Dona Filipa Hotel - News

A New Owner A New Logo for Dona Filipa, Algarve

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:26:00 GMT

Dear Guest,

Like many of you, I have made The Algarve a place that I visit regularly and the Hotel Dona Filipa has been my first choice since I first stayed in the hotel more than 10 years ago. I have always been highly impressed with the quality of personal service that the hotel's staff provides and consider them to be the most valued asset to the property.

JJW Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce that as of 25^th November 2008, the group is operating Hotel Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Golf Course along with its other hotels in Portugal, Austria, UK, France, and the Middle East.

Throughout all my hotels, I constantly strive to improve the properties through refurbishment and development and you can expect to hear some exciting announcements in 2009. Plans are already under way for the refurbishment of Dona Filipa to bring the property back to the high standards it deserves, whilst still maintaining the essence of the character of the hotel that we have all become so familiar with.

In the mean time, apart from the new branding, we hope you will observe minimal changes within the daily running of the hotel and golf course. Indeed, it will be the same staff that will be greeting you on arrival, serving you in the restaurants and cleaning your rooms. Some of those staff, I know, have been as loyal to the hotel as you have and many have worked here for more than 20 years, some even up to 40 years!

Our other properties in the Algarve include the exclusive Pinheiros Altos Golf & Leisure Resort which features a 27-hole golf course and is located on the edge of the picturesque Ria Formosa National Park. Due to open in 2011 is the Royal Algarve Hotel, which graces the highest point of Pinheiros Altos with views over the golf course and Ludo Valley. Also in our portfolio is the 4-star Amarante Formosa Park apart-hotel.

I look forward to informing you of further news in the near future. In the mean time, it is with pleasure that I wish you a warm welcome to the Hotel Dona Filipa from myself, and on behalf of the hotel staff.

Sincerely,

MBI Al Jaber
Chairman & CEO,
JJW Hotels & Resorts

Europe Golf Resort of the Year 2009

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:19:00 GMT

Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort wins the IAGTO 'Europe Golf Resort of the Year' at The IAGTO Golf Destination and Golf Resort Awards 2009

The IAGTO Awards are the official annual awards for the golf tourism industry. The 2009 gala Awards evening took place on Thursday 20th November 2008 at the Estepona Congress and Exhibition Centre, Spain on the last day of the International Golf Travel Market.

Luis Filipe, Sales & Marketing Director, Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort said:

"For us it is a great honour to receive this award, especially as it comes from our business partners.

It is a recognition of the excellent services we provide and all the work we have done. We have major plans for 2009-2010; we want to invest a lot of money not only in the hotel but also in the golf course, to improve the condition and get some new technology into the golf course and to upgrade the hotel.

We are seeking to improve our services still further and to delight and surprise our guests."

Penguin Village Gives Way to... Kangaroo Club

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:04:00 GMT

Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort recently reopened its well known kids club. Now named 'Kangaroo Club' children have access, to an area of 2000 m2 of absolute fun, where safety and care from specialized staff are guaranteed. At the Kangaroo Club children create their own holiday paradise, experience the latest in didactical activities and make new friendships.

The kids play area (formerly Penguin Village) was originally created for the hotel in 1998 as a space completely dedicated to children with the aim of satisfying the whole family's needs, as well as making everyone's holiday unforgettable. Children are able to play, participate in games and learn in a safe environment. Following JJW Hotels & Resorts acquisition of the hotel, the kids club has been re-branded with a new name and mascot whilst maintaining its high quality and safety standards that guests have become accustomed to.

The Penguin Village gave way to the Kangaroo Club!

The Kangaroo Club is available to children from the tender age of 6 months up to the age of 12, with fun activities segmented by age groups to increase children's learning capacities. Children up to the age of 3 are cared for individually and meals are planned according to parents' indications; children between the ages of 3 and 5 can participate in a program filled with activities that may include play doe sculpturing, painting and constructing; children aged from 6 to 12 years of age are offered the same activities, but with higher skill levels; additionally their program may include excursions or sport lessons.

The Kangaroo Club offers specially prepared meals, taking into consideration children's preferences and nutritional requirements.

Parents are always welcome at the Club, namely during lunch time, picnics or other specific and special events that may be organised.

To guarantee children's complete safety the Club uses a wrist band system, comprising of 3 different colours, each one coded according to granted permissions, specific restrictions and/or special health issues that the staff may need to be made aware of.

