeding it the more funds and stocks you have, over several months, and that’s because what the less impact a single investment is termed ‘the sweet spot of phasing’ can will have on the portfolio. Less is take between 24 and 36 months to produce more! fruit. This comes with risks still – therefore The long-term return of the stock by phasing investment over, let’s say, five market is just over 5pc a year months at £10,000 a month, our retiree would above inflation. To beat that, it avoid anchoring to one point of entry. will require emphasis on higher- When the final decision is made for the growth areas of the market. direction our retiree wants to take, they And that means our retiree will should think about it this way… which would have to decide whether they disappoint them more: that their money could are comfortable taking that risk. go down overnight… or that our retiree might That will also mean reducing the miss out on some sizeable gains? In the end, number of funds. And if our retiree it will always be our retiree’s decision. doesn’t have enough conviction to add additional monetary funds into them… they would need to ask themselves whether they were worth owning in the first 54 www.eastalgarvemag.com
Craft Beer Tasting at: Senescal 16th February 16:00 Wine Tasting at: Quinta Da Tor 24th February 14:30 For more information or to book your free place please email John at: [email protected] or call +351 281 023 865 www.eastalgarvemag.com 47
LEGO & Sara de Melo Castanheira is an Have you ever played with expert in Occupational Therapy Lego? How did you feel when and Quality of Life. She is also the you were playing with it? How Technical Director of SER Igual, an many good memories do you Association of special rehabilitation have when thinking about services in Tavira Lego? How many hours did you spend absorbed in play? Did you know that THERAPY Lego can also be used in therapy? And it can also be used with adults and seniors? therapist. Also, the therapist knows that in play spectrum. That's why Lego Therapy is a grateful Lego is a construction toy consisting of therapy, children are encouraged to express, practice model of intervention to be used by interlocking plastic building blocks with through play, all the things they may have occupational therapists! variously coloured interlocking plastic bricks difficulty saying or contextualising into words, Early research has identified several behavioural accompanying an array of gears, figurines, Lego is a way to promote communication. and social benefits flowing from Lego Therapy and various other parts. Lego pieces can be While neurodivergent children can often with children: assembled and connected in many ways to be misunderstood due to different ways of • Significant reduction in maladaptive construct objects. Anything constructed can communicating, they have the same need and behaviours including tantrums, avoidance be taken apart again, and the pieces reused to desire as all other children: to feel understood, of responsibility, physical aggression, and make new things. accepted, build meaningful friendships to reach bed wetting; The use of Lego as a therapeutic intervention their full potential and aspirations in life. • Easing of the anxiety felt by preschool- was uncovered by accident by psychologist Research into Lego based therapy has shown aged children due to hospitalisation; Daniel LeGoff (2004). His discovery came when positive outcomes for social interaction, • Increased social confidence and he observed two of his socially withdrawn child communication, behaviour and emotional independence of primary-aged children with patients playing together with Lego in his clinic’s wellbeing for children and young people on the social communication difficulties; waiting room, sparking the idea of developing autism spectrum. Therapy with Lego in groups • Greater willingness to initiate social an intervention involving the construction toys. gives a playful learning opportunity to have interactions, such as asking another child Today, Lego Therapy is used primarily with positive social experiences, connect with others questions. children to teach skills such as turn taking, over a shared interest, improve emotional Occupational therapy, like Lego Therapy sharing, listening, conversation, teamwork, well-being, and develop friendships. It also can stimulate different brain areas, promote shared attention, problem-solving and can be helps reduce any negative outcomes such as new skills and the adoption or adaptation of done in groups of 3-4 children or individually. social isolation and mental health problems. better behaviours. Therapy with Lego helps to The group therapy brings children together It helps build stronger societal awareness and develop