Becky’s just returned from a Wildfitness press trip to Andalucia where she discovered her inner caveman:hiking, boxing, playing with sticks and enjoying bags of fresh air and the Spanish sunshine…

Zoe and Emma enjoyed aperitivos by Lake Como at new client CastaDiva Resort & Spa – then indulged in full body massages in the “Earth” private treatment room of the Spa… We especially liked the golf carts for pootling about the lush gardens of the resort…

 In the last week, we launched The Townhouse at Flemings Hotel, Mayfair and you can see the video of the whole affair here…
Jane MacDonald from Loose Women was just one of the many guests on the list!

We also have two new team members! Maria Ramirez, our newest graduate intern from Pamplona, home of the famous bull run and Sarah Foden – videographer extraordinaire who is helping team Spafari with some filming and writing for the next month…

If you don’t already, don’t forget you can follow us on Twitter for the latest client news and views, tips and travel gossip… @ZoePRCo, @EmmaJPRCo, @BexPRCo, @SophiePRCo!

Spend lazy days visiting the estates and vineyards of the Douro Valley, Minho, Dão and Bairrada wine regions, while basking in the European sunshine. Take part in the São João festival, one of the most important events in Portugal, held every year from the 23rd to 24th of June.

Further, for those looking for a truly holistic experience of Porto’s wine heritage, guests are encouraged to visit the Caudalie Vinothérapie® Spa to enjoy a 20% discount on therapies  such as a Crushed Cabernet Scrub, soothing Honey and Wine Wrap or enveloping grape barrel bath using extracts from the vine.

 Nestled on a hillside overlooking the historic centre of Porto with panoramic views over the Duoro River, The Yeatman is the ideal place to take in the unique personality of this ancient city, especially for the wine lovers among us. With the largest collection of Portuguese wines in the world and regular guided tours of the hotel’s cavenous vaults, The Yeatman is a home away from home for budding Oenophiles.

Stay at The Yeatman starting from just €129.50 per person, per night this summer with The Yeatman’s summer package, see here for full details.

“The Townhouse” is an seven-bedroomed private house split into two suites and two apartments. Eclectic decor in bold colours, with each room boasting highly individual touches, the Townhouse can be booked for exclusive use or as private apartments, your home from home in central London.

Prices starting from £3,500 per night for exclusive use, or, to enjoy a slice of the Townhouse experience, individual apartments start from £1,300 per night. Vist the Flemings Townhouse here

For some, La Dolce Vita conjures up images of sun-drenched glamour and luxury, for others a bowlful of al-dente pasta, or an afternoon siesta in the dappled shade of an olive tree. What is undoubtable however, is that the region’s most exciting redevelopment project, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, encompasses every aspect of the Italian dream. This May, the estate is hosting its very own Spring Festival, giving prospective owners and members of the existing community a taste of what is to come once the rejuvenation of the sleepy town is complete.

Visitors to Castelfalfi on May 19^th can expect a tour of the expansive estate from the hilltop terraces of the Borgo to the candlelit dungeons of the ancient Castello, where famed director Roberto Benigni shot his 2002 film Pinocchio. The recently completed show apartment will also be open to passers-by, offering an exclusive insight into the design and architecture of the project as a whole.  Interior designer, Raffaella Melucci will be on-hand to discuss his inspiration behind the décor, a winning combination of timeless elements and modern comfort.

To experience just a small part of the outdoor lifestyle guaranteed at Castelfalfi, guests are free to roam the estate’s Mountain Golf Course or play a 9 hole round on the impressive Lake Course. Marchello Sanscrito, resident golf pro, will be offering out invaluable tips and advice on drives, putting and pitching during a detailed golf clinic.

Of course, no Italian celebration would be complete without an abundance of delectable food. During the day, the main square will be transformed into a traditional farmers’ market, with stalls offering local cheeses, wines and salami. In the estate’s Il Rosmarino restaurant, pizza-maker extraordinaire Francesco, will offer tips on how to perfect his craft, whist wine experts Marco and Claudia host a vintage tasting for aspiring sommeliers.

Culminating in an al fresco evening of music, food and plentiful amounts of wine and prosecco, the Spring Festival at Castelfalfi promises to showcase the sought-after lifestyle on offer at this remarkable Tuscan estate.