Access to the Kangaroo Club is free of charge for Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort guests (from the age of 3 to 12), non-residents may also attend the club (fee applies).

The Kangaroo Club is open until the end of October and during the festive seasons of Christmas and New Years. During the summer months, with the vast choice of evening activities and social events, the Kangaroo Club closes its doors at 11pm, enabling parents to leave their children in the Club's care, whilst they enjoy the cosmopolitan Algarve nightlife.

The Story Behind the Name....

The kangaroo was chosen as the club's name (and mascot) because if the mammal's distinct characteristics:

Kangaroos have the natural instinct of nurturing and protecting their young at all costs. This is the spirit that is adopted amongst the Kangaroo Club staff… we constantly strive to nurture and protect our young guests.
Kangaroos are strong willed animals proven by the first and sometimes the most dangerous journey they have to make… the journey to the mothers pouch once they are born. Another characteristic that is shared by our staff… the constant strong will to triumph!

Other than the name… a constant presence is our mascot - Joey! Little Joey, an active, dynamic and very mischievous 9 year old male kangaroo, is continuously getting into the funniest adventures! Just like our young guests… he is not from the Algarve, but he chooses to spend his holidays in the Algarve, taking full advantage of what the region, especially our kid's club has to offer little ones! Joey will be a continuous participant in all the games and activities that take place in the Kangaroo Club. After all… he is a little guest on holiday too, with the aim to have fun and new experiences while on holiday at his club, the Kangaroo Club; even if it means getting into trouble once or twice, he will always be taken care of under the protective guard and watchful eye of our attentive kangaroo staff. The name of our mascot, Joey was no random choice…. Baby kangaroos are affectionately referred to as Joeys… the kind of affection we like to show our young guests!

Christmas and New Years at Dona Filipa Hotel

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:50:00 GMT

As in previous years, Dona Filipa Hotel arranges a programme of activities and entertainment in and around the Hotel for guests to enjoy during this festive season.

Thursday, 24^th of December 2009
04:00 pm - Board games (chess, checkers, cards, etc.) at the Atlantic Club
06:00 pm - Holy mass at the Dom João Room
07:30 pm - Christmas Cocktail at the Náutico Lounge
07:30 pm - À la Carte Dinner at the Dom Duarte Grill
07:30 pm - Christmas Buffet at Primavera Restaurant

Friday, 25^th of December 2009
10:30 am-12:30 pm - Christmas breakfast at Primavera Restaurant
01:00 pm - Christmas lunch at the Primavera Restaurant
04:00 pm - Board games (chess, checkers, cards, etc.) at the Atlantic Club
07:30 pm - Champagne Gala Buffet at Primavera Restaurant

Saturday, 26^th of December 2009
09:30-10:30 am - Golf clinic with the golf Pro Carlos Albano
10:30 am-12:30 pm - Excursion to Faro down town & Forúm Algarve Shopping centre
03:00-05:00 pm - Tennis clinic with tennis Pro Getúlio Jorge
04:00 pm - Board games (chess, checkers, cards, etc.) at the Atlantic Club
05:30 pm - Crazy golf competition (at the Kangaroo Club)
07:30 pm - À la Carte dinner at the Dom Duarte Grill

Sunday, 27^th of December 2009
09:30-10:30 am - Golf clinic with the golf Pro Carlos Albano
03:00-05:00 pm - Tennis clinic with tennis Pro Jorge Getúlio
04:00 pm - Board games (chess, checkers, cards, etc.) at the Atlantic Club
07:30 pm - Fisherman Buffet at the Primavera Restaurant

Monday, 28^th of December 2009
09:30-10:30 am - Golf clinic with the golf Pro Carlos Albano
"Greensomes" Golf competition at San Lorenzo golf course
03:00-05:00 pm - Tennis clinic with tennis Pro Jorge Getúlio
04:00 pm - Board games (chess, checkers, cards, etc.) at the Atlantic Club
07:30 pm - À la Carte Dinner at the Dom Duarte Grill

Tuesday, 29 ^th of December 2009
09:30-10:30 am - Golf clinic with the golf Pro Carlos AlbanoStableford Golf Competition at San Lorenzo golf course
03:00-05:00 pm - Tennis clinic with tennis Pro Jorge Getúlio
04:00 pm - Board games (chess, checkers, cards, etc.) at the Atlantic Club
07:30 pm - Golf Competitions Prize Giving Cocktail at the Naútico lounge
07:30 pm - À la Carte Dinner at the Dom Duarte Grill