social skills that include ways in which through a shared interest in Lego play in group acceptance of autism. the child relates to others in order to make settings. As a group, they work together to build One of the acknowledged benefits of Lego play friends, have their needs met, be assertive, specific Lego models or design and build their for autistic children is the consistency in the way employ boundaries and cooperate. Engaging in own freestyle Lego creations in small teams. that Lego bricks all fit into the same Lego system pretend play, the therapist can create situations They take turns mastering different roles of the in play. This predictability can help children who that require the child to respond to various building process until the model is complete may experience increased anxiety in social social situations by using Lego figurines. In e.g., groups of three will be divided into an situations, e.g., if a child is expected to play with this way, the child can indirectly explore the engineer who gives the instructions, a supplier someone new. The many Lego themes also appropriateness of their own social behaviour. who finds the relevant bricks, and a builder who help children practice their imaginative skills Therapy with Lego also helps to build self- puts the pieces together. individually or in groups, and the instructions esteem and self-concept as the child feels Since autistic children may need additional for these sets fit with the methodical way of empowered by the construction they did by support with social communication, they can thinking in autism allowing play to be structured themself or in a group, children start feeling start first with individual sessions, in order and predictable, even within a social setting. more confident as they master the role they to help make interactions more meaningful There are an infinite number of creations that play. Imaginative pretend play can be used and engaging through clear roles, rules and can be made, the possibilities are endless so to help the child experience various roles that activities. By building and playing together each time a creation is begun, there is the desire either represent their current strengths or the with the therapist, the child collaborates, to develop it and make it bigger and better. qualities that they would like to have. With Lego communicates, negotiates and problem- Research has shown that Lego Therapy often Therapy we notice that children feel a sense of solves, developing ways to create friendships taps into the natural interests and motivations of belonging and connection. and creating social opportunities in a safe and children with autism, making it a highly effective Associação SER Igual is a non-profit association fun environment, guided by an occupational form of therapy. In particular, it’s suggested that for handicap people and with Public Utility that is children with autism are drawn to activities that helping children, teenagers and their caregivers involve systemising and pattern prediction. Lego to get better life quality and helping change the is a highly structured, visual construction toy. It is paradigm of inclusion in East Algarve. multi-sensory and gives great sensory feedback Please visit us on our FB page (@SerIgualPT) when snapped together. It is highly motivating and IG (@igual.ser) and make an appointment for many autistic kids! Lego construction and to [email protected] or by phone 918180020. the build instructions are very visual and logical The article theme was interesting for you? Be - again areas of strength for many on the autistic aware of the next article. Thank you! 56 www.eastalgarvemag.com
Health DOES ALUMINIUM CAUSE DEMENTIA? T oxicity is all around us. For How heavy metals found in everyday life pays a example, did you know that role in Alzheimer's disease and Multiple Sclerosis you are exposed to many heavy metals including your body, especially underarm deodorant in return to work and was looking and feeling aluminium and mercury daily? which aluminium is commonly used. like a new woman. She took herself off some So what? I hear you ask. Some say that a common cause of breast of the medication and replaced with natural Well, according to many peer-reviewed cancer in women is wearing underwire bras solutions to manage her symptoms whilst she research articles, when aluminium breaches and aluminium loaded underarm deodorant. made changes in her lifestyle and diet. the blood brain barrier, then a form of dementia Consider the scenario… your lymphatic Mercury is found within some of the is likely to result. Professor Christopher system gets easily congested because it's following, and more:- Exley from Keel University is known as Mr the only system that has no pump (hence • Medication Aluminium. Chris has spent his whole career why movement and exercise is important to • Pesticides researching the effects of aluminium on the move lymph around the body). Lymph glands • Damaged amalgam fillings human body. Look on YouTube where you under the arms get constricted by tight bras • Herbicides will find Professor Exley and other interesting with underwires and are further assaulted by • Contact lenses solution (look for thimerosal videos on the topic. toxicity from aluminium. The build-up can Aluminium is in the air we breathe, the food potentially lead to cancer. on the label) we eat, and we put it on our skin in the form Ladies, please remove underwires and wash • Skin creams of creams, lotions, and deodorants. more often – deodorant is a modern invention • Haemorrhoid suppositories DON'T USE ALUMINIUM FOIL WHEN which most of us don't need. The marketeers • Cosmetics COOKING. have managed a great selling job on us. • Paint When aluminium foil is exposed to heat, Gentlemen, please check your labels too on HOW TO CHECK YOUR LEVELS higher concentrations of aluminium seep into aftershave as well as deodorant, and note My online health mentoring programme the food. that men contract breast cancer too. includes analysis of your blood and hair. I WHY IS THIS CAUSE FOR CONCERN? When applying perfumes NEVER put directly guide you how to take your own samples Because a build-up of aluminium on your skin, apply on your hair or clothes and send them directly to the respective contributes to the following challenges instead. Your skin is the largest organ in the laboratories. I receive detailed reports which and others:- body and absorbs quickly what you place on I discuss with you via a personal video call • Alzheimer’s, and early onset dementia it. and recommend solutions to reverse or • Pregnant women are especially vulnerable CASE STUDY – MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS minimise your symptoms. If you don't have Sheila´s sister asked me to help her to feel any symptoms and pride yourself on being with potential foetal development issues better. I´d already supported Sandra through well, be assured there will be something • Impairment of the Nervous system her cancer journey towards recovery and lurking in the background which may have • Seizures and other brain problems she was convinced that Sheila´s predicted been building for years. • Stomach and bowel issues medical diagnosis of MS was wrong. Clients who have a top line medical • Slow development of children Sheila was a hairdresser and unable to diagnosis always have underlying challenges • Bone diseases and loss of bone mass work for some time because of fatigue, loss which regular medics rarely identify in my • Chronic lung diseases of balance, memory loss, rashes, terrible experience. It's the underlying conditions, • Anaemia digestion, tingling, hair loss, depression, including emotional stress, which gets in the • Memory loss headaches, and other symptoms. She was way of healing. • Organ failure also on multiple medications, all of which Please remember that it's much easier to • Cancer carry side effects. prevent illness than to recover from it - I • Thyroid challenges Her symptoms were similar in nature to MS know this from personal experience. I beat an • Loss of coordination and therefore her impending diagnosis she incurable and rare kidney disease and various WHAT´S THE COOKING SOLUTION? was threatened with. forms of cancer including stage four and now Instead of foil, use non-bleached parchment As you can see from Sheila´s mineral help my clients to achieve optimal health and paper when cooking and wrapping warm and toxicity assessment, she was loaded wellbeing. food. When storing and freezing food, ensure with calcium, magnesium, and mercury. Elaine Godley MBA, O.A. Dip (Psych) is a that you wait until the food is cold before In addition, from the dry blood analysis I multi-award-winning Health and Wellbeing transferring to aluminium foil dishes for recommended, Sheila also showed signs of Mentor and DISC Behaviour Specialist living freezing. cell damage, oxidative stress, gut issues, liver in The Algarve. To schedule a free initial CHECK THE LABELS stress, early onset arthritis (Sheila was only conversation with Elaine use this link https:// Please read the labels for anything you use on 37) and other challenges. tidycal.com/elainegodley/free-1-to-1-video- Within three weeks of following my call-on-zoom recommendations, Sheila began planning her www.eastalgarvemag.com 57