Founded in 1909, the quartet began by simply gathering to entertain friends at Mory’s Temple Bar in New Haven, Connecticut. Over one hundred years later, the Whiffenpoofs is stronger than ever with an extremely diverse repertoire that spans Jazz, Pop, American Gospel, traditional Yale songs and original compositions.

Comprised of fourteen of Yale’s best male singers, The Whiffenpoofs, or ‘Whiffs’ as they are affectionately known, tour for over half the year and reach audiences around the world. To give an idea of the group’s immense popularity, previous concert venues have included the White House and Lincoln Centre, and the trademark ‘Whiffenpoof Song’  has been recorded by Rudy Vallée, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong, and countless other celebrated singers.

The performance at Dubrovnik Sun Gardens, situated on Croatia’s sought-after Dalmatian Coast, promises to be a truly memorable musical soiree. The singers will perform old favourites as well as their latest material on the atmospheric Origano terrace, overlooking the sunset on the Adriatic. To watch a video of The Whiffenpoofs in action, click here.

In celebration of this exciting event, Dubrovnik Sun Gardens is tempting guests with a special rate…

A Radisson Blu Hotel lies at the heart of the resort, and over the 11^th June, rates are as follows:

Standard Room  210 EUR (includes breakfast); Deluxe Room 231 EUR (includes breakfast); Junior Suite                       336 EUR (includes breakfast)

There are also 207 fully appointed residences which guests can enjoy at a reduced rate:

1 Bedroom Residence Garden View 200 EUR (excluding breakfast); 1 Bedroom Residence Sea View 250 EUR (excluding breakfast); 2 Bedroom Residence Garden View 350 EUR (excluding breakfast); 2 Bedroom Residence Sea View 380 EUR (excluding breakfast)

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts have opened this years wedding season in style. By utilising numerous social media channels, no expenses are spared when it comes to the expertise offered to luxurious brides worldwide.

@FSBridal’s live #LuxBride Twitter chat on Tuesday created a congregation of brides and a global network of bridal experts, allowing participants to receive unrivalled advice about everything wedding related. Through the pages of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts new glossy magazine and real life stories of Four Seasons weddings, be inspired and visualise yourself as the bride you want to be.

By combining these initiatives with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Pinterest ‘Pin Your Dream Wedding’ competition on the 15th May, and their new wedding blog, couples can explore all options, some that otherwise may not have been known.

From an exotic beach wedding in Langkawi, an old world opulent wedding in a private chapel in Florence, to a classically intimate ceremony in the English countryside of Hampshire, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts’ bridal experts promise an unparalleled celebration. Say ‘I do’ and let Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts inspire you.

Sarah’s wealth of experience was immediately evident, and quickly had us thinking about how to best reach our target audience. The sessions began with some brainstorming about the importance of a business objective, which led to a series of (very entertaining) role plays. An array of different coloured and styled wigs were used to recreate different ages and generations and we were thrown into debates that could be culturally and generationally seen in different ways. The idea? To put ourselves in the shoes of our target audience and convince them of our message; from the ethics of fox hunting to the celebrity culture of stars like the late Amy Winehouse.

While the wigs were not the most flattering accessory, the exercises got everyone into character, and showed us a new way of thinking about our audiences. Thank you to Sarah for the unique approach to the training session, providing everyone with an enjoyable and useful day.

At PRCo we are always looking for the best ways to reach our audiences. We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. How do you try to best understand and reach your audience?

Made famous for its three world-class golf courses, one of which has just been named the No 1 Golf Course in Portugal, Quinta do Lago has risen to fame over the last 40 years and is known as one of the Algarve’s choice golfing and real estate developments. Now though, in 2012, following months of new investment and upgrading, the resort is reasserting itself as much more than merely a golfing mecca.

Throughout the year, residents and guests alike can indulge in a variety of on-resort pursuits including early morning al fresco Pilates, family tennis lessons, traditional Portuguese picnics, miles of golden sandy beach, lakeside water sports, endless hiking and biking trails as well as mouth-watering cuisine in a variety of restaurants.

Director of Property Sales at Quinta do Lago, Joost Last explains why these plots represent such a special opportunity “San Lorenzo North, with its exceptional location and investment potential, proves to be anobvious attraction to investors looking for the ideal holiday destination. The first phase release, with 4 plots being made available, has generated incredible response particularly from the UK market as it is the latest and one of the very few remaining opportunities to purchase unconstructed land on one of the most sought after destinations in Europe.”