Wednesday, 30^th of December 2009
09:30-10:30 am - Golf clinic with the golf Pro Carlos Albano
03:00-05:00 pm - Tennis clinic with tennis Pro Jorge Getúlio
04:00 pm - Board games (chess, checkers, cards, etc.) at the Atlantic Club
07:30 pm - Champagne Gala Buffet at the Primavera Restaurant

Thursday, 31^st of December 2009
09:30-10:30 am - Golf clinic with the golf Pro Carlos Albano
12:00 pm - 1^st day of the "Millennium Cup" Golf Competition at San Lorenzo golf course (9 holes)
03:00-05:00 pm - Tennis clinic with tennis Pro Jorge Getúlio
04:00 pm - Board games (chess, checkers, cards, etc.) at the Atlantic Club
07:00 pm - New Years Eve cocktail at the Náutico Lounge
07:30 pm - New Year Gala Buffet at Primavera Restaurant (with live performance - Duo Latino)
07:30 pm - À la Carte Dinner at the Dom Duarte Grill

Friday, 1^stof January 2009
2^nd day of the "Millennium Cup" Golf Competition at San Lorenzo golf course (9 holes)
11:30 am-04:00 pm - Champagne Brunch at San Lorenzo Clubhouse
04:00 pm - Board games (chess, checkers, cards, etc.) at the Atlantic Club
05:00 pm - Prize giving Cocktail "Millenniun Cup" at San Lorenzo Clubhouse
07:00 pm - À la Carte dinner at the Dom Duarte Grill

Wishing all our guests a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2010!

Dona Filipa Hotel Kids Club Is Back... In March

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:20:00 GMT

It´s All About Having Fun!

At the Kangaroo Club kids create their own holiday paradise in the Algarve, experience the latest in didactical activities and make new friendships, within a 2000 m2 space just for them!

This year, the Kangaroo Club presents guests, as well as local visitors a completely new pricing strategy. Benefit from a number os special offers, applicable only at the Kangaroo Club. This summer, or during your holidays - the Kangaroo Club is the place to leave your children - they will definitely not complain!

This year the Kangaroo Club will be open to the public, with the following timetable:

- 20/03/10 - 30/05/10 = 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
- 31/05/10 - 18/07/10 = 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
- 19/07/10 - 22/08/10 = 9:30 am - 11:00 pm
- 23/08/10 - 12/09/10 = 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
- 13/09/10 - 02/11/10 = 9:30 am - 7:00 pm

Infants (6 months-2 years) Children (3-12 yrs)	Hotel Guests		Outside Guests
Infants (6 months-2 years) Children (3-12 yrs)	Infants	Children	Infants	Children
Per 1 hour (max. 3 hours)	10 €	Free**	14 €	12 €
½ day (without lunch)	40 €	Free**	43 €	35 €
½ day (with lunch)	47 €	Free**	50 €	43 €
Full day*	65 €	Free**	90 €	65 €
5 day offer*	285 €	NA	380 €	285 €
* Full day and 5 day offer rates include lunch and afternoon snack. ** Food & beverage consumptions are charged according to Kangaroo Club menu.

Mini golf - Hotel guests
Children <4 yrs	Children 4-12 yrs	Adults	Groups >10 persons
Free	7.25 €	8.75 €	10% discount
Mini golf - Outside guests
Free	9.30 €	9.80 €	10% discount

For any information, or enquiries you may have regarding the kids club, please contact the Kangaroo Club Supervisor directly. Click Here

Dona Filipa Hotel strengthens WI-FI access

Sat, 29 May 2010 20:56:00 GMT

This summer you'll be able to spend a fantastic day around the hotel swimming pool while having internet access on your laptop: talk to friends, send photographs of your stay, or simply work while you get that famous Algarve tan!

Dona Filipa Hotel, in the constant effort to please guests and enhance their unique experience during their stay has upgraded its Hotspot service and has covered more public areas with wireless internet access.

Guests now are able to have wireless access from their laptops (at a charge) in the following public areas:

Atlantic Lounge
Nautical Lounge
Swimming pool area (partial area)
Primavera Restaurant

Areas that previously supplied guests with WI-FI service:

Business centre
Hotel lobby
Hotel bar
Atlantic and Ocean Suites
Conference Rooms

Dona Filipa Hotel is constantly increasing its WI-FI and signal to even more areas of the Hotel; approximately 100% of our public areas now have WI-FI access.