EAxpskatHBeAalDth ADVICE... theC O NLCTAANAIGNUUSATSGITEOR ONN G Not all advice is good and not all people are as genuine as you may think. Enjoy our 'bad advice' column from the expert we have all met, know and love... the Expat.his month, we take a heartfelt plea in Ask The Expat. One of the most friendly, benevolent, and charitable T individuals 'in the whole on the floor. 'A real bottle for me, I'm the 'I was like what! How can anyone tell that was ****ing People's Princess' as she burps. me!? She is wearing a hat and sunglasses We wonder if we are dreaming or have woken and a mask!' up in some kind of nightmare soap opera 'The translator said, 'what, so you admit stuck in a hellbound purgatory. Soothingly it?' 'I said admit what!? I am being set up! I ****ing world' (she screams) and seemingly to the air, I say, 'now if you mean I am a fashion icon! I wouldn't wear a is raging and has stormed into our office, calm down, we will do our best to tell your fluorescent purple snakeskin catsuit!' making us write under duress… story.' 'I mean there I am, working my arse off all It is okay, we doubt her literacy and ability to She collapses dramatically onto the chair like day like a Saint for the Goat Foundation and focus on what we have written, and she lacks some misunderstood heroic and Franz Kafka saving all these poor neglected hairy kids, self-perception, but writing this as an SOS protagonist. We wonder if this is 'The Trial' and they dare call me an imposter!' message if you receive this by email if things and if anyone sprinkled what she was taking Flinching, but determined to address the get out of hand. Paging the Saints! on our cornflakes this morning. The entire Cabra in the room, I ask, 'but after the Today it is Friday 13th January at 1.30 pm and episode feels stilted and surreal and as badly story broke in the Portuguese Lighthouse we have a feeling it is going to be an unlucky fictionalised as her butchered tale is. paper, many came forward, suggesting you and long one. 'It all began when the GNR came to my scammed them, you have multiple restraining Raging around us, throwing our stapler and house' she says, baring her bruised and cut orders out on you, charges pending for sellotape, swaying as she swigs wine, our knuckles. 'I couldn't even understand what harassment and have been banned from self-imposing visitor wails then screams at us they were saying, so I gave them a piece of multiple groups and venues…\" 'why do all the stuck-up ExPats hate me? I my mind.' \"It's all ****ing lies! I am being set up big time!' did nuffin' and all the haters are ****ing jealous 'Well, they only handcuffed me, didn't they I simply ask 'why?' cos I am so kind-hearted and beautiful!' and shoved me in their meat wagon as I 'I don't know why' she screams, throwing up 'I'll gouge out their eyeballs and use their spread my legs so they couldn't shove me in! all the papers on my desk into the air. heads as bowling balls on their boring I mean, they manhandled me! Manhandle me! 'It's because they are all bullies! I've always bowling green! The stuck-up ****s!' 'Bowling' Me! Me!\" she shrieks. been picked on for being so beautiful and it's she chuckles, 'bowling!' 'And they dare say 'I know it was really because they fancied me, always women who can't take it! 'Excuse my I'm the wrong un, the filthy perverts!' but I won't give it up easily, unlike what those ****ing beauty' she screams! Presenting in a gorgeous sheeny catsuit jealous wives say. We all know I could choose Update. After an experience that can only tracksuit in neon baby blue and lime green, any one of those dirty beggars and take all be described out of the Twilight Zone, after our banshee captive seems to have had many their men'! an hour of her raging, frothing at the mouth challenges navigating today or ever. Trying to get her back on track we say 'you about being a modern-day Mother Teresa, the Seemingly having missed her eyes and lips digress'... She screams, 'you ****ing what'? crescendo came when our 'guest' threw our with her makeup, she makes a bewildering 'Don't you start on me you ****'!' magazine's award trophy out of the window, sight. Her mouth gurns drastically as her 'Digress means you need to continue with (clearly not for this column). Hurriedly, a plain- knotted tangled hair frames her blotchy your first story about your arrest.' clothed policeman arrived as she throws a visage, her scrunchy balances precariously She eyes us up and down, a false eyelash chair… on the edge of her nest of ragged split ends. hanging by a single thread like an oily The last thing she shrieks as she is being She screams as she drops a lit cigarette from tarantula that has begun to crawl down her carried over the policeman's shoulder kicking her talons, her wrinkled mouth creased with face. 'I knew that' she mutters, 'I was testing and screaming, \"why is everyone picking rage, 'now even the old Algarve bill is picking you' as her octave and pitch proceed into a on me?!