Contrasting the existing architecture of the rest of the resort, the new homes in San Lorenzo North will be more contemporary in style and designed by Imaestri specialising in modernist, cutting edge design. Sites range from 2,200 – 3,000 sqm and offer three purchase options; plot only, plot and project and turnkey.

Two plots from the first release have already sold; both to British buyers, one of which will be living in his property from April 2012. A show villa is currently under construction designed by Irish architects De Blacam and Meagher and will complete in late summer. All owners will have the opportunity to enter their properties into the rental pool and with occupancy rates on the resort nearing 100% during July and August, the potential for strong rental yields is a comforting factor for buyers.

With a mild year round climate, variety of lifestyle pursuits, a sense of community, mixture of contemporary and classic architecture and just 15 minutes from Faro airport, a life at Quinta do Lago really does appeal to all ages, of all nationalities whatever their interests.

Plots in San Lorenzo North range from €2.3m to €3.5m. The turnkey show villa is for sale for €5.9m.

The manicured approach to the hotel, situated in the heart of the opulent new town, is a good indicator of what’s to come once inside the ornate gold doors… elegant, yet wonderfully discreet decadence. Upon arrival, we were ushered into the serene lobby and handed delicate glasses of fragrant mint tea, which we soon learn is readily made for you at any time of the day by the resident expert teamaker.

The balcony of our spacious and perfectly traditional room looks out over the vast pools and lush gardens, with a view of the Atlas Mountains in the background. Given the vibrant hue of the sun-drenched sky, it’s almost impossible to believe that the mountains are still capped in thick snow.

Although lounging by the poolside we feel a hundred miles away from the hustle and bustle of the medina, the hotel’s impressive position makes it easy to experience the Moroccan culture once we step onto the street. A short ten minute walk takes us into the heart of Marrakech and its iconic winding streets.

After a long day trawling through the endless souks, picking up some astounding bargains along the way, the steam and sauna room at the Sofitel’s spa is the perfect way to unwind. Once primped and preened, we head to the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, and savour the delights of traditional Moroccan cuisine. A paprika-infused meatball tagine is a delicious alternative to the customary lamb, and the famed pastilla is doused in a light milk custard.

The Sofitel couldn’t have been a more perfect base for our trip to Marrakech. Needless to say, with the rain in London and the lure of a sun-drenched Sofitel pool, we would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Finding the perfect accompaniment can transform a meal into something spectacular.

Lucky guests of the Moti Mahal’s Taittinger Dinner were recently invited to sample their speciality Indian cuisine with a perhaps unusual match, Champagne.

Guests were treated to a fantastic evening hosted by General Manager Michael Chung and Clovis Taittinger, the eldest child of the President of Champagne Taittinger.

Anirudh Arora, Executive Chef and author of Food of the Grand Trunk Road, devised an impressive menu especially for the event.

Each course was carefully created to match with a different blend of Taittinger Champagne, beginning with delicious canapés enjoyed with the handcrafted Taittinger Comtes de Champagne.

As guests sat down to the first course of ‘Chukander ka Salad aur Bhalla Chaat’ a roasted beetroot and peanut salad, they were treated to a glass of  Taittinger Rosé.

To follow came ‘Sagar Rattan’ a delicious dish of seared scallops with a griddled monkfish steak and a curry leaf and cucumber salad, served with a rich, round and elegant Taittinger.

A trio of chicken tikka was then served with a 2005 Taittinger Brut, followed by ‘Gosht Ki Biryani’ slow-cooked lamb served with a ‘full-bodied and elegant’ blend.       

‘Metha Dastarkhwan’ a Rose jelly with jaggery cream custard was matched with Taittinger’s ultimate Rosé to finish off a splendid meal. 

Although Champagne may not be an obvious match with Indian Cuisine both PRCo and the guests we spoke to thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the pairings. This, for future reference, is definitely a match made in heaven.

Moti Mahal is a relaxed, gastronomic Indian restaurantfound in the heart of Theatreland with an enviable Covent Garden location. To find out more and to see their menus, visit their website or follow Moti Mahal on Twitter