\" \"I'm like the Algarve's Princess on me! I'm out on bail, but I'm telling my story cat-like yelp. Dianaaaaaaaah\".... and you'd better write it for me' she says 'Don't patronise me, like those lot' she I cannot think why she is shunned in any way, menacingly, swinging, then swigging from the screams 'or I'll fry ya!' 'Well, I didn't know I muse necking a painkiller for the echo of her empty bottle. anything about it until the brief showed. That voice that has seemingly left me with tinnitus 'You bastards'! She screams! 'You've drunk smug old cow said they had reason to believe and delirium. Can you? all the wine'! 'Get me another bottle'! I had put fake charity boxes in shops and that We cautiously return with a plastic bottle of a woman meeting my description was seen water. She grabs it and scowls, 'I'm not a with wire cutters taking all the charity boxes stinking fish' she says emptying its contents from all around the Algarve!' 58 www.eastalgarvemag.com
Health LIP FILLERS 59 An unusual solution to treating chapped, dry and irritated winter weather lips. A s we get older and wiser, another side effect is that our lips tend to get thinner, lose volume and often lines start appearing around the mouth. At Alegria we specialise in non-invasive lip augmentation to combat signs of ageing in this area and others too. We do this with the use of hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid might seem a bit of a scary word, however, we assure you that in fact it is harmless. Hyaluronic acid is a gooey, squishy, slippery substance that our bodies produce naturally. Scientists have found hyaluronic acid throughout the body, especially in eyes, joints and skin, it is a compound found naturally in the skin, where it binds to water to help retain moisture. These properties make it ideal to use as fillers for the lips and other areas. One of our more popular treatments is enhancing lips with hyaluronic acid, to give them a fuller and more plump look, it helps to define the lip line and also to reduce and minimise smoker’s lines and wrinkles around the mouth. In addition to aesthetics, if you suffer from dry, irritated lips due to the cold weather, it’s possible that lip fillers can help treat these symptoms as hyaluronic acid boosts hydration. At Alegria we work with a range of different high quality products offering the brands Juvéderm, Restylane and Belotero. For more information, please contact us via telephone or WhatsApp. www.eastalgarvemag.com
Gardens Flora Aura February, widely known as the month of love… Many choose to gift their Aphrodite roses, however, what about a different and more long lasting approach? We’ve compiled a guide to match plants with various characters and personality traits. Flowers may fade, but (hopefully) the right plant will stay the distance. Reserved Patient This character tends to be very responsible and a little quieter. The calm, collective and cool headed person that deals well and To lean into their nature, we offer Maranta leuconeura red. The has a calming effect on the drama queens in life. The Ficus Red Prayer plant gets its name from the way the leaves fold in lyrate needs appropriate attention to keep it at its best. Best the evening because they resemble hands folded in prayer. They to keep this beauty in a sunny and bright space, otherwise the like to be watered regularly and require checking on from time leaves of the fiddle-leaf fig will drop lower as a sign that it doesn’t to time. They are native to the rainforests of Brazil, and although have enough energy to sustain itself. Some call the fiddle-leaf this houseplant is somewhat tolerant of low light conditions, the fig high-maintenance, but if you take the time to understand Prayer Plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity. its needs, this illustrious individual will reach its peak potential. 60 www.eastalgarvemag.com
LANDSCAPING & GARDEN CENTER BEM-VINDO • WELCOME QUINTA DAS PALMEIRAS CENTRO DE JARDINAGEM EN 125, c.p. 126-E 8800-118 To To Moncarapacho Luz de Luz de Tavira Olhão EN125 Tavira e-mail: [email protected] Fuseta To Tavira www.geojardim.com Tel: 281 961 189 Look out for the flags Find us on facebook at: Geojardim Landscaping & Garden Center Self-Centred Extroverted Conscientious For the highly ‘me focused’ person. Know someone that is happy-go- For the person that likes to make This individual prefers to be the centre lucky and has a creative streak. everyone in the room feel at ease. For of attention, having little time to dally Someone that is forever curious, loves this personality we suggest a plant and faff about with too much care to try new things and is colourful. that looks lush and needs a little extra and tedious watering schedules. This This person is in need of something care and consideration just like this person needs a plant that will adapt to a little different, we recommend the type is so good at giving. The Bird’s them and yield to their busy itinerary. Stromanthe triostar with its painterly Nest Fern has large simple fronds that We recommend Philodendron Brasil, foliage. Variegated white and green are tropical-like in that they resemble a popular plant with heart shaped leaves have a dramatic flash of hot banana leaves. Their fronds are light leaves. pink on the underside. This plant is green, often crinkled or wavy, and rise The dark green leaves with splashes a quick grower, but stays relatively from a central rosette. The rosette of of variegation in shades of lime green compact. Keep this colourful beauty Asplenium nidus is fuzzy where the resembling the Brazilian flag, is why it happy with bright, indirect light and a emerging fronds resemble bird’s eggs gained its name. boost of humidity. - hence the common name. www.eastalgarvemag.com 61
Sport The Queen For those dignified and born to dazzle, destined for royalty, where appearances matter. The Bird of Paradise or the Strelitzia Reginae can definitely be considered as the queen of the indoor plant world. In fact the genus Strelitzia is named after Charlotte, the Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz who was the wife of George III. The specific epithet reginae means queen. Keep this regal plant in a bright place with indirect light and keep the leaves clean to absorb optimum light and prevent pests. Inspirer The Carer Cat Lover The bright spark in other people’s Dedicated to looking out for others Owned by one or multiple cats, has lives, coming and going on a cloud while also understanding the a 2 metre tall cat tree, an automatic of positivity. A plant that resembles importance of helping yourself grow. litter box, and the best in crinkly cat and matches their colourful energy is The Monstera deliciosa is one of toy technology. All that is missing is Neoregelia fireball, This little fireball the most rewarding houseplants, it some cat grass. Cat grass is easy of a plant is sure to light up any room has split leaves in its natural habitat to maintain, requiring a little watering it's in! The bromeliad fireball adds a to best allow for sunlight and water regularly. Trimming is not needed as touch of fun with its bright red and to reach both its roots and the plants their feline friends will keep the grass orange colours. This plant is drought growing below it. For ultimate self- neat and tidy. As an added bonus the resistant, so it's perfect for those who care and splitting potential, the grass is good for your kitty’s digestive want to enjoy a low-maintenance Monstera requires medium to bright system. Cat grass, just like cats, likes plant. The bromeliad fireball is also indirect light. The farther away from bright sunny places and is the perfect known for being one of the easiest light sources, the less leaf fenestration addition to Fluffy’s apartment. plants to care for. (splitting) you’ll be able to produce. www.eastalgarvemag.com 62
WINTER SPECIAL OFFERS QUINTA DO VALE GOLF 2 Players + Buggy (per person)..... 69.50€ 1 Player + Buggy (per person)............ 88€ Green Fee 18 holes (per person)....... 58€ DISCOUNTED RATES FOR MEMBERS OF THE PORTUGUESE AND SPANISH FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP RATES • Choice of membership; Annual, 6 Months and Couples • NEW MEMBERSHIP OPTION INCLUDING THE 3 QUINTAS: VALE, RIA & CIMA BECOME MEMBER OF THE LAST SEVE BALLESTEROS SIGNATURE COURSE. TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OF OUR 6 PAR 3, 6 PAR 4 & 6 PAR 5. Tel: +351 281 531 615 You can now check availability and book directly through our website www.quintadovalegolf.com or contact us by email [email protected]
Vistas Rui Silvestre restaurant at Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, headed by Chef Rui Silvestre, offers a complete gourmet experience – fresh, locally sourced ingredients used to create the finest gastronomic delights, a welcoming ambience, uncompromising levels of service and stunning views over rolling hills, to the Atlantic Ocean. Rui’s style of cooking represents a return to culinary essentials. A respect for nature, pure tastes, genuine aromas and superb flavours. Recognised with a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide since 2020, Vistas Rui Silvestre became the first starred restaurant in the East Algarve region, establishing the local area as a destination for gastronomy lovers. OPENING HOURS RESERVATIONS From March to November Call +351 281 950 950 Email [email protected] Tuesday to Saturday Website www.vistasruisilvestre.com 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm
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